Recently on a forum I was watching people talk about how to defend versus a double leg takedown.  The obvious choice is of course to sprawl.  It is the proven tried and true defense for a takedown.  Sure you may every once in awhile get someone that shoots in when you are fully in balance and you may have a chance at a knee shot or the opportunity to move off line. (ie. utilize an angle)  However, most of the time the sprawl is not only the best defense but in general it will be the only one that will work.  Good takedown artists rarely shoot in when you are in balance.  What they do is either get you coming into their takedown by baiting you to step forward and cover the distance or they utilize a fake to get you back pedaling so that you are on your heels and then they shoot in for that takedown.  They may also try to mentally freeze you by shouting, saying your name, etc.  There are lots of little tricks that you can utilize to freeze someone for a millisecond and you will be surprised how effective that can be.  The sprawl is tried and proven in stuffing a double leg takedown.  Does it always work?  No, nothing always works but it has a high percentage if you work it and sprawl at the right moment in time.  I like everyone else out there like to sprawl and move to taking the opponents back.  If it were a life and death situation where they are attempting a double leg takedown with a knife then you need to neutralize the knife as well and that is hard but possible.  It is also possible to sprawl, neutralize a knife and draw your knife while sprawling or moving to the back.  These are skills that everyone should practice if they are training for serious personal protection skills.

     I have allot of drills that I utilize to train people to sprawl correctly.  One focus mitt drill involves having the drillee striking the mitts and then I shoot for a double leg, they sprawl then stand up and roundhouse kick.  This is very effective in building muscle memory.

     No matter what system you train in the sprawl needs to be a part of what you practice.  The reality is that in a violent encounter someone may try to double leg or tackle you.  The sprawl then will be your ally!

See You On The Mats!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/