Student Objectives:

  1. The student will demonstrate the Double Leg takedown, using correct technique, under the supervision of an instructor.

  2. The student will build an understanding of inside hand control and the term “Home Row”

  3. The student will reinforce good body mechanics for level changes with a focus of bending the legs.

Teaching Cues:

  • Home Row

  • Penetration Step

  • Sloth Grips

  • DRIVE!

Lesson: Double Leg Takedown

The practicing student will start in a good takedown position.  Legs staggered, gently bent with their hands up.  A good assisting student will stand in the scarecrow position (See Attachment). 

The practicing student will place their hands on the biceps (Home Row) of the assisting student and then take a large lunge step between the legs of their partner.  This will be referred to as the penetration step.  Emphasize strong posture and encourage the head placement to be next to the belt or pressed heavily into the ribs.  The hands will then transfer from the biceps to the back of the calves.  Once the hands are on the calves, with a deep penetration step then the child should drive forward until their training partner falls.

Remind the assisting student that they should fall during the practicing portion of this technique and instruct them to use a good breakfall, including tucking their chin and slapping the floor.

Possible Extensions:

  • Angle change after the initial drive where the student posts the outside foot and works towards flaring the legs using the sloth grips as they come standing (not recommended for beginners without a crash mat)

  • Pair this with the Scissor Sweep for the assisting student

  • Have the assisting student stand in a good takedown position (instead of the Scarecrow position) and initiate the takedown by laterally stepping to square the feet)

  • Have the assisting student start with Home Row and make the practicing student hand pummel into the inside hand position.

Possible Refinements:

  • Level changing 

  • Sloth grips and avoiding grabbing the back of the knees if the calves are accessible

  • The driving motion and leg placements while trying to finish the takedown

Reference materials:

Teaching Reflections:

  • How did I do teaching?

  • What could I do better next time?

  • Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?