Touch and Go
by Bill Wallace

As you’ve probably noticed while watching events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, all the ground fighters these days can punch and kick. They’ve obviously learned a valuable lesson—that grapplers must also cross-train in striking. The corollary to that concept—that kickboxers need to not only know how to defend against takedowns but also how to execute them—is every bit as important. The following are three strategies strikers can use to set up a takedown. If you don’t already know how to do them, you’d do well to pay attention.

• Setup No. 1 This strategy entails making the other fighter react to your attack by slapping him on the head, then following up with a backfist or jab before going in for the takedown. As soon as you hit him, his hands will instinctively come up to push yours away. However, your strikes are difficult to block because they’re so fast. Even if he leans backward to avoid them, his legs will still be there. That’s when you should immediately drop under his hands and go for a single- or double-leg takedown.

To defend against this technique, you must teach yourself not to lean your head backward. Evade the punches by moving your head to the side while keeping your weight over your legs so you remain balanced. When he shoots in, have your hands at chest or stomach level so you can hook his shoulders to prevent him from getting inside.


• Setup No. 2 Slap your opponent’s arms open as you move in to blast him with a jab or left hook. If he puts his hands up to block the strike, immediately drop down for a takedown.
In boxing, contestants often clinch after one fighter throws a left hook and gets a little too close to the other guy, and the ref usually has to break them up. In grappling and no-holds-barred fighting, however, such a strategy is fine because combat in all ranges is permitted.
A good way to thwart this ploy if your adversary tries it on you is to ignore his initial move and drop under his jab to take him down. The slower his strike is, the easier it will be for you to succeed.


• Setup No. 3 Rather than moving straight toward your opponent when you’re on a takedown offensive, step to the side and dive for his leg. Hook it with either hand as you pass by with the intent of throwing him off-balance a little. Then lift the leg and take him down.
There’s a momentary risk involved with the execution of this technique: You could be forced to absorb some punishment during the takedown should he have the presence of mind to try to kick you with his free leg. Alternatively, he could attempt to punch you in the face if one of his hands is free. It’s the cost of doing business.

Remember that your fastest movement is a relaxed movement. You must anticipate what your opponent will do so you can react to his attack. If you can keep enough distance between the two of you and not telegraph what you’re planning to do, it’ll be very difficult for him to catch you off-guard.

These days, every stand-up fighter needs to know how to defend against a takedown, whether your fights take place in the ring or on the street. The combinations described here are a perfect place to start because they work as attacks and they can be defended against once you know their secret.

About the author: Bill Wallace is a former kickboxing champion and Black Belt Hall of Fame member who now teaches seminars around the world. To contact him, visit http://www.superfoot.com.