シングルレッグ（ケージから）(Shinguru Reggu (Kēji kara))
HybridTranslation: standard single leg from cage
The Standard Single Leg From Cage executes the fundamental cage-wall single leg where the attacker captures one leg from the clinch, typically by dropping the near arm to scoop behind the opponent's knee while maintaining upper body pressure against the wall. [1] The attacker then uses a combination of lifting, turning the corner, and driving forward to complete the takedown. [1],[2] Common finishes include running the pipe (driving forward while elevating the leg), tripping the standing leg, or using a dump by rotating the opponent over the captured leg. [2] The wall prevents the opponent from creating the distance needed for effective hopping defence. [2],[3]
The standard cage single leg is the baseline MMA adaptation of the open-mat single leg for cage fighting. [1]
Commonly used in UFC competition by wrestling-based fighters. [1]
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The standard single leg from cage is executed by establishing control against the cage before transitioning to a single-leg attack. Dean Bartholomew (Roger Gracey Academy) emphasizes the importance of reading the opponent's defensive positioning: when the opponent keeps their heel against the cage to prevent leg wraps, a gap opens between the knee and cage. The attacker drives their knee into this space, hooks the leg, then transitions to controlling the single by pinching the leg against their body and running the pike to drop the opponent. Coach Brian (TeachMeGrappling) provides fundamental mechanics for the single-leg shot itself, stressing the knee-over-toe footwork drill, proper level change, and stepping to the outside of the target leg with deep toe-to-toe penetration. He prioritizes positioning the head and chest into the opponent's torso rather than squeezing, maintaining an angled entry that makes sprawling difficult. Drake Ayala (FloWrestling) focuses on finishing mechanics once the leg is secured, emphasizing that the shooting hand must remain above the knee to prevent wizard escapes or sprawls. He advocates for shoulder pressure into the hip area, foot drive, and a controlled hopping motion while circling to trip the remaining leg. All three instructors agree on the importance of proper positioning and pressure application, though they emphasize different phases: cage control and entry (Bartholomew), foundational footwork and penetration (Coach Brian), and mat finishing technique (Ayala).
Synthesized from 3 instructors
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Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Cage/wall-assisted takedowns; controlled descent against structure
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Japanese MMA standard terminology
Japanese MMA standard terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
Katakana transliteration used in Japanese MMA/Shooto
penetration step speed, upper body endurance for finishing, balance
longer arms for reach, quick hips for level change
quadriceps, hip flexors, shoulders, grip/forearms
Coach Brian emphasizes stepping 'toe to toe' with your opponent—if you step too shallow, your opponent will step back and you'll miss the leg. You need to penetrate deep enough that you can't be easily escaped.
The knee over toe drill involves stepping out at a 90-degree angle with your foot, then driving your knee over your toe as it touches the mat, before your back leg becomes the new front leg. Coach Brian stresses this drill is critical for building the leg strength needed for shooting, and notes that even athletic beginners find it awkward at first.
Coach Brian advises against standing up and pulling, as this wastes energy. Instead, drive toward your opponent with your head and body weight—if he pushes toward you, push back into him, which transfers his weight to his opposite leg and makes your target leg lighter to control.
Drake Ayala emphasizes that your shooting hand (the one on the leg) must be above the knee. If your hand is below the knee, your opponent can escape via a wizard, sprawl, or step over—just moving your hand up 4-6 inches eliminates these threats.
Drake Ayala places his shoulder into the opponent's thigh/hip area, positioned almost on top of it rather than on the side. This creates heavy pressure that drives the opponent's entire body weight in the direction you want, making the finish more effective.
The Standard Single Leg From Cage executes the fundamental cage-wall single leg where the attacker captures one leg from the clinch, typically by dropping the near arm to scoop behind the opponent's knee while maintaining upper body pressure against the wall. The attacker then uses a combination of lifting, turning the corner, and driving forward to complete the takedown.
The cage single leg was refined by MMA fighters who adapted folkstyle and freestyle single-leg mechanics to the unique constraints and opportunities of the cage wall. The technique is now considered a core component of MMA wrestling education.
IJF: banned — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct hansoku-make for touching opp…; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle (2-4 points), banned in Greco-Roman (no attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — cage/wall-assisted takedowns; controlled descent against structure
The standard setup chain: Level Change → Penetration Step → Head Position → Grip the Leg → Drive and Finish.
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Whizzer (Overhook) — overhook the attacking arm and drive hip pressure to kill the angle / Cross-Face — push the attacker's head across their body to break their grip and alignment / Limp Leg — pull the attacked leg free by going limp and circling away.
Common variants: Inside single (shooting to the inside of the lead leg, head inside position); Outside single (attacking from the outside of the lead leg); High crotch (securing the thigh above the knee with head in the hip); Low single (attacking the ankle from outside range without deep penet…).
Commonly used in UFC competition by wrestling-based fighters.
Top errors to watch for: Bending over to grab the leg instead of dropping your level with the knees — exposes the neck / Not lifting the leg high enough — they stay balanced on one leg and hop away / Staying against the cage after capturing the leg instead of creating space to finish / Ignoring the whizzer defense, letting the opponent use it to spin you off.
The Standard Single Leg From Cage is also known as Shinguru Reggu (Kēji kara), Cage Single TD, Wall Single Leg Takedown, Fence Single.
