Blast Double

SubFamily

ブラストダブル(Burasuto Daburu)

Transliteration

Translation: blast double (katakana)

Overview

The Blast Double subfamily executes the double leg with maximum forward explosive force, driving straight through the opponent rather than lifting or redirecting. ^[1] The attacker shoots from distance with an explosive penetration step, contacts both legs at thigh level, and continues driving forward with the legs churning to blast the opponent backward and to the mat. ^[1],[2] The blast double relies on speed and power rather than finesse, overwhelming the opponent's defensive structure through sheer momentum. ^[2] This is the most aggressive and spectacular variant of the double leg. ^[2],[3]

Also known as

Power Double^[1]Blast Double LegWrestling^[2]Drive-Through Double^[3]

Used in

Wrestling MMA Sambo

History & Origin

Blast doubles became a signature of American collegiate wrestling, where wrestlers like Jordan Burroughs demonstrated their effectiveness with perfectly timed explosive entries. ^[1] The technique transferred directly to MMA where knockout-power level changes became a primary offensive tool. ^[2],[3]

Effectiveness

The blast double is an explosive, power-through variant of the double leg that drives through the opponent rather than lifting or turning the corner. ^[1] It is most effective against opponents in a square stance and relies on explosive hip drive. ^[1],[2]

Lineage

The blast double is a staple of American folkstyle wrestling, particularly in heavyweight divisions where power finishing is emphasised over technical chain wrestling. ^[1]

Competition Record

The blast double is commonly used in NCAA heavyweight wrestling and in MMA by physically powerful fighters. ^[1]

Images

No images yet for this technique.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action — Level change and forward drive — penetrating step closes distance, shoulder drives into opponent's hips

Joints Involved — Attacker's knees (deep bend for level change), hips (explosive extension for drive), shoulders (contact point)

Force Vector — Forward and upward — shoulder pressure lifts opponent's centre of gravity while legs drive through

Takedown Mechanic — Disruption of base — clasping both legs eliminates the opponent's ability to post or backstep

Position & Entry

From wrestling stance (outside step) — Set up with jab or collar tie, level change with a penetration step, drive shoulder into opponent's hips, clasp both legs and drive through

From collar tie setup — Snap the opponent's head down, when they react by posturing up, change level and shoot the double

From underhook position — Secure an underhook, use it to clear the opponent's defence, change level and blast into the double leg

Videos

TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian

Avoid Submissions with a BLAST Double Leg Takedown!

Blast Double·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian

PLEASE Click this link to SUPPORT the TeachMeGrappling Channel!!! https://www.patreon.com/TeachMeGrappling or https:/…

Team Hammer

Wrestling - How to Blast Double

Blast Double·Team Hammer

An easy instructional video on how to hit the blast double with 3 different setups. #1 - the snap and blast. #2 - the h…

2 videos

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Moderate4/10

Double leg drives through opponent; moderate impact on landing

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Beginner

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal

— IJF — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct han...

IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF

Restricted

— 2-4 points

UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF

Legal

— 2 points

IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF

— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique

Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF

— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match

ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF

— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted

FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF

— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal

FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

— 2 points

NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDF

Training Notes

✓Explode off the back foot with maximum forward drive — this is a power takedown, not a finesse move

✓Drive your shoulder into the opponent's midsection like a tackle, wrapping both thighs simultaneously

✓Keep driving your feet after contact — the blast double finishes by running through the opponent

✓Your head should end up on the inside (between their hip and arm) for safety

✓Use the blast double when the opponent is backing up or against the cage — their momentum works against them

✓Set it up with a hard jab or push to get them moving backward

Common Mistakes

!Shooting the blast double from too far away — you need to be close enough that one step closes the distance

!Slowing down on contact instead of accelerating through the opponent

!Head on the outside, exposing yourself to the guillotine

!Wrapping too low around the knees, so the opponent posts on your back and sprawls

!Not driving the feet after initial contact — the blast requires continuous forward pressure

!Using the blast double against a forward-moving opponent — it works best against retreating opponents

Related Techniques

Single Leg Takedown — complementary leg attack often used when double leg is defended Sprawl Defence — the primary defensive technique against this takedown

