Single Leg Takedown

bjjtransitiontakedownoffensestanding

Transition Properties

• Transition ID: T815
• Classification: Offensive Takedown
• Starting Position: Standing Position
• Target Position: Top Position, Side Control
• Success Probability: Beginner (50%), Intermediate (65%), Advanced (80%)
• Execution Complexity: Medium
• Physical Attributes: Coordination (High), Timing (High), Strength (Medium)
• Risk Level: Medium - potential exposure to counters or guard pulls if not executed properly
• Energy Cost: Medium - requires explosive movement and control
• Transition Type: Offensive Control Transition

Transition Description

The Single Leg Takedown is a fundamental offensive technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) used to transition from a Standing Position to a dominant top position such as Top Position or Side Control. This technique involves isolating one of the opponent’s legs, controlling it with your arms and body, and using leverage and timing to bring them down to the mat. It is particularly effective against opponents who are standing with a wide stance or during scrambles, embodying the BJJ principle of using precise control and body mechanics to dominate from a standing engagement. The Single Leg Takedown is a versatile strategy in both gi and no-gi grappling, offering a high-percentage method to take the fight to the ground while maintaining control.

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed description for clear visualization of the transition in action:

Starting in a Standing Position, you and your opponent are both upright, facing each other, engaged in grip fighting with collar and sleeve grips in gi or wrist and neck control in no-gi, as you look for an opening to attack or defend against their movements. To initiate the Single Leg Takedown, you first establish control by securing a grip on their collar or neck with your left hand to control their posture, while stepping forward with your right foot to close the distance, dropping your level by bending your knees to lower your center of gravity, preparing to target their right leg, ensuring you maintain a strong base to avoid being off-balanced. You then shoot in with your head on the outside of their right hip, wrapping both arms around their right leg just below the knee, with your right arm hugging the leg tightly and your left arm reinforcing the grip, as you drive your right shoulder into their midsection to disrupt their balance, feeling their weight shift as they react to the sudden attack. With explosive timing, you lift their right leg slightly off the ground by straightening your legs, pulling it towards your right side while keeping your head tight to their hip to control their upper body, driving forward with your legs to push them backward, sensing their balance falter as they hop on their left leg to resist the takedown. Mid-transition, you maintain your grip on their leg, keeping it elevated to prevent them from stepping back into a stable stance, as you adjust your head position to the inside of their hip if needed for better leverage, circling to your right to off-balance them further, ensuring they cannot easily pull you into a guard or counter with a submission. You complete the takedown by tripping their supporting left leg with your right foot behind their heel or driving forward to force them to the mat, landing on top in a Top Position with control of their leg, or transitioning to Side Control if they turn to their side, having successfully brought the fight to the ground with a dominant position. Throughout the movement, you remain aware of their attempts to sprawl, pull guard, or counter with submissions like guillotines, adjusting your grip strength, head position, and driving pressure to counter their defenses, demonstrating an effective offensive takedown technique that shifts the fight from standing to a ground position where you can maintain control.

Template: “From Standing Position, both upright, facing each other, grip fighting with collar and sleeve grips in gi or wrist and neck control in no-gi, looking for attack or defense openings. Establish control, grip collar or neck with left hand for posture, step forward with right foot to close distance, drop level by bending knees, target right leg, maintain strong base. Shoot in, head outside right hip, wrap both arms around right leg below knee, right arm hugging tight, left reinforcing, drive right shoulder into midsection, disrupt balance, shift their weight. Lift right leg off ground by straightening legs, pull to right side, keep head tight to hip for upper body control, drive forward with legs, push backward, falter their balance on left leg. Maintain leg grip mid-transition, keep elevated to prevent stable stance, adjust head to inside hip if needed for leverage, circle right to off-balance, prevent guard pull or submission counter. Complete takedown by tripping left leg with right foot behind heel or driving forward to mat, land in Top Position with leg control, or transition to Side Control if they turn, bring fight to ground with dominance. Stay aware of sprawl, guard pull, or submission attempts like guillotines, adjust grip strength, head position, driving pressure to counter, shift fight from standing to ground with control.”

Execution Steps

1. Begin in a Standing Position, recognizing the opportunity for a takedown when the opponent’s stance is wide or during a scramble where their balance is vulnerable.
2. Establish control by securing a grip on their collar or neck with one hand to manage their posture, stepping forward with one foot to close the distance, and dropping your level by bending your knees to prepare for the shot.
3. Shoot in with your head on the outside of their targeted hip, wrapping both arms around one of their legs just below the knee, hugging it tightly with one arm and reinforcing with the other, while driving your shoulder into their midsection to disrupt balance.
4. Lift their targeted leg slightly off the ground by straightening your legs, pulling it to the side while keeping your head tight to their hip to control their upper body, driving forward with your legs to push them backward.
5. Maintain your grip on their leg during the transition, keeping it elevated to prevent them from regaining a stable stance, as you adjust your head position or circle to the side to further off-balance them, preventing guard pulls or submission counters.
6. Complete the takedown by tripping their supporting leg with your foot behind their heel or driving forward to force them to the mat, ensuring you land on top with control of their leg.
7. Settle into a Top Position, maintaining control of their leg to prevent recovery, or transition to Side Control if they turn to their side, securing a dominant ground position.
8. Remain aware of their defensive attempts like sprawling, pulling guard, or countering with submissions, adjusting your grip strength, head position, and driving pressure to counter and consolidate the takedown.

