Science Of Takedowns, Throws, And Grappling For Self-Defense
Second Edition
by Martina Sprague
Copyright 2018 Martina Sprague
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or medium without the express permission of the author.
All text and photos copyright Martina Sprague.
Front cover design by Martina Sprague.
Other books of interest by Martina Sprague:
Fighting Science: The Laws Of Physics For Martial Artists
Fighter's Body, Fighter's Mind: A Comprehensive Guide To Muscular Strength And Endurance Training For Martial Arts
Formidable Fighter: The Complete Series
My Original Martial Arts Log: A Journal For Developing Your Martial Arts Techniques To Their Fullest Potential
The Power Trip: How To Survive And Thrive In The Dojo
Lessons In The Art Of War: Martial Strategies For The Successful Fighter
Ways To Practice Your Karate, Grappling, And Martial Arts Techniques: The Martial Artist's Daily Pocket Companion
Table Of Contents
Introduction And Overview Of Concepts
Explanation Of Concepts
Overview Of Takedowns
Lesson Objectives
Defining Balance
Inherent Weaknesses Of Your Stance
Balance Exercises
Shifting The Center Of Gravity
Line Of Power Exercises
Elements Of Takedowns
Your Window Of Opportunity
What Can Go Wrong?
Common Errors
Positioning And Timing
Lesson Objectives
Stages Of A Takedown
Positioning Preparatory To Takedown
Positioning Exercises
Positioning During Takedown
Approaching Opponent's Joints
Grabbing Exercises
Positioning After Takedown
Ground Exercises
Setups And Positioning
Action-Reaction Exercises
Timing
Timing Exercises
Softening Techniques
Target Areas For Softening Techniques
Target Exercises
Your Zone Of Safety
Awareness Exercises
Common Errors
Leverage And Momentum
Lesson Objectives
Push-Pull Principle
Two Points Of Balance
Lever Arm
Momentum And Push-Pull Principle
Combining Linear And Circular Motion
Head Manipulation Exercises
Direction Of Energy
Momentum And First Touch
Momentum And First Touch Exercises
Common Errors
Leg Takedowns
Lesson Objectives
A Conceptual Look At Targets
Motives Exercises
Shoot And Gap Closure For Lower Leg Takedown
Lower Leg Takedown Against Strike
Self-Assessment Composure Exercises
Lower Leg Takedown From Ground
Wide Versus Narrow Separation
Replacing Opponent's C.G. With Your Own
Common Errors For Lower Leg Takedowns
Trap And Throw To The Rear
Trap And Throw To The Front
Variations Of Trap And Throw
Common Errors For Trap And Throw
Body And Arm Takedowns
Lesson Objectives
Closing Distance For The Body Attack
Attacking Opponent's Arms
Takedown As Defense Against Lock-Up
Variation Of Takedown As Defense Against Lock-Up
Takedown From Figure-Four Arm Bar
Takedown As Defense Against Head Lock
Arm Takedown As Rescue Technique
Variation Of Rear Rescue Technique
Arm Unbalancing Move From Ground
Ground Mobility Exercises
If The Takedown Fails
Common Errors
Neck Takedowns
Lesson Objectives
Neck Takedown Using Two Points Of Balance
Rear Neck-Tilt Takedown
Defense Against Wrist, Shoulder, And Waist Grab
Conservation Of Energy
Conservation Of Energy Exercises
Neck Takedown From Position On Your Back
Full Nelson From The Front
Your Window Of Opportunity
Uneven Surfaces
Common Errors
Empty-Hand And Weapon Presses
Lesson Objectives
Empty-Hand Presses
Chin Press
Heel Press
Knee Press
Target Exercises
Weapon Presses
Holding The Stick
Stick Grabbing Exercises
Blocking And Striking With The Stick
Standing Immobilizing Presses
Figure-Four Press
Tightening The Press
Presses Against The Arms
Immobilizing Presses From Ground
Body Elongation Presses
Multiple Simultaneous Presses
Thumb And Finger Presses
Common Errors
Stick Leverage Unbalancing Moves
Lesson Objectives
Pushing Unbalancing Moves With Stick
Two Points Of Balance
Eliminating The Slack
Rear Takedown With Stick
Forward Takedown With Stick
Common Errors
Rearward Throws
Lesson Objectives
Center Of Gravity And Momentum In Throws
Learning To Fall
Reverse Throw From Figure-Four Arm Lock
Points To Consider
Reverse Throw From Two-Handed Neck Grab
Points To Consider
Reverse Throw From Cross Wrist Grab
Points To Consider
Faking Exercises
Physical / Mental Exercises
Reverse Throw Using Body As Leverage
Points To Consider
Reverse Throw From Two-Handed Shoulder Grab
Points To Consider
Reverse Throw From Wrist Lock
Points To Consider
Wrist Locking Exercises
Thoughts On Throws
Forward Throws
Lesson Objectives
Forward Throw From Single Wrist Grab
Points To Consider
Blocking Exercises
Forward Throw From Head Lock
Forward Throw As Defense Against Rear Choke
Points To Consider
Forward Throw From Two-Handed Crossed Neck Grab
Points To Consider
Forward Throw From Straight Arm Shoulder Grab
Points To Consider
Forward Throw From Guillotine Choke
Points To Consider
Carotid Choke
Easy To Use Street Concepts
Lesson Objectives
How To Practice Your Martial Art
The Stages Of A Threat
Your Clothing
Establishing Contact
Striking On The Street
The Forearm Strike
Kicking On The Street
Takedown In Conjunction With Kicks From Lock-Up
Creating Shock Value
Three Points Of Pain
Finger Locks
Putting It All Together
Knife Defense Unbalancing Moves
Lesson Objectives
Exercise in Futility
Recognizing The Attack
Defending Against A Tight Knife Slash
Defending Against A Stab Or Wide Knife Slash
Knife Blocking Exercises
Offense Versus Defense
Using A Weapon In The Environment
Reversing Positions On The Ground
Using The Knife Offensively
Five Principles
Scenario Analysis
Lesson Objectives
On The Chaos Of Attack
Is It Ethical To Kill In Self-Defense?
When A Stand-Up Fighter Meets A Grappler
Getting Up From The Ground
Misaligning Opponent's Posture On The Ground
A Final Reminder And Scenario Analysis
Final Thoughts
Preview: Fighting Science: The Laws Of Physics For Martial Artists
