Run the Pipe off the CAGE... Part 3
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Run-The-Pipe Double·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian
This video is part 3 of showing my guys a single leg with a running the pipe finish when you push your opponent against …
Run-The-Pipe Double
SubFamilyランザパイプダブル(Ran Za Paipu Daburu)
TransliterationTranslation: run-the-pipe double (katakana)
Overview
The Run-The-Pipe Double subfamily executes the double leg with a lateral running motion after securing the legs, driving the opponent sideways rather than straight back. [1] After the initial penetration and leg contact, the attacker 'runs the pipe' by stepping laterally while lifting the opponent's legs, forcing them to hop on one foot until they lose balance and topple sideways. [1],[2] This lateral finishing method is effective when the opponent's initial sprawl or weight distribution prevents a direct forward drive. [2] The name 'run the pipe' refers to the circular running path the attacker takes while holding the opponent's legs. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Run-the-pipe is a finishing mechanic taught in American folkstyle and freestyle wrestling. [1]
Competition Record
The run-the-pipe finish is commonly used in NCAA and international wrestling competition. [1]
Images
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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
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Double leg drives through opponent; moderate impact on landing
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
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 27PDFRestricted
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 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
✓After securing both legs, immediately begin moving laterally in a circular arc — don't stall with the grip
✓Keep the opponent's legs pinched tight to your chest as you run the arc
✓Drive your head into their hip on the turning side to maintain off-balance pressure
✓Your feet take short, fast steps in a semicircle — like running around a barrel
✓The opponent's free upper body has to follow the arc, and they can't plant to resist
✓Use the run-the-pipe when the opponent sprawls on your initial double — turn the corner to finish
Common Mistakes
!Running in a straight line instead of an arc — the circular motion is what off-balances them
!Letting the legs separate during the run — keep them pinched tight
!Stopping the run when the opponent tries to base — that's exactly when you need to keep moving
!Head not driving into their hip, so they can rotate their body to face you
!Steps too big and slow — short, choppy, fast steps maintain momentum
!Trying to run the pipe without first securing a tight grip on both legs
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attemptUnderhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entryPost and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angleLevel 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the connection between the wizard position and run-the-pipe?
According to Coach Brian at TeachMeGrappling, the wizard—a counter to the single leg—actually helps set up run-the-pipe. When your opponent pulls you into the wizard, they create the opportunity for you to start running the pipe.
How do you use the cage when executing run-the-pipe from the bottom?
Coach Brian emphasizes that you can use the wall or cage just like you would in a back escape to help you get up and prevent your opponent from establishing hooks.
What should you do if your opponent prevents your initial run-the-pipe escape?
If your opponent blocks your movement, Coach Brian advises hooking the leg and re-engaging rather than giving up on the position.
How does the Run-The-Pipe Double work?
The Run-The-Pipe Double subfamily executes the double leg with a lateral running motion after securing the legs, driving the opponent sideways rather than straight back. After the initial penetration and leg contact, the attacker 'runs the pipe' by stepping laterally while lifting the opponent's legs, forcing them to hop on one foot until they lose balance and topple sideways.
Where does the Run-The-Pipe Double come from?
The run-the-pipe finish became a standard wrestling technique as coaches systematised lateral finishing methods for double legs that stalled on initial contact. The term originated in American folkstyle wrestling rooms and has been adopted globally.
Is the Run-The-Pipe 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 Run-The-Pipe Double?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — double leg drives through opponent; moderate impact on landing
How do I set up the Run-The-Pipe Double?
The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.
How do I defend against the Run-The-Pipe 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 Run-The-Pipe 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 Run-The-Pipe Double in competition?
The run-the-pipe finish is commonly used in NCAA and international wrestling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Run-The-Pipe Double?
Top errors to watch for: Running in a straight line instead of an arc — the circular motion is what off-balances them / Letting the legs separate during the run — keep them pinched tight / Stopping the run when the opponent tries to base — that's exactly when you need to keep moving / Head not driving into their hip, so they can rotate their body to face you.
What are other names for the Run-The-Pipe Double?
The Run-The-Pipe Double is also known as Ran Za Paipu Daburu, Lateral Double Leg, Circle Double, Run The Pipe.