The single leg takedown, kuchiki taoshi (朽木倒), is a takedown that catches one of your partner's legs, lifts it and pushes them down backward. It is one of the most common takedowns in BJJ and wrestling, and a recognised Kodokan hand technique.
- Japanese name: kuchiki taoshi, 朽木倒. The judoinfo.com te-waza page translates it as Dead Tree Drop.
- Kodokan classification: te-waza, a hand technique. The Gokyo no Waza listed on judoinfo.com places it among the Shinmeisho no Waza.
- In BJJ: a core takedown because it works from a collar tie, a snap down or a caught kick. Read Judo for BJJ Players for how judo takedowns carry over.
What is the single leg takedown?
The Kodokan defines kuchiki taoshi as a technique to push down the opponent backward by holding one of his legs either from the inside or outside with one of the hands and pulling it up. The name paints the picture: push a rotten tree and it topples.
The Kodokan version uses one hand on the leg. The wrestling version most BJJ gyms teach locks both hands behind the knee and runs the partner down or trips the standing leg. The principle is the same: take one leg away, keep their weight on the other, push them past it.
How do you do the single leg takedown?
The Kodokan definition, with the detail a BJJ coach adds for the two-hand version.
- Get the head position. From a collar tie or a sleeve grip, change level and put your head to the outside of their lead leg, or on their chest for the head-inside version.
- Catch the leg. Hold the leg from the inside or the outside with one hand, as the Kodokan allows, or wrap both arms behind the knee and lock your hands. Trap the leg high between your thighs or tight to your chest.
- Stand up with the leg. Bring your hips under you, back straight, and lift so they are hopping on one foot.
- Pull the leg up and push them backward. Lift the trapped leg and drive your shoulder into their body, or step across and run them to the mat, or sweep the standing leg.
- Follow through. Land on top, release the leg and move to pass.
Most single legs fail at the head. A head that drops low and to the inside means a guillotine; keep it up and pressed into their body. Apply slowly in drilling: a single leg dumped at speed lands your partner on their back and head with no chance to breakfall. Our BJJ training gear has the mats-side kit for takedown rounds.
Video: KODOKAN official channel
Is the single leg legal in judo and BJJ?
In judo the IJF Sport and Organisation Rules penalise leg grabbing in standing judo with shido: grips under the belt may reach only the top of the inner thigh, so a hand on the leg below that draws a penalty.
In BJJ it is legal, with one detail in the IBJJF Rules Book: a defender who grabs the belt and throws the attacker onto the head while the attacker's head is outside is committing an illegal move. A takedown scores 2 points under the IBJJF rules once your partner lands on the back, side or seat and you hold the top for three seconds.
What are the common counters to single leg takedown?
The sprawl and the whizzer, an overhook on your attacking arm, are the two answers you will meet most. Both punish a slow, shallow entry.
Sources
- Kodokan defines kuchiki taoshi, Kodokan Judo Institute
- Judoinfo.com te-waza page, JudoInfo
- Gokyo no Waza listed on judoinfo.com, JudoInfo
- IJF Sport and Organisation Rules, International Judo Federation
- IBJJF Rules Book, IBJJF
Related terms
Double leg takedown, Ankle pick, Sprawl, Snap down, Hand techniques, Off-balancing.