What's your favorite take down?

Question

What's your favorite take down and why? (I know it really depends on the opponent's position and your own, so you can give different scenarios).

Answer 1

Uchi mata.  Simple, effective and pretty.

I also love the fireman's carry.  It is difficult to actually pull off against a skilled opponent but it is beautiful.

Answer 2

I like takedowns and foot sweeps that can be executed while standing. I am also a fan of the belly to back suplex. But the simplest to execute is the tried and true kick to the back of the knee, which is guaranteed to drop anyone, regardless of size.

Answer 3

I like different throws for various reasons.

I like seio nage for their elegance and surprise element.

I like osoto gari and tani otoshi for their availablity to my fighting stance.

I like harai goshi and uchi mata for their speed and devestation - especially when you fall on your opponent afterwards.

Overall though,  stick to high-probability takedowns such as sweeps, trips, and reaps - "throws" are too risky in self defense situations.

Answer 4

Kote Gaeshi - You never get into trouble if it doesn't work like you would a leg take down.  It also requires very little energy on your part.

Of course, it's probably illegal in most sports.  It's strictly a self-defense technique.