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Best Takedown Instructionals for BJJ: 2026 Rankings
Takedowns are the weakest link for most BJJ practitioners. If you pulled guard through your entire blue belt, you’re not alone. These 10 instructionals are the best options on BJJ Fanatics for building a real standing game, whether you come from a wrestling, judo, or pure grappling background. I ranked them by teaching quality, BJJ applicability, and value for money.
Heads up: the BJJ Fanatics links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the rankings – every pick is researched through the full product breakdown, instructor track record, and BJJ World reviews.
Jump to a pick
- 1. Standing2Ground: Takedowns & Standing Skills
- 2. Upper Body Takedowns for Grappling
- 3. Mastering No Gi Takedowns
- 4. The Takedown Blueprint
- 5. Precision Foot Sweeps
- 6. Wrestling for BJJ
- 7. Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns for BJJ
- 8. No Gi Takedowns Made Easy
- 9. No-Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips
- 10. Shoot to Kill: Wrestle, Scramble, Submit
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionStanding2Ground
John DanaherThe most comprehensive BJJ-specific takedown system available.
8+ h · 8 vols · no-gi · $$Mastering No Gi Takedowns
Travis StevensOlympic judo silver medalist and Danaher black belt bridges both worlds.
4 vols · no-gi · intermediate · $$No-Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips
Shintaro HigashiFour reliable, low-risk throws that won’t expose your back. Movement before throws.
~3h 21m · gi + no-gi · beginners · $$Takedowns are the weakest link for most BJJ practitioners. If you pulled guard through your entire blue belt, you’re not alone. These 10 instructionals represent the best options on BJJ Fanatics for building a real standing game, whether you come from a wrestling, judo, or pure grappling background. I ranked each one by teaching quality, BJJ applicability, and value for money, working from the full product breakdown, the instructor’s competition record, and BJJ World’s volume-by-volume reviews.
Standing2Ground: Takedowns & Standing Skills
John DanaherThe most comprehensive BJJ-specific takedown system on the market. Danaher built a 6-criteria framework (back exposure, neck exposure, belt exposure, weight exposure, roll-through risk, learning difficulty) that evaluates every technique for BJJ safety before teaching it. No other takedown instructional does this.
What it covers
Eight volumes covering the full standing game: stance, motion, and contact fundamentals in the opening volumes. Lower body takedowns including double legs (reverse overback, front headlock, short, pull, snap, post, arm drag, and misdirection variations), single legs, ankle picks, and knee picks. Ashi waza covering kouchi gari, ouchi gari, de ashi harai, and sasae tsurikomi ashi. Hand fighting sequences including collar drags, arm drags, and Russian tie work. Setup chains that connect motion to off-balance to entry to finish, plus mat follow-ups covering what happens after you hit the takedown.
Why it stands out
- 6-criteria safety framework evaluates EVERY technique for BJJ applicability before teaching it
- Covers wrestling (doubles, singles), judo (foot sweeps, sacrifice throws), AND body lock takedowns in one system
- Setup chains connect hand fighting to entries to finishes to mat follow-ups, not just isolated shots
- Quick-learning techniques identified: ankle pick, collar drag, drop tai otoshi, sasae tsurikomi ashi (3-6 months to functional)
The holy grail of takedowns for BJJ everyone has been waiting for. No drawbacks.
BJJ World (review of Feet to Floor Vol. 1)
Price is the highest on this list at $197. The lecture-heavy delivery means rewatching before techniques stick. Some Sherdog users note his wrestling instruction is weaker than his judo coverage. Travis Stevens ($77) or Shintaro Higashi ($77) give you functional takedowns faster if you want results without the academic commitment.
Serious competitors who want a complete standing system built on BJJ-specific principles. Those willing to invest time rewatching and drilling.
You want a quick crash course or you train casually. Hudson Taylor (#6) or Bo Nickal (honorable mention) are more immediate and half the price.
Adam Wheeler’s Upper Body Takedowns (#2) for clinch-based options that complement Danaher’s shot-based entries.
