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while i appericiate my fellow instructors answers, i would like to point out to you to keep in mind, they are giving you advice in respect to accomplishing these defenses in the sport realm. which is fine if that is what you are studying. just keep in mind that an easier defense or counter is more like my answer that i gave below. anytime someone tries something technical they take chances unless they hit you first to make you cooperative. if they just shoot to take you down, hitting them with a barrge of elbows and kicks go along way in making you the winner. just like someone who looks for locks without first tenderizing you with hits, they will get layed out for their trouble. so the sport answers they are giving are good, in the game of sport, but you should still study how to beat these guys with street type responses as well in case you get into a real fight and they try a move like this.

stopping the shoot / single leg / double leg take down is all a matter of time and distance. simply changing the range by taking a step back or to the side can neutralize a take down attempt, but it has to be at the right time. whatever technique your train has to incorporate the awareness of timing and distance.

The answers above are all good. I think we have to remember that who ever is the superior fighter will win the majority of times, but in a single encounter there is a significant element of chance which can be decreased through training but never completely removed.

Strategically I always like to maintain the same level as my partner. So if they drop I would kneel down too. The prevents or counters the takedown naturally.

From there I would strike to where the openings are, control the persons center of gravity using strikes, working to control the arms, head, and hips, and maintaining a better position. Then use strikes, and submissions as an easy way to finish the fight.

Lastly, don't forget the option to exit the fight. If you are against a superior opponent retreat can be you best answer. Live to fight another day!

SINCE I TEACH JEET KUNE DO, I TREAT ATTACKS TO TAKEDOWN LIKE ANY STREET ATTACK. UNLESS THIS IS BEING DONE IN THE SPORT REALM, FOR THE STREET, ELBOWS, HEADBUTTS, KNEES AND EYERAKES ARE DEVASTATING. AND IF SOMEONE SHOOTS, BARRAGE THEM WITH LETHAL BLOWS. STICK YOUR FINGERS IN THEIR EYES IF YOU ARE ON THE WAY DOWN. BITE, SCRATCH. THE UFC IS SPORT B.S FILLED WITH SO CALLED MARTIAL ARTISTS WHO ARE REALLY JUST GLORIFIED WWWF ATHLETES. IF YOU THINK LIKE THEM YOU WILL GET TAKEN DOWN BECAUSE YOU ARE TRYING TO STAY WITHIN RULES AND MORALS. IF ITS A STREET ATTACK DESROY THEM!!!!!

Two basic ways.

1) The Sprawl. Extend your legs back out of reach and drop your weight on your opponent.

2) Do what one of my Junior students did at his last tournament! He's only 10 years old!

One way that you can use to defend against the double leg take down is called the SPRAWL! Here's a clip from the TV show "Human Weapon"

Smash an elbow on your attackers neck can cause your attacker to stop. Grab him around the neck until he passes out. Push his face into the ground.

Grappling moves against a ground fighter in a street fight requires a technique that defeats the mixed martial arts mindset. This grappling takedown move leaves a mixed martial artist wide open for this tactic.