Hatmaker writes some of the best MMA books out there. His explanations for movement are very good and the photos are extensive. His blend of "old school" wrestling technique and objective viewpoints on modern training techniques are exceptional.

As a note toward one of the other reviews: he clearly states that clinch-based takedowns will be covered in the next volume.

An overall excellent book, consistent with the standard set throughout this series.

In his fourth book in the "No Holds Barred" series, Mark Hatmaker as tackled (pun intended) the subject of takedowns. He designs this book to introduce novices to takedowns and takedown counters, and also to fine-tune some principles for more experienced players.

The introduction covers the need for a strong takedown strategy in the NHB game, the principle of being a "sharpshooter", why certain techniques were chosen for this book, and the role of the clinch in relation to the shots that are shown.

Chapter one is on the proper distance from which a fighter can shoot, and ways to gage that distance specific to the NHB game. This chapter, most importantly, covers when and when not to go for a takedown. Chapter two covers the bare basics of takedowns: the stance (including a modified one for NHB players). He includes the centerline principle, and why one will be more efficient for "thinking like a sprinter" before moving on to chapter three. Three is on shooting footwork, and Mark beggins with the five essential rules for a shooter, after which he includes some drills for improving footwork from the basic stance. He also discusses and demonstrates the penetration step commonly seen in modern wrestling, as well as discussing how it contrasts with the leg dive, and which one he prefers. Chapter four demonstrates the old-school leg dive, which focuses on upper-body movement; included are examples of it's use and a drill that you can use to train your body for it. The next chapter is on various grips and handles, and why some should be avoided. After that is a chapter on various set-ups, which are normally ignored by most authors. This chapter alone has added to my understanding of the takedown game. He even shows how to combine various set-ups.

Chapter seven starts us on our takedowns; we start with the double-leg. Being the bread-and-butter takedown for most people, Mark only devotes three pages to the takedown itself, but much to my (pleased) surprise, takes up 50 PAGES with double-leg counters! Many of the counters end in a submission, which is great for both sub wrestling and MMA. Next, he goes a similar route with the single-leg, showing some very basic but essential variations of it before compiling a long list of counters, including several subs. Chapters 9 and 9.1 (low singles and counters) is a total of ten pages long, but nice, since the takedown isn't seen much in US MMA as opposed to Japan. In the last four chapters, we finish with tie ups, as Mark covers arm-drag takedowns and counters, and collar-and-elbow takedowns and counters.

This is a great book for those interested in non-gi submission wrestling or takedowns for MMA. Throughout the text, Mark offers concise advice on his takedowns, the underlying principles behind them, and how it all relates to the all-in fight game. I can't recomend this book enough, and I look forward to his book on the clinch.