Proven methods for every grappler, at every level, at every age

Complete Grappler

Takedowns...They Don't Expect

 

The Problem:
Most grapplers only train the same predictable takedowns.

Single legs.


Double legs.


Maybe an occasional body lock.

These techniques work, but they’re also the first thing every opponent is prepared to defend.

In modern Jiu-Jitsu, where athletes are constantly anticipating standard attacks, predictable takedowns often lead to stalled matches, scrambles, or worse...getting caught in submissions while forcing a shot.

The reality is that most academies teach only the “popular” takedowns, while many of the most effective techniques remain underutilized or completely unknown in Jiu-Jitsu rooms.

  

What's the Solution
 

Takedowns...They Don't Expect

 

The Solution: 

Unpredictability Through The Merge

In Takedowns They Don’t Expect, Michael Trasso reveals a collection of high-percentage, unconventional takedowns designed specifically for Jiu-Jitsu competition.

These techniques include powerful variations of the slide-by, reverse ankle pick, uki-waza, and other deceptive attacks that exploit posture, grips, and reactions unique to Jiu-Jitsu athletes.
Instead of forcing the takedowns your opponent is ready for, you’ll learn how to attack with techniques that catch opponents off-guard, break their balance, and create immediate scoring opportunities.
When your opponent expects a single leg, but you hit a slide-by.
When they prepare for a double, but you take their ankle.
When they brace for pressure, but you redirect them into a sacrifice throw.
They don’t just get taken down.
They get surprised.

 

Start Now

How This Program Works for All Belt Levels

Whether you’re a brand-new white belt or a seasoned black belt, the problem on the feet changes...but it never disappears.

White Belt — Surprise from Day One

  • Unexpected Attacks: Learn takedowns opponents almost never see in beginner rounds.

  • Safe Entries: Attack without exposing your neck to easy guillotines.

  • Confidence Standing: Stop immediately sitting or reacting when matches start.

  • Simple Mechanics: Easy-to-learn techniques that work even without wrestling experience.

    This gives white belts a powerful edge early in their journey.

Blue Belt — Catch People Off Guard

  • Break the Predictable Cycle: Stop relying on single legs and doubles everyone expects.

  • Deceptive Setups: Learn how to disguise your entries and create real openings.

  • Slide-By & Ankle Pick Attacks: Add takedowns that punish common Jiu-Jitsu stances.

  • Immediate Application: Techniques you can land the same week in live training.

    This is where blue belts start surprising people consistently.

Purple Belt — Build a Dangerous Standing Game

  • Unorthodox Weapons: Add attacks most opponents have never trained against.

  • Reaction-Based Takedowns: Turn defensive reactions into scoring opportunities.

  • Control Before the Shot: Off-balance opponents before they know what’s happening.

  • Chain Deception: Connect attacks so opponents can’t predict the next threat.

    This is where your standing game becomes difficult to defend.

Brown Belt — Precision & Timing

  • High-Level Details: Small adjustments that dramatically increase success.

  • Balance Breaking: Manipulate posture and weight to create effortless takedowns.

  • Strategic Surprise: Choose attacks opponents are least prepared to defend.

  • Efficiency: Score without forcing risky shots or scrambles.

    Brown belts sharpen the details that make these takedowns unstoppable.

Black Belt — Master the Unexpected

  • Weaponized Unpredictability: Attack from angles opponents never anticipate.

  • Conceptual Mastery: Understand the principles behind deceptive takedowns.

  • Teaching Clarity: Gain new tools to expand your academy’s standing game.

  • Complete Integration: Blend these attacks seamlessly into your Jiu-Jitsu system.

    This is about controlling the match before it even hits the ground.

All Coral and Red Belts are Welcome

Let's Go!

What’s Waiting for You

Unpredictable Attacks That Work

Break away from the predictable shots everyone expects. Learn unconventional takedowns that catch opponents off guard and create scoring opportunities before they can react.

In-Depth Video Breakdowns

Step-by-step instruction on the mechanics, timing, setups, and finishes behind deceptive takedowns like the slide-by, reverse ankle pick, and sacrifice throws.

