Gordon Ryan’s reputation in the grappling world is unmatched. His approach to jiu-jitsu is deeply systemized, thoroughly tested in elite competition, and continuously evolving. In “Systematically Attacking the Scrimmage: Lower Body Takedowns,” Ryan offers a fresh and highly structured approach to one of the most neglected but critical phases in no-gi grappling: the standing exchange.
What the Instructional Covers
This volume doesn’t aim to be a sprawling encyclopedia of wrestling; instead, it offers a distilled, context-specific strategy that fits seamlessly into a no-gi jiu-jitsu framework. Ryan’s premise is simple: most no-gi athletes aren’t great wrestlers, so instead of replicating folkstyle or freestyle systems, build scrimmage-style sequences that pressure opponents into leg attacks and submission entries.
The main areas covered include:
- Scrimmage Concepts: How to manage distance and pace from standing, keeping opponents on the back foot.
- The Front Headlock and Collar Tie: How to weaponize head positioning and create front headlock attacks or transition to leg attacks.
- Reactive Entries: Timing-based takedowns that capitalize on opponent errors, especially from failed shots or disengagements.
- Snaps, Drags, and Footwork: Tools to force reactions and open opportunities without overcommitting.
- Leg Entry Pathways: How Ryan connects standing engagements to seated positions and entanglements like cross ashi or 50/50.
Instructional Structure & Delivery
Ryan is known for being long-winded, but in this series, his pacing is more digestible than some of his earlier content. The concepts are layered logically, starting with general principles and then moving into specifics. Each technique builds on the previous one, and Ryan’s use of “if/then” scenarios shows his mastery of anticipating how real exchanges play out.
The footage quality is excellent, with precise camera angles and audible instructions. Ryan often employs the instructional approach not only to demonstrate what to do, but also to explain what most people do wrong and why his approach addresses those habits.
Strengths of the Instructional
- Realism: This isn’t wrestling for wrestlers. It’s takedowns tailored for guard players and submission hunters in no-gi.
- Systemization: Ryan’s scrimmage approach creates structure in a chaotic standing phase, giving confidence to athletes who prefer the ground.
- Integration: These takedowns don’t end with points—they transition into passing or leg entanglements. Everything feeds into the wider DDS/Go Further Faster game.
- Defensive Awareness: Ryan also addresses how to avoid getting sprawled, front headlocked, or stuck in bad scrambles, which is often missing from jiu-jitsu takedown instructionals.
Who This Is For
- Competitors in No-Gi or Submission-Only Grappling: Particularly those frustrated by being out-wrestled or stalling on the feet.
- Intermediate and Advanced Practitioners: The detail level assumes some familiarity with wrestling mechanics, even though Ryan explains his system clearly.
- Gi Athletes Looking to Cross Over: Many gi players struggle with no-gi wrestling exchanges; this offers a gentler transition than jumping into collegiate-style takedowns.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not for Pure Wrestlers: If you’re coming from a wrestling background looking for a deep dive into shot mechanics or mat returns, this isn’t that.
- Verbosity: While more focused than past works, some sections could still be more concise.
- Limited Upper Body Focus: Throws and body lock-style takedowns are lightly touched on; the focus remains on scrimmage-to-leg-attack pathways.
Related Reading
- Gordon Ryan Instructionals: Beginners to Advanced
- Half Guard by Gordon Ryan
- John Danaher’s: Which Instructional to Start With
Summary
“Systematically Attacking the Scrimmage: Lower Body Takedowns” is a highly practical, deeply strategic, and competition-proven blueprint for controlling and finishing from standing in no-gi grappling. It’s not about learning every takedown: it’s about owning the exchange and flowing toward submissions. Ryan doesn’t just teach you how to shoot; he teaches you when, why, and what to expect next.
Best For: No-gi athletes who prefer control, submissions, and pressure over traditional wrestling dominance.
If your standing game feels like a liability or you’re tired of getting stalled out by defensive wrestlers, this instructional offers a system to flip the script and start dictating terms on the feet.
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