We train on 1 side only too. But we may train different techniques on different sides. As far as I remember, I have never switched sides in the ring or on the mat. Since I assume that my opponent may have different side, I prefer to train different entering strategies for uniform stance and mirror stance.
this is exactly my approach - The beauty of single leg takedown is when you get the leg - its then same application just 2 mirror versions, same counters etc.
my approach to the problem was like that:
- I am heavy and tall, 6'4, 105kg and rarely fight bigger guys (I love to cos they are slow but not too many around:))
- I was looking for an universal takedown with jacket/gi and no-go, high percentage
- single leg does not require complicated grip fighting
- I fight with my strong side forward - right - it will stay like that
so:
1. I learned basic single leg grab depending if opponent has left or right forward, basic grips, then for a week I tried to apply in sparring
2 possible basic steps were: full step with left leg, grab opponents right leg, shorten stance with back left leg step first, step with right, grab opponents left leg.
2. I discovered how people defend when I grab leg, so next session I did 1. and added counters to defence, practiced on sparring, discovered I got guilotinned few times
3. I learned counter throw if Im caught in standing guilottine, practiced a bit more
counter that worked best for me was to allow them to come close to finish guillotine, one hand grabs under betwen legs, throw
4. I learned 2 more variations of single leg when leg is already taken
5. I have learned how to force opponent to have either left or right leg forward when fighting to get the leg
this was first time I approached the topic so 1>2>3 - I really like that approach now,
Mr Wang, any comments from you on single leg in general - will be much appreciated:)