Takedown Against Knee Strikes - The Simple Technique That Takes Practice
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Catch Knee to Takedown·Catch Wrestling Alliance
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Catch Knee to Takedown
SubFamilyCatch・ニー・To・テイクダウン(Catch Knee to Takedown)
Translation: catch knee to takedown
Overview
History & Origin
MMA takedown technique. [1]
Effectiveness
Core MMA takedown. [1]
Lineage
MMA wrestling methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Takedown mechanics for Catch Knee to Takedown
Position & Entry
From MMA stance — Execute catch knee to takedown
Variants
Standard Catch Knee to Takedown
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Takedown technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IJF — Legal takedown technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— UWW — Legal in freestyle, may be restricted in Greco-Roma...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF— 2 points
NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
✓Drill with cage/wall work (Penn et al., 2007)
Common Mistakes
!Poor level change
!Over-extending
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Strike → Level change → Catch Knee to Takedown
Sources & References
Primary Source
Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (Penn, Cordoza & Krauss, 2007)
1Book[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
2Citation[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
Community
Athletics
Explosive legs
Good base
Notes
Catching the opponent's knee strike and converting to a takedown — the clinch position after catching the knee gives immediate access to single legs, body lock dumps, and trips. (MMA training manuals; Muay Thai clinch texts)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common mistake when defending against knee strikes?
Looking down to defend the knee is a major mistake—it's an easy way to get knees to your face. According to Catch Wrestling Alliance, you should keep your posture straight and look forward instead, even while blocking.
When should I actually attempt the takedown against knee strikes?
You might not be able to takedown on the very first knee strike. Catch Wrestling Alliance emphasizes that you need to get their timing right by defending and possibly throwing sharp punches first, then execute the takedown once you've read the rhythm.
How should I pin my opponent after the catch knee takedown?
Pin them really high up on the body using underhooks rather than a head and arm ride, as this makes it harder for them to buck you off and gives you better control for follow-up attacks.
How does the Catch Knee to Takedown work?
The Catch Knee to Takedown catches the opponent's knee strike during the clinch and immediately transitions to a takedown using the caught leg.
Where does the Catch Knee to Takedown come from?
MMA takedown technique.
Is the Catch Knee to Takedown legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal takedown technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: legal — Legal in freestyle, may be restricted in Greco-Roman depending on technique; 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)
How dangerous is the Catch Knee to Takedown?
Danger rating 4/10. Takedown technique
How do I set up the Catch Knee to Takedown?
The standard setup chain: Strike → Level change → Catch Knee to Takedown.
How do I defend against the Catch Knee to Takedown?
Standard counters include: Sprawl / Whizzer / Underhook.
What are the variants of the Catch Knee to Takedown?
Common variants: Standard Catch Knee to Takedown.
How effective is the Catch Knee to Takedown in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Catch Knee to Takedown?
Top errors to watch for: Poor level change / Over-extending.
What are other names for the Catch Knee to Takedown?
The Catch Knee to Takedown is also known as Catch Knee to Takedown, Knee Catch Takedown, Leg Catch.