Key Details

• Level Drop: Essential to lower center of gravity for effective shot penetration.
• Head Positioning: Place head outside or inside hip for control and leverage.
• Leg Grip Security: Hug leg tightly below knee to prevent escape or counter.
• Shoulder Drive: Use shoulder into midsection to disrupt opponent’s balance.
• Leg Elevation: Lift targeted leg to destabilize opponent’s base.
• Forward Pressure: Drive forward to push opponent backward or off-balance.
• Trip or Drive Finish: Trip supporting leg or drive to mat for takedown completion.
• Defensive Awareness: Monitor for sprawls, guard pulls, or submission attempts.

Success Modifiers

Factors that influence the success rate of the transition:

• Timing Precision: Executing during opponent’s stance vulnerability or weight shift (+10%)
• Level Change Effectiveness: Proper drop in center of gravity for shot penetration (+8%)
• Grip Strength on Leg: Secure control of targeted leg to prevent escape (+7%)
• Driving Pressure: Forward momentum to disrupt balance (+5%)
• Experience Level: Familiarity with takedown mechanics and counters (+5% per skill level)

Common Counters and Counter-Attacks

Analysis of opponent responses with success rates for counter-attacks:

• Sprawl Defense → Neutral Position (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: opponent sprawls hips back to avoid leg control)
• Guard Pull Counter → Closed Guard (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: opponent pulls guard as you shoot in)
• Guillotine Attempt → Submission Threat (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: opponent catches your head in a guillotine during shot)
• Leg Freeing → Standing Position (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: opponent pulls leg free before takedown completion)
• Counter Takedown → Bottom Position (Success Rate: 15%, Conditions: opponent uses your momentum for their own takedown)

Decision Logic for Transition

If [opponent stance] is wide or weight shifted forward:
- Initiate [[Single Leg Takedown]] to exploit balance (Probability: 75%)

Else if [scramble situation] offers leg exposure:
- Execute [[Single Leg Takedown]] for control (Probability: 70%)

Else if [personal strategy] favors ground dominance:
- Attempt [[Single Leg Takedown]] to bring fight down (Probability: 65%)

Else if [opponent sprawls] or resists with strong base mid-shot:
- Adjust to [[Double Leg Takedown]] for alternative (Probability: 50%)

Else if [takedown fails] due to guard pull or submission threat:
- Transition to [[Guard Recovery]] to mitigate (Probability: 40%)

Variants

• Standard Single Leg: Classic shot with head outside, lifting leg to side.
• Head Inside Single Leg: Head on inside of hip for different leverage and control.
• Low Single Leg: Targeting ankle or lower leg for quicker penetration.
• High Crotch Single Leg: Aiming higher on leg near hip for wrestling-style control.
• Run the Pipe Finish: Circling to side and pulling leg for takedown finish.
• Trip Finish: Using foot to trip supporting leg for completion.
• Dump Finish: Lifting and dumping opponent backward with leg control.
• No-Gi Single Leg: Adapted grips with wrist and elbow control for no-gi.

Tactical Applications

• Standing Control: Primary use to dominate from standing and bring fight to ground.
• Top Game Strategy: Sets up preferred top position for control or submissions.
• Balance Disruption: Exploits opponent’s stance for strategic advantage.
• Energy Management: Moderate energy cost balanced by potential dominant outcome.
• Versatile Approach: Works in gi and no-gi against various standing opponents.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation and error correction:

• Error: Poor level change or penetration

• Why It Fails: Prevents deep shot, allowing opponent to sprawl or resist easily

• Correction: Drop center of gravity significantly by bending knees before shooting in

• Recognition: Opponent remains balanced or sprawls effectively

• Error: Incorrect head positioning

• Why It Fails: Exposes neck to submissions like guillotines or reduces control

• Correction: Place head tight to hip, either outside or inside, for safety and leverage

