BJJ Self-Defense Course | Lesson 103: Run-By Knee-Tap Takedown
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Knee TapΒ·Gracie Schwarzwald Jiu-JitsuΒ·Added by Admin
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Translation: knee tap (katakana)
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Knee Tap is a sweep single genus where the attacker pushes the opponent's weight to one side using upper body control, then taps or blocks the loaded knee from the outside, collapsing the leg and causing the opponent to fall. [1] The attacker uses a collar tie, post, or push to shift the opponent's weight onto one leg, then reaches down and taps the outside of that knee while simultaneously pushing the opponent over the collapsing leg. [1],[2] The knee tap requires minimal level change and is one of the lowest-energy takedowns available. [2] The technique is effective from standard tie-up positions and is often chained with snap-downs and ankle picks. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- GreeceWrestling
- USAWrestling, MMA
- BrazilMMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- JapanBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
The knee tap is a high-percentage takedown because it requires minimal level change and can be executed from standard tie-up positions without a deep penetration step. [1] The technique exploits the opponent's forward weight shift by redirecting them to the mat with a pull-and-tap motion. [1] In MMA, the knee tap is valued for its speed and the minimal exposure to counterattacks during execution. [2]
Lineage
The knee tap is a close-range takedown from wrestling that blocks or redirects the opponent's knee while driving their upper body, causing them to collapse. [1]
Competition Record
Georges St-Pierre frequently employed knee taps in UFC competition, using the technique as part of his takedown-heavy game plan during his welterweight championship reign (2006-2013). [1] The knee tap is widely used in collegiate wrestling as both a primary attack and a secondary finish from single-leg and tie-up positions. [2]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Isolation of one leg β controlling a single support point destabilises the opponent's base
Joints Involved β Attacker's lead knee (penetration step), hips (level change and lifting), opponent's knee and hip (controlled)
Force Vector β Lateral and upward β lifting or sweeping the captured leg while driving the shoulder into the opponent's body
Finishing Mechanic β Varies by finish β run-the-pipe (forward drive), trip (inside/outside foot trip), or lift (elevation of captured leg)
Position & Entry
From collar tie β Use the collar tie to control distance, inside-step and sweep the lead leg while driving with upper body
From hand fighting β Clear grips, step inside and hook the lead leg with the corresponding foot, drive through with shoulder
Variants
Inside single β shooting to the inside of the lead leg, head inside position
Outside single β attacking from the outside of the lead leg
High crotch β securing the thigh above the knee with head in the hip
Low single β attacking the ankle from outside range without deep penetration
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Single leg is one of the safest takedowns; controlled descent (John Smith methodology)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
β IJF β Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition β direct han...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFRestricted
β 2-4 points
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDFLegal
β 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ Unified MMA β Legal takedown technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ ADCC β Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ FIAS Sport Sambo β Legal β all takedowns permitted
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFβ FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFβ 2 points
NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
βPush the opponent's weight to one side using your collar tie or post, loading the target knee
βWith your free hand, tap or block the outside of the loaded knee, folding it inward
βThe push creates the off-balance; the tap just collapses the already-loaded leg
βTiming is everything β tap the knee when their weight commits to that foot during a step
βKeep your own level low so the reach to the knee doesn't require bending at the waist
βThe knee tap is fast and low-commitment β perfect for chaining into other attacks if it fails
Common Mistakes
!Tapping the knee without first loading weight onto it β the tap alone has no effect on an unloaded leg
!Pushing and tapping at the same time instead of push first, then tap
!Bending over to reach the knee instead of squatting β exposes the neck
!Tapping the inside of the knee (pushing it outward) when the tap should go outside-in
!Using too much force on the tap β it's a redirect, not a strike
!Telegraphing by reaching for the knee before establishing the push
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Sprawl β drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attemptUnderhook β establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entryPost and Circle β post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angleLevel Change Defence β recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence
Setup Chain
1Establish Contact β use grip, tie, or clinch to control the opponent
2Create Off-Balance β use push-pull action to disrupt the opponent's base
3Execute the Takedown β apply the specific takedown mechanic with commitment
4Follow to Ground β 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 (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese amateur wrestling terminology
Standard katakana transliteration used in Japanese wrestling (γ¬γΉγͺγ³γ°)
Community
Athletics
Requires
penetration step speed, upper body endurance for finishing, balance
Favours
longer arms for reach, quick hips for level change
Key muscles
quadriceps, hip flexors, shoulders, grip/forearms
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key mistake people make when performing the run-by knee tap?
According to Gracie Schwarzwald Jiu-Jitsu, the critical error is stopping after the initial block instead of continuing to move. The instructor emphasizes: don't stop after you step and blockβkeep running past your opponent to achieve a control position, as stopping requires more effort even if they fall.
How do I prevent my opponent from shooting after I establish the grip?
You need to put weight on the leg you're about to block while controlling it with your hand, which prevents your opponent from being able to pick it up or shoot underneath you, according to Gracie Schwarzwald Jiu-Jitsu.
What's the proper arm positioning when executing the run-by knee tap?
Lift the arm toward the ceiling rather than pushing outward, says Gracie Schwarzwald Jiu-Jitsu. This positioning, combined with maintaining your head in contact with their jaw, keeps them controlled while you move through.
How does the Knee Tap work?
The Knee Tap is a sweep single genus where the attacker pushes the opponent's weight to one side using upper body control, then taps or blocks the loaded knee from the outside, collapsing the leg and causing the opponent to fall. The attacker uses a collar tie, post, or push to shift the opponent's weight onto one leg, then reaches down and taps the outside of that knee while simultaneously pushing the opponent over the collapsing leg.
Where does the Knee Tap come from?
The knee tap has roots in various folk wrestling traditions and was refined as a standard technique in both wrestling and judo (similar to kibisu-gaeshi concepts). Its minimal energy expenditure and high success rate from the clinch made it popular in MMA.
Is the Knee Tap legal in competition?
IJF: banned β Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition β direct hansoku-make for touching oppβ¦; IBJJF: legal β Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: restricted β Legal in freestyle (2-4 points), banned in Greco-Roman (no attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal β Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal β Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal β Legal β all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal β Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)
How dangerous is the Knee Tap?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate β single leg is one of the safest takedowns; controlled descent (John Smith methodology)
How do I set up the Knee Tap?
The standard setup chain: Establish Contact β Create Off-Balance β Execute the Takedown β Follow to Ground.
How do I defend against the Knee Tap?
Standard counters include: Sprawl β drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Underhook β establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entry / Post and Circle β post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angle / Level Change Defence β recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence.
What are the variants of the Knee Tap?
Common variants: Inside single (shooting to the inside of the lead leg, head inside position); Outside single (attacking from the outside of the lead leg); High crotch (securing the thigh above the knee with head in the hip); Low single (attacking the ankle from outside range without deep penetβ¦).
How effective is the Knee Tap in competition?
Georges St-Pierre frequently employed knee taps in UFC competition, using the technique as part of his takedown-heavy game plan during his welterweight championship reign (2006-2013). The knee tap is widely used in collegiate wrestling as both a primary attack and a secondary finish from single-leg and tie-up positions.
What are common mistakes when doing the Knee Tap?
Top errors to watch for: Tapping the knee without first loading weight onto it β the tap alone has no effect on an unloaded leg / Pushing and tapping at the same time instead of push first, then tap / Bending over to reach the knee instead of squatting β exposes the neck / Tapping the inside of the knee (pushing it outward) when the tap should go outside-in.
What are other names for the Knee Tap?
The Knee Tap is also known as NΔ« Tappu, Knee Pick, Knee Tap Takedown, Hiza Guruma (knee).