Defending the takedown

Folks,

I was just having some discussions with a couple of grappling fanatics. They were telling me how once and for all, a person would have to know how to grapple, in order to defeat a grappler. I think that the logic is attrocious, but I wanted to have a productive conversation, and I held my tongue.

Now the number one goal of a grappler is to bring the fight into a clinch, and then work their magic once a strikers punches and kicks are no longer effective at such a close range. In the early days, the world was smitten with how a smaller grappler would be able to effectively clinch with a larger striker, and subdue him or her, once they were in the desired clinch. Grapplers boasted about how 9 times out of 10, they would be able to do this without taking significant damage. " The takedown is inevitable" they would say, chests all puffed out with pride. And for the most part, the world believed it, because after all, if it was something we could see, then it must be true.

Then, strikers learned something. All they had to do was defend the takedown, and then, "KAPOW!!" sandman time baby. Eureka!! they had found it. And then the paradigm shifted. Strikers neandered on down to the local college and learned a little something wrestlers already knew. It was called sprawling. Basically, when a grappler attempted a double leg, or single leg takedown, strikers would sprawl (check into any book on wrestling for illustrations) and the stand back up and make with the haymakers. More and more, we saw skilled grapplers getting pounded after attempting takedowns. "BUT" grapplers would cry out in loud voices. "Strikers had to learn grappling moves, in order to deal with a grappler." Man, the grapplers were correct, and geez were strikers angry. So the game of "my art is better than your art" continued.

But, for the striking purists out there, I have something for you. I have told you before, but some of you didnt listen. Circular motion, it works folks. If a grappler goes for the takedown, DO NOT move back in a straight line. It allows the grappler to use momentum and body weight to aid them in the takedown attempt. Move in cirles. It will allow you to strike with force without being taken down. Make your punches count folks, glancing punches do NOT do the job. Sit on your punches and punish a grappler for EVERY attempt. Commit to your strikes. Use your knees and elbows with bad intention. If you arent sure what it looks like, watch Marco Ruas use masterful footwork against Paul Varelans (who was one foot taller and 100 pounds heavier). OR watch Anderson Silva's knockout of superb grappler Carlos Newton. It will kind of give you an idea of what I am talking about.

Lastly, I would like to talk a moment about the strikes that you should use to defend yourself against a grappler. Now I love my jab/ right cross like anyone else, but it is NOT the best combo in this situation. The old 1-2 can ground you, making you a little less mobile, and a lot easier to takedown. I would recommend leading with the right cross. It allows you to keep your hips away from a grappler while striking effectively. Also, circular motions followed by lead hand hooks and elbows have an amazing effect on the intentions of would be takedown artists. Practice it folks. SLOWLY with your sparring partners please. I get enough angry blogs as it is :)