Double Jump Bottom is an advanced dynamic entry position used to recover guard and transition into deep half guard when under pressure from top control. This explosive technique involves shooting both legs underneath the opponent’s hips while on your side, creating a brief airborne moment before establishing deep half hooks. The position is particularly effective against heavy pressure passing and allows the bottom player to quickly transition from a defensive scenario to an offensive deep half guard system.
The Double Jump Bottom position represents a modern approach to guard recovery that prioritizes dynamic movement over static frames. Unlike traditional elbow escapes that rely on incremental hip movement, the double jump commits fully to explosive leg insertion, making it difficult for opponents to predict and counter. This position is foundational in the 10th Planet system and has been refined by competitors like Geo Martinez and Richie Martinez to create devastating sweep and back-take chains.
Successful execution of Double Jump Bottom requires precise timing, explosive hip mobility, and the ability to read your opponent’s weight distribution. When executed properly, it bypasses traditional passing defenses and immediately places you in an advantageous deep half position with multiple offensive options including the old school sweep, electric chair, and waiter sweep sequences.
Position Definition
- Bottom player’s body positioned on their side with hips oriented perpendicular to opponent’s centerline, creating the angle necessary for leg insertion underneath opponent’s base
- Both of bottom player’s legs actively shooting underneath opponent’s hips in synchronized motion, with knees driving toward opponent’s far hip while feet hook behind near leg
- Top player’s weight distributed forward over bottom player’s torso, creating the pressure that makes the explosive entry possible through their commitment to the pass
- Bottom player’s upper body maintains defensive frames with arms protecting against crossface and controlling opponent’s near arm to prevent base recovery
- Bottom player’s head positioned away from opponent’s hips on the outside, maintaining safe distance from potential submission attacks while creating the leverage angle for the sweep entries
Prerequisites
- Opponent applying forward pressure from top position (side control, headquarters, or knee slice)
- Bottom player has inside space to initiate hip movement
- Top player’s weight committed forward rather than posting back
- Bottom player positioned on their side rather than flat on back
- Sufficient hip mobility to execute explosive leg insertion
- Timing window when opponent’s base is compromised
Key Defensive Principles
- Explosive hip extension is critical - the jump must be committed and fast to prevent opponent from sprawling back
- Both legs must shoot simultaneously underneath opponent’s hips to create the destabilizing effect
- Maintain angle of your body perpendicular to opponent’s centerline throughout the entry
- Use opponent’s forward pressure against them - the harder they pressure, the more effective the entry
- Immediately establish deep half hooks after entry to secure position before opponent can recover base
- Keep head outside and away from opponent’s hips to avoid guillotine and other front headlock attacks
- Control opponent’s near arm during entry to prevent posting and base recovery
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent’s weight is heavily committed forward and their base is narrow:
- Execute Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Old School Sweep → Side Control (Probability: 65%)
Else if opponent sprawls legs back and widens base to defend:
- Execute Lockdown Recovery → Lockdown (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Electric Chair Transition → Electric Chair (Probability: 45%)
Else if opponent stands up to create distance:
- Execute X-Guard Sweep → X-Guard (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 50%)
Else if opponent attempts to step over your legs:
- Execute Rolling Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Half Guard to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 55%)
Else if opponent applies heavy crossface pressure:
- Execute Underhook Sweep from Half → Side Control (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Waiter Sweep → Side Control (Probability: 45%)
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What body position must you establish before initiating the Double Jump Bottom entry? A: You must establish a side position with your body perpendicular to the opponent’s centerline before initiating the double jump sequence. Being flat on your back lacks the angular momentum and leverage needed for explosive leg insertion. The side position creates the proper angle for your legs to shoot underneath the opponent’s hips and provides the hip mobility necessary for the explosive entry.
Q2: How do you know when the timing is right to execute the Double Jump entry? A: The optimal timing is when your opponent’s weight is clearly committed forward in their passing attempt. This forward pressure is actually what makes the technique work - the harder they drive forward, the more effective your entry becomes. Do not attempt Double Jump when opponent’s weight is posted back or they maintain a wide, defensive base, as the entry requires their forward momentum to succeed.
Q3: Your opponent sprawls back as you attempt the Double Jump - what do you do? A: If opponent sprawls back, immediately transition to deep half guard by establishing hooks on their near leg, or switch to lockdown half guard to recapture control. Their backward movement actually helps you access deep half position more easily. Use their defensive sprawl as an opportunity to secure leg control rather than trying to force the original entry against their retreat.
Q4: What are the essential controls you must establish immediately after a successful Double Jump entry? A: Immediately after entry, you must establish deep half hooks by curling your inside leg to hook opponent’s far leg while your outside leg controls their near hip. You should also maintain control of opponent’s near arm with your outside hand to prevent posting and base recovery. The entry and hook establishment must be one continuous motion - stopping after entry without hooks allows immediate escape.
Q5: How do you protect against guillotine attacks during the Double Jump entry? A: Keep your head positioned away from opponent’s hips on the outside throughout the entry, actively turning your head away from their hips toward the outside. Maintaining safe head position while establishing deep half hooks prevents guillotine and front headlock opportunities. Never allow your head to drift toward their hips during the explosive leg insertion.
Q6: Your opponent stands up after you enter Double Jump - what is your response? A: When opponent stands to create distance, immediately transition your legs to X-Guard configuration or single leg X-Guard. Their standing actually opens up these powerful sweeping positions. Use the elevation change to reconfigure your hooks into butterfly-style foot placement on their hips, maintaining the underhook on their leg as you flow into the standing guard attack system.
Q7: Why is it important that both legs shoot simultaneously in the Double Jump? A: Both legs must shoot together like a single explosive unit because synchronized bilateral insertion creates the destabilizing effect that makes the technique work. Jumping with legs at different timing creates predictable movement that opponent can easily sprawl against. The synchronized motion generates enough momentum and disruption to prevent opponent from reacting defensively to incremental leg placement.
Q8: How do you manage the high energy cost of Double Jump Bottom position? A: Double Jump Bottom is inherently a high-energy transition position meant to be held only 3-8 seconds. Once you achieve the entry, immediately work toward sweep completion rather than consolidating in place. Chain your attacks (deep half entry to old school sweep to back take) in continuous flow rather than pausing between techniques. The energy expenditure is justified by the high percentage improvement over incremental guard recovery methods.
Success Rates and Statistics
| Metric | Rate |
|---|---|
| Retention Rate | 72% |
| Advancement Probability | 60% |
| Submission Probability | 40% |
Average Time in Position: 3-8 seconds (transition position)