High-Percentage Surprise Takedowns

Master attacks designed to exploit posture, reactions, and grip habits unique to Jiu-Jitsu athletes, giving you entries your opponents rarely see coming.

Off-Balance & Reaction Traps

Learn how to bait common defensive reactions and redirect them into clean takedowns that feel effortless once the opponent commits.

Slide-By & Ankle Pick Variations

Develop powerful variations of the slide-by and reverse ankle pick that work perfectly against common Jiu-Jitsu stances and gripping battles.

 

Sacrifice Throws That Score

Discover strategic sacrifice attacks like uki-waza that redirect pressure and turn aggressive opponents into easy takedowns.

Built for Jiu-Jitsu Rulesets

Every technique is taught specifically for Jiu-Jitsu competition, accounting for guard pulls, submission threats, and real grappling reactions.

Become Dangerous on the Feet

When opponents expect the usual takedowns, you’ll attack with something completely different...giving you a major advantage before the match even hits the ground.

Learn from a Champion who doesn't just talk but has receipts

Benefit from the expertise of Michael Trasso, whose Merge Grappling videos have educated and inspired hundreds of thousands of people. Tap into real-world insights proven to work with all kinds of grappling disciplines.

Real-World Training for Real-Life Results

Our programs go beyond theory, equipping you with practical skills and strategies you can use in every gym session against the novice to the seasoned grappler. 

Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips

Train with confidence, knowing you have direct access to proven methods and real experts knowledge. Get clear direction and content with answers to your questions whenever you need it.

Take the Fight to the Ground

Meet Your Coach

Michael Trasso has been grappling for over 30 years - specifically Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu. He received his black belt from the legendary Professor Regis Lebre who also has an incredible record in competition. Learning the truly old school Gracie Jiu Jitsu, the modern day flare, and the addition of explosive wrestling, Trasso has a unique blend of almost every brand of grappling.

Coach Trasso has built a huge following with over 10 million views and over 50k subscribers on his online platforms.

I’ve trained with Michael Trasso for over a decade, and he’s one of the rare coaches who truly elevates every aspect of your game. His ability to merge elite-level wrestling with world-class Jiu Jitsu creates a clear, repeatable system that works for beginners and top competitors alike. Michael doesn’t just teach techniques—he fills the gaps most athletes don’t even realize they have, especially in takedowns, transitions, and control.

 

 

— Seth Belisle, President of CJI & Black Belt from Texas 

As a BJJ black belt and strength coach, I know how important it is to take the best from multiple disciplines to make your jiu jitsu the most solid it can be. Merge Grappling seamlessly combines wrestling concepts into BJJ to enrich your skill set. I still use techniques I learned from Coach Trasso years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

— Steph Gaudreau, Black Belt from California

If you've been doing Jiu Jitsu for a while, you've probably heard the name Michael Trasso. If you haven't, then your coach definitely has. Mike is a legend in the New Jersey Jiu Jitsu scene and has probably been competing since the moment he got out of diapers. Now, take all that knowledge that he gained training with and competing against some of the best in the last 20 years and mix that with a beautiful brand new school in Glen Rock. That's a winner.


  
— Mike Portela, Black Belt from New Jersey

What are you waiting for?

You deserve to take your game to the next level and bring your grappling game to life!

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Get to Know Coach Trasso’s Approach

Watch these videos where you will learn about Coach Trasso's training philosophy. Discover what sets his methods apart and why understanding the foundation is key to being truly exceptional on the mats.

Flip Grip Ankle Pick in Comp

Overtie Slide-By

Russian Tie

Reverse Ankle Pick

 

As Seen on YouTube, IG, FB & TT

With over 10 million views, Michael Trasso's training has gotten the nod from not only his students but some of the top competitive grapplers in the world. His videos have helped transition BJJ players into menaces who cause people to sit guard. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? Find answers to the most common things people ask about Coach Trasso’s training programs, including enrollment, course content, support, and more.

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