Issue 140

April 2019

Kenny Johnson, premier MMA wrestling coach with students including BJ Penn, José Aldo and Anderson Silva, demonstrates your sure-fire shot stopper for a single-leg takedown attack with the aid of Pedro Munhoz.

1 As Kenny steps in and throws a jab, Pedro changes levels and shoots for a single-leg takedown with his head on the outside.

2 Kenny immediately lowers his body and uses the hand closest to Pedro’s head to stuff it down. 

3 Kenny sprawls his legs back hard while he continues to stuff Pedro’s head under his chest to break his posture.

4 Kenny squares his hips and continues to sprawl. He then grabs Pedro’s chin to set up his front headlock.

5 Keeping a hold of Pedro’s chin, Kenny pops up to his knees. Kenny can now look to transition to the next position.

6 Reverse Angle. Kenny’s chin is tucked into Pedro’s armpit to protect his neck and add another level of control. He also controls the bicep with his hand.

TOP TIPS

High school: Use a half nelson from the front headlock position to turn your opponent on to their back.

Collegiate: A good way to finish a single-leg with your head on the outside is to block your opponent’s far hip with your arm, rotate your feet away from 

them and drive your head to the mat.

Olympian: You can also counter this attack by hitting a switch. First, grab your opponent’s near leg at the knee. Then lift the knee 

up as you turn into your opponent and drive forward to take them down.