• Recognition: Feeling vulnerable to chokes or lacking control during shot

• Error: Delayed finish after leg control

• Why It Fails: Allows opponent to regain balance or counter with guard pull

• Correction: Immediately lift leg and drive or trip to complete takedown

• Recognition: Opponent hops or pulls guard before takedown completion

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

• Setup Understanding: “What is the primary goal of the Single Leg Takedown?”
  • A) To immediately attempt a submission from standing
  • B) To bring the opponent to the ground with control (Correct)
  • C) To tire out the opponent with standing grappling
  • D) To set up a guard pull
• Strategic Application: “Why is timing critical when executing a Single Leg Takedown?”
  • A) To look fluid during the transition
  • B) To catch the opponent when their stance is vulnerable or weight shifted (Correct)
  • C) To conserve energy for later moves
  • D) To intimidate the opponent
• Error Recognition: “What is a common mistake when shooting for a Single Leg Takedown?”
  • A) Dropping level too low before the shot
  • B) Not dropping level enough, allowing easy sprawl (Correct)
  • C) Gripping the opponent’s arms instead of leg
  • D) Standing too close to the opponent
• Defensive Awareness: “How can you counter an opponent’s sprawl during a Single Leg Takedown attempt?”
  • A) Release the leg and stand back up
  • B) Adjust to a different takedown like double leg or circle for leverage (Correct)
  • C) Wait for them to tire out
  • D) Pull guard immediately
• Transition Knowledge: “What is the next logical step after securing the opponent’s leg in a Single Leg Takedown?”
  • A) Attempt a standing submission
  • B) Lift the leg and drive or trip to complete the takedown (Correct)
  • C) Release the leg to reset position
  • D) Allow the opponent to pull guard

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

• Level Change Drilling: Practice dropping center of gravity solo for shot preparation.
• Grip Familiarization: Work on securing leg grips with proper arm positioning.
• Penetration Practice: Incorporate shooting in with head and shoulder placement in partner drills.
• Finish Integration: Combine leg control with tripping or driving finishes in controlled settings.
• Live Application: Use single leg takedown in sparring to transition to ground, focusing on control.
• Counter Defense: Train adjustments against common resistances like sprawls or guard pulls.

Audio & Narration Elements

Position Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

• Control Verbs: Grip, secure, control, lift, drive, trip
• Spatial References: Head outside hip, leg grip below knee, shoulder to midsection
• Pressure Dynamics: Explosive drive, forward pressure, balance disruption
• Movement Descriptions: Level drop, shoot in, leg lift, circling motion

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

• Setup Cues: “Drop your level and prepare to shoot for that single leg”
• Control Guidance: “Secure the leg tight below the knee, head to hip”
• Adjustment Prompts: “Lift that leg and drive forward to off-balance them”
• Transition Confirmation: “Trip or drive to the mat, land in control on top”

Technical Specifications

Control Mechanics

Scientific position analysis:

• Force Vectors: Driving force through shoulder and forward momentum to off-balance opponent
• Leverage Points: Leg grip below knee and head to hip create control leverage
• Stability Factors: Low center of gravity during shot for balance
• Mobility Dynamics: Explosive penetration and circling for angle adjustments
• Energy Efficiency: Moderate energy use with high strategic return for top control

Success Factors

Elements that strengthen position:

• Timing Quality: Executing during stance vulnerability (+/-15%)
• Level Drop Effectiveness: Proper penetration for shot (+/-10%)
• Leg Control Strength: Secure grip to prevent escape (+/-10%)
• Opponent Balance: Reduced stability during weight shift (+/-5%)
• Experience Level: Familiarity with takedown execution and counters (+/-5%)

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

• All required properties with specific values
• Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
• Complete execution steps list (minimum 5 steps)
• Success modifiers with specific percentages
• At least 3 common counters with success rates
• Decision logic for transition scenarios
• Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
• 5 knowledge test questions with answers
• Tactical applications and training progression
• Variants and audio narration elements

Example Implementation

See Top Position for a complete example implementing a position following this transition.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

• Consistent transition data for state machine implementation
• Detailed control mechanics for realistic modeling
• Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
• Educational value through error analysis
• Technical depth for authentic understanding
• Structured transition preparation for complete coverage
• Knowledge assessment integration
• Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across related transition setup files to maintain consistency and educational value.

Related Transitions

• Double Leg Takedown - Alternative takedown for broader control
• High Crotch Takedown - Variation targeting higher on leg
• Top Position Control - Following takedown to secure dominance
• Guard Recovery - Defensive adjustment if takedown is countered

Historical Context

The Single Leg Takedown has roots in wrestling and was adapted into BJJ as a key method to bring the fight to the ground, becoming a staple in modern competition for practitioners aiming to establish top control, especially in no-gi and MMA contexts.

Competition Applications

• IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels in gi and no-gi competition
• Strategic Use: Highly effective for initiating top game for points or control
• Gi Specificity: Works in gi with adapted grips, more common in no-gi
• Tournament Impact: Changes standing strategies by forcing opponents to defend takedowns

Safety Considerations

• Shot Safety: Drop level with control to avoid knee injury during penetration
• Partner Awareness: Communicate during dynamic takedown drills
• Mat Space: Ensure adequate space for shooting and falling movements
• Control Release: Be prepared to release if opponent counters with submission

Transition Integration

Common Single Leg Takedown combinations:

• Single Leg Takedown → Top Position → Side Control
• Single Leg Takedown → Guard Pass → Mount
• Single Leg Takedown → Knee on Belly → Submission Setup

Training Applications

• Takedown Foundation: Essential for building effective standing game strategy
• Competition Preparation: Strong transition for tournament takedown tactics
• Control Development: Builds understanding of balance disruption from standing
• Strategic Exploration: Encourages chaining takedowns with various top positions