Issue 078
August 2011
Pete Irving is a professional welterweight fighter and Fighters Only’s resident fight expert. Turn defense into attack with these slick reversals that will leave your opponent dazed and confused.
Catching your opponent’s kick is a great way to avoid spending the energy of shooting in and clinching to set up your takedown. The key is minimize the impact of the kick by either closing in so that the kick never reaches the apex of its power, or to step out to the side, so that the kick is already dying by the time you collect.
Many skillful kickboxers will fake low, and switch the kick to go high in mid-air. If you anticipate the kick and drop your hands to catch it, you may expose your head. Maintaining your guard until the last moment is critical.
Kick to back leg Muay Thai takedown
1 When Jason (above, left) throws the body kick, Pete steps laterally away from the attack.
2 Pete wraps Jason’s shin with his arm.
3 Pete starts to take Jason’s balance by lifting his chest and in turn bring Jason’s heel higher. Note that Pete uses his palm to defend his face from Jason’s potential punches.
4 Pete posts his right hand on Jason’s left shoulder.
5 Pete steps his trail leg forward, pushing Jason back and changing his stance.
6 Pete kicks right through Jason’s lower leg, lifting him into the air.
7 Pete is free to engage on the floor or force the fight to reset on the feet.
Kick to double-leg takedown
1 Pete and Jason square off.
2 Jason lets the kick go, Pete maintains his guard until the last moment.
3 Just as the kick is about to make impact, Pete steps in, making his trail leg the lead leg, and driving his head against the nearside hip.
4 Pete flares the back leg, looking up and rotating Jason’s body.
5 Pete brings Jason’s legs higher than his head, and points him to the mat.
6 Pete can either slam him and land in side control, or let him go and remain standing.
Low kick to right-cross counter
1 Pete and Jason square off.
2 Jason twists through to land heavily on Pete’s leg.
3 Pete braces his leg to take the kick and throws the straight right to Jason’s chin.
