Issue 113

April 2014

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 RFA 135lb champion Pedro Munhoz present the best wrestling techniques for MMA

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1. Kenny has Pedro’s leg secured at the ankle, high in the armpit, in a standing single-leg position (on the outside of Pedro’s leg).

2. Kenny keeps Pedro’s leg high in the armpit as he places his right hand above Pedro’s knee. 

3. Simultaneously, Kenny pressures Pedro’s leg down, lowers his level and walks backwards with quick steps.

4. Pedro will be hopping forward as Kenny forces him into a low one-leg squat. When Kenny sees Pedro start to lose his balance he pulls around the corner toward the side on which he’s holding Pedro’s leg, while continuing to apply downward pressure. 

5. When Pedro lands, Kenny is always on both feet! Kenny has Pedro’s leg secure. Kenny can look to finish with ankle locks, heel hooks and so on.

6. Kenny transitions to side control leaving his left arm between Pedro’s legs preventing him from recovering guard. Kenny’s right hand slips under Pedro’s head. After Kenny secures his base position with his knees tight to Pedro’s side he locks his hands, looking to transition to his next position.