Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is often synonymous with ground fighting. But the reality is that every match starts standing—and knowing how to take the fight to the ground efficiently is crucial, especially in No-Gi BJJ. Without the grips and friction of a traditional BJJ Gi, takedowns in No-Gi require speed, timing and clean technique. The best No-Gi BJJ takedowns blend elements from wrestling, judo and sambo to bring opponents down while maintaining control.

In this guide, we will break down the top No-Gi BJJ takedowns. Thus, analyzing why they work, how to execute them and how different martial arts contribute to their effectiveness. It does not matter if you are training for ADCC, IBJJF No-Gi, or just sharpening your game. Mastering takedowns will elevate your grappling to the next level.

Why Takedowns Matter in No-Gi BJJ

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, especially at the elite No-Gi level, being able to dictate where the fight goes is a massive advantage. Here’s why takedowns are so important in No-Gi:

• Positional control: Scoring a clean takedown often leads to dominant top positions like side control or mount.
• Points and judges' favor: In both IBJJF and ADCC, takedowns can significantly influence the outcome on the scoreboard.
• Submission chains: Some takedowns lead directly into submissions or favorable setups for leg locks and back takes.
• Self-defense and MMA crossover: In real-world scenarios and MMA, being able to bring your opponent to the ground is a vital skill.

With that in mind, let’s explore the best No-Gi takedowns for BJJ athletes.

1- Double Leg Takedown – The Wrestling Classic

• Martial Art Origin: Wrestling
• Primary Focus: Power, speed, level change
• When to Use: Against upright opponents or during scrambles

The double leg takedown is a staple in No-Gi BJJ due to its explosive nature and direct path to top control. In the absence of a BJJ Gi for grips, a level change followed by penetration step and head drive becomes essential.

Execution:

• Lower your level with a staggered stance.
• Shoot in with your front knee between the opponent’s legs.
• Grab both legs behind the knees.
• Drive through with your head on their chest or side, lifting and turning them to the mat.

Why it Works in No-Gi:

• Fast execution with minimal reliance on grips.
• Can lead directly to passing positions if executed cleanly.
• Easily adapted to chain wrestling.

2- Snap Down to Front Headlock

• Martial Art Origin: Wrestling
• Primary Focus: Misdirection, control, submissions
• When to Use: Against aggressive opponents or after failed shots

The snap down is both a takedown and a setup for multiple submissions, such as the guillotine choke or anaconda choke—both highly effective in No-Gi BJJ.

Execution:

• Use collar ties or hand fighting to create openings.
• Snap your opponent’s head down aggressively.
• Move into a front headlock or spin behind for a takedown.
• Optionally attack submissions like the D’arce or guillotine.

Why it Works in No-Gi:

• Creates angles and exposes the opponent’s back or neck.
• Works well in combination with other takedown entries.
• Excellent for submission-based grapplers.

3- Single Leg Takedown – Precision and Versatility

• Martial Art Origin: Wrestling, Judo (Kuchiki Taoshi variation)
• Primary Focus: Balance disruption
• When to Use: Against staggered or square stances

The single leg takedown offers technical control and is less risky than a full double leg. No-Gi BJJ athletes often use this to force scrambles or quickly hit the mat in dominant positions.

Execution:

• Lower your level and shoot in with a knee to the outside.
• Grab one leg either behind the knee or ankle.
• Pull the leg while pushing with your head on the opponent’s chest.
• Run the pipe or trip the standing leg to finish.

Why it Works in No-Gi:

• Safer and more conservative than double leg.
• Offers numerous transitions into guard passes.
• Effective in tight scrambles and against more defensive postures.

4- Body Lock Takedown – Control and Pressure

• Martial Art Origin: Judo, Greco-Roman
• Wrestling Primary Focus: Clinch control, no reliance on sleeves or collars
• When to Use: Close quarters, against stiff-arm defenses

The body lock takedown is ideal for No-Gi because it relies on underhooks and torso control rather than sleeve grips. From the clinch, you can execute trips, inside reaps or drag downs.

Execution:

• Secure double underhooks or one underhook and a wrist grip.
• Lock hands around the opponent’s torso.
• Use pressure to off-balance them and execute an inside trip (uchimata-style).
• Follow to the ground in dominant position.

Why it Works in No-Gi:

• Dominant grip without relying on a Gi.
• Limits opponent’s movement and sets up easy passes.
• Often leads directly into back takes or mount.

5- Arm Drag to Back Take

• Martial Art Origin: Wrestling, BJJ
• Primary Focus: Positional dominance
• When to Use: Against aggressive or extended arms

The arm drag is one of the most beautiful techniques in BJJ. It combines elements of control, misdirection and speed to take the back standing or on the ground.

Execution:

• Control the opponent’s wrist and bicep.
• Pull the arm across your body while stepping to the outside.
• Secure the far hip or lat.
• Jump to the back or trip the opponent to the ground.

Why it Works in No-Gi:

• Direct path to the back, the most dominant BJJ position.
• Bypasses traditional takedowns in favor of positional control.
• Ideal for submission-focused grapplers.

6- Ankle Picks – Quick and Low Risk

• Martial Art Origin: Wrestling
• Primary Focus: Speed and surprise
• When to Use: After opponent’s failed shot or during disengagement

Ankle picks are underrated but highly effective, especially in scrambly No-Gi scenarios where the opponent’s base is compromised.

Execution:

• Grab the collar tie or reach for the opponent’s head.
• Drop low and grab the ankle of the same side.
• Pull the ankle toward you while pushing the upper body back.
• Follow to the ground and control the top.

Why it Works in No-Gi:

• Fast and unexpected.
• Low commitment and risk of counter.
• Useful for lightweight and agile grapplers.

Integrating Martial Arts into No-Gi Takedowns

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continues to evolve by adopting and refining techniques from other martial arts:

• Wrestling brings explosiveness and chain takedowns.
• Judo offers balance manipulation and clinch throws like sumi gaeshi or kosoto gari.
• Sambo emphasizes leg control and sacrifice throws.
• Greco-Roman wrestling specializes in upper-body control, which is valuable when grips are limited.

Top athletes like Gordon Ryan, Tye Ruotolo, and Craig Jones have all integrated these arts into their No-Gi BJJ games. Thus, making them dangerous both standing and on the mat.

Takedown Drilling Tips for BJJ Practitioners

If you are looking to build your No-Gi takedown game, consider the following:

• Drill with resistance: Train against resisting partners to improve timing and entries.
• Use grip-fighting warmups: Get used to hand-fighting in the absence of a BJJ Gi.
• Practice transitions: Do not just takedown—follow up with positional control or submissions.
• Film yourself: Review entries and adjust your setups and finishes.

Conclusion

BJJ is known for its ground game. However, the ability to dictate how the fight hits the floor is what separates good grapplers from elite ones—especially in No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. By mastering these takedowns—like the double leg, single leg, arm drag, and body lock—you can take control of every match, improve your points game and open doors to dominant positions and fast submissions.

So, lace up your Bjj rash guard, ditch the BJJ Gi for a session and start sharpening your stand-up skills. In modern grappling, the takedown is the first submission.