Many strikers don’t assume they should discover ways to wrestle till they really feel what it’s prefer to battle a powerful grappler. Placing and grappling are the 2 reverse ends of martial arts coaching, and neither is extra vital than the opposite.
Wrestling is the glue that binds putting and grappling collectively. It lets you select the place a battle takes place, a major benefit in blended martial arts (MMA).
Some would argue that grappling-based martial arts like wrestling are higher fitted to self-defense since many altercations find yourself turning into grappling matches. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to argue that many individuals get knocked out earlier than that occurs.
Even grappling-based kinds like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) typically downplay the significance of wrestling. For instance, BJJ sparring periods normally begin with each fighters on their knees, eradicating the necessity to wrestle. The consequence? BJJ fighters are pulling guard at world championships as a result of they by no means bothered to study takedowns.
This text will assist to curb such practices by breaking down some key takedown strategies blended martial arts fighters and BJJ gamers ought to grasp to take their preventing talents to the following degree.
Important Takedown Strategies All MMA Fighters And BJJ Heads Ought to Know
Let’s discover some wrestling strategies which might be simply as helpful in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and blended martial arts settings:
1) The Sprawl
The sprawl needs to be one of many first wrestling strikes MMA fighters study. It lets you keep away from single-leg and double-leg takedowns by transferring your legs out of your opponent’s attain. When accomplished appropriately, you additionally find yourself on prime, permitting you to transition again to standing, lock up submissions just like the anaconda choke, or enhance to different grappling positions.
Execution: To sprawl, kick your legs again when an opponent shoots in on you. Kick your legs again and thrust downward, urgent your chest into your opponent’s again as you fall to the bottom. A well-timed sprawl turns your opponent’s takedown try into an enormous waste of power.
2) The Double-Leg Takedown
This is without doubt one of the hottest wrestling strategies, and it really works in varied settings, from road fights to BJJ competitions. One cool factor in regards to the double leg is that it’s nearly unattainable to defend in opposition to when accomplished appropriately. Ideally, you need to go for a double leg when an opponent is aggressively coming after you, permitting you to weaponize their ahead momentum in opposition to them.
Double-leg takedowns on the finish of rounds can steal rounds for you, and the method provides you a direct path to prime place in BJJ. Simply guarantee your head is dealing with behind your opponent, not wanting on the floor, so that you don’t get caught in a guillotine.
Execution: Drop ranges by bending your knees as if you happen to had been squatting, and drop to a knee as you seize the again of your opponent’s legs. Lock your arms if potential and drive your opponent’s higher physique again whereas pulling their legs towards you.
3) The Single-Leg Takedown
The only-leg takedown is very similar to the double-leg, however you solely goal one leg. It’s a bit more difficult to study than the double leg however equally as efficient as soon as mastered.
Execution: Drop your ranges as you shoot in and go down on one knee, however focus solely on the leg closest to you. Wrap your arms across the leg and safe it together with your legs. Pivot to the aspect of the leg you’ve grabbed whereas dropping your torso to the bottom to complete the takedown.
4) The Physique Lock Takedown
Combating within the clinch is a major a part of BJJ and MMA, so study a couple of takedowns from there. Single and double-leg takedowns may be carried out from clinched positions, however there’s all the time a danger of getting a knee to the face in MMA. The physique lock takedown is a a lot safer possibility.
Execution: Whereas clinched up, pummel your arms to determine double underhooks. Now, lock your arms behind your opponent’s again utilizing any grip you’re snug with. Tighten the lock and use it to choose your opponent’s ft off the bottom earlier than turning them over.
5) The Blast Double
The blast double is the aggressive cousin of the double-leg takedown. It’s a strong method that usually will get opponents on the bottom earlier than they notice what’s occurring. The method is simplest when accomplished unexpectedly and explosively.
Execution: Change ranges and explode into your opponent like a soccer participant tackling somebody. Drive your torso into them whereas pulling their legs up together with your fingers. The bottom line is to hit your opponent with a lot explosive power that you could possibly raise them within the air even if you happen to did not safe their legs.
Wrestling Drills To Add To Your Coaching
Some wrestling drills that may assist enhance your takedowns and takedown protection embody:
1) Sprawl Drills
Add solo sprawling drills to your coaching routine and drill with coaching companions taking pictures in your legs whilst you sprawl.
Drilling sprawls repeatedly helps to construct muscle reminiscence, so your physique robotically is aware of what to do when somebody shoots in on you.
2) Penetration Steps
Drill taking pictures in with penetration steps so usually that you could robotically shoot in for takedowns any time you need with glorious method.
3) Wall Work
Observe pummeling and dealing for takedowns whereas your coaching companion has their again in opposition to a wall if you happen to’re a blended martial artist. Additionally, spend time together with your again in opposition to a wall whereas your coaching companion tries to take you down.
4) Chain Wrestling
Observe transitioning from one takedown to a different when sparring since wrestling is never clear. You would possibly take an inexperienced grappler down together with your first takedown try, however you’ll have to chain a number of takedowns to make skilled grapplers make errors that depart them on their backs.
Efficient Takedowns Take Your MMA And BJJ Recreation To The Subsequent Stage
You don’t should be a lifelong wrestler to safe or defend in opposition to takedowns successfully. It’s about specializing in the particular features of wrestling that complement and improve your BJJ or MMA abilities. Whether or not you’re a striker transitioning to MMA, a BJJ practitioner seeking to spherical out your sport, or somebody desirous to defend in opposition to takedowns in a self-defense state of affairs, understanding key wrestling rules can considerably enhance your capability to manage the tempo of the battle. Mastering the fundamentals of wrestling, resembling correct degree adjustments, timing, and positioning, could make all of the distinction in turning the tide of a match, giving them a aggressive edge in each offensive and defensive conditions.
You might also like:
How To Keep Secure And Efficient Off Your Again In MMA
