Wall Walk Fundamentals

The wall walk is a foundational technique for returning to the feet after being taken down against the fence. This solo drill can be practiced without a partner and develops the shoulder-to-shoulder movement pattern essential for fence escapes.

Basic Wall Walk Drill

The practitioner alternates driving each shoulder into the wall while pushing off the opposite foot, creating a sequential climbing motion. The movement should be executed on both the ascent and descent, maintaining strict form by keeping the hands free for fighting rather than bracing.

Progressive Conditioning Variation

The wall walk can be transformed into a conditioning drill by holding uneven weight such as a sandbag or disc, moving it side-to-side while performing the technique. This variation builds strength and work capacity while maintaining the movement mechanics required in live situations.

Adding Pummeling to Wall Walk

The second progression introduces pummeling during the wall walk movement, with the practitioner throwing strikes with each shoulder shift. This integrated approach prevents an opponent from securing underhooks or controlling the legs while the practitioner escapes.

Starting from Flat on Back

The third progression begins with the practitioner in the most disadvantageous position: completely flat on their back at the fence. The initial priority is using a shrimp motion to create contact with the wall while maintaining hand coverage.

Hip Switch to Wall Contact

Once shrimped to the wall, the practitioner switches feet and drives their hip into the fence while keeping their hand defending the face. The goal is to establish simultaneous contact of foot, knee, and hip with the wall to prevent back control.

Transition to Standing Posture

From the side-contact position, the practitioner bases their feet solidly and performs sequential hip switches to work back onto their back shoulder. Each progression toward standing should maintain defensive coverage and utilize pummeling to prevent opponent control.

Complete Sequence Integration

The complete drill combines shrimping, hip switching, shoulder walking, and pummeling into one fluid sequence from flat on back to standing. Consistent practice develops automatic reactions to fence pressure, allowing the fighter to maintain hand availability while efficiently returning to vertical.

MMA Solo Drill - Getting Back To Your Feet

Predators MMA and BJJ Academy Manchester

Standard Wall Walk Standup

2 min read·8 key moments·PT7M48S video

Key Takeaways

•Wall Walk Fundamentals
•Basic Wall Walk Drill
•Progressive Conditioning Variation
•Adding Pummeling to Wall Walk

Getting back to your feet is one of the most important skills in MMA - and most takedowns happen against the fence - so it is essential to be able to use the fence to get back up. This video is a part of a series of videos I filmed for my students for their home workouts during the lockdown so is a solo version of the drill. There are many ways to spice this drill up using a training partner but the technical side of how to get back up is still good to work solo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard wall walk standup?

This video covers wall walk fundamentals, basic wall walk drill, progressive conditioning variation. It provides detailed instruction from Predators MMA and BJJ Academy Manchester.

How long does it take to learn standard wall walk standup?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.