Issue 138

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 was Team Nogueira’s wrestling guru on The Ultimate Fighter. He and Pedro Munhoz present wrestling techniques for MMA - this time showing you how to throw a front headlock counter from the feet.

1: Pedro (left) has Kenny in a front headlock on the mat. Kenny establishes a solid wide base.

2: Kenny reaches up and grabs Pedro’s arm just above the elbow and pulls it hard towards him keeping space around his neck. This also stops Pedro from going behind.

3: Kenny steps his left leg up and out circling to start creating an angle on Pedro. While creating the angle, Kenny posts his right hand on the mat for balance.

4: Kenny reaches up just above his left hand and grabs Pedro’s arm with his right hand.

5: Kenny drags Pedro’s arm forward and rotates his head out fully while controlling Pedro’s arm and circling towards Pedro’s back.

6: Reverse view of the previous frame.

7: Kenny takes Pedro’s back keeping his hips low and tight and looks to transition to the next position.

8: Reverse view of the previous frame. NOTE: Kenny does not put his hand around the waist. Kenny sinks in a deep crotch pry to stop Pedro’s initial counters.