In Martial Arts, What is a “Takedown” and How Can I Learn It?

If you've heard of the different types of moves in martial arts, you're probably already aware of terms like striking, punching, kicking, throws, and this curious one: the "takedown." In mixed martial arts, very few moves have such a dramatic impact on the way a fight is going as when one contestant "takes down" another contestant to the ground. So what exactly is a takedown, and how can you learn it? Read on.

A takedown's premise is very simple: utilizing positioning and leverage, you try to get your opponent down to the ground, with you following, resulting in you having the better position. This is actually different in substance to simply throwing or knocking down your opponent - the premise of a "takedown" is that you're "taking them down" with you. For martial artists that perform better by wrestling on the ground, a takedown might be necessary to win a match.

Takedowns can happen in a number of ways, even if the result is the same. Usually, it comes as the result of two martial artists being locked up against each other, either one of them unable to break free. Generally, the person who can get lowest while maintaining the most control possible will be able to take the other person down because of leverage. But takedowns can also take place suddenly, such as when one fighter "tackles" the other quickly, using his body to knock his opponent down.

If you're interested in learning how to take down an opponent, you're going to have to decide which discipline of martial arts is best suited for you. You'll obviously want to avoid disciplines like boxing and Tae Kwon Do - both of which emphasize striking. Look up some of the best martial arts for learning takedowns, such as Judo, and you'll be able to learn more about how you can use an opponent's weight and energy against him in order to come out with the best possible position.

Much of what goes into a takedown relies on putting you in a better position than you started with. If you can master the "takedown," you can turn things around in your favor quickly. But if you're not used to a takedown, it can also work against you, as an opponent can use it against you.

Photo Credits: parhessiastes

Originally posted 2009-07-30 05:12:12.

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Boxing, curious one, discipline, disciplines, dramatic impact, Judo, leverage, martial artists, match, mixed martial arts, opponent, premise, tae kwon, takedown, takedowns

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Posted by Martial Arts Karate Kung Fu on August 13, 2010 in Boxing, Judo, Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.