Tag: Combat

Arguably the best pound for pound amateur wrestler in the world today is the great Kyle Dake. A 4x world freestyle champion and 4x NCAA world champion, who isn’t done adding to his impressive legacy.

• Name: Kyle Dake
• DOB: 25 February 1991
• Birthplace: Ithaca, New York
• Nickname: N/A
• University: Cornell University
• Championships: 4x World Freestyle Champion, 4x NCAA Champion, 2x Pan American Champion

Here’s what you need to know about Kyle Dake. Going over his incredible career(so far) and going over how he’s becoming an all time great.

Kyle Dake’s Early Years 

Kyle Dake grew up in Ithaca, New York and has been a wrestler for the majority of his life. He started his training at an early age and had a laser-like focus on developing his skills.

From the moment Dake began competing, he would be successful at the sport. Winning various junior level competitions and competing in both folkstyle and Greco-Roman style wrestling.

Before college, his focus was more on the Greco-Roman style. Winning the FILA USA Championship in 2008, as well as a finalist three times prior and US Team Trial finalist. He would also place fourteenth at the Greco-Roman Junior World Championship.

But even though Dake’s focus was Greco-Roman, he excelled more at folkstyle. Never losing a folkstyle match in high school and winning multiple New York state championships.

Kyle Dake’s Collegiate Career 

Dake’s stellar high school career would earn him a full scholarship to Cornell University. A university known for producing high level wrestlers.

As a freshman, Kyle was already one of the best wrestlers on the team. He would start his collegiate career in the 141lb(63.95kg) as a freshman. Going undefeated his freshman year and winning every major NCAA title.

In his sophomore year, Dake would move up to the 149lb(67.58kg) and be just as unstoppable. Going undefeated in 2011 once again and winning his second NCAA championship.

For his junior year, Dake would move up once again to the 157lb(71.2kg) division to take another challenge. Earning his third NCAA title and going undefeated for the third straight year.

In the same year, Kyle Dake would make his senior freestyle debut, where he’d be the runner-up to Andrew Howe.

For his senior year, Kyle would move up a weight class for the fourth time to the 165lb(74.84 kg) division. Becoming only the third wrestler in NCAA history to win four straight titles.

But Dake was the first ever to win four NCAA titles in four separate divisions. Accomplishing all of this, while earning every award possible and going 20-0 in the NCAA Championship tournaments.

Kyle Dake’s Health Problems 

After finishing a legendary college career, Kyle Dake would face numerous obstacles in 2014. His body would finally break down after years of hard wrestling and deal with numerous staph infections.

His bad health would put him on the shelf for most of 2014. But he came back better than ever in 2015.

Kyle Dake’s World Championships

On top of winning four straight NCAA titles, Kyle Dake is also reigning and defending 4x world freestyle champion. Something that no other American wrestler has ever done.

2018 Freestyle World Championship

In 2018, Kyle would compete in his very first Freestyle World Championship that was held in Budapest. Competing in the 79 kg division in an incredibly stacked division.

He would have one of the best performances of his career. Giving up no points and winning all four matches by technical fall.

The opponent’s he beat included Martin Obst and defeating Jabrayil Hasanov in the finals.

2019 World Championship

After earning a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Dake would return to the World Championship to attempt to retain his title.

He would be successful in retaining his title with another great performance. Defeating Jabrayil Hasanov once again to win his second title. 

2021 World Championship

Since Kyle medaled at the Olympics, it automatically qualified to participate in the 2021 World Freestyle Championship. For his third world title attempt, Kyle Dake would move down to 74 kg.

In the finals, Kyle would defeat Tajmuraz Salkazanov to win his third straight world title.

2022 World Championship

After making history in 2021, Kyle would once again try to make history in 2022. Going for an unheard of fourth straight world title.

This tournament would be one of the toughest of his career, but he would once again come out on top. In the finals, he beat Tamjuraz Salkazonov from Slovakia 3-2 to win his fourth world title.

Kyle Dake vs. Jordan Burroughs

Without a doubt, the biggest rival in the career of Kyle Dake is Jordan Burroughs. An Olympic gold medalist and multiple time world champion. Many argue that Burroughs is as good, if not better than Dake.

Throughout the last decade, the two wrestlers have had a bitter rivalry. Having numerous matches against each other.

One of their first meetings took place at the 2013 US World Team Trials. Burroughs was fresh off winning a gold medal and would beat Dake twice to earn his spot on the US team.

Jordan would continue to get the better of Kyle over the next few years. Beating Dake again twice at the team trials in 2015 and then again three times in 2017. Winning the US Team Trials again and the US Championship.

Dake won his first match against Burroughs in 2017 and would finally get his revenge in 2021. Finally beating Burroughs twice at the 2020 US Team Trials.

Many saw these wins as a possible passing of the guard for who’s the current best American wrestler.

Kyle Dake’s Best Techniques 

Kyle is primarily known for being one of the best defensive wrestlers in the world. Always having an answer for his opponent’s attacks and answering with counter go-behinds and chest wraps.

Using these positions to set up his powerful body lock takedowns. As for his offense, Dake is known for impressive snatch single.

He loves to take a low stance and bait his opponents in a variety of ways. Faking shots or doing quick switches to force his opponent to either square up or force their leg forward.

