We researched BJJ Fanatics takedown instructionals through product pages, r/bjj discussions, YouTube reviews, and instructor bios to rank the best options for gi and no-gi.
Standing2Ground: Takedowns and Standing Skills for Jiu Jitsu
A complete standing system that teaches you what to do, why it works, and how to finish safely for BJJ.
Upper Body Takedowns for Grappling
Greco based clinch entries and throws that land you on top without risky shots.
Mastering No Gi Takedowns
No-gi clinch entries and throws that work on typical BJJ reactions.
📋 Jump to a review (Click to expand)
🥋 #1 Standing2Ground: Takedowns and Standing Skills for Jiu Jitsu by John Danaher
Instructor: John Danaher
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 13 hours and 32 minutes
Volumes: 10
Biggest takeaway: Principles then tactics
Techniques: Hand Fighting, Single Leg, Body Lock
- Shoot to Kill: Wrestle, Scramble, Submit – More scramble focused wrestling for grappling with aggressive chaining.
- The Takedown Blueprint – Gi focused throws, simple paths for BJJ players to start standing.
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – Direct no gi adaptation of core judo throws and clinch work.
You will learn a principled approach to hand fighting, entries, and finishes that fit BJJ rules. You will practice singles, doubles, body locks, and foot sweeps. You will not get a quick move dump or MMA-only tactics.
✅ Pros
- Explains why BJJ takedowns differ and what to prioritize first.
- Organized progressions make a huge subject less overwhelming.
- Covers both leg attacks and upper body with safety built in.
⚠️ Cons
- Expensive compared to most options on this list.
- Presentation is slow and dense for some viewers.
- Limited live sparring footage to show pressure-tested reps.
💡 I value this most for the decision rules that stop common BJJ standup errors before they happen. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Upper Body Takedowns for Grappling by Adam Wheeler
Instructor: Adam Wheeler
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 29 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Clinch before throw
Techniques: Body Lock, Two On One, Snap Down
- Precision Foot Sweeps – Pairs well by adding timing based entries without dropping levels.
- Wrestling for BJJ – Adds singles, hand fighting drills, and defensive layers.
- Standing2Ground: Takedowns and Standing Skills for Jiu Jitsu – Conceptual framework to blend upper body with leg attacks.
You will learn pummeling, two-on-one control, and body lock finishes. You will chain safe throws into dominant pins or front headlocks. You will not focus on low singles or distance shots.
✅ Pros
- Safer neck and knee profile than sloppy shooting.
- Sequences finish in strong top control rather than closed guard.
- Short set encourages drilling and fast implementation.
⚠️ Cons
- Less depth on leg attacks compared to wrestling focused sets.
- Requires comfort in over under pummeling to enter cleanly.
- Limited live footage may require class drilling to groove timing.
💡 I like how the two-on-one into body lock gives you a repeatable path that avoids common guillotines. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 Mastering No Gi Takedowns by Travis Stevens
Instructor: Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Judo grips reimagined
Techniques: Underhook, Foot Sweeps, Front Headlock
- The Takedown Blueprint – Similar pedagogy but gi focused with proven basics.
- No Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips – More emphasis on timing based ashi waza in no-gi.
- Standing2Ground: Takedowns and Standing Skills for Jiu Jitsu – Add a broader framework and leg attack library.
You will learn underhook and overhook series built for no-gi. You will add foot sweeps, sumi gaeshi, and clean front headlock transitions. You will not spend much time on far distance shots.
✅ Pros
- Direct no-gi adaptations reduce trial and error.
- Clinches and ties keep you safer against guillotines.
- Clear sequencing makes class-to-sparring transfer easy.
⚠️ Cons
- Less depth on double and single leg setups.
- Pace can feel brisk for newer athletes.
- Limited defensive troubleshooting beyond whizzer and tie counters.
💡 I like the overhook series for no-gi because it mirrors common collar-sleeve habits while keeping head safe. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 The Takedown Blueprint by Jimmy Pedro and Travis Stevens
Instructor: Jimmy Pedro and Travis Stevens
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Grips drive throws
Techniques: Osoto Gari, Seoi Nage, Tai Otoshi
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – No-gi version of core throws with clinch ties.
- Standing2Ground: Takedowns and Standing Skills for Jiu Jitsu – Add a full conceptual framework to gi basics.
- No Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips – If you liked the timing cues, expand foot sweep timing.
You will learn basic gi throws that score quickly in BJJ. You will get simple grip and setup rules anyone can follow. You will not get deep no-gi coverage.
✅ Pros
- Excellent first standup curriculum for gi students.
- Archetype section helps game plan against common styles.
- Clear grips and kuzushi reduce fear of throwing.
⚠️ Cons
- Shallow if you already cross-train judo.
- Little explicit no-gi adaptation.
- Fewer defensive counters than modern systems.
💡 I like how the archetype disc gives simple rules when facing wrestlers, guard pullers, or strong lifters. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Precision Foot Sweeps by Steve Mocco
Instructor: Steve Mocco
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Timing beats force
Techniques: Foot Sweeps, Two On One, Inside Trip
- No Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips – More judo style kuzushi emphasis in no-gi contexts.
- Upper Body Takedowns for Grappling – Add clinch paths when foot sweeps fail to off balance.
- Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns for BJJ – Round out with shots and misdirection finishes.
You will learn hand fighting to foot sweep timing and follow ups. You will add inside trips and ankle picks off the same ties. You will not get a full leg attack curriculum.
✅ Pros
- Low risk entries that fit any pace or age.
- Great bridge for judo-curious no-gi players.
- Drills make timing practice structured.
⚠️ Cons
- Trips need lots of repetition before they score.
