Single or double leg takedown?

Generally speaking, it's best to go for a single leg takedown when an opponent is in a wider and lower stance because it's more challenging to drive in and get both legs since the opponent's rear leg is too far back. Conversely, when the opponent is in a more narrow stance and is relatively upright, a double leg takedown works well.

When to go for a takedown

An ideal time to try to take your opponent to the ground is when they are striking because the weight transfers to their front foot which makes it more easily accessible for a grab. It is much more difficult to take someone to the ground when their weight on their feet is light and equally balanced, without any transfer of weight to their front foot.

Defending against a club

If someone is approaching you with a club in their hand, one of the best moves to do before the opponent has a chance to swing at you is to charge in and clinch them. If, however, this is not possible, and the opponent swings at you with a typical forehand strike, shuffle back, then charge in and clinch them on their backhand strike, similar to the American kenpo technique Returning Storm.

Misconception about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

One of the common misconceptions about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that fights that start from a standing position must ultimately end up on the ground to finish an opponent. There are countless techniques in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that both start and end from a stand-up position.