Issue 144

August 2016

Find a way through your opponent’s defense when they’re covering up in the turtle position

Greg Jackson

The most in-demand coach in MMA demonstrates the best techniques for the cage, with help from UFC bantamweight John Dodson

1 - John defends himself from the turtle position, which doesn’t give Greg many openings.

2 - Greg’s headshots are blocked and he can’t strike John’s body with power from this position.

3 - To stop John from standing up, Greg uses his left hand to grab the back of his neck and applies pressure. 

4 - Greg grabs John’s hip with his right hand to create a stable structure for him to pop up to his toes.

5 - Greg throws a hard knee to John’s midsection.

6 - Dropping back to his knees, Greg recovers his controlling position.

TOP TIPS

AMATEUR

Throwing shots under your opponent’s arms from this position is a good way to find their chin.

SEMI-PRO

After softening your opponent up with strikes, look to put your hooks in and take the back.

PROFESSIONAL

When in the turtle position, reach back and cover the arm controlling your hip. Roll towards that side to sweep your opponent.

IN ACTION

Georges St Pierre used this move to take his welterweight title back from Matt Serra at UFC 83.