Issue 171

Greg Jackson is the most sought-after trainer in MMA. His New Mexico gym boasts a UFC win-rate of over 80%. Each issue he and pro fighter Julie Kedzie teach you how to mix up your martial arts skills.

Skill: Mounted Crucifix with Elbow Strikes

1: Greg starts in side control, with his hands clasped together in a Gable grip underneath Julie’s head, controlling her.

2: Greg unclasps his hands, and drops his left hip further down onto the mat for balance, to transfer more of his weight onto Julie to restrict her movement and to open up space to strike with the elbow.

3: Greg drops elbows onto Julie. Note that when Greg does so his hand is open and he doesn’t move his elbow far, preferring short rapid strikes with minimal body rotation.

4: Julie tries to block the strikes by putting her left, free hand in the crux of Greg’s attacking elbow.

5: Greg counters by directing Julie’s arm back towards his right leg, where he blocks the arm by bring his right knee forward and onto her arm.

6: He then pushes Julie’s arm down to the mat with his shin firmly on top, trapping it and placing her in the crucifix.

7: With Julie’s arm firmly trapped underneath Greg’s shin, he is able to continue using his elbow strikes to finish.