SAMPLE THROWS AND TAKE DOWNS

Introduction

Please note that many of the techniques described here can be executed against a variety of different attacks.  Also, in a self defense situation, it is advantages for each technique to be used in conjunction with distractions and/or strikes.  In order to focus on the technique itself, both of these factors have been left out of the descriptions below.  A good training guideline is to practice all techniques to both sides (i.e. you need to do both right handed and left handed throws).  Since most people are more comfortable doing right handed throws I have facilitated the training process by describing left handed throws (I knew you'd be pleased!).

3 Outer Leg Takedown

As your opponent approaches take hold of his left wrist with your right hand. Your left hand should be placed on the upper right side of his chest. If he is wearing some sort of jacket or clothing you can grab, then grab it (an upper cut to his chin along the way may score some points - and is sure to get his attention). Step out at 45 degrees with your right foot to his left side. You should end up with your right foot just a little bit passed his left foot (Fig 3a). As you do this, pull his left arm across you, so that it is tight against your body. Remembering everything you have read about displacement (yeah, right!), as you step forward you should also lean forward and at the same time push him back with your left hand. The end result should be that your opponent is leaning backwards and is off balance (with any luck, at this stage you should be on balance and firmly in control).

Now bring your left leg through between your right and his left leg and place it through your opponent's legs. As your leg makes contact with his follow through with an upwards swing to take his leg off the ground, and at the same time push him to the ground with your left hand (Fig 3b). Your right hand should pull slightly (a) to take him further off balance (now that he is standing on one leg), and (b) to ‘help' him to the ground. As your opponent hits the floor, keep hold of his right hand and pull up towards you as he goes over. In training this will help your opponent to break fall and in the street it will prevent him from rolling away and give you options to strike or arm lock him as appropriate.

Figure 3a. Step in and ‘off balance' your opponent

Figure 3b. Take the leg and throw

Now, it is important to note that there is a big ‘GOTYA' to be aware of. If you do not get the displacement thing right your opponent is in a position to do the same take down on you (Woops!) (Fig 3c). To stop this there are two options : (1) with your left foot in position between his legs (yep, you've spotted it) swiftly bend you knee and swing your left leg up aiming your heal at his groin, and (2) with your left foot on the ground move you right foot behind you in an arc of about 90 degrees, and spin your opponent round you to the right. Remember to lean forward into the technique as you execute it (don't want to fall for that again). Now lift the left leg and take him down as before (Fig 3d).

Figure 3c. Who is throwing who?

Figure 3d. Reverse back through 90 degrees and execute the throw

In addition, be aware that there are a variety of options for your left hand, such as an arm bar across your opponents neck or placing the palm of your hand under his chin to push his head up and back (Fig 3e).

Figure 3e. Palm to the face can help things along

Finally, above I said that your right hand should grab his left wrist, but grabbing the upper arm, or sleeve by reaching over his arm gives a stronger hold and more control. However, this is sometimes not practical for instance if he has grabbed your wrist or if you are much smaller than him and so would find it difficult to hold onto his arm.

Tip : If he has stepped forward, say to punch, then you can perform the technique to either side taking either the leading or the trailing leg. However, you will need to adjust you position to ensure you take him backwards in his weakest line of balance.

YDJ Graham Salt