Upper Body Takedowns for Grappling
Adam WheelerOlympic Greco-Roman bronze medalist, BJJ black belt, and Masters No-Gi World Champion. Wheeler teaches a no-shot takedown game built on pummeling, body locks, and clinch work. If shooting doubles hurts your knees or exposes your neck, this is the alternative.
What it covers
Two parts covering the complete upper body takedown system: pummeling drills and variations, two-on-one grip variations, body lock throws and double underhook clinching. Head pinch series and scoring from head pinch position. Direction changing in clinch situations. Duck under variations adapted for BJJ. Front headlock options including the corkscrew pinch headlock throw. Includes his signature Wheeler Special (combination arm drag/hip toss) and the Wheelertine (arm-in guillotine from snap down position).
Why it stands out
- No-shot approach: built on pummeling, body locks, two-on-one, and clinch – minimizes knee and neck exposure
- Signature techniques (Wheeler Special, Wheelertine) are unique moves not taught elsewhere
- Comprehensive warm-up drills included for solo and partner practice
- Great for older grapplers or anyone with knee problems who cannot shoot level-change takedowns
If you’re into clinching and upper body takedowns there’s nothing better for you out there.
BJJ World, 4.8/5 rating
Only 2 parts means limited depth compared to Danaher’s 8-volume system. Does not cover lower body takedowns (doubles, singles, ankle picks) at all. If you want a broader takedown toolkit, Danaher’s Standing2Ground covers both upper and lower body. At the same $77 price, Travis Stevens gives you more technique variety.
Grapplers who want takedowns without shooting. Older practitioners avoiding knee/neck stress. No-gi competitors who prefer Greco-Roman style clinch work.
You specifically need wrestling shots or judo throws. Hudson Taylor (#6) for wrestling, Travis Stevens (#3) for judo-based options.
Danaher’s Standing2Ground (#1) for the lower body takedowns that Wheeler doesn’t cover, giving you a complete standing game.
Mastering No Gi Takedowns
Travis StevensOlympic judo silver medalist and Danaher BJJ black belt – Travis Stevens bridges both worlds. His no-gi system translates gi-dependent judo grips into overhook, underhook, and collar tie positions, then teaches chain attacks from each. BJJ World called him “probably one of the utmost authorities on takedowns for grappling.”
What it covers
Part 1 covers the basics of no-gi gripping: overhooks, underhooks, pummeling mechanics, Russian ties, and collar ties. Parts 2-3 teach judo throws adapted for no-gi from underhook and overhook positions: harai goshi (sweeping hip throw), tai otoshi (body drop), ko soto gari (minor outer reap), and ouchi gari (major inner reap). Part 4 covers fine-tuned foot sweeps without the gi, including deashi harai adaptations for no-gi distance and timing.
Why it stands out
- Rare dual credential: Olympic judo + Danaher BJJ black belt, understands both rule sets and cultures
- Specifically addresses grip translation: lapel grip becomes overhook, sleeve grip becomes wrist control
- Chain attacks from clinch – combinations, not just isolated throws
- No-gi foot sweep adaptations are rare content not covered by most takedown instructionals
Probably one of the utmost authorities on takedowns for grappling. Judo-based, but modified to fit the needs of BJJ to perfection.
BJJ World
Judo-heavy approach means limited wrestling content (no double legs, minimal single legs). If you want pure wrestling, Hudson Taylor (#6) or Bo Nickal (honorable mention) are better picks. Does not include mat follow-ups after the throw, which Hudson Taylor covers extensively. Harai goshi carries moderate back-exposure risk despite the no-gi adaptation.
BJJ practitioners who want judo-based no-gi takedowns from a genuine Olympic-level judoka. Those who already have some standing experience and want to refine their throwing game.
You have zero standing experience (Shintaro Higashi’s Low Risk Judo Throws is a gentler starting point) or you specifically want wrestling-style shots.
Hudson Taylor’s Wrestling for BJJ (#6) for the wrestling-based takedowns that Stevens doesn’t cover, creating a judo + wrestling combination.
The Takedown Blueprint
Jimmy Pedro & Travis StevensSeven Olympic Games of combined experience between a 4x Olympian (Pedro) and an Olympic silver medalist (Stevens). DVD 3 is the real gold here: strategy-based chapters on how to throw the wrestler, the strong guy, the guard puller, the waist-bender, and the flexible opponent. No other takedown instructional addresses opponent archetypes like this.
