Single Leg Entry

Takedown

The single leg entry is a takedown initiation where the practitioner shoots in to capture one of the opponent's legs, securing it between both arms. It is used from standing engagements, including when passing from De La Riva guard top, and sets up single leg finishes or transitions to double leg attacks.

Quick Reference

Key principles

· A sharp level change by bending at the knees, not the waist, is essential to penetrate below the opponent's frames.
· The penetration step must land your lead knee deep between the opponent's feet to close distance efficiently.
· Head position on the inside of the captured leg (ear to chest) prevents guillotine counters and maintains posture.
· Clasping hands around the leg at knee level and pulling it tight to your chest controls the opponent's base.
· Anticipate the sprawl by driving forward and upward immediately upon contact rather than stalling on the entry.

Execution

1 From standing or after clearing De La Riva hooks, establish a collar tie or wrist control to set up your angle and disrupt the opponent's posture.
2 Drop your level by bending your knees and take a deep penetration step with your lead leg, placing your knee between the opponent's feet.
3 Wrap both arms around the targeted leg at or below the knee, locking your hands together with your head tight against the opponent's hip on the inside.
4 Rise from your penetration step into a strong posture, pulling the captured leg tightly to your chest while stepping your trail leg up underneath you.
5 Immediately transition to a single leg finish or, if the opponent squares up and defends, redirect into a double leg entry.

Common mistakes

× Bending at the waist instead of the knees during the level change, which exposes the neck to guillotines and sprawl pressure.
× Taking a shallow penetration step that leaves you reaching for the leg at arm's length, making it easy for the opponent to sprawl and stuff the shot.
× Placing the head on the outside of the captured leg, which allows the opponent to crossface, establish a whizzer, and circle away to defend easily.