Marcus Blaze Counter Attack System
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Counter-Attack Takedown DefenceΒ·Iron Faith Wrestling
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Translation: counter-attack takedown defence
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Overview
The Counter-Attack Takedown Defence family covers defensive techniques that defend against takedowns by attacking the opponent during their takedown attempt, using the takedown entry's vulnerabilities to counter with strikes or submissions. [1] Counter-attack defence exploits the fact that takedown attempts require the attacker to change level and move forward, exposing them to guillotine chokes, knee strikes, and other counters. [1],[2] These defences are the highest-risk, highest-reward takedown defences because they aim to not just stop the takedown but to score or finish the opponent. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Counter-attacks against takedowns have been used since the earliest combat sports, but became particularly important in MMA where the intersection of striking and grappling created opportunities to punish takedown attempts with submissions and strikes. [1] The guillotine counter to the single-leg became one of the most iconic defensive techniques in MMA history. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilMMA, BJJ
- USAMMA, Wrestling
- JapanBJJ
- GreeceWrestling
- RussiaSambo
- ThailandMuay Thai
Effectiveness
Lineage
Counter-attacking takedown defence was developed in MMA. [1]
Competition Record
Used in MMA competition by strike-first fighters. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Preventing or reducing the effect of an incoming attack through physical interception, evasion, or structural positioning
Joints Involved β Varies by defence type β blocks use arms/shins, evasions use head/body movement, sprawls use hips
Force Vector β Opposing or tangential to the attack β either absorbing, redirecting, or evading the incoming force
Defensive Principle β Economy of motion β the best defence uses minimal movement to neutralise the maximum threat
Position & Entry
From fighting stance (under fire) β Bring both hands to the head, elbows tight, tuck the chin β absorb the flurry while protecting vital targets
As emergency defence β When overwhelmed by volume, shell up in the cover position until the opponent pauses
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Sprawls and stuffs involve sudden body weight displacement; knee/hip strain risk
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
β Unified MMA β Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ IBJJF β Legal
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ IJF β Legal defensive action
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFWBC/Boxing β Legal {srcβ WBC Rules of Boxing}
β WKF β Legal
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDFβ WT β Legal
WT Competition Rules 2024PDFTraining Notes
βCounter-attack takedown defence uses offensive techniques to punish the opponent's takedown attempt β turning their attack into your opportunity (Greg Jackson, The Stand-Up Game, 2011)
βThe principle: a missed or defended takedown leaves the attacker in a vulnerable position β punish it immediately
βCounter-attacks work as deterrents: if the opponent knows a shot will be punished, they shoot less frequently or with less commitment
βThe guillotine counter is the most common β when the opponent ducks their head for a shot, the neck is exposed
βKnee strikes to the face of a shooting opponent are devastating counter-attacks in MMA
βCounter-attack defence requires reading the shot early β you must defend and attack simultaneously
βThe best counter-attackers make the opponent pay for every shot attempt, fundamentally changing the opponent's strategy
βTraining: have a partner shoot while you alternate between defensive sprawl and offensive counter-attacks
Common Mistakes
!Waiting to fully defend before countering β the counter must be simultaneous with or immediately after the defence
!Attempting counter-attacks against deep, committed shots β if the shot is deep, defend first (sprawl) then counter
!Using the same counter every time β vary between guillotine, knee, whizzer-hip-throw, and other counters
!Counter-attacking without maintaining defensive position β a counter that misses should not leave you vulnerable
!Over-committing to the counter and getting taken down β the defence must remain sound even when countering
!Not training counter-attacks against live shots β the timing only develops in realistic sparring
!Throwing wild counters instead of technical ones β precise, well-timed counters are more effective than desperate swings
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Anticipate the Attack β read the opponent's intention through body cues
2Execute Defence β apply the specific defensive technique with proper timing
3Recover Stance β return to a balanced fighting position immediately
4Counter or Disengage β capitalize on the opening or create safe distance
Sources & References
Primary Source
Boxing (Edwin Haislet, 1940)
1BookFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Alias sources β [1] Wrestling for Fighting (Couture, 2007) [2] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Welker, 2010) [3] Boxing Mastery (Hatmaker, 2004)
2BookWrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Cejudo & Holliday, 2015)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Wrestling for Fighting (Couture, 2007) [2] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Alias sources β [1] Wrestling for Fighting (Couture, 2007) [2] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Welker, 2010) [3] Boxing Mastery (Hatmaker, 2004)
5CitationWrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Cejudo & Holliday, 2015)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Wrestling for Fighting (Couture, 2007) [2] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
Community
Athletics
Requires
reaction speed, structural body mechanics, defensive awareness
Favours
quick reflexes and conditioned defensive surfaces
Key muscles
varies β forearms (blocking), legs (movement), core (stability)
Sub-techniques
Find by what a technique does β not its name
Every move, in any martial art, shares a few universal traits. Mix and match below to pinpoint the right tool β or compare equivalents across styles.