- Narrowly focused compared to full systems.
- Less coverage of gi grip specifics.
💡 I think of foot sweeps as a jab that sets up bigger scores and they are safer to practice frequently. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #6 Wrestling for BJJ by Hudson Taylor
Instructor: Hudson Taylor
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 18 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Clean singles win
Techniques: Single Leg, Hand Fighting, Two On One
- Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns for BJJ – More modern movement and misdirection from elite freestyle.
- Precision Foot Sweeps – Add timing based entries from hand fighting.
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – Judo style clinch entries for no-gi rounds.
You will learn inside ties, two-on-ones, and clean single leg finishes. You will drill hand fighting that sets up safe entries. You will not rely on high amplitude shots or risky dives.
✅ Pros
- Great first wrestling curriculum for BJJ students.
- Covers both offense and common defenses.
- Emphasis on finishing mechanics prevents endless scrambles.
⚠️ Cons
- Some folkstyle details need adaptation for IBJJF rules.
- Less emphasis on body locks and foot sweeps.
- Older filming style is less polished.
💡 I like the finish variety from the single because it solves the most common stalemates. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns for BJJ by JDen Cox
Instructor: JDen Cox
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 50 hours and 1 minute
Volumes: 1
Biggest takeaway: Misdirection opens shots
Techniques: Double Leg, Single Leg, Arm Drag
- Wrestling for BJJ – More beginner friendly structure and defenses.
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – Add clinch based entries if shots are tough for you.
- Precision Foot Sweeps – Complement shots with low risk timing entries.
You will learn movement based setups for singles and doubles. You will get arm drag chains, defensive lines, and quick finishes. You will not get a long conceptual course.
✅ Pros
- Elite details at a friendly price.
- Compact length makes it easy to digest and apply.
- Good variety of entries and finishes for BJJ.
⚠️ Cons
- Short set leaves some troubleshooting gaps.
- Less explicit BJJ rule nuance than longer systems.
- Requires drilling partners for timing and level changes.
💡 I like how the wrist clear to single solves collar tie stalls without muscling. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 No Gi Takedowns Made Easy by Rick Hawn
Instructor: Rick Hawn
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 57 hours and 24 minutes
Volumes: 1
Biggest takeaway: Gi throws, no-gi grips
Techniques: Kouchi Gari, Tai Otoshi, Foot Sweeps
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – Clearer sequencing and clinch first philosophy.
- No Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips – Focus on timing based trips that scale well.
- Precision Foot Sweeps – Lower impact path if throws feel risky.
You will learn core judo throws adapted for no-gi. You will see simple entries and finishes that fit BJJ sparring. You will not get a full conceptual system or much hand fighting detail.
✅ Pros
- Affordable when on sale and broad technique variety.
- Good primer on adapting judo names to no-gi grips.
- Useful for lighter athletes who rely on timing.
⚠️ Cons
- Lacks the system cohesion of newer sets.
- Throws can be difficult to learn without live coaching.
- Limited defensive troubleshooting and grip fighting depth.
💡 I treat this as a menu to test which no-gi throws you want to invest in later. Recommendation: Skip.
🥋 #9 No Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips by Shintaro Higashi
Instructor: Shintaro Higashi
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 21 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Movement before throws
Techniques: Foot Sweeps, Kuzushi, Snap Down
- Precision Foot Sweeps – Wrestling style trips from common ties.
- Mastering No Gi Takedowns – Add clinch entries and options beyond trips.
- Standing2Ground: Takedowns and Standing Skills for Jiu Jitsu – Broaden to a complete feet-to-floor framework.
You will learn no-gi foot sweeps with clear movement cues. You will combine drags and snaps to create off-balance opportunities. You will not get a big leg shot curriculum.
✅ Pros
- Great add on if you like clinch and ties.
- Easy to drill without heavy wear on joints.
- Bridges judo concepts into no-gi rounds.
⚠️ Cons
- Trips can be hard without lots of timing reps.
- Limited coverage of shots and body locks.
- Some argue gi versions convert better.
💡 I like using these trips to set up body locks or ankle picks when opponents overreact. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #10 Shoot to Kill: Wrestle, Scramble, Submit by Garry Tonon
Instructor: Garry Tonon
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 6 hours and 4 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Chain to scramble
Techniques: Hand Fighting, Front Headlock, Go Behind
- Standing2Ground: Takedowns and Standing Skills for Jiu Jitsu – Add a structured framework around when to use each attack.
- Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns for BJJ – Refine singles and doubles with elite movement cues.
- Wrestling for BJJ – Backfill basics and defenses if you are new to wrestling.
You will learn to turn shots and ties into scrambles that score. You will work front headlocks, go-behinds, and back exposure sequences. You will not get a conservative, slow paced curriculum.
✅ Pros
- High pace drills build confidence to finish under pressure.
- Pairs well with conceptual sets to add action.
- Useful front headlock sequences for scoring and submissions.
⚠️ Cons
- Less beginner friendly than others on this list.
- Fewer safety-first entries for hobbyists.
- Requires good cardio and hours of drilling.
💡 I like it as a spark plug set that makes your standup proactive, not reactive. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
Do you start with judo style trips or with wrestling shots for BJJ?
If you are new to standup, start with hand fighting, basic singles, and one or two trips. Singles give you predictable finishes, while trips are low impact and scale well. Many hobbyists find it easier to add timing based foot sweeps after they can off balance and run the pipe. If you only train gi, add osoto and ouchi early. If you are no-gi heavy, learn to win inside ties, then combine ankle picks or knee picks with light foot sweeps. Drilling these three to five entries every session beats hoarding moves.
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