What it covers
DVDs 1-2 cover core judo throws selected for BJJ safety: osoto gari, knee osoto gari, drop seoi nage, ippon seoi nage, tomoe nage, tai otoshi, one-handed tai otoshi, ouchi gari, sumi gaeshi, and fireman’s carry (kata guruma). DVD 3 teaches strategy against different opponents: the wrestler (how to approach wrestling-based opponents), the strong weightlifter (dealing with strength-based grapplers), the guy who bends at the waist (addressing posture-based defense), the guard puller (countering guard pull attempts), and the flexible opponent (dealing with flexibility-based defense).
Why it stands out
- DVD 3’s opponent archetype strategy is unique and not replicated in any other takedown instructional
- All throws selected specifically for BJJ safety – won’t expose your back
- Pedro’s coaching pedigree (coached Stevens to Olympic success) adds a layer of teaching depth
- Covers a wide variety of throws giving practitioners options for different body types and matchups
Worth the purchase especially if you are an active BJJ tournament competitor. Sound principles that are practical to BJJ. You don’t have to be a Judoka since you were 3 years old to pull them off.
Sherdog forum user
Older production from 2013 with dated video quality compared to newer releases. Purely judo-based with zero wrestling content. Does not address no-gi gripping (this is a gi-focused set). Less systematic than Danaher’s framework – more technique collection than connected system. For no-gi, get Travis Stevens’ solo instructional (#3) instead.
Gi-focused BJJ competitors who want reliable judo throws. Practitioners who value strategic advice on adjusting takedowns against different opponent types.
You train primarily no-gi. Travis Stevens (#3) covers no-gi better. Or if you want a systematic framework rather than technique variety, Danaher (#1) is more structured.
Shintaro Higashi’s No-Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips (#9) for the foot sweep details that Pedro/Stevens don’t cover in depth.
Precision Foot Sweeps
Steve Mocco2x NCAA champion and Olympic wrestler Steve Mocco brings a wrestling perspective to foot sweeps, which is an unusual combination. Most foot sweep instruction comes from judokas. Mocco’s approach emphasizes timing and distance control from a wrestling stance, making these techniques immediately applicable for BJJ practitioners who already wrestle.
What it covers
Comprehensive foot sweep system from a wrestling base. Covers kouchi gari and ouchi gari from wrestling clinch positions, de ashi harai timing drills, combination entries from collar tie and underhook positions, and follow-up options after a successful sweep. Includes partner drilling progressions that build timing before live application.
Why it stands out
- Wrestling perspective on foot sweeps is unique – most foot sweep content comes from judo instructors
- Drilling progressions build timing before you try techniques live, reducing frustration
- Low-risk techniques that complement wrestling shots without replacing them
- Immediately applicable as setup or followup to any wrestling takedown attempt
Narrow focus on foot sweeps only, so this is a supplement, not a standalone takedown system. If you want a complete standing game from scratch, Danaher (#1) or Travis Stevens (#3) cover foot sweeps within broader systems. Shintaro Higashi (#9) teaches foot sweeps from a judo perspective with more conceptual depth.
Wrestlers adding foot sweeps to their existing shot game. BJJ practitioners who want low-risk standup tools they can spam during exchanges.
You need a complete takedown system. This is an add-on, not a foundation.
Hudson Taylor’s Wrestling for BJJ (#6) for the core wrestling takedowns that Mocco’s foot sweeps complement.
Wrestling for BJJ
Hudson Taylor3x NCAA Division-1 All-American who won IBJJF Worlds at blue belt after only 6 months of BJJ training, using pure wrestling. Taylor doesn’t just teach takedowns – he covers what most instructionals skip: rides, cradles, banana splits, and mat returns that keep your opponent down after you take them there.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers intro to wrestling motion, controlling positions, hand fighting fundamentals, and takedowns from neutral. Volume 2 teaches match strategies and techniques for keeping opponents down after the takedown. Volume 3 covers rides and cradles including banana splits. Volume 4 includes the moneymaker position and half Nelson options. Volumes 5-6 cover bottom wrestling philosophy: escapes, stand-ups, recoveries, and counter moves.
