# Double-Leg Takedown

> A leg attack that changes level, connects to both legs, and drives or turns the opponent to the mat.

- **Canonical page:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/double-leg-takedown
- **Markdown:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/double-leg-takedown.md
- **JSON:** https://www.ossmeta.com/api/public/techniques/double-leg-takedown
- **Category:** takedown
- **Format:** both
- **Level:** fundamental
- **Aliases:** double leg, morote gari, blast double
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-25

## What it is

The double leg attacks both of the opponent's legs after a level change and penetration step or from a close body connection. Finishes vary from driving through the hips to turning a corner, lifting, or switching to a single leg.

In jiu-jitsu, the takedown must account for guillotines, guard pulls, and the need to land beyond the opponent's legs. Head position and posture determine whether the attacker reaches a stable top position or enters a dangerous scramble.

## Key principles

- Change level with posture instead of bending at the waist.
- Connect the head and shoulders to the opponent's torso.
- Bring the hips underneath the attack before trying to lift or drive.
- Finish at an angle and settle beyond the guard line.

## Common entries

- **Hand fight:** Clear the opponent's arms and enter beneath their shoulder line.
- **Snap reaction:** Attack as the opponent raises posture after defending a front headlock.
- **Wall or edge:** Use limited retreat space to connect both legs.


## Productive next actions

- **Side control:** Turn the corner and land beyond the knees.
- **Single leg:** Keep one leg when the opponent widens their base.
- **Back control:** Follow behind the hips if the opponent turns away to sprawl.


## Defensive priorities

- **Sprawl:** Move the hips away and down while keeping the attacker's head controlled.
- **Underhooks:** Recover inside arm position before the attacker connects the hands.
- **Angle and re-attack:** Move off the line and threaten a front headlock or go-behind.

## Rules and safety

Scoring and permitted grips vary by promotion and division. Check the current organizer rules before competing.

This guide is descriptive, not remote coaching. Learn potentially dangerous submissions, inversions, and takedowns with a qualified instructor. Release immediately when a training partner taps.

## History and naming

The double leg is a staple of freestyle and folkstyle wrestling. Judo's historical morote-gari classification is related, although modern competition rules differ.

## Related techniques

- [Single-Leg Takedown](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/single-leg-takedown)
- [Guillotine Choke](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/guillotine-choke)
- [Side Control](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/side-control)
- [Back Control](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/back-control)

## Associated athletes

- [Marcus Almeida](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/marcus-almeida): Record 13-time IBJJF black-belt World Champion, six-time absolute Mundial winner, two-time ADCC +99 kg champion, and UFC heavyweight.
- [Dante Leon](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/dante-leon): Canadian two-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and two-time ADCC bronze medalist; Adamas / Pedigo Submission Fighting standout known for wrestling, pressure, and absolute runs.
- [Nick Rodriguez](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/nick-rodriguez): B-Team co-founder, two-time ADCC +99 kg silver medalist, and Craig Jones Invitational champion—famous for a meteoric rise after starting BJJ in 2018.
- [Dorian Olivarez](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/dorian-olivares): Houston-bred New Wave black belt, two-time ADCC East Coast Trials champion, and dual-sport wrestling/no-gi phenom known as “The Problem.”

## Sources

- [United World Wrestling — grappling disciplines](https://cms.uww.org/disciplines) — reference
- [International Judo Federation technique catalogue](https://judo.ijf.org/) — reference
- [IBJJF rule book and rules resources](https://ibjjf.com/books-videos) — rules
- [ADCC official rules and legal-technique guides](https://adcc-official.com/pages/adcc-rules) — rules

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*Published by Ossmeta as part of the living jiu-jitsu database. Prefer citing https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/double-leg-takedown and check the last-reviewed date for rules-sensitive claims.*