How to Perform a Scissor Takedown and Heel Hook Combo in Sambo Martial Arts

SAMBO is a form of combat focusing mostly on close quarters grappling. That is because it is mostly an adaptation of the many forms of competitive wrestling that were common in the countries which made up the former Soviet Union. SAMBO was devised for use by the red army as their primary means of unarmed combat. It includes aspects of Japanese Judo and Ju-jitsu as well. Its basic premise is to grab hold of an opponent and bring him to the ground with a flip or throw, making use of whatever leverage the combatant can. One of the advantages to a grappling style of combat like SAMBO is that you can easily string together a combination of attacks or transition from one to another as the situation demands. Here is a guide explaining how to perform a Scissor Takedown followed by a Heel Hook to force an opponent to submit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sparring partner
• Floor padding
• Practice space

1. Face your opponent in the starting competitive SAMBO position. This requires you to take hold of the back of your opponent’s collar with your left hand and grasp his right sleeve with your left hand at around elbow level. Release your hold on your opponent’s sleeve and step inward, planting your right foot between your opponent’s feet and pivoting counterclockwise on it. Reach further around your opponent with your right hand to grab hold of the top of his right shoulder. You should be occluding the left half of your opponent’s body with your own with your back pressed against his chest.

2. Make sure your left leg is outside of your opponent’s left leg. Plant your weight on it. Raise your right leg off the ground, pressing your instep firmly against the back of your opponent’s right knee.

3. Hop off the ground with your left leg. As you fall, raise your left leg and press your knee against the back of your opponent’s left leg. As your weight is supported half by your grip on your opponent, your body will tilt as you fall so that you land on your left side. As you land, you will roll backward onto your right hip, taking your opponent with you. Be sure to wrap your left arm firmly around your opponent’s left ankle upon landing, but prior to rolling. When you complete your roll, you should have your opponent forced on his back. The instep of his left foot should be tucked under your left armpit. He will be unable to sit up because your right leg will be threaded over his left leg and hooked underneath the back of his right knee, keeping both in the air.

4. Immobilize your opponent by crossing the ankle of your left leg underneath your right, trapping his left shin between them in the process.

5. Perform the heel hook by keeping his left instep pressed against the side of your rip cage. Fit the back lip of his heel in the crook of your left elbow and clasp your hands together. Tighten your elbow further shut, and pull your arms to the right side of your body to twist your opponent’s ankle. He should submit without you having to apply too much pressure. Too much pressure will dislocate the foot or break the ankle.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not perform this move without proper training and supervision.

Resources

• Video Demonstration from ExpertVillage.com

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