Best Takedowns For Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) by John Danaher

Introduction to Fit to Floor Series

Overview of the Video

• The video features a discussion between the host and Bernardo Faria, who is injured but present for filming.

• They are in Boston filming the new "Fit to Floor" series, focusing on jiu-jitsu techniques.

Injury Impact on Filming

• Bernardo has injured his toe and will not participate actively in the demonstrations. Instead, he will observe from the sidelines.

• Giancarlo joins the host to demonstrate technical aspects of jiu-jitsu moves while Bernardo provides insights.

Understanding Jiu-Jitsu Takedowns

Importance of Takedowns in Jiu-Jitsu

• The series aims to explore takedowns that are suitable for jiu-jitsu, an area often underexplored compared to other grappling arts like judo or wrestling.

• A key question for athletes is identifying which takedown skills are most appropriate for jiu-jitsu competitions.

Standing Position Dynamics

• Matches start standing, and there are moments when athletes rise from the ground during a match; thus, standing skills are essential even if they aren't emphasized in training.

• In self-defense scenarios, takedowns become crucial as they help neutralize threats by bringing opponents to the ground.

Criteria for Selecting Takedowns

Evaluating Takedown Techniques

• The host introduces six criteria used to assess which takedowns fit best within jiu-jitsu's unique context and ruleset.

Back Exposure as a Key Criterion

• Back Exposure: The first criterion discussed is how much back exposure a takedown creates; exposing one's back can lead to significant disadvantages in jiu-jitsu matches.

• In combat sports like judo, getting behind an opponent may not score points immediately; however, it poses severe risks in jiu-jitsu where back exposure can lead directly to submission attempts or point scoring against you.

Example of Back Exposure Risks

• An example given is the drop seoi nage throw (drop sand), which exposes one’s back significantly during execution—leading potentially to losing points or being submitted if not executed correctly in a jiu-jitsu context.

• This contrasts with its effectiveness in other sports like wrestling or judo where such exposure might be less consequential due to different scoring systems and rulesets.

Analyzing Different Throws

Drop Tai Otoshi Technique

• The discussion transitions into analyzing another technique called drop tai otoshi.

• This technique also involves some degree of back exposure but differs as it allows landing outside an opponent's legs rather than inside them—reducing risk compared to drop seoi nage while still being effective within its own context of application in matches.

Understanding Back, Neck, and Belt Exposure in Jiu-Jitsu

The Concept of Back Exposure

• The discussion begins with the concept of back exposure during takedowns, highlighting that there can be varying degrees of back exposure.

• Full back exposure is considered risky; being between an opponent's legs with complete back exposure poses significant danger.

• A contrasting example is provided where a forward throw results in zero back exposure, emphasizing safety in jiu-jitsu techniques.

• An ankle pick is presented as another example of a safe takedown with zero back exposure, making it appropriate for the sport.

Evaluating Neck Exposure

• The second criterion discussed is neck exposure, which can lead to vulnerabilities such as strangleholds common in jiu-jitsu but not present in wrestling.

• A single leg takedown is analyzed; if executed improperly, it can expose the neck to dangerous submissions like loop strangles.

• The risk associated with double leg situations is highlighted; control over the head prevents scoring even if a takedown occurs due to neck vulnerability.

• Emphasis on how neck exposure affects scoring: if an opponent controls your head while threatening submission, no points are awarded.

Importance of Belt Exposure

• The third criterion introduced is belt exposure. Control over an opponent's belt can significantly impact balance and center of gravity during takedowns.

• An example involving a single leg takedown illustrates how an opponent grabbing the belt can lead to counter throws or loss of balance.

• Techniques that do not expose the belt are deemed safer; for instance, certain throws maintain control without risking belt vulnerability.

Safe Takedown Examples

• A side throw technique demonstrates safety by ensuring no back or neck exposure occurs while maintaining effective control over the opponent.

Takedown Techniques in Jiu Jitsu

Weight Exposure in Takedowns

• The concern of weight exposure is critical during takedowns in jiu jitsu, particularly when caught under an opponent's body weight.

• For instance, during a double leg takedown, if the opponent applies a heavy sprawl, it can lead to being trapped beneath their weight.

• Maintaining strong posture is essential; good posture allows one to bear the opponent's weight effectively without compromising position.

• If posture fails and one has to support the opponent's body weight, it creates significant challenges and risks during the takedown attempt.

• Ankle picks are highlighted as a safer option with minimal risk of body weight exposure compared to double or single leg takedowns.

Postural Integrity and Its Importance

• The effectiveness of various takedowns depends heavily on postural integrity; poor posture increases vulnerability to being pressed down by opponents.

• Some techniques like ankle picks have zero body weight exposure risks, while others like double legs carry inherent dangers based on one's posture.

• Evaluating how much body weight exposure occurs during a takedown is crucial for determining its applicability in jiu jitsu.

Roll Through Exposure

• Roll through exposure refers to situations where executing a throw results in ending up in a disadvantageous bottom position due to momentum.

• A common scenario involves attempting a forward throw that leads to rolling through instead of maintaining top control after the throw.

• Real-life examples illustrate this issue; even skilled practitioners can end up on the bottom despite successfully initiating throws against less experienced opponents.

Momentum and Technique Application

• Effective competition throws require significant momentum; traditional teaching methods may not suffice against skilled opponents.

• Competitors must adapt their stance and technique for effective execution of throws, moving away from outdated methods that do not work under competitive pressure.

Understanding Takedowns in Jiu-Jitsu

The Impact of Throws on Positioning

• A powerful throw, like a goshi, may score well in judo but can lead to unfavorable positions in jiu-jitsu, such as being mounted by an opponent.

• Committing to strong forward throws increases the risk of roll-throughs, which can leave the practitioner vulnerable.

