The History of Takedowns |

The history of Takedowns, also known as wrestling takedowns. They are crucial to grappling sports like wrestling, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

These techniques are designed to quickly remove an opponent from a standing position, allowing the attacker to gain control and ultimately finish the fight.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of takedowns, some of the most popular techniques, and their impact on combat sports.

History of Takedowns

The history of takedowns can be traced back to ancient civilizations like Greece and Egypt, where wrestling was popular.

In Greek wrestling, the goal was to throw your opponent to the ground three times, while Egyptian wrestlers used grappling techniques to gain control and submission holds.

Over time, these techniques evolved and spread to other parts of the world, eventually becoming a staple of modern grappling sports.

One of the earliest modern examples of takedowns used in combat sports is in Japanese Judo, which Jigoro Kano founded in the late 19th century.

Kano’s philosophy was to use technique and skill to overcome physical strength. He developed a system of throws and takedowns still used in Judo today.

Popular Takedown Techniques

Numerous takedown techniques are used in grappling sports, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Here are a few of the most popular:

Single Leg Takedown

The single-leg takedown is one of the most basic and effective takedowns in grappling.

It involves grabbing one of your opponent’s legs and pulling it out from under them, causing them to fall to the ground.

Double Leg Takedown

The double-leg takedown is similar to the single-leg takedown but involves grabbing both your opponent’s legs and driving forward to take them down.

Greco-Roman Throw

The Greco-Roman throw is a technique used in Olympic wrestling that involves grabbing your opponent around the waist and lifting them off the ground before throwing them to the mat.

Judo Throw

There are dozens of Judo throws, each with its name and technique.

One of the most popular is the “ippon seoi nage,” which involves grabbing your opponent’s lapel and sleeve before sweeping them over your back and onto the mat.

Impact on Combat Sports

Takedowns have significantly impacted combat sports, particularly in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).

In these sports, combatants use takedowns to gain control of an opponent and prevent them from striking effectively.

Fighters who excel at takedowns can often dictate the fight’s pace and wear down their opponents over time.

One of UFC history’s most dominant takedown artists is Khabib Nurmagomedov, a Russian fighter with a perfect record of 29-0.

Nurmagomedov’s grappling skills are unparalleled in the sport, and he’s known for his relentless takedown attempts and ground-and-pound style.

He’s won more than half of his fights by submission, many of which were set up by his takedowns.

Read Also: The Biography of Randy Savage

Rounding Up

Takedowns are a fundamental aspect of grappling sports and have been used for centuries to gain control and finish fights.

From ancient Greek wrestling to modern-day UFC, takedowns have played a significant role in combat sports and continue to evolve and adapt with each generation of fighters.

Whether a beginner or an experienced fighter, mastering takedown techniques is essential to becoming a well-rounded and effective grappler.