Takedowns Overview

Takedowns are grappling techniques used to bring an opponent from a standing position to the ground, where control and positional advantage can be established. They are a fundamental aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, judo, and mixed martial arts. Takedowns focus on disrupting an opponent’s base, breaking their balance, and leveraging grip fighting, angles, and momentum to secure control on the mat.

Key Principles of Takedowns

Breaking Balance

Grip Fighting

  • Effective grips on the opponent’s limbs, collar, or torso are critical to control their movement and prevent counters.

Using Leverage

  • Takedowns exploit mechanical advantage through proper positioning and body alignment.

Angles and Movement

  • Changing angles and footwork helps create openings and reduces your opponent’s ability to counter.

Commitment and Momentum

  • Successful takedowns require precise timing and commitment to execute the technique with enough force and control.

Categories of Takedowns

Takedowns can be classified based on the mechanics used to bring the opponent to the ground.

Leg Attacks

Throws

  • Use your hips, shoulders, or arms to lift or turn your opponent, throwing them to the mat.
  • Examples:
  • Hip Toss: Use your hips to lift and throw your opponent over your body.
  • Osoto Gari: Sweep their leg while controlling their upper body.
  • Uchi Mata: A leg reaping throw targeting their inner thigh.

Trips and Sweeps

  • Use footwork and timing to trip your opponent or sweep their legs.
  • Examples:
  • Trip from Guard Pull: Sweep their leg while pulling guard.
  • De La Riva Sweep: Use a guard transition to trip your opponent.
  • Sickle Sweep: Target their ankle with a sweeping motion.

Clinch Takedowns

  • Work from close-range grips to control and off-balance your opponent.
  • Examples:
  • Body Lock Takedown: Secure their torso and use leverage to drive them down.
  • Snap-Down to Front Headlock: Pull their head downward and transition into a takedown.
  • Duck Under: Slide under their arm to attack the legs or back.

Sacrifice Throws

  • Sacrifice your own balance to throw your opponent by using your momentum and positioning.
  • Examples:
  • Tomoe Nage: Roll backward while lifting your opponent with your legs.
  • Sumi Gaeshi: Use your momentum to roll them over while holding their torso.

Common Positions for Takedowns

Neutral Standing Stance

Clinch

Against Aggressive Opponents

Guard Pull to Takedown

  • Transition from pulling guard into sweeps or takedowns to gain control.

Defensive Strategies

Strong Base

Sprawling

  • Drop your hips and extend your legs backward to defend leg attacks like the Double-Leg Takedown.

Counter Takedowns

Grip Breaking

  • Break their grips before they can secure control and execute the takedown.

Common Applications

Competition

  • Score points by taking your opponent to the ground and establishing control.

Self-Defense

  • Use takedowns to neutralize a standing threat and control the situation.

Transition to Submissions

Set Up Sweeps and Passes

  • Use takedowns to transition into guard passing or dominant positions like Side Control or Mount.
Takedown Tips

Takedowns are most effective when executed with precise timing, proper Grip Fighting, and seamless follow-ups. Always aim to maintain control and anticipate your opponent’s reactions.

Focus on posture: Always maintain strong posture to avoid counters and keep control.
Use angles: Takedowns are more effective when attacking at an angle rather than straight-on.

Learn grip fighting: Breaking and maintaining grips is crucial, especially in gi.
Drill balance-breaking: Effective takedowns begin with breaking your opponent's balance.

Commit to the takedown: Half-hearted attempts can lead to counters or bad positions.