Double Leg Takedown

Last updated: April 12, 2026

What is a double leg takedown?

The double leg takedown, often shortened to “the double leg” or just “the double,” is a technique where a fighter shoots in low, wraps both arms around an opponent’s legs, and uses forward pressure to force them onto their back. In judo, the same technique is called morote gari, meaning “two-hand reap.”

The technique has existed as long as humans have grappled. Ancient sculptures and artwork from Greek, Egyptian, and Roman cultures show wrestlers locked in positions that closely resemble a modern double leg. Every grappling discipline alive today teaches some version of it, from freestyle wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In MMA, the double leg matters because it gives a fighter the ability to dictate where the fight takes place. A striker facing a wrestler knows the double leg is coming. A wrestler who lands one can shift the entire fight to the ground, where they may hold a significant advantage. That tug of war between takedown offense and takedown defense is one of the central dynamics in modern MMA.

The Kodokan, judo’s governing body, officially recognized morote gari as a judo throw in 1982. The International Judo Federation then banned all direct leg-grab attacks from competition starting in 2010, which means the double leg is no longer legal in IJF-sanctioned judo events. The technique remains widely used in wrestling, BJJ, and MMA.

How the double leg takedown works

The basic concept behind the double leg is straightforward physics. A fighter lowers their body to get underneath their opponent’s center of gravity, then drives forward while controlling both legs to topple them.

Three elements make it work. First, the level change: dropping the hips and bending the knees to get low enough to attack the legs. Second, the penetration step: a long, explosive step forward that closes the distance and places the lead foot between the opponent’s legs. Third, the drive: pushing forward with the legs and shoulder while pulling the opponent’s legs in tight, which compromises their balance and sends them to the mat.

Head position matters here. The attacking fighter keeps their head up and presses against the opponent’s torso or hip. A head that drops too low makes it easier for the defender to sprawl or to lock on a guillotine choke.

When the takedown lands cleanly, the attacking fighter typically ends up in a dominant position like side control, where they can begin working from the top.

Types of double leg takedowns

There are several variations, each suited to different situations and distances.

The standard drive-across double is the most commonly taught version. The fighter takes a center penetration step, wraps both legs at the thigh, and drives the opponent sideways to the mat while turning a corner with their head.

The blast double prioritizes speed and power over finesse. The fighter explodes into the opponent’s midsection with their shoulder and drives straight through, relying on momentum to flatten the opponent before they can react. This version is common in MMA, where striking exchanges can mask the setup.

The low double targets both legs below the knees. It requires less penetration distance but more precise timing, and the finish rate is high when the entry lands clean.

The double leg with trip adds a leg sweep to the equation. After securing both legs, the fighter hooks one leg behind the opponent’s ankle and pushes forward, tripping them to the ground.

Variation	Target area	Finishing method	Best used when
Standard drive-across	Thighs	Drive sideways, turn corner	Opponent is square, close range
Blast double	Midsection and legs	Drive straight through	Off strike combinations
Low double	Below the knees	Scoop and drive	Opponent standing tall, tight distance
Double with trip	Thighs plus ankle	Trip and push forward	Clinch range, opponent resisting

Double leg takedown vs single leg takedown

These two takedowns are the bread and butter of wrestling-based offense in MMA, and fighters often confuse them or wonder when to use which.

The double leg targets both legs simultaneously. It requires the attacker to close more distance and commit fully to the shot. When it lands, the result is often immediate and decisive, with the opponent hitting the mat hard.

The single leg targets one leg. It requires less distance to initiate and can be easier to grab, especially when an opponent leaves one leg forward in their stance. The trade-off is that finishing a single leg usually takes more work. The opponent still has one base leg, so the attacker often needs to trip, lift, or off-balance them through secondary movements.

	Double leg	Single leg
Legs targeted	Both	One
Distance needed	More	Less
Commitment level	Full commitment required	Can be more opportunistic
Typical finish	Immediate, the opponent hits the mat	Requires secondary technique
Main risk	Sprawl, guillotine choke	Opponent maintains base, can counter
Common in	Wrestling, MMA	Wrestling, MMA, BJJ

In practice, elite MMA fighters chain the two together. A double leg attempt that gets partially stuffed can transition into a single leg, and a single leg that stalls can convert into a double.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you defend a double leg takedown?

The most common defense is the sprawl, where the defender shoots their legs back and drops their hips onto the attacker’s upper back, killing their forward momentum. A poorly executed double leg also leaves the attacker vulnerable to a guillotine choke if their head drops too low during the shot.

Is the double leg takedown legal in judo?

Not in IJF-sanctioned competition. The International Judo Federation banned direct leg-grab attacks starting in 2010. The technique, known as morote gari in judo, was officially recognized by the Kodokan in 1982 but has been prohibited in competitive judo ever since the rule change. It remains legal in wrestling, BJJ, and MMA.

What is a blast double?

A blast double is an explosive variation of the standard double leg. The attacker charges forward with maximum speed and power, driving their shoulder into the opponent’s torso while securing both legs. It trades the finesse of a setup for raw explosiveness and is common in MMA, where fighters disguise the shot behind punches or feints.

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Sources

1. MMA Fight DB. “Fight Stats: Double Leg Is the Most Common MMA Takedown.” Accessed April 2026.
2. Wikipedia. “Takedown (grappling).” Accessed April 2026.
3. Kodokan Judo Institute. Classification of morote gari as Shinmeisho-no-waza, 1982.
4. International Judo Federation. Rule changes banning direct leg-grab attacks, 2010.
5. Judo Encyclopedia. “Morote-gari.” Accessed April 2026.
6. Evolve University. “Single Leg Takedown vs. Double Leg Takedown Debate.” Accessed April 2026.
7. ESPN. “The numbers reveal more to Merab Dvalishvili’s game than takedowns.” Accessed April 2026.

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