7 Simple & Effective Chain Takedowns for MMA
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Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown·Jeff Chan MMAShredded
0:00 - Start 0:35 - 1. Single Leg 1:06 - 2. Double Leg 1:37 - 3. Single Leg to Double Leg 2:25 - 4. Double Leg to Backta…
Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown
SubFamilyカウンター・キック・To・Sweep-kick・テイクダウン(Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown)
Translation: counter kick to sweep-kick 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 Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown
Position & Entry
From MMA stance — Execute counter kick to sweep-kick takedown
Variants
Standard Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown
Videos
Wrestling Shooting Single to Double Legs Effectively in BJJ or MMA Tutorial
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Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown·Stuart Tomlinson
Lyubo Kumbarov, former 4 x Bulgarian National Champion and Wrestling coach at Roger Gracie Academy HQ in London is here …
4 Ways To Sweep After Catching the Round Kick
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Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown·Combat Theory
In this video we look at 4 ways to sweep after catching the Round Kick! Spazzy OG - Combat Theory Shirt - https://comb…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The counter kick to sweep-kick takedown represents a defensive chain technique that transitions from catching an opponent's kick into a takedown using leg sweeps. Combat Theory provides the most direct instruction on this technique, demonstrating four distinct sweep variations executed after catching a round kick. The fundamental principle across all variations involves stepping to 'zero pressure'—moving offline to reduce impact force—before catching the kick with an over-hook grip (catch A). The first sweep is traditional: after catching, the defender reaches to the opposite side of the opponent's head, pushes down while lifting the caught leg upward. The second variation, called the 'chef chenko,' requires reaching to the same side as the caught leg, taking a deep step in, and executing a quarter-turn pivot to drive the opponent down. A third option involves passing the caught leg to the hip and framing the opposite leg to trap it. Combat Theory notes that a fourth MMA-specific variation uses an inside trip, though this risks the opponent pulling guard if their jiu-jitsu is proficient. While Stuart Tomlinson and Jeff Chan address single-to-double leg transitions and chain takedowns respectively, they do not specifically address kick-catch-to-sweep sequences, focusing instead on clinch-based and sprawl-recovery transitions. Combat Theory's emphasis on hand positioning, body mechanics, and the defensive context of kick-catching provides the specialized framework for understanding this counter-attack chain.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Combat Theory — 4 Ways To Sweep After Catching the Round Kick: Provided four distinct sweep variations (traditional head-and-leg sweep, chef chenko pivot sweep, ankle-to-hip sweep, and inside-trip MMA sweep) executed from the catch-A position after defending a round kick, emphasizing zero-pressure footwork and hand mechanics.
- Stuart Tomlinson — Wrestling Shooting Single to Double Legs Effectively in BJJ or MMA Tutorial: Taught foundational wrestling posture, chin-to-shoulder positioning, and the mechanics of transitioning from single-leg to double-leg control, providing relevant clinch-entry and leg-control principles applicable to takedown chains.
- Jeff Chan MMAShredded — 7 Simple & Effective Chain Takedowns for MMA: Demonstrated single-to-double leg transition chains, sprawl-recovery to backtake transitions, and judo throw applications (Ogoshi, Tai Otoshi, Uchimata, Harai Goshi) when defending against backtakes, providing supplementary chain takedown context.
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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 → Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick 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 kick and sweeping their standing leg — a fundamental MMA and Muay Thai counter. The kick catch removes one base leg, and the sweep takes the remaining one. One of the most satisfying counters in combat sports. (Muay Thai and MMA training manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
When I catch a kick, should I step back or move to the side?
You should step off to the side to 'zero pressure' rather than staying in line with the kick. Combat Theory explains that stepping off-angle reduces the impact on your ribs and prevents injury while catching the kick.
What's the difference between the traditional sweep and the 'chef chenko' sweep after catching a round kick?
In the traditional sweep, you reach with the opposite arm and push the opponent down while kicking out their leg. In the chef chenko, you reach with the same-side arm, take a big step toward the caught leg, and perform a quarter-turn pivot to sweep them over.
What common mistake do people make when executing these sweeps?
A common mistake is reaching your hands forward and then hopping around awkwardly instead of committing fully to the sweep motion. Combat Theory emphasizes maintaining control and power throughout the technique rather than bouncing.
How does the Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown work?
The Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown catches the opponent's kick and immediately sweeps their standing leg to take them down.
Where does the Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown come from?
MMA takedown technique.
Is the Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick 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 Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown?
Danger rating 4/10. Takedown technique
How do I set up the Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown?
The standard setup chain: Strike → Level change → Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown.
How do I defend against the Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown?
Standard counters include: Sprawl / Whizzer / Underhook.
What are the variants of the Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown?
Common variants: Standard Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown.
How effective is the Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown?
Top errors to watch for: Poor level change / Over-extending.
What are other names for the Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown?
The Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown is also known as Counter Kick to Sweep-Kick Takedown, Kick Catch Sweep, Counter Kick Takedown.