MMA 101: The Sweep

We're heading back to the Jiu-Jitsu world for this edition of MMA 101, featuring the grappling-reversal technique, the guard sweep.


While "sweeping" may also refer to the standing techniques of taking an opponent to the ground (including trips and hook kicks), the more common usage of the term in MMA refers to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu form of the sweep, reversing positions with an opponent while grappling on the ground. Sweeping in BJJ is used to achieve top position after being taken down or pulling guard.

Technique Demonstration:


Fight Demonstration (setup and execution at 13:30):

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MMA 101: The Sprawl

We're getting defensive in our latest edition of MMA 101, this time featuring the counter-wrestling technique, the sprawl.


The sprawl is a technique derived primarily from Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, and is also seen in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other forms of submission grappling. The goal of the sprawl is to stuff and avoid takedown attempts from your opponent by changing position and shifting your weight onto him.

Demonstration Video:


Fight Demonstration:

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MMA 101: The Thai Clinch

Another edition of MMA 101 returns! This time we're focusing on the deadly art of the Muay Thai clinch, made popular by fighters like Anderson and Wanderlei Silva.

The Thai clinch is a technique derived from the martial art of Muay Thai, a popular stand-up form of fighting that originated in Thailand. Muay Thai incorporates knees, elbows, punches and kicks, and even leg sweeps. The Thai clinch is a fundamental way of setting up and applying many of these techniques.

Training Demonstration:

Fight Demonstration:


EMBED-Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson (11/9/03) - Watch more free videos

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MMA 101: The "Kimura" Submission

Here's the debut of our latest QB featured content, MMA 101, where we focus on understanding techniques commonly used in the sport. Today's feature, the Kimura submission!

The Kimura, also known as the "chicken wing" or "reverse keylock" is a submission technique that isolates the shoulder and applies pressure, forcing the opponent to tap. It is named after Masahiko Kimura, the legendary Japanese Judo practitioner who used it to submit Helio Gracie, one of the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here are the demonstrations:

From the guard (aka off your back, opponents hips between your legs):



From a standing position:

Karo Parisyan shows Kimura from standing


Fight Demonstration (skip to 8:40 for the setup and execution):

Hunt vs Fedor
by akm01

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