Why it stands out
- Uniquely covers post-takedown control (rides, pins, mat returns) that most takedown instructionals skip entirely
- Proved the concept: won IBJJF Worlds at blue belt with 6 months of BJJ using this wrestling approach
- Cradles and banana splits are immediately applicable against turtled-up BJJ opponents
- Bottom wrestling (Volumes 5-6) teaches escapes and stand-ups from bad positions, valuable for all BJJ players
All American Champion that has one of the best NCAA pinning careers ever. Material focuses on controlling opponents and transitioning without creating space.
BJJ World
More of a wrestling system than a pure takedown instructional. Only Volume 1 covers standing takedowns directly; Volumes 2-6 focus on mat control and bottom wrestling. Does not cover judo throws, foot sweeps, or sacrifice throws at all. If you ONLY want standing takedowns, Travis Stevens (#3) or Shintaro Higashi give more throwing variety for less content to wade through.
BJJ practitioners who want wrestling control after the takedown (rides, pins, mat returns). Competitors who get takedowns but lose position during transitions.
You only want standing takedowns without mat wrestling. Travis Stevens (#3) for judo-based standing work, Danaher (#1) for a complete standing-to-ground system.
Shintaro Higashi’s No-Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips (#9) for a judo + wrestling combination covering both striking and throwing ranges.
Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns for BJJ
J’Den CoxOlympic bronze medalist and 2x NCAA champion J’Den Cox brings explosive freestyle wrestling to BJJ. This is chain wrestling – setup combinations, misdirection entries, and level changes that create openings against opponents who defend the initial shot. If Hudson Taylor is the fundamentals, Cox is the advanced class.
What it covers
Covers chain wrestling concepts: initial attacks that set up secondary takedowns, misdirection entries where feints in one direction create openings in another, and level change mechanics from an Olympic-caliber wrestler. Includes single leg and double leg variations with freestyle wrestling timing, snap down combinations, and scramble awareness during failed takedown attempts.
Why it stands out
- Chain wrestling from an Olympic medalist teaches the combinations, not just individual shots
- Misdirection entries are advanced concepts most BJJ takedown instructionals don’t cover
- Explosive entry mechanics from someone who executed them against the best wrestlers in the world
- Scramble awareness section helps when takedown attempts go sideways
Olympic-caliber wrestling instruction applicable to BJJ competition.
BJJ World (listed among recommended wrestling instructionals)
Requires existing wrestling fundamentals. If you’re starting from zero, Hudson Taylor (#6) is a better first purchase. Pure wrestling approach without BJJ-specific adaptations. Danaher’s Standing2Ground addresses BJJ rule differences and safety criteria that Cox does not. For $77, you might get more immediate value from Travis Stevens’ judo-based system unless you specifically want wrestling.
Intermediate grapplers with some wrestling experience who want advanced chain wrestling. Competitors facing opponents who defend the first shot.
You have no wrestling experience. Start with Hudson Taylor (#6) or Bo Nickal (honorable mention) for fundamentals first.
Adam Wheeler’s Upper Body Takedowns (#2) for the clinch-based options that complement Cox’s shot-based entries.
No Gi Takedowns Made Easy
Rick HawnBellator MMA veteran Rick Hawn bridges judo and striking-range takedowns with a no-nonsense approach. Of the affordable complete sets, this is the one I recommend most often for grappling takedowns, and the “made easy” title is honest – these techniques don’t require years of wrestling or judo to apply.
What it covers
Covers takedowns from MMA and grappling clinch range. Judo throws adapted for no-gi without requiring traditional grips. Includes underhook attacks, snap down options, and simple body lock finishes. Emphasis on techniques that work at striking distance, making them useful for MMA crossover as well as pure grappling.
Why it stands out
- Accessible teaching style aimed at grapplers without judo or wrestling backgrounds
- Techniques work at both grappling and striking range, useful for MMA crossover
- Best value among the complete takedown sets we have reviewed
- Honest “made easy” framing – these techniques don’t require elite athleticism
If you want one affordable set that covers both judo throws and striking-range entries without years of mat time, this is the one I keep coming back to.
