Break Fall Fundamentals

Before attempting takedowns, practitioners must master break fall techniques to safely disperse impact energy and prevent injury. Break falls involve slapping the arms against the ground while keeping the body spread out rather than posting hands rigidly. This principle applies to falls on the back, front, and sides, requiring dedicated practice before engaging in takedown training.

Double Leg Takedown Setup

Successful double leg takedowns require recognizing an opening in the opponent's stance rather than telegraphing the movement with stiff arms. The instructor should look for natural gaps in the opponent's posture or create space through subtle hand contact with the rear hand, avoiding obvious telegraphing that allows easy defense.

Creating Offensive Angles

Snap downs and light touches with the rear hand can create the space needed to execute a takedown. When the opponent reacts to these disturbances or naturally shifts position, the opening becomes available for the shooter to enter.

Angle and Drive Mechanics

The fundamental error in double leg takedowns is shooting straight in rather than changing angles. The practitioner should drive at approximately 90 degrees to the opponent's original stance, forcing them to fall perpendicular to their line rather than backward, then pass the legs to achieve side control.

Head Positioning and Finish

During the takedown execution, the head must remain high to maintain proper posture and control. After driving through and taking the opponent down, the legs are pulled past the body to transition into side control or geo side control position.

Takedown Advantages in Self-Defense

Takedowns serve a critical self-defense function by controlling the engagement distance and eliminating striking threats. Successfully taking an opponent to the ground and establishing top control position significantly limits their ability to counterattack while giving the defender positional advantage.

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Top Position

2 min read·6 key moments·PT19M11S video

Key Takeaways

•Break Fall Fundamentals
•Double Leg Takedown Setup
•Creating Offensive Angles
•Angle and Drive Mechanics

As a beginner you NEED THIS TECHNIQUE in order to be successful with any takedown!! Watch this video to find out more: 1. BJJ Breakfalls: Back Breakfalls & Side Breakfalls 2. BJJ Double Leg Takedown - Angle is the key to success 3. What to do when your BJJ double leg fails? Outside Trip 4. Why do takedowns matter? - Prevent strikes & control your opponent 5. What do you do after a takedown? - Guard Passing & Side Control 6. BJJ Osoto Gari 7. Maintaining Scarf Hold (aka Kesa Gatame aka Judo Side Control) 8. What to ask your coach - How to get better as takedowns FASTER as a Jiu-Jitsu white belt. Knee Pads: https://amzn.to/37R4raf If I were starting BJJ as a beginner again, I would get this inexpensive GI: https://amzn.to/2NLkZci AFTER THIS VIDEO WATCH: Women's Self Defense: https://youtu.be/7ntq-qGfqGc MUST WATCH (another BJJ Self Defense Video for women): https://youtu.be/JrFnKL60oio BOOKS BY CRYSTAL NADEAU / REALIZE LIFE https://amzn.to/2S6wvh5 https://amzn.to/2tfZV3U https://amzn.to/2Oga3Rz Female BJJ White Belt Beginner? After this video watch: 1. UNDERSTAND BOTTOM POSITIONS: https://youtu.be/SepGOCEin9Q 2. UNDERSTAND TOP POSITIONS: https://youtu.be/hPr-L6BBKq 3. Watch next: https://youtu.be/wHRXUDeLE9c 4. Watch next: https://youtu.be/JrFnKL60oio Email: [email protected]

Related Techniques

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about top position?

This video covers break fall fundamentals, double leg takedown setup, creating offensive angles. It provides detailed instruction from REALIZE BJJ LIFE.

How long does it take to learn top position?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.