Issue 133

October 2015

Even when your opponent appears to have a dominant position, you can turn the tables with wrestling 

Kenny Johnson with Pedro Munhoz

Premier MMA wrestling coach with students including BJ Penn, José Aldo and Anderson Silva

1 - Pedro has a bodylock on Kenny from behind. Kenny attacks the hands and keeps a wide base, making it harder for Pedro to lift him.

2 - Keeping his hands on Pedro’s wrists, Kenny turns his hip which relieves some pressure and creates some space between them. 

3 - Kenny kicks his left leg back and places it where Pedro’s right leg was, knocking Pedro off-balance. 

4 - Squatting low, Kenny drops Pedro onto his left leg. By keeping a grip on Pedro’s hands, Kenny prevents Pedro from using them as a base.

5 - Kenny leans back, sending Pedro over his left knee and onto the mat. 

6 - Kenny keeps his weight on Pedro and turns to pin him in side control. 

KENNY SAYS

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PRO TIP

The key to this counter is dropping your bodyweight by lowering your center of gravity to avoid being thrown backwards.