3 Powerful Wrestling Techniques That You Need To Know
3 Powerful Wrestling Techniques That You Need To Know
If you have spent any time on the mat, you already know that jiu jitsu is incredibly hard to learn and takes many years to master. There are many opinions on how to become effective at jiu jitsu and grappling in general. For example, consistency is one of the most fundamental keys to success when learning any type of martial art. If you force yourself to show up for class two to three times a week you will learn much quicker than the guy who only shows up every once in a while.
Adam Wheeler Can Show You How To Easily Out Grip & Take Anyone Down – Without Having To Shoot At Their Legs
The most overlooked method for enhancing your jiu jitsu game is learning wrestling techniques. As one of the oldest grappling forms there are literally hundreds of its methods used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition. For example, you will often see wrestling techniques incorporate into high level BJJ matches. Single leg and double leg take downs are a very effective way of getting an opponent to the ground. Or take half guard for example. Whether you are on top or bottom, under hooks, over hooks, and just scrambling for position you will often find yourself in one of wrestling’s most common positions: the dog fight position.
Wrestling can also greatly improve your grappling cardio, which is an often under thought aspect of training in any martial art. Drilling wrestling take downs for only 5 minutes will leave you completely out of breath.
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at 3 awesome wrestling techniques you really should know. These techniques come from BJJ Fanatic’s very own Olympic Bronze Medalist in Greco Roman Wrestling, Adam Wheeler. Adam is currently a coach at Prime BJJ in Colorado Springs. Adam specializes in Greco Roman wrestling. Apart from his amazing career as a top tier wrestler, Adam is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt.
You can find these techniques and many more in Adam Wheeler’s “Upper Body Take Downs” instructional series available exclusively at BJJFanatics.com!
#1: Wheeler Head Snap Down
In this video, Adam demonstrates his head snap down technique. Adam moves depending on which way his opponent reacts. The fundamentals for this move are very simple. Step in and make first contact with your opponent’s arm in order to reach up and 2 on 1 grips for the arm drag. If your opponent is really strong as you drag and go to turn the corner then step your leg out and stuff your opponent’s head. Adam likes to do something a little different here. He keeps his grip and uses his arm to push his training partner’s head down. Remember when you stuff a person’s head you never want to let them get their head to the outside. If they are a tough wrestler this will allow them to hit a single leg or take your back.
#2: Pinch Headlock Hip Throw by Adam Wheeler
As we saw in the head snap down video, the two one one grip is a powerful position to mount throws and take downs. The pinch head lock hip throw starts in the same 2 on 1 fashion. In this case, Adam secures an under hook in order to get the pinch head lock. He keeps his hips and legs in, which takes a lot less energy. Instead of coming inside his training partner, Adam steps his leg all the way through. Now he can load his opponent on his hips and take him over, finishing the throw in a powerful ground position. Remember to finish with your knee down in order to end up in a control position
#3: Different Arm Drag by Adam Wheeler
Here’s a variation on the arm drag. Again, Adam Wheeler places an emphasis on first contact. Notice how he uses his opposite hand at his opponent’s wrist to secure his first grip. Then he connects behind the same side elbow and closes the distance, chest to chest or shoulder to shoulder. This arm drag works when there is no space between you and your opponent. To hit the arm drag, come up with your right hand to your opponent’s arm pit and clear the space in order to step in. Now you can change your hips and take your opponent down. Typically, your opponent will think you are going to try and take their back, so it is likely they will not see this throw coming.
As a Summer Olympic Bronze medalist, Adam is a master when it comes to wrestling techniques for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you want to learn more I highly recommend checking out his new instructional series “Upper Body Take Downs.” It is a great resource for anyone who is looking to incorporate more wrestling techniques into their BJJ arsenal!
Use The Safest Yet Most Effective Takedowns That You Will Ever Need For BJJ: From An Olympic Medalist and Black Belt Masters No Gi World Champion
Adam Wheeler Can Show You How To Easily Out Grip & Take Anyone Down – Without Having To Shoot At Their Legs
Adam is a 2008 Olympic wrestling bronze medalist AND a black belt masters division world champion
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