BJJMore verdict
Less depth per technique than Danaher or Stevens. Does not provide a systematic framework, so you get effective individual techniques rather than a connected system. For the same $77, Travis Stevens (#3) gives you Olympic-level judo chain attacks with more depth. Lacks the post-takedown mat work that Hudson Taylor (#6) includes.
Beginners who want functional no-gi takedowns without a steep learning curve. MMA crossover athletes who need takedowns at striking distance.
You want a deep systematic approach to standing. Danaher (#1) for systems, or Travis Stevens (#3) for more technical depth at the same price.
Steve Mocco’s Precision Foot Sweeps (#5) to add foot sweep timing to Hawn’s clinch-based entries.
No-Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips
Shintaro Higashi6th-degree judo black belt and BJJ brown belt Shintaro Higashi argues that most judo throws are wrong for BJJ. Turn throws like uchi mata and hip tosses expose your back and take years to learn. Instead, his approach focuses on spammable foot sweeps and low-risk sacrifice throws that you can drill into functional tools within weeks.
What it covers
Five volumes covering a wide range of no-gi foot sweeps and trips. Kouchi gari and ouchi gari as spammable main attacks. De ashi harai and other sweeping techniques adapted for no-gi gripping and distance. Sacrifice throws (tomoe nage, sumi gaeshi) as high-percentage finishers. Grip fighting fundamentals specific to no-gi: how to control from collar tie, underhook, and wrist positions without relying on gi cloth. Movement and stance principles that make all foot sweeps more effective.
Why it stands out
- Philosophy is direct: skip uchi mata and hip tosses (too complex, back exposure risk), focus on 4 techniques that actually work in BJJ
- Foot sweeps are spammable – you can attempt them repeatedly with almost zero risk or energy cost
- Grip fighting fundamentals cover the no-gi specific challenges of controlling distance and balance
- Affordable compared to Danaher’s Standing2Ground ($197+) while delivering immediately usable techniques
Shintaro explicitly argues that turn throws should NOT be used in BJJ because they expose your back. Focus on easy, low-risk throws.
Shintaro Higashi (shintarohigashi.com blog)
Limited technique variety compared to Danaher’s Standing2Ground which covers singles, doubles, body locks, ankle picks, AND foot sweeps. Does not cover wrestling-style takedowns at all. No live sparring footage. If you need no-gi specific content beyond foot sweeps, Travis Stevens’ full no-gi system (#3) is more comprehensive.
BJJ practitioners who want a simple, low-risk standing game built on spammable foot sweeps. White to purple belts who are completely lost on the feet and want the fastest path to functional takedowns.
You want a complete takedown system (this is foot sweeps only). Danaher (#1) or Travis Stevens (#3) for broader coverage.
Hudson Taylor’s Wrestling for BJJ (#6) for the wrestling shots that complement Higashi’s foot sweeps, creating a complete standup game for under $160.
Shoot to Kill: Wrestle, Scramble, Submit
Garry TononGarry Tonon takes a submission grappler’s approach to takedowns: every shot attempt creates a scramble, and every scramble is a submission opportunity. This is not a traditional takedown instructional. It’s a wrestle-to-submission system designed for grapplers who want to attack from the moment they engage on the feet.
What it covers
Covers wrestling-based takedowns with a submission grappler’s mindset. Front headlock attacks from snap down positions. Guillotine entries from shot defense and scrambles. Single leg and double leg variations designed to chain into submission positions. Scramble wrestling concepts for when takedown attempts get messy. Integration of leg lock entries from failed or successful takedown exchanges.
Why it stands out
- Wrestle-scramble-submit approach is unique – treats every exchange as a submission opportunity
- Front headlock to guillotine chain is immediately applicable for no-gi competitors
- Designed by a submission specialist who adapted wrestling to feed his attacking game
- Addresses scrambles explicitly, which most traditional takedown instructionals treat as mistakes
Not a traditional takedown instructional. If you want clean, technically sound takedowns, Danaher (#1) or Travis Stevens (#3) are more structured. The scramble-heavy approach means techniques can feel chaotic for beginners. Hudson Taylor (#6) covers more fundamental wrestling. Adam Wheeler (#2) offers cleaner clinch takedowns without the scramble element.
