Issue 041

September 2008

Defending the single leg in traditional wrestling involves great balance, the ability to clear off your opponent’s hands and awareness of your leg placement. Ideally, if an opponent grabs a single leg takedown, you should have your leg between you and them, as shown in the first series of techniques. Bringing striking into the equation opens up new possibilities not available in pure grappling.  

Here are some counters to takedowns that involve both striking and grappling. 

Defence to single leg takedown

1) Gareth (black and red) has attacked Jorgen (white) with a single leg takedown. Jorgen brings his leg across so that his shin rests on Gareth’s thigh.  

2) Maintaining his balance, Jorgen pushes Gareth’s head away to create space.  

3) He cocks his arm back…

4) …and can deliver punches to the face.  

5) If Gareth backs away from the punches but keeps hold of the single leg… 

6) …Jorgen can deliver a flying knee to the face. This is a risky move 

yet has been successfully performed in competition by Urijah Faber, Yves Edwards and Kendall Grove.  

Defence to ankle pick takedown

1) Jorgen (white) and Gareth (black and red) square off. 

2) Jorgen changes levels…

3) …and shoots for an ankle pick. Note that his head is on the inside. 

4) Gareth pivots and bends the knee of his right leg. He sits his weight upon Jorgen’s shoulders and presses his head into the mat to stop Jorgen driving forward. 

5) & 6) Still keeping his weight down, Gareth can strike with hammerfists to the side of Jorgen’s head. 

7) & 8) Similarly, he can deliver blows to the ribs. 

9) To escape the position, Gareth turns with speed to look over his left shoulder. 

10) As he spins, his foot slips from Jorgen’s grasp. 

11) Once he has fully completed the turn, Gareth can start to attack Jorgen’s back.