This week on GB Technique we are going to look at some more advanced ideas for gripping and performing takedowns in the standing position with Prof. Flavio Almeida

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Takedowns for jiu-jitsu might be the weak point in the game of more BJJ students than any other aspect of jiu-jitsu. Let’s look at some ideas to level up your standing game.

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Takedown strategy with Prof. Flavio Almeida

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Many lesser experienced standup grapplers simply allow their opponents to grip them and, in turn, just take whatever grips they can easily grab on their opponent. This casual approach simply will not do!

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You have two main goals when grip fighting.

A- The first is to fight for the offensive grips that you want in order to execute your strongest offensive techniques.

B- The second is to deny your opponent any of the grips that they want (ex. a strong collar grip) and ensuring your own defense

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In a nutshell, Prof. Flavio sums up – to be able to control your opponent without them controlling you.

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1- Distract your opponent by attacking with a foot sweep and use the momentary distraction to break the strong lapel grip

2- Use your second free hand to knock the opponent’s grip free

3- Use a coordinated body action to pop the opponent’s grip off of your lapel

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Now that you have your offensive grip and denied/broken your opponents what are your favorite takedown options? Prof. Flavio suggests trying and finding the techniques that work best for your level and body type.

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1- The ko-uchi-gari / minor inside trip. This is not unlike a boxer’s jab and used to set up secondary techniques. Especially good on much larger opponents.

2- Combinations. Here, Prof. Flavio initially attacks with an o-uchi+gari / major inside trip. When the opponent reacts by stepping out, Prof. Flavio enters with a yoko-tomoe-nage / side sacrifice throw to get underneath the opponent for the throw. There are dozens of possible, effective combinations and you must experiment in order to find one that clicks for you.

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See also on GB Technique: Connecting Open Guards

Writer: Mark Mullen, Gracie Barra Black Belt