Submission grapplers who want their takedown game to feed directly into attacks. ADCC-style competitors who are comfortable with scrambles.
You’re a beginner who needs clean fundamental takedowns. Start with Shintaro Higashi or Hudson Taylor.
Adam Wheeler’s Upper Body Takedowns (#2) for the clean clinch work that complements Tonon’s chaotic scramble approach.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Standing2Ground: Takedowns & Standing Skills | John Danaher | 8+ hours across 8 volumes | All levels (serious students) | No-Gi (principles apply to gi) | Complete takedown system | $$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Upper Body Takedowns for Grappling | Adam Wheeler | ~2 hours across 2 parts | All levels (especially 30+ grapplers) | No-Gi | Upper body / clinch takedowns | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | Mastering No Gi Takedowns | Travis Stevens | 4 volumes | Intermediate (some standing experience helps) | No-Gi | Judo-based no-gi takedowns | $$ | Check price → |
| 4 | The Takedown Blueprint | Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens | 3 DVDs | Gi tournament competitors | Gi (primarily) | Judo throws for bjj | $$ | Check price → |
| 5 | Precision Foot Sweeps | Steve Mocco | 3+ hours across multiple parts | All levels | No-Gi (applicable to gi) | Foot sweeps / ashi waza | $$ | Check price → |
| 6 | Wrestling for BJJ | Hudson Taylor | 6 volumes | All levels | No-Gi (applicable to gi) | Wrestling system for bjj | $$ | Check price → |
| 7 | Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns for BJJ | J’Den Cox | Multiple volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | Freestyle wrestling for bjj | $$ | Check price → |
| 8 | No Gi Takedowns Made Easy | Rick Hawn | Multiple volumes | Beginners to intermediate | No-Gi | No-gi takedowns (judo/mma hybrid) | $$ | Check price → |
| 9 | No-Gi Judo: Foot Sweeps and Trips | Shintaro Higashi | 2+ hours across 5 volumes | All levels (beginners benefit most) | No-Gi | Foot sweeps & trips | $$ | Check price → |
| 10 | Shoot to Kill: Wrestle, Scramble, Submit | Garry Tonon | Multiple volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | Scramble wrestling + submissions | $$ | Check price → |
Why these three?
Why these three?
These three picks each solve takedowns from a different angle:
- Danaher (#1) earns the top spot because Standing2Ground is the only instructional that applies a BJJ-specific safety framework (6 criteria: back exposure, neck exposure, belt exposure, weight exposure, roll-through risk, and learning difficulty) to every technique it teaches. BJJ World called the Feet to Floor predecessor “the holy grail of takedowns for BJJ.” No other takedown instructional connects hand fighting to dominant BJJ end positions this thoroughly.
- Travis Stevens (#2) brings a rare dual credential: Olympic judo silver medalist AND Danaher BJJ black belt. BJJ World called him “probably one of the utmost authorities on takedowns for grappling.” His no-gi system covers chain attacks from clinch positions, which is the gap most BJJ practitioners need filled. At $77, the value per technique is excellent.
- Shintaro Higashi (#3) takes the beginner slot because his philosophy is simple: skip turn throws like uchi mata (too complex, back exposure risk) and focus on two spammable foot sweeps plus two sacrifice throws. If you want to stop being a guard puller with minimal time investment, these four throws give you a functional standing game in weeks, not months.
Each remaining review targets a specific style (wrestling, Greco-Roman clinch, foot sweeps, scrambles) or budget, so you can find the right fit for your game.
Which takedown style fits your game?
Answer a few questions to find the right takedown instructional for your standing game.
Should you start with judo throws or wrestling shots?
This is the most common question in BJJ takedown discussions, and the answer depends on your body type, age, and competition format.
Judo-based takedowns
Advantages for BJJ: Foot sweeps (kouchi gari, ouchi gari) cost almost zero energy and can be spammed repeatedly. Sacrifice throws (tomoe nage, sumi gaeshi) work against defensive postures. No level changes required, so your knees and lower back are protected.