Category
Distance
Body target
Guillotine Counter
SubFamilyThe Guillotine Counter subfamily covers the defensive technique of applying a guillotine choke as a counter to the opponent's takedown attempt, using the attacker's forward head position during the shot to secure the neck. [1] When an opponent shoots for a takedown, their head typically drops to the defender's hip level with the neck exposed β this creates a natural opportunity for the defender to wrap their arm around the opponent's neck and apply a guillotine choke. [1,2] The guillotine counter is one of the most common and effective takedown counters in MMA. [2,3]
1 generaΒ·1 techniquesExplore
Knee-Strike Counter
SubFamilyThe Knee-Strike Counter subfamily covers the defensive technique of delivering a knee strike to an opponent who is level-changing for a takedown, using the downward trajectory of the attacker's head to maximise the impact. [1] The knee strike counter exploits the fact that a shooting opponent's head drops to hip level, directly into the path of a rising knee. [1,2] This counter is one of the most devastating defensive techniques in MMA, capable of ending fights instantly with a single knee to the head of a shooting opponent. [2,3]
1 generaΒ·1 techniquesExplore
Notes
Counter-attacking during a takedown attempt β throwing knees, uppercuts, or guillotine chokes as the opponent shoots β is the most aggressive takedown defense. Alistair Overeem's counter-knee during takedown attempts is the textbook example. (MMA training manuals; competition records)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain good stance while defending against takedowns?
Stay at the same level or below your opponent at all times, even when tired in later periods. Iron Faith Wrestling emphasizes that Marcus Blaze never stands up or comes out of stanceβif your opponent backs away, crowd them while maintaining your defensive position rather than falling into the trap of abandoning your stance.
What's the biggest mistake when going behind after defending a shot?
Don't pause in a front headlock position after sprawling. Iron Faith Wrestling stresses that you should sprawl and immediately move your feet back and push off the mat to go behindβhanging in the front headlock position is much more difficult to score from than if you had hustled behind quickly.
How should I use my hands to improve my go-behind?
Use your hands to actively pull yourself around while your feet push off the mat. Iron Faith Wrestling explains that after you stop the shot with your head and hands in place, your hands should pull you toward the go-behind while your lower body pushes, so both your upper and lower body assist the movement.
How do I react effectively to takedown fakes when I'm getting tired?
Maintain constant reactions to fakes by throwing your feet back and making hand movements every timeβgood wrestlers will notice when you stop reacting as fatigue sets in and will attack at that moment. Iron Faith Wrestling notes this is why staying engaged with down blocks and reactions throughout the match is critical.
How does the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence work?
The Counter-Attack Takedown Defence family covers defensive techniques that defend against takedowns by attacking the opponent during their takedown attempt, using the takedown entry's vulnerabilities to counter with strikes or submissions. Counter-attack defence exploits the fact that takedown attempts require the attacker to change level and move forward, exposing them to guillotine chokes, knee strikes, and other counters.
Where does the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence come from?
Counter-attacks against takedowns have been used since the earliest combat sports, but became particularly important in MMA where the intersection of striking and grappling created opportunities to punish takedown attempts with submissions and strikes. The guillotine counter to the single-leg became one of the most iconic defensive techniques in MMA history.
Is the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal β Legal defensive technique; IBJJF: legal β Legal; IJF: legal β Legal defensive action; WBC/Boxing: legal β Legal; WKF: legal β Legal; WT: legal β Legal
How dangerous is the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate β sprawls and stuffs involve sudden body weight displacement; knee/hip strain risk
How do I set up the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence?
The standard setup chain: Anticipate the Attack β Execute Defence β Recover Stance β Counter or Disengage.
How do I defend against the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence?
Standard counters include: Timing β attack when the defence is recovering or between movements / Feint β use deception to create openings in the defensive structure / Angle Change β attack from an unexpected angle that the defence does not cover.
What are the variants of the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence?
Common variants: Standard defence (primary defensive technique from the most common position); Reactive defence (triggered by the opponent's attack, minimal movement for β¦); Proactive defence (anticipating the attack and positioning to neutralise it β¦); Counter defence (using the defensive movement to create an immediate countβ¦).
How effective is the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence in competition?
Used in MMA competition by strike-first fighters.
What are common mistakes when doing the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence?
Top errors to watch for: Waiting to fully defend before countering β the counter must be simultaneous with or immediately after the defence / Attempting counter-attacks against deep, committed shots β if the shot is deep, defend first (sprawl) then counter / Using the same counter every time β vary between guillotine, knee, whizzer-hip-throw, and other counters / Counter-attacking without maintaining defensive position β a counter that misses should not leave you vulnerable.
What are other names for the Counter-Attack Takedown Defence?
The Counter-Attack Takedown Defence is also known as KauntΔ Teikudaun Difensu, Counter Takedown, Sprawl And Brawl, Punish The Shot.