Each black belt at Lange’s MMA was asked to perform a short technique demonstration.
Mine was low ankle shoot, to leg drag, to cross ashi garami, to Texas Cloverleaf. Uke is Joel Glassman.
Video by Will Spillane of Jack Rabbit Studios.
Andrew Nerlich presents; The Lange’s MMA Black Belt Series.
Thanks Jedi, and Joel Glassman for this demonstration. Please see below for notes from Mr. Andrew Nerlich himself:
Will Spillane:
Low Single Leg to Cross Ashi Garami and Texas Cloverleaf
This is a takedown that is comparatively easy to learn and execute. It has next to no footwork, and requires comparatively little strength or athleticism. It comes in too low for most punches, and anything but a precisely timed kick will actually make it easier for you to take them down.
If your opponent has his left foot forward, you start this takedown with your right foot forward as if mirroring him, slightly outside punching range.
Level change straight down,,then shoot low and horizontally. Your left hand on the mat helps translate downward into forward momentum.
His shin is the lever you use to take him down, so control both ends of that lever. Your hand grabs the back of his heel, little finger touching the mat. Your right ear goes to his left knee.
Hold his left foot in place with your right hand, bring your left foot up to your left and drive his L knee directly out to your right using your left leg and your head against his knee. This puts him down with his right foot moving away from you, preventing the up kicks he could drive into your face with his R foot if you pushed him directly backwards.
You can stay down and work the pass from there, or stand straight back up again and pass on your feet. You should dictate that choice, not your opponent.
In the clip I leg drag and go to cross ashi, then controlling his secondary leg per John Danaher, which then allows an easy path to the Texas Cloverleaf.
Other options would be going to the leg drag pass, or a Toreandor style pass to knee ride.
Multiple Olympic and World wrestling champion John Smith is probably the finest exemplar of this takedown and its variations and follow ups.