The argument against turn throws: Shintaro Higashi makes a compelling case that hip tosses and uchi mata should be avoided in BJJ. They take years to develop, and a failed attempt gives your opponent your back. His recommended four throws (kouchi gari, ouchi gari, tomoe nage, sumi gaeshi) give you a functional standing game in weeks.
Best instructionals: Travis Stevens (#3) for no-gi judo chain attacks, Pedro/Stevens (#4) for gi-specific throws with opponent strategy, Shintaro Higashi (#9) for the simplest beginner path.
Wrestling-based takedowns
Advantages for BJJ: Singles and doubles directly lead to top position. Wrestling-based hand fighting and snap downs create front headlock opportunities (a strong BJJ position). Mat control after takedowns (rides, pins, cradles) prevents opponents from recovering guard.
The main drawback: Level changes expose your neck to guillotines and your back to front headlock attacks. Danaher’s 6-criteria framework specifically addresses these BJJ-specific risks.
Best instructionals: Danaher’s Standing2Ground (#1) for a BJJ-adapted wrestling system, Hudson Taylor (#6) for fundamental wrestling with post-takedown control, J’Den Cox (#7) for advanced chain wrestling, Bo Nickal (honorable mention) for the cheapest quality option at $47.
The hybrid approach
The recommended path: Start with either Shintaro Higashi (judo foot sweeps, ~$77) or Hudson Taylor (wrestling fundamentals, ~$77). Once you have a base, add the other style. A wrestler with foot sweeps or a judoka with single legs is significantly harder to deal with than someone who only attacks from one range.
Budget combination: Higashi + Taylor for under $160 gives you foot sweeps, wrestling shots, AND post-takedown control.
Premium option: Danaher’s Standing2Ground ($197) covers both judo and wrestling-based takedowns within one BJJ-specific framework.
Pricing & deals
BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales (40-60% off). If a price below looks high, check back during a holiday weekend or sign up for their email list for flash sale alerts.
Before you spend a cent, BJJ Fanatics is currently giving away full wrestling and judo takedown courses for free. We rounded them up in our free cross-training guide, worth grabbing before they go back to paid.
| Instructional | Instructor | Regular Price | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Knows Takedowns | Bo Nickal | $47 | Wrestling |
| Low Risk Judo Throws | Shintaro Higashi | ~$77 | Judo |
| Foot Sweeps & Trips | Shintaro Higashi | ~$79 | Foot Sweeps |
| Mastering No Gi Takedowns | Travis Stevens | ~$77 | Judo/No-Gi |
| The Takedown Blueprint | Pedro & Stevens | ~$77 | Judo/Gi |
| Upper Body Takedowns | Adam Wheeler | ~$77 | Greco/Clinch |
| Wrestling for BJJ | Hudson Taylor | ~$77 | Wrestling |
| Takedowns Made Easy | Rick Hawn | ~$77 | Judo/MMA |
| Precision Foot Sweeps | Steve Mocco | ~$77 | Foot Sweeps |
| Dynamic Wrestling | J’Den Cox | ~$77 | Wrestling |
| Shoot to Kill | Garry Tonon | ~$77 | Scrambles |
| Standing2Ground | John Danaher | ~$197 | Complete System |
Best budget combination: Shintaro Higashi + Hudson Taylor (~$154 total) covers judo foot sweeps, wrestling shots, AND post-takedown control.
Single best investment: Danaher’s Standing2Ground ($197) covers the most ground in one purchase. Wait for a BJJ Fanatics sale to get it under $120.
Takedown terminology for BJJ
- Ashi waza: Judo foot techniques (sweeps and reaps). Includes kouchi gari, ouchi gari, de ashi harai. Low risk and spammable in BJJ.
- Body lock takedown: Securing a body lock (double underhooks around the torso) and using it to off-balance or trip the opponent. Greco-Roman origin.
- Chain wrestling: Connecting multiple takedown attempts in sequence. A failed single leg sets up a double, which sets up a snap down.
- Collar drag: Pulling the opponent forward by the back of the neck/collar to off-balance them, then attacking with a takedown.
- De ashi harai: Forward foot sweep in judo. Sweeping the opponent’s foot as they step forward.
