The double leg takedown has been one of my favorite takedowns, second only to the single leg takedown. Firstly, it looks explosive and super cool; secondly, it stuns your opponent, and you’re likely to gain a dominant position afterward. I had the pleasure of revisiting the double leg takedown in class recently, refining my technique, and checking if I missed anything.

The double leg takedown involves shooting in and scooping up both of your opponent’s legs, sweeping them to the side—almost like chopping a tree—and ending up in side control (preferably).

To start the double leg takedown, position your lead foot forward, lower your base, then shoot in. Open your hips a little but not too much, keep your head on the outside of your partner’s body, sticking your ear to the side of their ribcage. Bring your hands together over and behind their knee or lower thigh (preferably if you can connect your hands), and with your back leg having stepped in, build your base up. Pull their legs to the side as you push your head into their body, moving in a diagonal direction, chopping, and bringing them down onto the mat.

Note: To avoid mat burn when you shoot in with your back leg, step instead of dragging your toes on the mat.

Here’s a tutorial from Lachlan Giles that executes it so effortlessly, as well as a video from a wrestling standpoint: