Jiu Jitsu Takedowns – How To Get It To The Mat
Jiu-Jitsu Takedowns – How To Get It To The Mat
Introduction
Welcome to the exciting world of Jiu-Jitsu takedowns! You're going to the right place if you're passionate about martial arts and want to learn effective techniques to take your opponent down to the mat. This comprehensive guide explores various takedown techniques in Jiu-Jitsu, a distinctive element in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So, whether you're a seasoned BJJ practitioner or a newbie eager to learn, this guide covers you.
Single Leg Takedown
To kick things off, let's start with a classic: the single-leg takedown. Picture this: You're in a match, and your opponent darts around you like a slippery eel. How do you get them to the mat? You'll have to get a grip on your opponent's leg. This technique, which involves a penetration step, is as thrilling as riding a roller coaster but has a higher success rate.
First, you'll want to get a firm grip on your opponent's leg – like you would grip the handlebars of a bike. Remember, you're not just holding on for dear life; you are trying to control their movement. You must execute a swift penetration step from there, driving your body towards your opponent. It is like a leapfrog game; you only hop over your opponent and take them down.
Double Leg Takedown
Let's turn up the heat a notch with the double-leg takedown. Think of it like a bear hug, but you're targeting their legs instead of wrapping your arms around your opponent's torso. This technique demands precision and timing but can be a game-changer when executed correctly.
Start by moving in close, then swiftly drop your level and drive forward, wrapping your arms around your opponent's legs. Sounds like trying to tackle a tree, right? But with the right balance and strength, you'll have them on the mat quickly.
Kouchi Gari
Next, we enter the world of foot sweeps with the Kouchi Gari. This Judo throw is a favourite among many Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Imagine you're dancing with your opponent, but instead of leading them in a waltz, you're aiming to knock their feet out from under them.
To perform a Kouchi Gari, you must sweep your foot against your opponent's leg while pushing your upper body in the opposite direction. It's like trying to swipe a rug from under someone – only, in this case, the rug is your opponent's foot, and the person is… well, your opponent.
Arm Drag
Now, let's move on to the arm drag. This move is all about outsmarting your opponent. Picture yourself in a tug of war, where you must pull your opponent off balance to win.
Start by grabbing your opponent's arm, then swiftly pull it across your body, dragging it off balance. It's as if you're pulling the rug out from under them – only, this time, the rug is their balance.
Uchi Mata
Finally, let's talk about the Uchi Mata, one of Jitsu's most effective and popular Judo throws. Imagine yourself as a sweepstakes winner; instead of sweeping away prizes, you're sweeping your opponent off their feet.
In this technique, you'll need to lift your opponent off the ground and throw them over your leg. It's like trying to flip a pancake, but you're reusing your leg and hip instead of using a spatula.
Ankle Pick Takedown
Let's move on to the practical and precise ankle pick takedown. Picture this: You're playing a game of chess. Your opponent makes a move, and you seize the opportunity to strike. In Jiu Jitsu, an ankle pick is your cunning counter-attack.
To execute an ankle pick, you must off-balance your opponent and seize their ankle. It's like catching an apple falling from a tree. Your opponent is the apple; you're ready to catch them off guard. Once you've grasped their ankle, drive them backward and bring them down to the mat. It's a strategic, high-percentage move that requires precision and timing.
Pulls Guard
Now, let's delve into another technique - pulling guard. In Jiu-Jitsu, sometimes the best offence is a good defence. Pulling guard is a defensive strategy that allows you to control the fight from the bottom.
Imagine you're you're puppeteer. Instead of strings, you use your legs and arms to control your opponent's movements. You can control their movements and set up various attacks and sweeps by wrapping your legs around your opponent's waist. The IIt'sa technique turns the tables and puts you in the driver's seat.
Hip Throws
Next, let's move on to hip throws. This technique is a classic judo throw that has found its way into the arsenal of many Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
Think of a hip throw like this. You're ice skating, and you're about to perform a spin. But instead of spinning alone, you're spinning with your opponent. You pull your opponent towards you, then twist and throw them over your hip.
