Single Leg
Overview
Section titled “Overview”Why the single leg should be the cornerstone of your standing game
Section titled “Why the single leg should be the cornerstone of your standing game”Why not the double leg: despite being more effective, double legs are way more likely to go wrong/backfire and tend to end up in guard more than the single leg.
Head outside is banned
Section titled “Head outside is banned”Why we only teach head inside single legs at GJJ.
Core Mechanics and Concepts
Section titled “Core Mechanics and Concepts”Single leg positions
Section titled “Single leg positions”- Low leg
- High leg
- Outside high leg
- Sprawl single
- Sweep single
- Shin
Stance, motion, contact
Section titled “Stance, motion, contact”Foot-to-foot positioning
Section titled “Foot-to-foot positioning”The standing decision tree
Section titled “The standing decision tree”- When feet are back: snaps and drags
- When feet are forward: ducks and throw-bys
- Too much resistance: back to single leg
Main movement idea: push hip to mat
Section titled “Main movement idea: push hip to mat”External rotation of the leg
Section titled “External rotation of the leg”Lifting the leg
Section titled “Lifting the leg”Move them where their foot isn’t
Section titled “Move them where their foot isn’t”Double leg transition (when the single leg stalls)
Section titled “Double leg transition (when the single leg stalls)”Primary goal
Section titled “Primary goal”Offense
Section titled “Offense”High leg
Section titled “High leg”Outside high leg
Section titled “Outside high leg”Low leg
Section titled “Low leg”Sprawl
Section titled “Sprawl”Sweep / flee
Section titled “Sweep / flee”Dealing with shin whizzer
Section titled “Dealing with shin whizzer”Defense
Section titled “Defense”Knee in center
Section titled “Knee in center”Stuff the head
Section titled “Stuff the head”Entries
Section titled “Entries”From standing - types of shots
Section titled “From standing - types of shots”- Snatch
- Straight
- Sweep
From bottom
Section titled “From bottom”- X-Guard
- Butterfly
- Seated guard
Setups
Section titled “Setups”Concept: mirrored stance, single/snapdown/back exposure dilemma
Section titled “Concept: mirrored stance, single/snapdown/back exposure dilemma”Collar tie and inside tie
Section titled “Collar tie and inside tie”Sequence: rear post, collar tie, inside tie.
Push and pull
Section titled “Push and pull”Russian
Section titled “Russian”Arm drag
Section titled “Arm drag”Slide by
Section titled “Slide by”Duck under
Section titled “Duck under”Summary
Section titled “Summary”Coaching Guide
Section titled “Coaching Guide”Common entries and sequences
Section titled “Common entries and sequences”Standing underhook entry. Using a standing underhook to control the opponent and access the leg. If the far leg is accessible, initiate by running your head across their hips. If they pull the leg away, transition to near-side single-leg finishes.
Shin on shin entry (from seated guard). From a seated guard position, shin on shin off-balances the opponent. By making the primary leg light, transition into a single leg or SLX as they struggle to maintain balance.
Bottom heist counter. When a guard player tries to heist or stand up, they often leave one leg vulnerable. The top player takes an inside reach, pulls the leg to their hip, and returns the opponent to the mat while bypassing the guard.
Off-balancing from DLR/RDLR. Using DLR and RDLR to create angles and off-balance (kuzushi), forcing the opponent to post or shift weight, creating a clear path to snatch the single leg.
Low single (above the knee). Taking a grip above the knee for better control. Prevents the opponent from easily sprawling and reduces the risk of being caught in front headlock positions.
Level change + collar tie pop. Using the forearm to pop the opponent’s collar tie away while simultaneously level changing into a deep single leg.
Arm drag to single leg. Using an arm drag from standing to access the single leg. If the defender pummels their foot outside to escape, transition into a leg entanglement.
Underhook circling to single. Using a standing underhook to circle the opponent, forcing them to step, then switching directions to shoot for a head-inside single leg.
Wrist snap entry. Clearing a collar tie with a wrist snap, forcing the opponent’s hands to the mat, then using the off-balance to immediately pick up the single leg.
Common problems and cues
Section titled “Common problems and cues”Recommended games
Section titled “Recommended games”Resources
Section titled “Resources”- Head Inside Single Leg, Lachlan Giles and Talgat Ilyasov (Submeta)
- The Fastest Way to Becoming Effective in Standing Position, John Danaher (BJJ Fanatics) — Steve’s favorite standing instructional. Do not pay full price for it, wait for a sale.