Strategies for Effective Takedowns

• The speaker advocates for using dropping throws to minimize exposure to roll-throughs. This technique involves lowering one's body weight closer to the mat during execution.

• An example provided is taitoshi; when performed with a lower center of gravity, it reduces the likelihood of being rolled through after the throw.

Variations and Safety in Throws

• Low amplitude throws are highlighted as safer options due to their minimal momentum towards the mat, making roll-through nearly impossible.

• Ankle picks are emphasized as ideal takedowns because they involve very little risk of roll-through while maintaining effectiveness.

Degree of Difficulty in Learning Takedowns

• The speaker discusses how some takedowns are inherently more difficult than others. While beautiful techniques exist, practical training focuses on simpler moves that yield quicker results.

• It’s noted that while ankle picks can be taught within three to six months, mastering complex throws like haraigoshi requires significantly more time and practice.

Goals for Training and Skill Development

• The primary objective is to enable students who lack confidence in standing positions to effectively take down opponents their size within a realistic timeframe.

• Understanding what makes a takedown difficult includes considering an opponent's stance and balance; these factors play crucial roles in successful execution.

Understanding the Dynamics of Throwing Techniques in Jiu-Jitsu

The Initial Experience of Sparring

• The feeling of hip-to-hip pressure during sparring can boost confidence, leading to successful throws like sweeping the leg.

• A strong defensive stance from an opponent can create challenges, making it difficult to execute techniques effectively.

Challenges with Defensive Postures

• When attempting a basic throw like taitoshi against a strong defense, keeping hands in front is crucial for success.

• Takedowns that require less turning are generally easier to learn; for instance, ultraguard allows for shorter turns and simpler execution.

Breaking Balance: Key to Successful Throws

• To execute most throws effectively, one must break the opponent's balance by moving their head outside their base of support.

• Dropping into a throw can automatically break balance without conscious effort, making certain techniques easier to learn.

Simplifying Techniques for Better Learning

• Techniques like ankle picks and collar drags are effective because they involve dropping and do not require turning towards the opponent.

• The act of dropping inherently breaks balance, allowing students to score more easily without needing advanced skills.

Teaching Strategies for Effective Learning

• Many practitioners focus on complex throws but struggle with execution; simpler approaches can yield quicker results in training.

• By controlling an opponent’s grip and using straightforward techniques, students can achieve success more rapidly than through traditional methods.

Criteria for Selecting Takedowns

• The selection of takedowns should consider factors such as exposure (neck, body weight), roll-through ability, explosion potential, and overall difficulty.

• Aiming for quick proficiency in throwing within jiu-jitsu conditions requires strategic teaching methods tailored to student capabilities.

Understanding the Overlap Principle in Jiu-Jitsu

The Concept of Overlap

• The overlap principle is introduced as a significant concept not only for Fujitsu but applicable to various aspects of life. It emphasizes the connection between different techniques.

• Many sweeps in jiu-jitsu can be adapted from ground techniques to standing positions, highlighting the versatility of skills learned on the mat.

Practical Application of Techniques

• When an opponent stands over you in open guard, pulling them into your guard can lead to effective setups for moves like hashigorami or delivers.

• Ankle picks are frequently executed on the ground; transitioning this technique to a standing position is feasible with minor adjustments in setup.

Transitioning Techniques from Ground to Standing

• Modifying ankle picks involves changing grips and angles, allowing practitioners to leverage their existing skills effectively while standing.

• A practical example includes stripping grips and creating positional advantages that expose an opponent's lapel for takedowns.

Skill Development and Confidence Building

• Students can easily adapt ground techniques like collar drags into standing positions with minimal additional training focused on grip fighting and distance management.

• Most jiu-jitsu students can learn these adaptations within three to six months, gaining confidence even against more experienced opponents.

Instructional Series Announcement

• A new instructional video series titled "Feed to Floor" aims to help practitioners who have neglected standing techniques gain confidence in takedowns within a short timeframe.

• Future volumes will explore more complex judo takedowns suitable for jiu-jitsu, focusing on tomoenage, sumigeshi, and hukawaza.

Takedowns in Sport vs. Self-Defense

Overview of Takedown Applications

• The discussion begins with an introduction to the third volume, focusing on high amplitude throws and their authoritative application.

• Emphasizes that while takedowns are optional in sports, they are essential in fighting; a short section will cover self-defense applications for takedowns.

• Highlights the importance of understanding self-defense implications when discussing takedowns, noting that taking an opponent to the ground is crucial in real-life confrontations.

Self-Defense Insights

• Acknowledges that while a comprehensive philosophy on self-defense will be addressed later, it’s important to touch upon basic self-defense applications related to takedowns now.

• Discusses how there were other series ideas proposed but ultimately focuses on standing game techniques due to their significance.

Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu Techniques

Addressing Historical Weaknesses

• The speaker reflects on two historical weaknesses in Jiu-Jitsu: leg locks and standing positions/takedowns.

• Notes significant improvements in leg lock techniques over the past decade, indicating that modern athletes have become proficient and confident against them.

Future Directions for Takedown Techniques

• Suggests that just as leg locks evolved into strengths for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, so too can standing skills and takedowns improve significantly over time.

Upcoming Series: Feed to Floor

Introduction of New Content

• Announces an upcoming series titled "Feed to Floor," which aims to simplify takedown techniques for practitioners at all levels.

Accessibility of Techniques

• Discusses the challenges faced by older or less experienced practitioners regarding complex techniques like driving drop sayonagi; emphasizes teaching simpler methods suitable for various physical conditions.

Conclusion and Call-to-Actions

Anticipation for Release

• Concludes with excitement about the upcoming release of "Feed to Floor" and encourages viewers to check out bjfanatics.com for more information.