Counter Techniques

Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt Underhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entry Post and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angle Level Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence

Setup Chain

1Establish Contact — use grip, tie, or clinch to control the opponent

2Create Off-Balance — use push-pull action to disrupt the opponent's base

3Execute the Takedown — apply the specific takedown mechanic with commitment

4Follow to Ground — maintain control as the opponent goes down to secure position

Sources & References

Primary Source

Japanese amateur wrestling terminology

1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology

Japanese amateur wrestling terminology

2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention

Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities

3CitationJapanese amateur wrestling terminology

Standard katakana transliteration used in Japanese wrestling (レスリング)

Community

Athletics

Requires

explosive lower body power, level change speed, forward drive

Favours

stocky build with strong legs and low centre of gravity

Key muscles

quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, core, shoulders

Sub-techniques

Standard Blast Double

Genus

The Standard Blast Double executes the fundamental explosive double leg where the attacker fires a deep penetration step, drives the shoulder into the opponent's midsection, wraps both arms around the thighs, and powers through the opponent using continuous leg drive. [1] The key elements are explosive first-step speed, head placement on the inside (ear to the opponent's hip), and relentless forward pressure after contact. [1,2] The technique finishes with the opponent driven flat to their back while the attacker maintains chest-to-chest pressure in a dominant top position. [2] The blast double is most effective when the opponent is standing upright with their weight on their heels. [2,3]

Explore

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up a blast double to avoid getting caught in submissions?

According to Coach Brian at TeachMeGrappling, start in a square stance positioned right in front of your opponent at the correct range—close enough that you can almost touch them. This positioning keeps you out of vulnerable spots where submissions like a guillotine can be applied.

What's the biggest mistake people make when shooting a blast double?

Coach Brian emphasizes that you must always drive through and complete the takedown rather than stopping mid-shot, as hesitating puts you in a poor position. Additionally, avoid creating space by pulling back, as this allows your opponent to jam or counter your technique.

Can a blast double turn into a single leg takedown?

Coach Brian notes that depending on how your opponent reacts or defends, a blast double attempt can potentially transition into a single leg, though the exact mechanics depend on the specific situation.

How does the Blast Double work?

The Blast Double subfamily executes the double leg with maximum forward explosive force, driving straight through the opponent rather than lifting or redirecting. The attacker shoots from distance with an explosive penetration step, contacts both legs at thigh level, and continues driving forward with the legs churning to blast the opponent backward and to the mat.

Where does the Blast Double come from?

Blast doubles became a signature of American collegiate wrestling, where wrestlers like Jordan Burroughs demonstrated their effectiveness with perfectly timed explosive entries. The technique transferred directly to MMA where knockout-power level changes became a primary offensive tool.

Is the Blast Double legal in competition?

IJF: banned — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct hansoku-make for touching opp…; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle (2-4 points), banned in Greco-Roman (no attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)

How dangerous is the Blast Double?

Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — double leg drives through opponent; moderate impact on landing

How do I set up the Blast Double?

The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.

How do I defend against the Blast Double?

Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Underhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entry / Post and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angle / Level Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence.

What are the variants of the Blast Double?

Common variants: Blast double (high-impact forward drive through the opponent without ch…); Snatch double (pulling both legs together and driving laterally); Run-the-pipe double (running through the opponent in a linear drive); Low double (deep penetration step attacking below the knees).

How effective is the Blast Double in competition?

The blast double is commonly used in NCAA heavyweight wrestling and in MMA by physically powerful fighters.

What are common mistakes when doing the Blast Double?

Top errors to watch for: Shooting the blast double from too far away — you need to be close enough that one step closes the distance / Slowing down on contact instead of accelerating through the opponent / Head on the outside, exposing yourself to the guillotine / Wrapping too low around the knees, so the opponent posts on your back and sprawls.

What are other names for the Blast Double?

The Blast Double is also known as Burasuto Daburu, Power Double, Blast Double Leg, Drive-Through Double.

blast double burasuto daburu takedown leg attack takedown double leg takedown wrestling mma sambo power double blast double leg drive through double