Issue 139

March 2016

Slip out of a single-leg so you can find the space to shoot for your own takedown.

Kenny Johnson is a Premier MMA wrestling coach with students including BJ Penn, José Aldo and Anderson Silva. He’s aided by Pedro Munhoz.

1 - Pedro has Kenny’s leg secured at the ankle in the standing single-leg position, but he’s so far been unable to take him down.

2 - Kenny bends his leg, which pulls Pedro toward him. He grabs a single collar-tie with his right hand and cups Pedro’s elbow with his left hand.

3 - Kenny pulls Pedro’s elbow and pushes his leg through the space until the crux of his knee is aligned with Pedro’s forearm.

4 - Keeping his grips, Kenny sprawls his right leg back to free it and break Pedro’s single-leg control. Now he can attack.

5 - Kenny capitalizes by pushing the right elbow across Pedro’s body and shooting for a double-leg takedown.

TOP TIPS:

HIGH SCHOOL

• Work on your balance with a partner to improve your single-leg defense. Take turns in the position shown in step 1 and push your partner’s leg back, forward and side-to-side.

COLLEGIATE

• Range is as important in wrestling as boxing. Make sure you’re within reach of your opponent before attempting a takedown.

OLYMPIAN

• Your opponent is likely to see your double-leg coming when you shoot without setting it up. Disguise your shot by using methods like pulling on the head.