4 BEST SANDA TAKEDOWNS

Looking to improve your competitive edge, or focus on combat elements applicable to an MMA setting?

4 ways to throw, sweep and wrestle your opponent to the ground. 

(Explained from an orthodox stance)

1. LEFT-SIDE BODY-KICK CATCH 

This is one of the most, if not the most, used kicks – therefore it follows that a well trained takedown from this strike is valuable. While it\’s not wise to allow yourself to be kicked in the ribs or thigh, sometimes it cannot be helped and this is the perfect time to dump them on their back and make them think twice about repeating it.

TECHNIQUE–

There are two scenarios which alter your approach. 

If you aren\’t able to anticipate the kick:

After it hits you, pin the leg against your side with your left arm, grasping close to the knee and lifting. Simultaneously, step forward to power a right cross at there head. This may be enough to knock them off balance, otherwise continue lifting their leg and sweep at their grounded ankle.

If you are able to anticipate the kick:

Begin a turn towards the kick (guard up), so as you intercept the kick your left arm can still protect your body while your right arm slips underneath. In the split second you seize the leg, step your right foot on the inside of their grounded foot and continue to turn – forcing them off balance.

2. RIGHT-SIDE BODY-KICK SWEEP

To work this takedown must done at speed and with a powerful sweep or kick.

TECHNIQUE:–

Your best opportunity to perform this move is when your opponent switches stances to lend more power to their left legs kick (switch kick), this will give you more time to react accordingly. 

As you see the kick commence take a sharp step to the left, bending your left leg and rotating your hip over to kick at the grounded leg\’s knee or sweep the ankle. Assuming they had dedicated to the kick they should have fallen, or at least suffered considerable discomfort. 

3. JAB FEINT -> DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN 

This is a takedown that is certainly not unique to Sanda and is used by many wrestlers in MMA competitions. 

TECHNIQUE: —

 This doesn\’t have to begin specifically with a jab feint – inside kick to lead hook/repeated single jabs/etc – anything which draws them forward swinging, letting you shoot on their unprotected waist. 

As they punch, duck below their attack and keep your guard up (to protect against a knee or kick) as you step in until your shoulder is pressed into their body at the waist. Your legs must be underneath you as you lift to give you maximum leverage. The moment your opponents feet come off the ground bend forward quickly to slam them. 

4. TEEP CATCH AND SWEEP 

A teep, a variation on a front kick, can be very debilitating for a fighter on the receiving end; therefore being comfortable executing a retaliatory takedown can bring confidence to a fighter.  

TECHNIQUE–

Your first priority should be evasion,  jumping/sliding/moving backwards just out of range as your opponent extends their leg towards you. In the same moment, grasp the offered foot with one glove on top and the other beneath. Stepping forward into the opponent, raise the foot high in the air to off balance them before sweeping their grounded foot to the side or front of their body.

Each of these are just a variation on the many possibilities. They represent 4 of the best Sanda takedowns you could add into your training. Quick, effective and easy to practice – they will improve your point scoring, defensive evasion and adaptability to MMA (and other arts).

DO YOU PRACTICE ANY OF THESE?  

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?