Some of the most incredible MMA fights we've seen have involved guys with strong wrestling backgrounds. To name a few of them; Randy Couture, Urijah Faber, Dan Henderson, Mark Munoz, Mo Lawal, the list goes on. These guys have been able to control their opponents by taking them down to the mat and dominating each position. At the same time, I have seen a few fights where some of these great wresters have been neutralized. In UFC 130 Rampage vs Hamill, we saw how that happens. Hamill, a three time D3 NCAA Champion, kept trying to attack for a takedown, but Rampage was able to neutralize his attacks and kept the fight on the feet. It became very clear that Hamill was very frustrated after his takedown attempts were blocked time and time again.
Here is why I think sometimes wrestlers struggle to take people down in MMA. At an elite level of wrestling, takedowns are successful not because they have an awesome takedown, but because they have perfected the SET UP to the takedown. It's very rare to see elite level wrestlers getting taken down from leg attacks that have no set ups. Hand fighting, pushing and pulling, snapping and faking leads to setting up a takedown. However, this is not an element in MMA. As a matter of fact, doing this in MMA would get you knocked out.... Instead, you have to use your striking as a set up, and therefore there is little contact going on that could be described as hand fighting. Therefore, we see some of the most successful takedowns in MMA from the Over-Under Clench Position. From this position, you can use the push-pull action to set up your opponent for a throw, body-lock, trip, or takedown.
Going back to the Rampage vs Hamill fight in UFC 130, almost every attack Hamill made came from an open position where Rampage could see the takedown attempt and strike or sink his hips back with plenty of time to get an under-hook or get his body between the leg attack. Had Hamill been able to set Rampage up to walk into his takedowns, the outcome might have been much different. Needless to say, thanks to both fighters for an exciting display of guts and strategy!
Showing posts with label current mma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label current mma. Show all posts
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Rickson Gracie Article Translated: Part 2-A
Article Translation:
400 Undefeated Fights! The legendary Martial Artist
Rickson Gracie Special Interview (2)
"What has been Lost in Present Day Martial Arts"
An interview with Rickson Gracie brought to you in a four part series. In part two, we will find out what the legendary Martial Artist thinks about the current state of Martial Arts as well as his commentary on what Jiu-Jitsu means.
Q: In part one we heard your thoughts on the "Japanese people," what are your thoughts on the current state of Martial Arts ?
Rickson: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) originated as a battle ground for a variety of different Martial Arts. The reason my brother put together the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships) was to prove that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was the most dominant form of Martial Arts.
As these types of fight promotions continued to move forward, fighters began to take on a comprehensive approach to training. Fighters well versed in striking began to develop their grappling skills, and fighters well versed in grappling began to improve their striking skills.
Much of Martial Arts has followed this trend, and these days everyone seems to have the same style of fighting. As a result of intertwining all these styles of martial arts and techniques, the most important element has become the fighter himself.
Q: Ultimately it comes down to how good the individual is, right?
Rickson: Exactly. Mixed Martial Arts has become the ultimate new sport. Limitations on movement, rules, regulations, and technique don't seem as restricted as in the past. Therefore, it's a battle to see how strong the individual can become.
The match is decided by these elements; How strong you are, how resilient you are, how fast you are, and how efficient you are.
Mixed Martial Arts has come down the defining the individual. I say this because no one is capable of learning all these skills within different disciplines of Martial Arts.
Up Next Part (2-B): "Being a Fighter, the Beauty of Hand-to-Hand Combat and the artistic nature has completely changed."
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9562
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
400 Undefeated Fights! The legendary Martial Artist
Rickson Gracie Special Interview (2)
"What has been Lost in Present Day Martial Arts"
An interview with Rickson Gracie brought to you in a four part series. In part two, we will find out what the legendary Martial Artist thinks about the current state of Martial Arts as well as his commentary on what Jiu-Jitsu means.
Q: In part one we heard your thoughts on the "Japanese people," what are your thoughts on the current state of Martial Arts ?
 |
| Rickson Gracie Born: Nov. 21, 1959 Country: Brazil Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner |
As these types of fight promotions continued to move forward, fighters began to take on a comprehensive approach to training. Fighters well versed in striking began to develop their grappling skills, and fighters well versed in grappling began to improve their striking skills.
Much of Martial Arts has followed this trend, and these days everyone seems to have the same style of fighting. As a result of intertwining all these styles of martial arts and techniques, the most important element has become the fighter himself.
Q: Ultimately it comes down to how good the individual is, right?
Rickson: Exactly. Mixed Martial Arts has become the ultimate new sport. Limitations on movement, rules, regulations, and technique don't seem as restricted as in the past. Therefore, it's a battle to see how strong the individual can become.
The match is decided by these elements; How strong you are, how resilient you are, how fast you are, and how efficient you are.
Mixed Martial Arts has come down the defining the individual. I say this because no one is capable of learning all these skills within different disciplines of Martial Arts.
Up Next Part (2-B): "Being a Fighter, the Beauty of Hand-to-Hand Combat and the artistic nature has completely changed."
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9562
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
Eliot Kelly
www.edhbjj.com
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