Try these 5 chain wrestling techniques to take down your opponents

Chain wrestling is a fundamental concept in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling. It refers to the ability to seamlessly transition from one technique to another, keeping the opponent off balance and continually forcing him to react. This approach not only increases your chances of getting a takedown, but also ensures that you stay in control of the situation, adapting to your opponent’s defenses with a series of well-coordinated moves. By mastering chain grappling techniques, you can develop a dynamic and effective takedown game. In this article we will study five chain fight sequences that you can use to take down your opponents.

Five chain fighting techniques

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1) Double leg to double underhook (back take) to knee tap

The double leg takedown is one of the most fundamental and widely used techniques in wrestling and BJJ. It involves pushing your shoulder against your opponent’s torso while pinning down both legs to force him to the ground. However, when your opponent defends the double leg by reaching or pulling his legs back, switching to a double hook and bringing his back is an effective follow-up.

After initiating the double leg, if your opponent manages to spread out or defend, quickly release his legs and fire your arms under his armpits to set the double hooks. From this position, you can lift him slightly or simply use leverage to go around his back. Once you have your back to him, you can protect your position or go for a finishing move like a rear-naked choke.

If your opponent resists or tries to detach his arms, you can switch to a knee tap. With one hand, push down on his knee while using hooks to throw him off balance, forcing him to the mat. This chain of moves keeps your opponent guessing and allows you to control the pace of the match.

2) Osoto Gari to arm drag (backward take) to double leg

The Osoto Gari is a classic Judo throw that can be used effectively in a wrestling or BJJ context. It involves sweeping your opponent’s leg out from under him while using your upper body to direct his fall. This throw is powerful, but if your opponent resists or counters, you can switch to an arm drag to catch him from behind, followed by a double leg takedown.

Start with the Osoto Gari by crossing your opponent’s body and attempting to sweep his leg with your own. If he counters by shifting his weight back or out of the sweep, immediately grab his arm and perform an arm drag. The arm drag will throw them off balance and allow you to move behind them, securing their back.

Once you have your back to him, your opponent may try to escape by turning towards you or falling to his knees. At this point, transition into a double leg takedown by securing his legs and moving forward to complete the takedown. This sequence demonstrates how to transition from standing techniques to ground techniques to maintain control.

3) Knee strike for Uchi Mata with ankle pick

The knee tap is a simple but effective takedown that involves pushing into your opponent’s knee to unbalance them while simultaneously pushing your body forward. This technique is especially useful against opponents who try to maintain a low, defensive posture. However, if your opponent counters the knee strike by lifting his leg or shifting his weight, you can switch to the Uchi Mata or ankle pick.

Start with the knee tap by moving to the side of your opponent and pushing into his knee as you push your body towards him. If he counterattacks by lifting his leg or resisting the push, quickly rotate and perform an Uchi Mata, a Judo throw that involves passing your leg between your opponent’s legs and lifting it above your hip.

If the Uchi Mata fails or your opponent resists by stepping back, switch to an ankle pick. Reach down and grab their ankle while using your other hand to knock them off balance, causing them to fall. This combination keeps your opponent off balance and forces him to constantly defend against multiple attacks.

4) Single or double leg takedown

The single leg takedown is another key technique in wrestling and BJJ, where you grab one of your opponent’s legs and push forward to bring them to the ground. However, if your opponent defends by jumping on one leg, you can switch to a double leg takedown to end the sequence.

Start by shooting a single leg, grabbing one of your opponent’s legs and pulling it towards your chest. If you defend by jumping or balancing on your free leg, switch to a double leg by lowering your level and reaching for the other leg. Push forward with your shoulder securing both legs to complete the takedown.

The transition from a single leg to a double leg is a classic example of chain wrestling. By switching between attacks, you force your opponent to continually adapt, making it difficult for them to mount an effective defense.

5) Double leg (legs left) Double leg (legs right)

The double leg takedown can be made even more effective by adding directional changes to your attack. By changing the direction of your double leg, you can catch your opponent by surprise and increase your chances of completing the takedown.

Start with a classic double leg takedown, pushing your shoulder into the opponent’s hip area and attempting to pin both of his legs. If they defend themselves by stretching or pushing their head to the side, quickly change the direction of your attack. If your initial attack was to the left, change direction and drive your legs to the right or vice versa.

This change of direction can upset your opponent’s balance and make it difficult for him to defend. The key is to execute the switch smoothly and without hesitation, keeping your opponent off balance and unable to predict your next move.

Conclusion

Chain grappling is an essential skill for any fighter, as it allows you to maintain control and keep your opponent on the defensive. You can develop a dynamic and versatile takedown game by mastering these five chain wrestling techniques we’ve discussed in this article. As with any BJJ or wrestling technique, consistent practice and training are key to developing proficiency in these sequences. By incorporating chain wrestling into your daily training, you will become a more complete and effective fighter, ready to take on any opponent.

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