Safety and Complexity:
Takedowns are more complicated and dangerous compared to guard pulls.
Learning takedowns safely requires a high level of dedication, which can be challenging for casual students who train only a few times a week.
Takedowns involve significant momentum and the risk of injury is higher, especially if the weight of both practitioners is not controlled properly.
Efficiency:
Beginners should focus on pulling guard because it allows them to get to the ground quickly and use techniques they are more familiar with.
Learning to pull guard helps beginners avoid the exhaustive and potentially injurious standing battles seen in judo or wrestling, particularly in their first competitions.
Training Recommendations:
For coaches: Understand the limitations of teaching takedowns to beginners and focus on guard pulls first.
For students: Prioritize learning how to pull guard effectively. After reaching a higher skill level, such as a blue belt, and having more training time, takedowns can be incorporated.
Competition Strategy:
In competitions, beginners should aim to get the fight to the ground as quickly as possible to conserve energy and avoid standing battles that can lead to fatigue and injury.
Pulling guard directly into offensive positions, such as sweeps or leg entanglements, allows the practitioner to maintain an aggressive and effective approach.
Self-Defense vs. Competition:
For self-defense, learning basic takedowns (e.g., double leg, single leg) is important because they can be used effectively against untrained opponents.
In a competitive setting, having the ability to pull guard and transition immediately into offensive techniques is crucial for handling trained opponents.
Control Before Submissions:
Emphasize learning how to control your body and your opponent’s body before attempting submissions. This is safer and easier to practice when both practitioners are already on the ground.
By focusing on these principles, beginners can develop a strong foundation in BJJ, ensuring both safety and effectiveness in training and competition.