Issue 130

July 2015

Kenny Johnson is one of the most esteemed wrestling coaches in MMA. Noted for his work with BJ Penn, he’s also taught Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida. He and UFC bantamweight Pedro Munhoz present the best wrestling techniques for MMA. Here, Kenny demonstrates a front headlock to pull & go-behind.

1. Pedro (gray T-shirt) is on his knees leaning forward on his elbows. Kenny is postured up with two hands on Pedro’s back.

2. Kenny brings his left arm around to grab Pedro’s upper right arm. He uses his right arm to put Pedro in a front headlock. He also props himself up to put pressure on Pedro’s head. 

3. Kenny posts his left leg and pulls Pedro towards him. As he creates space, he scrambles to the left and takes Pedro’s back. 

4. Kenny finishes on Pedro’s back where he can strike or go for a submission.