Safety Considerations for Kani Basami

The kani basami is an effective takedown technique, but practitioners must execute it with proper safety protocols. Flying and jumping attacks carry inherent risks of ankle and knee injuries if the partner is unprepared. Even skilled practitioners can cause injury to an unprepared partner, making careful preparation essential before attempting this technique.

Initial Setup and Grip Establishment

Begin with both practitioners matching their right legs while maintaining a cross grip with the right arm held high. Circle and step forward while pulling the partner's arm to create the proper positioning. Establish an over-class grip (or wizard grip in gi) by controlling the partner's back with the second hand while holding the fabric.

Leg Positioning and Hook Placement

Insert the right leg as a hook behind the partner's knee and hamstring, positioning the shoelaces at the target area. Apply tension to the hook to place weight on the partner's heels, creating the necessary mechanical advantage. This proactive leg placement mimics the position that would occur naturally if the partner attempted a single-leg takedown.

Weight Distribution and Secondary Leg Placement

Place the left hand on the floor to stabilize and support body weight, ensuring the secondary leg remains light and mobile. Rather than throwing the hips onto the partner's knee, focus on placing the secondary knee directly behind the partner's knee. This controlled placement is critical for safe execution and proper positioning upon landing.

Landing Position and Leg Entanglement

Upon landing, both legs should be positioned on the inside of the partner's leg, providing complete control and access. Turn both knees inward to position the partner's kneecap to face toward the instructor's belt buckle. This leg entanglement setup creates the foundation for finishing techniques.

Knee Bar Finish

Control the partner's heel and optionally the toes while turning to face the ankle and knee. Cross the ankles and drive the knees inward to execute the knee bar finish with maximum mechanical advantage. This powerful leg lock completes the kani basami combination in a controlled manner.

Sequence Execution Summary

Execute the technique in six steps: grip, pull to create underhook position, insert the hook foot, place supporting hand on floor, bring the secondary leg up and behind the knee, then settle into leg control. Immediately transition to turning the knees inward and crossing the ankles for the knee bar. This systematic approach ensures safe and effective execution of the complete technique.

Kani basami

Shintaro Higashi

Standard Kani Basami

2 min read·7 key moments·PT5M45S video

Key Takeaways

•Safety Considerations for Kani Basami
•Initial Setup and Grip Establishment
•Leg Positioning and Hook Placement
•Weight Distribution and Secondary Leg Placement

Kani basami is one of the most dangerous moves in all of grappling. Brian shows a variation of Kani basami here. Hope you like it. Me and Brian go way back. We are constantly sharing knowledge and working out. He is an Amazing BJJ black belt. You can check out his Youtube below! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDPspEXGaVTwxHL11Tsygw Brian is also teaching on www.thedojo.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard kani basami?

This video covers safety considerations for kani basami, initial setup and grip establishment, leg positioning and hook placement. It provides detailed instruction from Shintaro Higashi.

How long does it take to learn standard kani basami?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.