This week saw John Danaher and BJJFanatics release a 30 minute video explaining the difference between takedowns used in sport Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling. Here, Danaher explained how the point system helped shape how takedowns are used and thought about.
For instance, in wrestling, if someone’s knees are touching the floor then points can be scored. In BJJ, it’s not that clear and has different rules. In fact, even within the rule sets of IBJJF and ADCC, there are different rules on what constitutes a takedown.
Over the years, many of Danaher’s students have had decent takedown skills within the realm of BJJ. For instance, his students Garry Tonon and Gordon Ryan can both wrestle. Similarly, his MMA student Georges St Pierre was also known for his double leg takedowns in the UFC.
Danaher also went into detail as to why certain takedowns featured more prominently in wrestling compared to BJJ. He cited the fact that wrestling typically started at youth level, whereas most BJJ practitioners started as adults who lacked the physical foundations that younger athletes had. Specifically, Danaher said “Most people start BJJ as adults. for a 27 year old guy who hasn’t done anything athletic. For his first takedown to be a double leg, it’s going to be hard. It won’t be impossible but it’s going to be hard. Realistically, it’s going to be hard.”
Interestingly, John Danaher was also criticized a few months back for his application of the single leg takedown into a bodylock grip. Long-time wrestler and BJJ practitioner Joseph Breza claimed that Danaher’s teaching of this sequence would only work on those who could not wrestle. Regardless, it’s clear that Danaher knows a lot about takedowns and grappling – and like everything in his life, he’s clearly thought about it in a lot of detail!
