Standard Low Double

Genus

ローダブル(Rō Daburu)

Transliteration

Translation: standard low double

Overview

The Standard Low Double executes the fundamental below-the-knee double leg where the attacker drops to both knees with an explosive penetration step, wraps both arms around the opponent's lower legs or ankles, and drives forward while pulling the legs together. [1] The deep level change places the attacker's head below the opponent's waist, and the arm wrap captures both legs in a single scoop. [1],[2] The finish involves pulling the opponent's feet forward while driving the shoulder into their thighs, collapsing them backward. [2] The low double is particularly effective against wrestlers with strong sprawl defence because the low entry point negates hip-based sprawling. [2],[3]

Also known as
Deep Double Leg TDWrestling[1]Below-Knee Double[2]Low-Level Morote GariJP[3]

History & Origin

The low double has been a standard wrestling technique, particularly in freestyle competition where the deeper level change opens additional scoring opportunities. [1] It gained prominence in MMA through fighters who needed to penetrate past strong takedown defence. [2],[3]

Effectiveness

The low double leg is highly effective against opponents with a low, wide stance because the attacker's level change drops below the defender's centre of gravity. [1] The technique requires exceptional speed on the penetration step, as the deeper level change gives the opponent more time to react. [1] When executed correctly, the low double is difficult to sprawl on because the attacker's hips are already below the defender's hip line. [2]

Lineage

The standard low double is the basic below-the-knee double leg taught in wrestling programmes. [1]

Competition Record

The low double leg is a staple of international freestyle wrestling, frequently used by lighter weight classes where speed advantages are greatest. [1] Jordan Burroughs employed the low double as a signature attack en route to his 2012 Olympic gold medal and four World Championship titles at 74 kg. [2]

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary ActionLevel change and forward drive — penetrating step closes distance, shoulder drives into opponent's hips
Joints InvolvedAttacker's knees (deep bend for level change), hips (explosive extension for drive), shoulders (contact point)
Force VectorForward and upward — shoulder pressure lifts opponent's centre of gravity while legs drive through
Takedown MechanicDisruption 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 setupSnap the opponent's head down, when they react by posturing up, change level and shoot the double
From underhook positionSecure an underhook, use it to clear the opponent's defence, change level and blast into the double leg

Variants

Blast doublehigh-impact forward drive through the opponent without changing direction
Snatch doublepulling both legs together and driving laterally
Run-the-pipe doublerunning through the opponent in a linear drive
Low doubledeep penetration step attacking below the knees

Videos

5 Beginner Arnis Double Stick Moves You can do today! Filipino Martial Arts

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Standard Low Double·Kali Center·Added by Admin

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

4
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
Legal
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

Training Notes

Drop to the lead knee with an explosive penetration step, reaching both hands to wrap around the opponent's ankles or lower shins
Pull both feet together while driving your shoulder into their knees
Your head should be up, looking at the opponent's chest, not buried in their legs
Once the feet come together, continue driving forward to run them off their base
Pop back to your feet quickly after the initial grab to maintain driving power
This works especially well as a second attack when the opponent defends a high shot by raising their hips

Common Mistakes

!Staying on both knees after the level change — you must get back to at least one foot to drive
!Grabbing only the fabric or shoes instead of wrapping fully around the lower legs
!Head down between their legs, where you can't see or drive effectively
!Not pulling the feet together — the whole point is to eliminate their base by bringing ankles close
!Shooting from too close, not getting low enough because there's no room to change level
!Releasing the legs too early when the opponent tries to step out, instead of squeezing tighter

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1Establish Contactuse grip, tie, or clinch to control the opponent
2Create Off-Balanceuse push-pull action to disrupt the opponent's base
3Execute the Takedownapply the specific takedown mechanic with commitment
4Follow to Groundmaintain 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I use if I don't have proper double sticks yet?

While waiting for your sticks to arrive, you can grab anything you can find to get started with training, or simply use your hands to practice the motions. According to Paul Ingram at Kali Center, rattan sticks are best for Collie training, but using your hands is a valid way to begin learning the technique.

How fast should I be practicing double stick drills when starting out?

Paul Ingram emphasizes that you should start nice and slow and not worry about going at high speed in the beginning—you will work up to speed gradually and progressively through focused, quality training rather than just logging hours.

What should I do after I master the basic double stick drills?

Once you have the five basic drills down, you should work on linking them together creatively through a practice called karenza or solitary free flow, where you explore how the drills connect and mix them in different orders at a slow pace for about 60 seconds.

How does the Standard Low Double work?

The Standard Low Double executes the fundamental below-the-knee double leg where the attacker drops to both knees with an explosive penetration step, wraps both arms around the opponent's lower legs or ankles, and drives forward while pulling the legs together. The deep level change places the attacker's head below the opponent's waist, and the arm wrap captures both legs in a single scoop.

Where does the Standard Low Double come from?

The low double has been a standard wrestling technique, particularly in freestyle competition where the deeper level change opens additional scoring opportunities. It gained prominence in MMA through fighters who needed to penetrate past strong takedown defence.

Is the Standard Low 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 Standard Low Double?

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

How do I set up the Standard Low Double?

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

How do I defend against the Standard Low 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 Standard Low 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 Standard Low Double in competition?

The low double leg is a staple of international freestyle wrestling, frequently used by lighter weight classes where speed advantages are greatest. Jordan Burroughs employed the low double as a signature attack en route to his 2012 Olympic gold medal and four World Championship titles at 74 kg.

What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Low Double?

Top errors to watch for: Staying on both knees after the level change — you must get back to at least one foot to drive / Grabbing only the fabric or shoes instead of wrapping fully around the lower legs / Head down between their legs, where you can't see or drive effectively / Not pulling the feet together — the whole point is to eliminate their base by bringing ankles close.

What are other names for the Standard Low Double?

The Standard Low Double is also known as Rō Daburu, Deep Double Leg TD, Below-Knee Double, Low-Level Morote Gari.