Course Overview
This instructional guide covers the double leg takedown, a fundamental technique widely used in mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu. Designed for complete beginners, the course assumes no prior knowledge and provides both overview and detailed breakdown of the technique.
Range Management
Proper range assessment is critical before initiating the takedown. The practitioner should position themselves just outside arm's reach—close enough to execute the technique efficiently, but far enough to avoid opponent's defensive strikes or blocks. This is verified by extending the arm; if contact cannot be made, the opponent is similarly unable to defend effectively.
Level Change
Dropping the level is essential to pass the opponent's defensive arm positioning. By lowering the center of gravity and moving underneath the arms, the practitioner creates a direct pathway to the legs rather than attempting to penetrate through the opponent's hands.
Lead Leg Advancement
The lead leg must step forward first to minimize distance traveled and reaction time. Unlike natural walking patterns that begin with the rear leg, this technique prioritizes speed and efficiency by utilizing the forward leg's existing positioning advantage.
Grip and Knee Placement
Both knees are secured with a firm grip before initiating the drive. The lead knee contacts the mat while the rear leg remains engaged, creating the structural foundation necessary to drive the opponent backward and prevent sprawl defense.
Posture and Penetration Depth
Deep penetration with the lead leg maintains an upright posture that prevents the opponent from achieving effective sprawl control. A shallow step results in forward lean and loss of structural integrity, making the takedown vulnerable to defensive repositioning.
Finishing Drive and Side Control
The rear leg drives through explosively while the head stays positioned on the upper side of the opponent's body. This coordinated action completes the takedown and transitions the practitioner into dominant side control position.
Common Error: Direct Path Attack
Approaching the legs directly instead of dropping level first allows the opponent's arms to intercept and block the technique. Bypassing the hands through proper level change significantly increases success rate and technical soundness.
Common Error: Incorrect Knee Contact
Placing the rear knee on the mat instead of the lead knee eliminates drive power and structural advantage. The rear leg must remain engaged for hip drive and forward momentum throughout the completion of the takedown.
Head Positioning for Optimal Control
The head must drive upward and across the opponent's body rather than downward, maximizing leverage and minimizing vulnerability. Poor head positioning reduces drive power and increases exposure to defensive counters.
Basic Double Leg Takedown
Key Takeaways
- •Course Overview
- •Range Management
- •Level Change
- •Lead Leg Advancement
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard run-the-pipe double?
This video covers course overview, range management, level change. It provides detailed instruction from Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne.
How long does it take to learn standard run-the-pipe double?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard run-the-pipe double?
Placing the rear knee on the mat instead of the lead knee eliminates drive power and structural advantage. The rear leg must remain engaged for hip drive and forward momentum throughout the completion of the takedown.
