Best Wrestling Techniques for BJJ: Elevate Your Grappling Game
Introduction
Imagine you’re at BJJ practice, and the round starts in a standing position. Your opponent charges in, executes a takedown, and now you find yourself fighting from your back—again.
Frustrating, isn’t it? If you’ve ever felt trapped in the stand-up game or wished to take control from the outset, wrestling techniques could be the missing piece in your BJJ puzzle.
In this post, we’ll explore the best wrestling techniques for BJJ, how to use them effectively, and even how to turn the tables on wrestlers at your gym. Ready to level up? Let’s get started!
Why Wrestling Matters in BJJ
Wrestling isn’t just for singlets and mats—it’s a game-changer for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ excels on the ground, but wrestling provides the tools to dominate the stand-up phase. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
Start on Top: Land takedowns and avoid the guard-pull struggle.
Shut Down Attacks: Defensive wrestling halts opponents in their tracks.
Mix It Up: Incorporating wrestling keeps your game unpredictable.
Think of legends like Demian Maia or Gordon Ryan—wrestling skills enabled them to control fights from start to finish. So, how can you utilise wrestling in BJJ? Let’s dive into the techniques.
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The Best Wrestling Techniques for BJJ
Here are the top moves to add to your arsenal. Each one is broken down with steps, BJJ applications, and tips to avoid rookie mistakes.
1. Double Leg Takedown
This classic is one of the best wrestling techniques for BJJ because it’s powerful and straightforward. It’s all about driving through your opponent and landing in a dominant spot.
How to Do It:
Drop your hips (level change) to get low.
Shoot forward, grab behind both knees, and drive your shoulder into their midsection.
Lift or trip them to the mat.
Why It Works in BJJ:
Sets you up for side control or mount, bypassing their guard.
Perfect for No-Gi where grips are limited.
Watch Out:
Keep your head outside to avoid guillotines. Practice good posture!
2. Single Leg Takedown
A precision alternative to the double leg, this move shines when your opponent’s stance is wide or they’re defending aggressively.
How to Do It:
Grab their lead leg, keeping your head inside.
Lift the leg while pushing their hip with your shoulder.
Finish by tripping them or running the pipe.
Why It Works in BJJ:
Great for Gi or No-Gi, and it can lead to guard passes or leg locks.
Watch Out:
Stay tight to their body to dodge sprawls.
3. Snap Down
Not a takedown on its own, but a killer setup that exposes your opponent’s weaknesses.
How to Do It:
From a collar tie, yank their head down fast while stepping back.
They’ll either stumble forward or drop to their knees.
Why It Works in BJJ:
Opens up guillotines, front headlocks, or full takedowns.
Disrupts their posture in stand-up battles.
Watch Out:
Pair it with a follow-up move for best results.
4. Sprawl
A defensive gem, the sprawl is your answer to how to beat BJJ with wrestling—or at least stop their takedowns cold.
How to Do It:
As they shoot in, drop your hips to the mat and kick your legs back.
Press your weight onto their shoulders to flatten them out.
Why It Works in BJJ:
Stops wrestlers in their tracks, then lets you attack their back or neck.
Watch Out:
Keep your hips heavy—half-hearted sprawls don’t cut it.
How to Use Wrestling in BJJ: Training Tips
Knowing the moves is one thing; making them work in sparring is another. Here’s how to use wrestling in BJJ effectively:
Drill Like Crazy: Focus on reps. Start slow, perfect your form, then add speed.
Stand-Up Sparring: Ask your coach for rounds that start on the feet. Apply these techniques live.
Learn from Wrestlers: Hit up a wrestling class or watch YouTube breakdowns from champs like Jordan Burroughs.
Got a question about reps or setups? Try this: Drill one takedown 20 times per session. It’ll feel natural in no time.
How Many Takedowns Are There in Wrestling?
Ever wondered how many takedowns are there in wrestling? Dozens—maybe hundreds if you count variations! But for BJJ, you don’t need them all. Master the double leg, single leg, and a setup like the snap down first. Later, branch out to fancier moves like the high crotch or ankle pick. Quality beats quantity every time.
Countering Wrestling with BJJ
What if you’re facing a wrestler in your gym? Here’s how to turn the tables:
Sprawl Early: Stop their shots before they penetrate deeply.
Grip Fight: In Gi, use collar and sleeve grips to hinder their progress.
Pull Guard Smart: If takedowns aren’t your forte, transition to guard—but do so with purpose.
The sprawl, in particular, is crucial for overcoming BJJ with wrestling—and for countering it effectively.
Wrap-Up
Wrestling techniques can elevate your BJJ from good to unstoppable. Whether it’s executing the perfect double leg or sprawling to evade danger, these moves provide you with control over the fight’s flow. Start small, drill hard, and watch your game develop. Which technique will you try first? Drop a comment below and let me know how it goes during your next roll!
FAQs: Wrestling and BJJ Answered
Got questions about blending wrestling with BJJ or how these arts stack up? Here are clear answers to help you navigate the mat!
Can you use wrestling techniques in BJJ?
Absolutely! Wrestling techniques like double leg takedowns, snap downs, and sprawls are perfect for BJJ. They help you control the stand-up game, secure top positions, and counter opponents’ attacks, making them some of the best wrestling techniques for BJJ.
How to get better at wrestling for BJJ?
Drill consistently—focus on moves like single leg takedowns and sprawls. Join wrestling classes or spar standing at your BJJ gym. Watch pros like Marcelo Garcia for inspiration. Repetition and live practice are key to mastering how to use wrestling in BJJ.
What is the best strategy for BJJ?
The best strategy combines solid fundamentals with adaptability. Use wrestling for takedowns to start on top, control posture, and chain submissions. Stay calm, defend smart, and capitalize on openings, whether in training or competition.
Is BJJ effective against wrestling?
Yes, but it depends. BJJ shines on the ground with submissions and guard play, but wrestlers often dominate standing. Learn defensive wrestling (like sprawling) to neutralize their takedowns and pull the fight to your BJJ strengths.
Why do wrestlers beat BJJ guys?
Wrestlers often win in stand-up due to explosive takedowns and top control. Without wrestling skills, BJJ practitioners may struggle to bring the fight to the ground. Adding best wrestling techniques for BJJ levels the playing field.
Can BJJ beat Kung Fu?
In most cases, yes. BJJ’s focus on grappling and submissions gives it an edge in close-range, ground-based scenarios. Kung Fu varies widely, but its traditional forms often lack the live sparring that makes BJJ practical in real fights.
Is BJJ useful in a real fight?
Definitely! BJJ equips you to control opponents, neutralize threats, and submit without striking, ideal for self-defense. Pair it with wrestling for takedowns to handle real-world scenarios confidently.
Have more questions? Drop them in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation rolling!