The three parts of a throw/takedown are Kuzushi (off-balancing), Tsukuri (fitting in), and Kake (execution).

Of the three, I think, the concept of Tsukuri is the one most misunderstood.

It is common to think of it as putting yourself into proper position to execute the finishing technique.

It is easy to get fixated on forcing the technique to happen.

Keep in mind that force is not the way for Jiu-jitsu nor Judo.

Judo and Jiu-jitsu rely more upon the principles of yielding and efficiency.

More accurately, Tsukuri means accepting what the opponent gives to you.

If the opponent moves a certain way and puts himself in the position, you will be able to capitalize on that position to execute the takedown.

An additional way to look at Tsukuri is to understand that in groundwork, it would be defined with a phrase that we have all heard on the mats, “Position before submission.”

Tsukuri is the position before execution.

Same thing.

There are rare occasions that we might get a “lucky” submission without accurately securing a position first.

However, we are trained to achieve positional dominance before executing the submission.

The same mindset should be true for takedowns.

If you feel that you must force the takedown, you are likely not in the optimal position.

One of the most common reasons for injury in practice whether ground work or takedowns is “forcing” the technique.

The reason techniques are forced is because we are not in an optimal position for the desired finish.

A solution for this problem is to learn a variety of takedown techniques that allow you to adapt to positions you may encounter in your standing game.

Again, just as you would with your ground game, develop multiple methods of achieving the outcome you hope for.

Practice those techniques not until you get it right, but until you can’t get it wrong.

When your opponent moves into the position, your body will know what to do and will act accordingly.

And remember, when you learn one technique you know one technique.
When you learn a concept you know a thousand techniques.

See you on the flipside. - Larry Keith