Chapter 4: Practical Takedown Applications

In the previous chapters, we have presented many ti and da methods. In this chapter, we will focus on takedown or Shuaijiao methods. Takedown methods are a component of all Wushu styles and are referred to by many different names. It is also known as Jiaodi , Jiaoli , Xianpu , etc. Shuaijiao has also been a popular competition event since ancient times. It’s objective is to skillfully utilize the body’s leverage to take down the opponent or distress the opponent. In free fighting applications, a more specific takedown approach is used. It is called Kuaijiao , meaning quick or fast takedown. In a quick takedown, the practitioner refrains from struggling with their opponent. Kuaijiao techniques are generally done as a follow up to a kick or a punch. After the takedown, they continue to strike until the opponent is completely subdued. Once they engage, the takedown is accomplished right away. If a takedown can’t be accomplished; further kicks, punches, or Qinna must be applied.

In the applications, kicking, hooking, locking, and tripping with the leg; striking, grabbing, and pushing with the arms; or leaning and striking with the upper body, are often combined to accomplish an effective and devastating takedown. The shoulders, elbows, hips, palms, and/or the knees are often used as the pivot point to take down the opponent. With the proper use of the body’s leverage, a practitioner is able to easily takedown their opponent with a shrugging of the shoulders, a turning of the waist, a twisting of the hips, a dropping of the elbow, a dropping of the knee, or a hooking of the leg. The use of angles opposite to the normal movements of the joints and the use of leverage to off set the opponent’s balance are also essential for a successful takedown technique.

Proper body mechanics not only help to conserve energy, it also helps to move your opponent with the least amount of effort and allows you to move heavier objects. Improper body mechanics can cause physical damage to your body from strain and fatigue. The human body is very complex and is filled with many physical potentials when it has been properly conditioned. In applying takedown techniques, the proper use of the lever principle is essential to an effective takedown.

A lever is a device that consists of a rigid bar that moves on a fulcrum, using force applied at a second point to lift up resistance at a third point. A fulcrum is the point of support on which a solid bar turns in raising or moving something. There are generally three different types of levers that differ only in the location of the fulcrum, the effort or force, and the weight or the resistance.

The first type of lever has the fulcrum between the resistance and the force. This type of lever is best applied to throw your opponent over your back. In this type of takedown, your back becomes the pivot point, and the force is primarily applied from your arms. His weight is the resistance. The second type of lever has the resistance between the fulcrum and the force. This type of lever is best applied to trip your opponent with one leg or arm, while pushing in the opposite direction with the other arm. The third type of lever has the force between the fulcrum and the resistance. This type of lever is best applied to lift your opponent up from under their center of gravity, then throwing them forward, backward, or sideways.

In a simple lever, the first type is the most effective means of moving the resistance or weight, then the second, and the third. During the application of a takedown technique, both you and your opponent are in constant motion and changing postures, so that the most effective application of the lever principle will depend on the situation. You don’t need to know hundreds of takedowns, but you do need to understand and be able to apply enough techniques so that you can improvise those techniques to varying situations. For more takedown techniques, please refer to the book, Xiaoyaoshuai, by the authors. It focuses primarily on takedown techniques.

An effective takedown application, is an effective utilization of the lever principle. It also depends on your ability to take advantage of your opponent’s body momentum against them, utilizing their physical misalignment and bad balance against them. Without proper alignment or balance, they will not be able to successfully apply their offensive attack; and they will be more vulnerable to your offensive maneuvers. You can simply push or ram your opponent from an advantageous position.

Before you start practicing with your partner, make sure that you have plenty of room to practice. Be careful with the throws during practice, so you don't injure each other. Make sure that both of you are familiar with the rolls and falls introduced in Chapter 1. A safety mat and common sense are needed to have a productive practice.