Techniques for Grappling Takedowns

Grappling is a vital skill in both self-defense and mixed martial arts. The ability to dictate where a fight is taking place helps you to play to your strengths while also nullifying the opponent's offense. There are numerous grappling styles that have their own way of getting an opponent to the floor. Judo is known for hip and shoulder throws while amateur wrestling utilizes single and double leg takedowns. Having a varied takedown offense increases your odds of getting an opponent to the ground.

  1. Hip Throw

    • A hip throw is especially useful when an opponent is coming towards you in an aggressive fashion since the technique allows you to use his forward momentum against him. If he is not coming forward, push him backwards when grappling and as he resists, begin the throw. Step deep between his legs with both of your legs, keeping your feet as close together as possible and your knees bent. As you do, rotate your body so your butt is in the attacker's pelvis. Wrap your far arm around his waist. With practice, this should all be one motion. Keep a grip on the near arm and as you straighten your legs and pivot your body, you'll create a fulcrum that throws the opponent over your hip as you pull his arm for added leverage.

    Double Leg Takedown

    • The double leg takedown is one of the most basic techniques in amateur wrestling. Bent your knees and shoot forward with your upper-body, driving the top of your head into the opponent's pelvis. As you do this, grip the back of both of his knees with both hands. As you drive yourself forward with your legs, you'll upset the opponent's center of gravity by directing his upper-body backward while simultaneously pulling his legs forward. He'll fall to his back with you on top of him when the movie is done correctly.

    Inside Trip

    • An inside trip is done from a clinch position, which is common in Greco-Roman wrestling. As you jockey for position in a bearhug with the opponent, step your left leg through the opponent's legs and use your calf muscle to pull the opponent's right leg towards you. Grip your opponent by his belt or pants or lock your hands around his torso as you do this and pivot to your left. The result is a trip that will send the opponent to the ground if he can't regain his balance in time. You can either release him as he falls to stay standing or fall with him, landing in top position.

    Foot Sweep

    • The foot sweep is useful when there is more distance between you and the opponent. It is timing-based since you want to do the move as the opponent's lead foot is in the air as he steps forward, but before that foot actually touches the ground. Your lead foot comes forward and collides with the side of his foot as it steps forward, pushing and redirecting it to the side. This throws off the opponent's balance and he'll either fall or have to reposition himself, allowing you an opening for attack.