Range Assessment
Before initiating a double leg takedown, the practitioner must establish proper range by extending the arm toward the opponent. The ideal distance is just outside arm's reach—close enough to execute the technique without excessive ground coverage, but far enough to prevent the opponent from defending with their hands or striking.
Level Change
The second fundamental step is dropping the level to move underneath the opponent's arms, which are the primary defensive barrier. By lowering the body and moving laterally rather than directly at the legs, the practitioner bypasses hand defense and achieves a more direct path to the target.
Lead Leg Step and Knee Placement
As the practitioner drops their level, they must step forward with their lead leg while loading the back leg for drive. The lead knee then contacts the ground close to the opponent, with the lead leg positioned deep to maintain proper posture and structure throughout the takedown.
Finishing Drive and Side Control
From the grounded position, the practitioner drives with their back leg and head to sweep the opponent sideways, completing the takedown into side control. The head positioning should remain on the upward side of the movement to maximize force transfer and maintain control.
Common Error: Direct Leg Attack
A frequent mistake is shooting directly at the opponent's legs without lowering level first, allowing the opponent's hands to block the technique. Proper level change must precede the leg engagement to ensure success.
Common Error: Wrong Leg Stepping
Stepping with the trail leg instead of the lead leg significantly slows the technique and gives the opponent excess reaction time. The lead leg is already forward in stance and covers distance more efficiently.
Common Error: Shallow Knee Placement
Placing the lead knee too shallow causes the practitioner to lean forward excessively, compromising posture and allowing the opponent to sprawl effectively. A deep knee placement maintains an upright torso position and prevents flattening.
Common Error: Back Knee to Ground
Placing the back knee on the ground instead of the front knee eliminates the driving force needed to complete the takedown. The back leg must remain active and engaged to generate the necessary hip drive for completion.
Head Position During Finish
The head should always drive toward the upward side during the finishing drive to maximize force production and maintain control advantage. Driving with the head down reduces mechanical advantage and increases vulnerability.
Basic Double Leg Takedown
Key Takeaways
- •Range Assessment
- •Level Change
- •Lead Leg Step and Knee Placement
- •Finishing Drive and Side Control
Full Course Playlist → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDrQXekZsfYZfV1QZ4T5UkxLwFwQ12EbP Find the Introduction course here → https://submeta.io/@lachlangiles/courses/introduction The double leg takedown is one of the most effective ways to take another human being to the ground. In this video, we show you how to execute a basic version of the double leg that is applicable to both grappling and self-defence scenarios. Please take care training the double leg, especially if your training partner does not have much experience being taken down. Take it slow at first and increase only when comfortable. More from Lachlan https://www.submeta.io/@lachlangiles Subscribe to watch a huge range of courses all designed to plan, personalize and optimize your game. Follow SUBMETA https://www.instagram.com/submeta.io https://www.facebook.com/submeta.io
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about tkd double leg takedown?
This video covers range assessment, level change, lead leg step and knee placement. It provides detailed instruction from Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne.
How long does it take to learn tkd double leg takedown?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing tkd double leg takedown?
Placing the back knee on the ground instead of the front knee eliminates the driving force needed to complete the takedown. The back leg must remain active and engaged to generate the necessary hip drive for completion.