- Double leg: Shooting to grab both legs, then driving or lifting to complete the takedown. The most common wrestling takedown.
- Front headlock: Controlling the opponent’s head and one arm from the front while sprawled. A dominant position in BJJ for guillotines and snap downs.
- Kouchi gari: Minor inner reap. A judo foot sweep that attacks the inside of the opponent’s foot. Highly spammable in BJJ.
- Kuzushi: Judo principle of off-balancing. Breaking the opponent’s balance before executing a throw.
- Ouchi gari: Major inner reap. A judo foot sweep that reaps the opponent’s leg from the inside. Often combined with kouchi gari.
- Pummeling: The fight for underhook position in the clinch. Each fighter works to establish double underhooks or a dominant clinch.
- Russian tie: Controlling the opponent’s wrist while wrapping your other arm over their tricep. Sets up snap downs and arm drags.
- Sacrifice throw: A throw where you deliberately fall to the ground to take your opponent with you. Tomoe nage and sumi gaeshi are common examples.
- Single leg: Shooting to grab one leg, then finishing with various methods (run the pipe, elevation, trip). Lower risk than double leg for guillotine defense.
- Snap down: Pulling the opponent’s head down forcefully to break their posture. Sets up front headlock attacks.
- Sumi gaeshi: Corner reversal. A sacrifice throw where you sit underneath the opponent and elevate them over you.
- Tomoe nage: Circle throw. A sacrifice throw using your foot on the opponent’s hip to throw them overhead.
- Underhook: Reaching under the opponent’s arm to control their shoulder or torso. The dominant clinch position in grappling.
FAQ
What is the best takedown instructional for BJJ beginners?
Shintaro Higashi’s Low Risk Judo Throws for BJJ (~$77) is the simplest starting point. It teaches just four techniques (kouchi gari, ouchi gari, tomoe nage, sumi gaeshi) that are low risk, easy to learn, and immediately functional. For wrestling-based takedowns, Hudson Taylor’s Wrestling for BJJ covers fundamentals plus post-takedown control.
Should I learn judo or wrestling takedowns for BJJ?
Both have advantages. Judo foot sweeps are low energy and low risk, ideal for gi play and older grapplers. Wrestling shots lead directly to top position and create front headlock opportunities. The ideal approach is to learn both: start with whichever style suits your body type, then add the other. Shintaro Higashi + Hudson Taylor (~$154 combined) covers both bases.
Is Standing2Ground by John Danaher worth it?
Yes, if you want the most comprehensive BJJ-specific takedown system available. It covers wrestling shots, judo-based throws, foot sweeps, body lock takedowns, and hand fighting in one 8-volume package. The 6-criteria BJJ safety framework is unique. The main drawback is the $197 price tag and dense, lecture-heavy delivery. Wait for a BJJ Fanatics sale to get it under $120.
What is the cheapest takedown instructional on BJJ Fanatics?
Bo Nickal’s Bo Knows Takedowns at $47 is the cheapest quality option. It covers snap downs, double legs, singles, and his signature Houdini high crotch finish across 2 volumes. For $77, you can get Shintaro Higashi, Travis Stevens, Hudson Taylor, or Adam Wheeler, each covering a different takedown style.
What takedowns work best in no-gi BJJ?
Foot sweeps (kouchi gari, ouchi gari) are the safest option because they require minimal grip. Body lock takedowns from underhook positions work well without gi grips. Wrestling shots (doubles, singles) are effective but expose your neck to guillotines. Travis Stevens’ Mastering No Gi Takedowns specifically addresses adapting judo throws for no-gi gripping.
Are takedown instructionals useful if I mainly pull guard?
Absolutely. Having even a basic takedown threat forces your opponent to respect your standing game, which makes your guard pulls cleaner and harder to counter. Shintaro Higashi’s foot sweeps or Rick Hawn’s Takedowns Made Easy give you enough standing presence to keep opponents honest without requiring hours of wrestling drilling.
Stop pulling guard by default
Pick one style that fits your body and start there. Shintaro Higashi or Hudson Taylor under $160 gives you foot sweeps and wrestling shots; Danaher’s Standing2Ground is the single best investment if you want one complete system.