Usefulness and implications of a leg takedown?

[Heroic Wolf]

Hi everybody,

As of right now, I am reasonably convinced that leg takedowns are a bad idea in a self defense situation as an opponent could guillotine choke me, elbow me in the spine as I shoot in, knee me as I shoot in (which could hit my groin if I shoot in far enough by the time the knee connects), sprawl on top of me, or simply dig my eyes out as I tuck my head next to his waist. Leg takedowns also seem to use more energy than upper body takedowns as far as I know. However, there were two questions the leg takedown brought up:
1. Is a super-low leg takedown involving grabbing the opponent at his foot and not his leg or waist possible?
2. Since its possible to shoot in quickly on an opponent, is it possible for an aggressor to shoot in and try to grab/strike the groin?

[jubaji]

Hi everybody,

As of right now, I am reasonably convinced that leg takedowns are a bad idea in a self defense situation

Anything is a bad idea if you aren't good at it. What's your grappling background, if I may ask?

1. Is a super-low leg takedown involving grabbing the opponent at his foot and not his leg or waist possible?

Sure. YouTube - Wrestler John Smith

2. Since its possible to shoot in quickly on an opponent, is it possible for an aggressor to shoot in and try to grab/strike the groin?

Why would you do that instead of picking him up and slamming his head into the ground or at least taking him down for a little GnP?

[Heroic Wolf]

I've done wrestling before and I do mixed martial arts now (although I choose to spent about 90% of my time on standup). I guess I meant that I think with two fighters of similar experience and strength, leg-takedowns may not be that effective. I guess ground and pound is a more decisive option, but what if I'm not strong enough to completely lift someone up and slam them on their head?

[jubaji]

I've done wrestling before and I do mixed martial arts now (although I choose to spent about 90% of my time on standup). I guess I meant that I think with two fighters of similar experience and strength, leg-takedowns may not be that effective. I guess ground and pound is a more decisive option, but what if I'm not strong enough to completely lift someone up and slam them on their head?

Then you are probably doing it wrong. And you need to hit the gym.

People of similar experience and strength take down/get taken down all the time.

What was the wrestling you did before?

[Heroic Wolf]

I did normal school wrestling before, not specifically Greco-Roman or Freestyle or Sambo. Ur probably right, I don't spend enough time on my grappling I do hit the gym, but ur right, I'm still on the skinny side and not super-strong yet.

[jubaji]

Are you still in school?

[Heroic Wolf]

Ya, I'm 16 and in high school, maybe that's why I don't have the strength adult men who work out do, lol

[Bjjexpertise@be]

Jubs you're on your own on this one. Even if it means reiterating what you've probably written a dozen times before .

[jubaji]

Jubs you're on your own on this one. Even if it means reiterating what you've probably written a dozen times before .

Ok, here goes...

[jubaji]

Ya, I'm 16 and in high school, maybe that's why I don't have the strength adult men who work out do, lol

So...why aren't you on your school's wrestling team?

[Adept]

Hmm.

I think leg takedowns have their place, when given the right time and place. I guess it just takes time and practice for you to get it down good, because I've trained with some wrestler friends that can leg takedown at will.

Another thing you should learn is fighting from the clinch. Personally, if I feel that I can't shoot in on someone, I'll clinch and try to throw them that way.

My two cents.

[7r14ngL3Ch0k3]

Hi everybody,

As of right now, I am reasonably convinced that leg takedowns are a bad idea in a self defense situation as an opponent could guillotine choke me, elbow me in the spine as I shoot in, knee me as I shoot in (which could hit my groin if I shoot in far enough by the time the knee connects), sprawl on top of me, or simply dig my eyes out as I tuck my head next to his waist. Leg takedowns also seem to use more energy than upper body takedowns as far as I know. However, there were two questions the leg takedown brought up:
1. Is a super-low leg takedown involving grabbing the opponent at his foot and not his leg or waist possible?
2. Since its possible to shoot in quickly on an opponent, is it possible for an aggressor to shoot in and try to grab/strike the groin?

You are wrong on all things you just mentioned except for them attacking your spine and kneeing you. A takedown where you have to shoot should always be finished as quickly as possible. The biggest danger is getting punched, kneed or elbowed in the head and busting your knees on the concrete. In wrestling, most of your shots involve touching your knees to the mat (and with alot of force), on concrete, thats a terrible idea.

[7r14ngL3Ch0k3]

Personally, if I feel that I can't shoot in on someone, I'll clinch and try to throw them that way.

My two cents.

getting to the clinch is just as dangerous (probably more) as shooting in on the legs/hips

[Adept]

In wrestling, most of your shots involve touching your knees to the mat (and with alot of force), on concrete, thats a terrible idea.

True. Perhaps he can use a BJJ double leg instead? The Baiana, I believe it's called. If I have to do a double leg, the Baiana is what I'd go for as shooting explosively into the pavement with the knees is detrimental to one's health.

getting to the clinch is just as dangerous (probably more) as shooting in on the legs/hips

I can see where you're coming from. Maybe it's just my own weird personal style or something, but I actually trust my clinch fighting than my stand up. But then again, fighting in the clinch is something I've worked on A LOT in my martial arts experience. Whether I'm rolling in BJJ or sparring in kick boxing, I've always had a better chance going to the clinch with my partners.

But like I said, going to the clinch is something you can work on. Look at Judokas and traditional Thai boxers alike. Clinch freaks.

[Tant01]

True. Perhaps he can use a BJJ double leg instead? The Baiana, I believe it's called. If I have to do a double leg, the Baiana is what I'd go for as shooting explosively into the pavement with the knees is detrimental to one's health.....
.

Judo...

Say it with me;

morote-gari