Opponendae

Opponendae, is a martial art that revolves around grappling and taking down a standing opponent. Many branches of law enforcement teach basic Opponendae, as it is idea for immobilizing a difficult suspect. Though widely used by law enforcement, it is also fairly commonly practiced as a sport martial art. The law enforcment version of Opponendae focuses mostly on standing grabbling (clinching) and sweeps that take an opponent off their feet. Sweeps are often follow with a hammer lock or some type of hold that makes it difficult for a suspect to fight back. The sport variant of Opponendae incorporates throws and take downs as well as sweeps. Hip tosses, leg sweeps and even a few suplexes are used in Opponendae and is very effective at neutralizing an opponent that specializes in striking. Only a select few submissions (mainly the hammer lock, Rear Naked Choke and Guillotine choke) are used in Opponendae. The end goal is usually using one of these holds to immobilize an opponent on the ground once they have been taken off their feet. Practitioners of Opponendae are not taught to strike on the ground, as this is considered unnecessarily forceful and damaging.