Introduction to Kani Basami

The kani basami is a leg scissor sweep executed through a scissoring motion of the legs. Though prohibited in many jiu-jitsu and grappling tournaments due to injury risk—particularly for beginners—the technique can be trained safely with proper knowledge and awareness. The instructor draws on over 12 years of capoeira experience, where the technique (called chisora di costa) is regularly practiced on hard floors without mats in dynamic settings.

Foundational Mechanics and Setup

The kani basami begins from a standing position with one grappler establishing an underhook or overhook on the opponent. The attacking grappler leans their body weight onto the opponent's shoulder while positioning themselves sideways in a wrestling stance. The rear leg executes a backstep motion to catch both of the opponent's legs—the secondary leg with the heel and the primary leg on the thigh—creating dual contact points for the scissor.

Critical Safety Positioning

The attacker must maintain a high hip position throughout the technique to avoid concentrating excessive force on the opponent's knees. Rather than dropping the hips fully to the floor, the attacker leans on the elbow while keeping the hip close to the opponent's hip. Injury most commonly occurs when an attacker collapses their full body weight downward while the opponent's knees are locked, necessitating controlled descent by both participants.

Leg Configuration and Inside Position Control

After catching both legs in the scissor, the attacker positions their outside leg to trap the opponent's secondary leg while their inside leg hooks the opponent's thigh. This configuration provides superior control and positioning compared to ending with the foot on the outside, allowing the attacker to maintain leg control and prevents the opponent from stepping back. The high-low scissor points—one on the thigh and one on the shin or secondary leg—enable effective pressure without forcing the knees into dangerous angles.

Partner Cooperation in Training

During drills, the defending partner should maintain slightly bent knees rather than locking them rigid, which significantly reduces injury risk. As the takedown executes, the defender should fall backward with the attacker as if sitting in a chair, maintaining a tucked chin and moving with the motion rather than resisting. This cooperative approach allows the attacker to become accustomed to the technique's timing and control while protecting both participants from traumatic knee injuries.

Transition to the 411 Position

The kani basami concludes with both grapplers entering the 411 position (also called leg lock position or triangle armlock setup). The attacker maintains hip height throughout the fall, controlling the opponent's secondary leg with their rear leg to prevent the opponent from stepping out. This position provides a natural entry point for subsequent leg lock attacks while maintaining control of the fallen opponent.

Application Against the Single Leg Takedown

When an opponent initiates a single leg takedown, the attacker can counter using the kani basami by maintaining upper body control on the opponent's armpit or shoulder. The attacker then swings their trapped leg backward while posting the opposite hand on the mat, converting the opponent's attack into a kani basami takedown. This application requires keeping body weight close to the opponent rather than attempting to escape, as proper positioning is already established for the counter.

Strategic Entry and Baiting Tactics

In sparring, the attacker can intentionally bait opponents into shooting single leg takedowns by maintaining an open stance with one foot forward during grip fighting. Once the opponent commits to the single leg, the attacker can immediately transition to the kani basami counter. By understanding the opponent's tendency to attack the lead leg, the attacker creates openings to execute the technique with greater success.

Kani basami

Energia Martial Arts

Kani Basami

3 min read·8 key moments·PT7M42S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Kani Basami
•Foundational Mechanics and Setup
•Critical Safety Positioning
•Leg Configuration and Inside Position Control

Kani basami The scissor takedown! We are sharing part of our DVD 'Leglocks Unlocked'; available at BJJ Fanatics. In this clip we demonstrate how to enter for the 411 (or saddle, honey hole, cross ashi, inside sankaku) from the infamous flying scissor takedown. There is a lot of fear on this takedown but also a lot of misconception. Just like with heel hooks, if we never practice them out of fear, we will uphold the danger. Knowledge and proper training gives us a safe way to train and experience this. For more info check out the full DVD or visit our Patreon. To check out our gear go to: https://energia-martialarts.com/energia-fight-wear/ Instagram: @Tumenergia Instruction: Tum Energia Assisting: Mike Peters Music: Mr. Ortiz #kanibasami #LeglocksUnlocked #heelhook #leglock #bjj #submission #energiamartialarts #strangle #submissiongrappling #mma #brazilianjiujitsu #UFC #submission #leglockdefence #rearnakedchoke #scissortakedown #flyingscissor

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about kani basami?

This video covers introduction to kani basami, foundational mechanics and setup, critical safety positioning. It provides detailed instruction from Energia Martial Arts.

How long does it take to learn kani basami?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.