The ground is a very effective tool to hit a person with, but we also have to know how to do it so that we have some control over the damage. We don’t wand to smash a person’s head into the ground and find that the legal system feels making a person incapacitated for life by a brain injury is not justified. That requires a true knowledge of how to hit a person with the ground.
I am going to alter what I have done previously to recommend two books in this one post on the principles of a takedown.
“Principles, Analysis and Applications of Effortless Combat Throws” by Tim Cartmell
And
“The Science of Takedowns, Throws & Grapping for Self-Defense” BY Martina Sprague.
My favourite of the two is the book by Tim Cartmell but I have to admit the presentation might be a little dry for some, but the information is exceptional. Once again, I am interested in the underlying principles presented over any of the techniques demonstrated. I know some have had issues with the entries to do the takedowns etc. but I don’t care because there are entries to get to those positions or more so they appear as gifts in the midst of chaos, but you have to know how to take advantage of them.
So much solid information about the principles of a takedown presented by Tim Cartmell that I cannot recommend this book enough.
Martina Sprague’s book also looks right at the principles used in a takedown. While techniques are also shown in this book… well you have to use techniques to illustrate the principles, but the important thing to take away from this book are the principles she has illustrated. Recalling a specific takedown in the midst of chaos requires thought and yeah sure you can do a takedown enough it becomes a trained habit but if it is the principles that you bring deep into yourself then you will see the opportunities for a takedown when offered even if the takedown you do looks nothing like any of them in the book – what made it work was in the book so look for it.
I think takedowns are an important tool to have in your toolbox for self defence and when you know deeply how they work then you will see them when they are offered so check out these books.