Six Most Effective Takedowns For Old Grapplers

The diverse art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is based on the fundamental principles of grappling and submission. This self-defense combat art is based on ground fighting. Practitioners attain the specific position of the guard and submit the opponent with an effective takedown.

Grapplers stay close to the mat, and for that purpose, takedowns and throws play a significant role in jiu-jitsu. Takedowns are an essential part of the game as they allow the BJJ practitioners to take the game to the ground fighting. The top contenders are competent in the takedowns and throws, an essential part of the BJJ arsenal. 

Takedowns are the most significant component in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It is a technique that is used by the BJJ  grapplers to take the fight to the ground. The grappler emphasizes taking their opponent down to the mat to get proper control over them. The takedowns are dependent on the three things:

• Sweeps
• Throws
• Trips

We will explore the ways for old grapplers to execute the takedown in front of young grapplers. This article delves into strategies and tips for excelling in throws or takedowns.

The art of BJJ is based on the guards , takedowns, and submission work equally for every fighter regardless of their age, size and weight. Self-defense art improves the techniques and ensures the safety of the BJJ practitioner. The old grapplers are the experts of jiu-jitsu; they can submit the opponent with takedowns that can be applied easily with maximum effectiveness.

The older grapplers have mastered all of the guards, takedowns, and submission work equally for every fighter regardless of age, size, and weight. Self-defense art improves the techniques and ensures the safety of the BJJ practitioner. Old grapplers are the experts of jiu-jitsu; they can submit to opponents with takedowns that can be applied easily, and they can use techniques with the passage of time. Selecting and applying the proper techniques is the most vital component. The strategies and the method vary according to the opponent at the front. The old grapplers prefer to use methods that have the minimum high-impact falls and give the maximum output.

Old grapplers applied methods based on their physical endurance, using leverage. The essential technique of the takedown originated in wrestling and is also used in various martial arts. The takedown is proven to be the most effective factor in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

In this article, we will explore the six most effective takedowns for older BJJ fighters to dominate against young grapplers. 

Ankle pick is the technical approach that has a high percentage. It is the best method for old grapplers because it has low risk and is very efficacious. Ankle pick can be applied in three productive ways. The main purpose of every takedown is to imbalance the opponent.

In the ankle pick technique, the fighter first targets the opponent's legs and then swiftly pulls the non-targeted leg. This sequence of actions effectively immobilizes the opponent, allowing the fighter to apply submission methods. Ankle pick can be applied in Gi and No Gi  tournaments. 

• The fighters are in the standing position and looking for a takedown.
• The first step is to target the opponent's lapel or collar.
• The next step is to hold the elbow of the opponent.
• Apply the pressure and move the opponent in the circle.
• The next step is to get out of the opponent’s grip at the back of the neck.
• Now you have to bend down to reach the ankle of the opponent.
• You need to target the opposite leg.
• Pull the leg in the forward direction with a bit of pressure.
• Make the hook with the hands as the fighter gets on the ground.
• Hold the opponent’s leg in a cross.

As per physical and mental endurance, the old grapplers can implement the technique that requires less focus on the energy. Single-leg takedown is the fundamental method that is a pivotal part of the BJJ arsenal. In addition, it is the simplest takedown that is extremely effective for the old grapplers.

Senior BJJ fighters can rely on an effective method at the precise time. Basically, it requires focusing on the maneuver to disrupt the opponent's balance. Let us take a look at how to apply it step by step. 

• The fighters are in the standing position, and one of the fighters will start to jab.
• The old grappler can reach the fighter by bending downwards.
• Target the knee and with a little force, exert the pressure to lift it in the upward direction.
• The footwork plays a significant role, put the leg between your legs and hold it tight.
• The next step is to smash down the opponent by moving it downward.
• In the next step, the fighter can turn the opponent towards his backside.
• In this way the opponent will fall to the ground.

Safety involves applying various techniques within a precise time. Foot sweeps are a dynamic way to do the transition in a comparatively shorter amount of time. The old grappler can easily apply foot sweeps and stay in the dominant position. The best part is that they require comparatively less effort, and the perfect angle plays a significant role. Foot sweeps allow the smoothest transition to the mat. 

• The fighters are in the standing position, holding the sleeve of the fighter with one hand.
• Make sure to hold the sleeve from the bottom to get better control.
• The other hand is used to grip the collar.
• A hand grip is important in foot sweep, allowing the shoulder to roll to one side.
• Put one hand in the downward position, and hold the collar steadily.
• The next step is to move the hand of the opponent in a downward direction.
• Move the hand’s direction towards your knee.
• Change the direction of the opponent to the side.
• Use the leg to create the hook while rotating your opponent and put him down to the mat.

Uchi mata is a technique that originated in Judo and later evolved into jiu-jitsu. Its incorporation of throws, sweeps, and takedowns makes it very interesting. The high-powered takedown involves entangling the inner thigh, and the lower body plays a significant role.

• In the first step, the fighters must have a sound grip over the lapel.
• After that, the fighter needs to hold the sleeve.
• The fighter needed to tilt a bit and place the leg in front of the opponent’s leg.
• Rotate in front of the opponent in the diagonal form.
• Put the pressure on the lapel to do the take down.
• In the last step, place the torso on your shoulder and put down the opponent.

Body Lock is another grappling technique that is used in jiu-jitsu; as the name suggests, it is the takedown that is used to get control over the whole body. It helps to immobilize the opponent with the entanglements or locks .

The old fighter can get control over the upper body with the help of the arms. The fighter needs to target the torso to apply the takedown. In addition, this is a useful way for the old grapplers to break the posture of the opponent.

Let us dive into the step-by-step steps to apply the body lock takedown. 

• The first step is to bend your knees downwards and approach towards opponent’s back.
• Place one leg in between the opponent’s legs.
• As you get at the back, lock the posture by placing your hands over each other.
• Make sure to do it with rapid movement.
• Put the pressure to move the opponent in a downward motion.
• The fighter can take the full mount position as the opponent is on the mat.

Knee tap is the unique takedown that works with the incorporation of the two takedowns that are:

• Foot sweeps
• Single leg takedown

All of the takedowns work on the key principle of disrupting the balance of the opponent. Knee tap is also a very simple and best option for old-age grapplers. It is initiated with an underhook.

Knee tap is the most ideal and effective way for old grapplers to work on strategy rather than force. Let us find out the simple steps for executing the knee tap takedown. 

• As the fighter gets close to you, the first step is to reach the neck.
• Target the neck by placing the hand at the back of the neck.
• With one hand, grip the elbow joint and create the underhook; place the hand in the armpit.
• Keep the head along with the opponent’s head.
• Reach the knee with the other hand, and change your position by going close to the opponent.
• Put down the opponent by pulling the knee towards you.

• Using the takedown mentioned above requires less effort and has the maximum impact.
• With less power and energy, the senior practitioner can do the sweeps effectively.
• Use any of the methods and take control over them by gripping the leg or the arm.
• The correct application and focus on the leverage create a significant difference.
• Focus on the opponent and apply the takedowns and submissions accordingly.
• Began with the hand fighting and applied the takedowns.
• Focus on off balancing your opponent with the ankle pick.
• Focus on maintaining the body alignment, and work on the leverage.
• Put the concentration on selecting the accurate technique.

Senior or old grapplers can dominate themselves by having the maximum control over the opponent with relatively less effort. The focus on the strategic approach creates a significant difference.

This article focuses on the multiple ways that work very well to achieve dominance over young and energetic grapplers. The old grapplers can excel on the competitive edge with the minimum hazards.