Unlock Your No-Gi Takedown Arsenal with the Whizzer
In the world of no-gi grappling, whether you're training for BJJ competitions, MMA fights, or Judo randori, the whizzer is one of the most reliable defensive tools. Also known as the underhook, it counters your opponent's over-under or single-leg attacks effectively. When someone shoots in for a takedown, securing that tight whizzer on their far arm can flip the script, putting you in prime position to counterattack.
Craig Ewers, a seasoned coach with deep roots in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, breaks down three essential no-gi whizzer takedowns. These techniques blend classic Judo throws with BJJ adaptability, making them ideal for modern MMA and submission wrestling. They're especially useful in no-gi scenarios where grips are minimal, and rash guards or fight shorts from brands like Hayabusa or Venum provide the slick surface needed for smooth execution.
Before diving in, ensure your base gear is on point: quality no-gi shorts, compression shorts, and a snug rash guard to prevent slips. At Apollo MMA, stock up on performance apparel that supports fluid movement during these high-intensity drills.
Technique 1: The Inside Trip from Whizzer
This first takedown targets your opponent's inside leg, using leverage and timing for a clean sweep. It's a go-to for BJJ players defending single-legs and translates seamlessly to MMA cage wrestling.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
1. Secure the Whizzer: As your opponent drives forward for the takedown, post your near hand on their shoulder or bicep for control. Clamp your whizzer hand tightly around their tricep, elbow high and thumb pointing up for maximum control.2. Drop Your Hips and Rotate: Sink your hips low to kill their momentum. Rotate your chest toward their whizzer side, framing their head with your free hand if needed.
3. Hook the Inside Leg: Shoot your leg across and behind their near leg, hooking the inside of their calf or ankle. Your foot should plant firmly for stability.
4. Drive and Trip: Explode upward with your whizzer arm while pulling their hooked leg out. Use your shoulder to drive into their torso, rotating your hips to off-balance them over your leg.
5. Finish on Top: Land in a strong top position, like half-guard or side control, ready to pass or submit.
Pro Tip: Drill this against a resisting partner at 50% speed first. In MMA, combine it with a knee strike on the entry for added threat. Common mistake: Keeping your whizzer too loose—squeeze like you're crushing a can.
This move shines in no-gi because it relies on body positioning over gi grips, perfect for wrestlers transitioning to BJJ.
Technique 2: The Outside Trip Whizzer Counter
Building on the whizzer foundation, this outside trip attacks the far leg, creating a more dynamic off-balancing motion. Judo practitioners will recognize echoes of uchi-mata, adapted for slippery no-gi surfaces.
Execution Steps:
1. Establish Dominant Posture: From the whizzer, circle your body slightly away from their shot, keeping your head up and spine straight.2. Block and Frame: Use your posting hand to block their far shoulder, creating space. Your whizzer arm stays locked, pulling their elbow across their centerline.
3. Lift and Swing the Leg: Step your outside leg deep behind theirs, lifting the foot slightly off the mat. Swing your hip into theirs for torque.
4. Pull and Hurl: Yank hard on the whizzer while pushing their upper body down. Your leg acts as the fulcrum, tripping them outward.
5. Secure the Pin: Follow through to mount or north-south, controlling posture immediately.
Training Application: Practice in wrestling shoes or no-gi grappling socks for realism—Apollo MMA carries top options from Sanabul and RDX. In Kickboxing or Muay Thai sparring, use this to counter leg kicks that turn into clinch takedown attempts.
Variation for MMA: Add a sprawl element first, then transition to the trip when they posture up.
Technique 3: The Back Arch Throw (Koshi-Guruma Variation)
The most explosive of the trio, this throw uses your back and hips to launch opponents overhead. Rooted in Judo's koshi-guruma but stripped for no-gi efficacy, it's a game-changer against persistent underhook battles.
Detailed Steps:
1. Deepen the Whizzer Grip: Ensure your whizzer hand grips from wrist to elbow, thumb inside for control.2. Grip the Head or Neck: With your other hand, collar-tie their neck or cup the far shoulder.
3. Arch and Pivot: Arch your back sharply, pivoting on your lead foot. Pull their arm across your body.
4. Hip Explosion: Drive your hips forward into their midsection while lifting with the whizzer. Use your leg to block their base.
5. Throw and Land: Rotate fully to hurl them over your hip. Land in top position or scramble to back take.
Expert Insight: Timing is everything—wait for their drive to peak. In BJJ rolling, chain this into a back exposure for subs. For competition prep, it's gold in no-gi tournaments like ADCC.
Safety Note: Spotters recommended for live reps. Pair with quality knee pads from Fairtex or Twins to protect joints.
Integrating Whizzer Takedowns into Your Game
These techniques aren't isolated drills—chain them for fluidity. Start with whizzer defense, flow to inside trip if they resist, outside if they circle, back arch for the kill shot.
Drill Progression:
- Solo shadow drilling: 10 reps per side.
- Partner resistance: 5-minute rounds.
- Live sparring: Call the whizzer and counter.
Gear Essentials for No-Gi Training:
- Rash Guards: Venum or Hyperfly for grip resistance.
- Shorts: Origin or Scramble split shorts for mobility.
- Protection: Mouthguards, headgear from Rival.
Browse Apollo MMA's collection for all your no-gi needs. These setups ensure you train like pros.
Cross-Sport Applications:
- MMA: Counters wrestling entries in the cage.
- Wrestling: Enhances folkstyle reversals.
- Kickboxing: Clinch dumps from underhooks.
Ewers emphasizes fundamentals: tight grips, hip drive, and relentless pressure. Master these, and your takedown defense becomes offense.
Incorporate them weekly, film your sessions, and watch your no-gi skills soar. Gear up at Apollo MMA and hit the mats.
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