What is a safe way to practise takedowns at home, if at all? 

Parenting Perspective 

Practising martial arts takedowns at home should only ever be done in a highly controlled and supervised manner, never as full-speed sparring. The priority is to build skill and confidence while keeping both bodies and trust intact. This requires careful attention to the environment, equipment, and your child’s physical and emotional readiness. 

Essential Pre-Checks 

• Check Readiness: Ensure your child has sufficient balance, neck control, and has been taught basic breakfalling skills by a qualified coach. If they have not learned how to fall correctly, do not practise takedowns at home. 

• Get Coach and Medical Approval: If you are in any doubt, ask the coach whether home practice is appropriate. If your child has a history of concussions or neck injuries, you must get professional medical clearance first. 

Environment and Equipment 

• Soft Surface: Use thick, purpose-made martial arts mats. Carpet is not a sufficient substitute. The area must be completely clear of any hard edges, furniture, or toys. 

• Protective Kit: Ensure your child wears all the relevant protective equipment, such as a mouthguard and headgear. 

• Calm Setting: The practice should be one-on-one, with only the child and a supervising adult present. 

A Safe and Progressive Drill Sequence 

• Warm-up: Begin with mobility exercises for the neck, shoulders, and hips, and practise some low-height breakfalls onto the mat. 

• Technical Shadowing: The child should first perform the movements without a partner at half-speed. 

• Controlled Contact: One partner can apply a gentle, pre-agreed drive while the other performs the takedown with an emphasis on safe landing. There must be a loud, agreed-upon stop word. 

• Short Rounds: Keep the rounds very short (30–60 seconds) with plenty of rest. Leave any full-resistance sparring for the gym, under the coach’s supervision. 

Cultivating a Culture of Safety 

• Clear Stop Signal: Teach your child and their partner to use both a stop word and an open-palm signal. If the signal is not respected, the drill must end. 

• Technique Over Power: Emphasise that technique is more important than power. Reward control and slow mastery, not “winning” a drill. 

• Debrief Every Time: Ask, ‘How did that feel? Do you have any sore spots? Would you like to try again or stop for today?’ 

When Not to Practise at Home 

It is crucial that you do not practise at home if your child’s coach has advised against it, if you lack the proper mats and supervision, or if there is any sign of fear or emotional distress from your child. 

Spiritual Insight 

Training the body is a beneficial activity when it is guided by wisdom and care. Islam honours the act of protecting oneself and others; safeguarding a child’s body is an obligation, not an optional extra. 

The Duty to Avoid Harm 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 195: 

‘…And do not let your actions place you in a (state of) destruction (by being miserly); and be benevolent, indeed, Allah (Almighty) loves those who are benevolent.’ 

This verse reminds us that preparation and the prevention of harm are a part of righteousness. Preserving your child’s safety while they learn is an expression of doing good and an act of gratitude for the trust (amanah) that Allah Almighty has given you. 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 363, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Anyone who does not show mercy to our children nor acknowledge the right of our elders is not one of us.’ 

This teaches us that showing mercy towards the young is a central part of the Islamic character. The training of takedowns must therefore be infused with a sense of tenderness; we must train skilfully, not recklessly, and we must stop the moment a child’s safety or confidence is at risk.