Defensive Hips - Stopping Takedowns

Defending against basic takedowns involves using the hips effectively once the opponent has bypassed the head, hands, bent arm, and shoulder defenses. There are two types of sprawls:

1. An avoidance sprawl is used when the opponent hasn't reached the legs. It involves moving the legs out of the way and returning to stance, similar to a down block.
2. A sprawl for when the opponent has engaged the hips and legs. Regardless of whether it's a single or double leg takedown, the defense focuses on the single leg.

To blunt the opponent's momentum during a single leg takedown:

1. Turn the hip towards the opponent's head and hit them to stop their forward motion.
2. Stuff the opponent's head and slide the leg back without toes on the floor.
3. Keep the opponent's wrapping arm as far from their body as possible to weaken their grip.
4. Use techniques such as tight waist, stuffing the head, or prying the arm to maintain control.

For a double leg takedown:

1. Face the hip towards the opponent's head.
2. Hollow the body and put the opponent's head to the inside.
3. Open the opponent's arm and extend it away from their body to weaken their grip.

Defending against forward throws:

1. Identify the side the opponent is pulling and respond by moving the opposite hip forward.
2. As the opponent turns in for the throw, use the hip to stop their momentum.
3. Ensure the opponent's hip does not get parallel underneath by using the hand to block.
4. Practice with a skilled thrower to understand the timing and prevent the opponent from finding the hip.

The key to these defenses is to use the hips to disrupt the opponent's momentum and prevent their hips from aligning with or getting underneath yours, whether in sprawls or forward throws.