Issue 142

June 2016

Set up and escape so you’re not put down for good by a single-leg crack-down

Kenny Johnson, premier MMA wrestling coach with students including BJ Penn, José Aldo and Anderson Silva. Aided by Pedro Munhoz.

1 - Pedro changes levels underneath Kenny’s jab and shoots for a single-leg with his head on the inside.

2 - Kenny immediately lowers his level, uses his left hand to push Pedro’s head down and tries to sprawl.

3 - Pedro cracks Kenny down by pulling the leg, driving his head forward and dropping his left shoulder to the mat.

4 - Kenny lands on his hip and posts out with his hand to keep his chest up and back off the mat.

5 - Kenny immediately starts to push Pedro’s head to the mat to break his posture and relieve some pressure.

6 - Kenny traps Pedro’s head under his knee as he reaches his arm deep around Pedro’s waist and keeps his chest tight to Pedro’s back

7 - Kenny bumps up with his hips and begins to turn Pedro using his waist control

8 - Kenny sprawls hard to free his legs from Pedro’s grip.

9 - Kenny lands in side control, where he can attempt submissions or improve position.

TOP TIPS

COLLEGIATE

Stay tight to your opponent’s hip when you’re attacking with a single-leg so they don’t have space to free their knee and escape.

HIGH SCHOOL

Scramble to your feet when your butt hits the mat to stop your opponent putting you flat on your back.

OLYMPIAN

Time your shot by predicting your opponent’s striking patterns. If your opponent counters your jab with his own, shoot after your next jab to duck under his counter.