Learn how to use level change fakes to set up takedowns with two effective techniques: faking low and going high, and faking high and going low. Properly executed level change fakes can be used to surprise your opponent and create an opening for a successful takedown.

The combative principle of ‘fake east, go west’, has proven to be effective in various combat scenarios. One application of this principle is ‘fake low, go high’. This idea can be used in many different positions, but is best demonstrated on the feet.

For example, when initiating a takedown, you must start by doing a level change to lower your body and that of your opponent. However, if you’re effective at performing a level change and your opponent does not respond accordingly, you are likely to complete the takedown. In order to use this technique against your opponent, fake low a few times by engaging in several level changes and showing an indication that you want to shoot in. Then initiate another level change but this time do not drop all the way down; instead, switch direction and go high, ultimately locking onto your opponent with a guillotine choke or securing an advantageous upper body tie like in this video:

Another great strategy is to ‘fake low, fake high, go low’. Start by training your opponent to match your level change- every time you go down they should also lower their body; similarly when coming up they will follow suit. Then drop again but come up quickly so their momentum goes up and then drop once more and shoot for the takedown.

This video shows the level change to set up the low single takedown and also set up a leg lock:

The key takeaway from this article is that it’s important to learn how to deceive your opponent by ‘faking east and going west’ or ‘faking low and going high’. Doing so will help ensure that you land more successful attacks.

Simple Takedowns That Work At Any Level. 3x National Champ Ed Ruth From Penn State Shows You His Unstoppable Takedown System: Scientific Shots.

• 3-time NCAA Champion Ed Ruth was a point scoring machine in college, and now you can learn the takedowns that helped make him great.
• These are the shots that worked in the NCAA finals, and they can work for anyone.