Takedown entries
Level changes, penetration steps, doubles, singles, and body-lock entries — drilled at increasing resistance so they hold up under fatigue and pressure.
Wrestling Pretoria
Wrestling and grappling in Pretoria built for fight sport.
Build the takedowns, scrambles, and top control that decide rounds. Wrestling at Hitman Academy is structured for MMA, BJJ, and combat athletes of every level.
TakedownsDoubles, singles, body locks
Top controlRide time and ground & pound
ScramblesGet up, stay up, dominate
For MMA & BJJTranslates directly to fight sport
Why wrestling
Wrestling decides where the fight happens.
In MMA, BJJ, and self-defence the athlete who controls position controls the round. Wrestling builds the takedown entries, level changes, sprawls, scrambles, and top control that decide whether you fight on your terms or theirs. At Hitman Academy we train wrestling as a complete system, with coaching cues that translate directly into MMA cages, BJJ mats, and street-safe self-defence scenarios.
Top position & control
Ride time, base, hip pressure, and short offense from top — the positions that win MMA rounds and starve your opponent's gas tank.
Scrambles & get-ups
Wall walks, technical stand-ups, and counter-takedown scrambles so you never stay on the bottom by accident.
Class flow
From stance to pressure.
A focused wrestling session moves through five parts: movement, technique, resistance, live takedowns, and one clear correction to take into your next round.
- 10 min
Stance & level changes
Stance, motion, sprawls, and short scrambles that warm the body while sharpening wrestling posture.
- 20 min
Entry + finish chain
One focused takedown problem: hand fighting, head position, penetration step, finish mechanics, or the counter that shuts it down.
- 15 min
Positional rounds
Start from the exact position being trained: neutral, on a leg, down-block, sprawl, wall, or top ride. Short rounds keep the reps useful.
- 10 min
Live takedown rounds
Neutral starts with rotating partners. Apply the entry, chain to the second finish, and find what holds up under pressure.
- 5 min
Coach debrief
One correction to carry into the next session, plus the MMA or BJJ connection so the wrestling work fits the rest of your training week.
Questions answered
Wrestling Pretoria FAQ.
Do I need a wrestling background to start?
No. Most members start with zero wrestling background. Beginners are taught stance, motion, and safe partner contact before any live takedowns, and coaches scale resistance to your level.
Is wrestling useful if I only train BJJ or MMA?
Yes — it is arguably the highest-leverage skill set for both. Wrestling decides who initiates the round, controls top position, and dictates pace. BJJ players use it to get to their best positions; MMA fighters use it to control where the fight happens.
Will I get hurt training wrestling?
Wrestling involves impact, but our classes are coached and scaled — beginners drill at low intensity with experienced partners, and live rounds are matched by level. Safety and technique come before intensity.
What gear do I need?
Comfortable training clothing and water are enough to start. Knee pads and wrestling shoes are optional and can be added once you are training regularly.
Join the mat
Book your free wrestling trial week in Pretoria.
Walk in, get matched to the right level, and start building the position control that defines every combat sport.
More at Hitman Academy
Other disciplines available in Pretoria.
Wrestling pairs perfectly with grappling and striking at the same gym, with the same coaching team.