Combat Sports
Body-Lock Takedown Entry
The body-lock takedown entry practices closing distance, securing a torso grip, and finding position before a takedown. It trains leg drive, balance, and partner coordination without a lift or throw.
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Moderate injury risk
- Rest 1 min
How to do it
- Face your partner in a staggered stance with one arm under their arm and your other arm over their opposite arm.
- Bend your knees slightly to lower your hips.
- Step close enough for your chest to contact your partner’s torso.
- Clasp your hands palm-to-palm around their torso below the ribs.
- Step slightly toward the agreed side, placing your lead foot just outside their nearest foot.
- Pause in the entry position with both of you balanced on your feet.
- Release your grip.
- Step back into your starting stance.
Form cues
- Keep your head beside their chest.
- Keep your elbows close.
- Point knees with your toes.
- Breathe through the contact.
Common mistakes
- Reaching from too far awayUse a shorter approach distance so you do not have to lean forward to reach your partner.
- Crossing your feetKeep space between your feet as you change angle.
- Twisting on a planted footReposition your foot with a small step rather than rotating your body over a fixed knee.
Safety
A forceful entry or unexpected resistance can knock either partner down. An overly tight grip can strain the ribs, while awkward head contact can strain the neck.
- Use a clear combat-training mat with a cooperative partner of similar size.
- Agree on the entry side, stopping position, light resistance, and a stop signal before starting.
- Keep this drill entry-only: do not lift, trip, drive through, or pull your partner off balance.
- Practice slowly, ending the set if fatigue makes your contact or foot placement uncontrolled.
If you have current neck, rib, back, or knee pain, get advice from a physiotherapist or doctor before practicing with partner contact.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Combat Training Mat
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 4–6 reps per side
- Rest
- 1 min
Count one entry and release as one rep, prioritizing consistent positioning over speed.