Just as an ice skater uses momentum to spin, you can use your opponent's opponent's momentum against them—it's a beautiful blend of power and grace.
Judo Throws
Finally, let's talk about Judo throws. These are a set of techniques borrowed from Judo that have proven to be effective in Jiu-Jitsu.
Imagine you're a chef flipping a pancake. The pancake is your opponent, and you're about to flip them onto the mat. Judo throws require a combination of balance, timing, and strength. But when performed correctly, they can be a game-changer.
Fireman's Carry Takedown
Next on our list is the fireman's carry takedown. This move is borrowed from wrestling and can be a powerful addition to your Jiu-Jitsu repertoire. The technique involves lifting your opponent onto your shoulders and then using their momentum to pull them over and onto the mat.
You're a fireman and must carry someone out of a burning building. You lift them onto your shoulders and quickly move them to safety. The same principle applies here: instead of saving someone from a fire, you retake them onto the mat.
High Crotch Takedown
The high crotch takedown is another wrestling-inspired technique that can be very useful in Jiu-Jitsu. This technique involves getting a deep grip on your opponent's thigh and using it to lift and turn them onto the mat.
Think of it like this: you're a lumberjack who must cut down a tree. You get a good grip on the trunk and use all your strength to bring it down. The same principle applies to the high crotch takedown.
Tomoe Nage
The tomoe nage is a classic Judo throw useful in a Jiu-Jitsu match. This technique involves using your opponent's opponent's opponent's opponent's momentum against them by placing your foot on their stomach and using it as a fulcrum to throw them over your head.
Imagine you're a seesaw. Your opponent steps onto the other end, and you use their weight to launch them into the air. The same principle applies to the tomoe nage.
De La Riva Hook
The De La Riva hook is a staple in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This technique involves wrapping your leg around your opponent's leg and using it to control their movement.
Think of it like this: you're a cowboy who must lasso a bull. You throw your rope around the bull's leg and use it to control its movements. The same principle applies to the De La Riva hook.
The Scissor Sweep
Finally, let's talk about the scissor sweep. This is a basic sweep that every Jiu-Jitsu practitioner should know. The technique involves using your legs in a scissor-like motion to knock your opponent off balance and onto the mat.
Imagine you're using a pair of scissors to cut a piece of paper. The same principle applies to the scissor sweep; you knock your opponent onto the mat instead of cutting paper.
"If you're interested in expanding your knowledge even further, consider exploring our comprehensive guide on Triangle Chokes in BJJ – What They Are, How To Do One, and When To Use. This guide will complement the takedown techniques you've learned here by teaching you how to effectively apply one of the most powerful chokeholds in Jiu Jitsu."
FAQs
1. What is the most effective takedown in Jiu Jitsu?
While effectiveness can vary based on individual skill and the dynamics of a match, single-leg, and double-leg takedowns are often considered high-percentage moves due to their versatility and applicability in various situations.
2. How can I improve my takedown techniques?
Practice is key! Consistent training, coupled with studying the movements and strategies of skilled practitioners, can greatly improve your takedown techniques.
3. Can these takedowns be used in other martial arts?
Many of these takedowns, such as the single leg, double leg, and judo throws, are used in various martial arts, including wrestling and MMA.
4. How can I finish the takedown effectively?
Finishing the takedown effectively involves controlling your opponent's movement and leveraging your body weight and momentum. Learning to anticipate your opponent's actions can also be crucial in executing a successful takedown.
Conclusion
Mastering these Jiu-Jitsu takedowns is like learning a new dance – it takes time, practice, and a lot of patience. But with persistent effort, you'll soon be taking down your opponents with the grace of a ballet dancer and the strength of a wrestler.
So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to getting your Jiu-Jitsu takedown techniques to the mat. Whether it's a single-leg takedown or a Uchi Mata, these techniques are your tickets to success in the dynamic world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start practising!