Once he’s in range, Kyle will hook behind his opponent’s knee and switch between a high crotch or snatch single. Dake also likes to set up his single legs off of his defensive counters.

Hitting them off of anything from sprawls or circling out of throw attempts.

Kyle Dake’s Conditioning Training 

One of the biggest things that has helped Kyle be so successful is his conditioning routine. Wrestlers are known for being extremely dedicated to their conditioning training, but usually go to failure and break themselves down.

Dake has seeked the help of the top trainer’s in the world to help with his conditioning. He is now able to reach peak conditioning levels without breaking down his body.

Everything he does is functional with focus on movements that he would do in a wrestling match. His advanced training system along with a focus on technical training is what has made Dake a champion.

The Legacy of Kyle Dake

Kyle Dake has nearly done it all in his wrestling career. He’s the only American wrestler to win four straight NCAA championships and four straight world titles.

The only major title that he is yet to win is Olympic gold, which he is focused on in 2024. If Dake is able to win Olympic gold, he may be considered the greatest wrestler of all time.

On the short list of greatest amateur wrestlers of all-time, Dan Gable is for sure one of the best ever. Not only being a dominant wrestler, but also considered one of the best coaches of all time.

Here is a condensed version of the legendary Dan Gable. Going from his journey to winning every accolade in wrestling, dealing with tragedy, and becoming an even greater coach.

Dan Gable’s Early Years 

Dan Gable grew up in the small town of Waterloo, Iowa. From an early age, Gable was a self admitted hellion.

His parents were always working and Dan would always find a way to get into trouble. That is when his parents decided to enroll him into the local YMCA to help him find guidance and discipline.

He would first get into swimming and would actually excel at the sport. Winning a state championship in the backstroke at 12 years old.

Gable had already been wrestling from an early age, but began to hone his skills at this YMCA. But even though Dan excelled at sports, he had a hard upbringing.

His parents liked to drink and the local police would often visit his home to break up fights between his parents.

Dan Gable’s Early Wrestling Career

Despite Gable’s hard upbringing, he had good instructors that helped him develop his skills. He credits much of his development to his wrestling coach at West Waterloo High School.

In his high school career, Dan went undefeated going 64-0 with 25 pins. Winning a state championship three years in a row in three different weight divisions.

Dan Gable’s Collegiate Career

Dan’s stellar high school career would earn him a full scholarship to Iowa University. A college that has been historically considered having one of the best wrestling programs ever.

Gable would continue his domination throughout his collegiate career. As a freshman, Gable would compete in the 142 lb division throughout his entire collegiate career.

He would go on to win three straight national championships in the weight class and going undefeated.

Dan Gable’s Only Collegiate Loss

Going into his senior year, Dan had not suffered a loss in his wrestling career in over a decade. In his final match in the national championship, Gable had an unblemished record with 118 straight wins

He would face a sophomore from Washington named Larry Owings, who many assumed would lose to Gable. Dan, who was methodical about his pre-match ritual didn’t do his usual thing.

Instead, he was doing interviews with ABC’s Wide World of Sport and wasn’t focused on the match. Larry Ownings however was prepared for the match and gave Gable the match of his life.

Ownings would shock the world and beat the greatest wrestler in the country 13-11 to win the national title. Putting Dan Gable’s collegiate record at 118-1.

Even though Gable lost, he felt that the loss was the best thing to ever happen to him. It would drive him to pursue a world championship and Olympic title.

Dan Gable’s Performance at the 1971 World Championship

Coming off his loss at the 1970 college championship, Gable would return in even better form. His first big competition post-college was at the 1971 World Championship.

He had a strong showing and was the clear favorite to win the competition. Easily beating his first four opponents and winning all of his matches by pin.

Unfortunately, Gable suffered an injury in the semifinal match and was forced to pull out of the finals. Being forced to settle for silver at the event, but many believed he would’ve won his final match.

Dan Gable Winning Gold at the 1972 Olympics 

Gable would continue his grueling training throughout the next year to prepare for the 1972 Olympic Games. His performance at the Munich Games is widely considered to be one of the best performances of all time.

He would compete in the 68 kg division and not get a single point scored on him throughout the Olympics. Winning his six matches by a combined 27 points.

His match in the finals would be against Soviet Union wrestler and defending champion Ruslan Ashuraliyez. Becoming the first American to win Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling since 1960.

Till this day, people still talk about Gable’s performance at the 1972 Olympics.

Dan Gable’s Training & Mental Toughness

Dan credits much of his success to his training and mental toughness. He would spend hours a day training until exhaustion.

Taking his body and mind to their limits to become the best he could be. Even during the offseasons, Gable would continue training like he was in wrestling season.

When he would come home during the offseasons and vacation, he would get his friends to help him. Both wrestlers and non-wrestlers to help him sharpen his technique and keep him in shape.

But what meaning experts of wrestling believe that Dan’s best weapon was his mental toughness. He credited his wrestling coach for instilling the importance of a tough mind.

Gable likes to recite a quote from his coach: “Guys win this humility and lose with dignity, but dammit don’t lose!”

He would always remember that throughout his wrestling career.

Dan Gable’s Legacy as a Coach

After having one of the best careers as an athlete, Gable was offered the job of head coach at Iowa University. He accepted the job in 1976 and he would build one of the greatest dynasties in the history of collegiate wrestling.

In his 21 year career as a coach at Iowa, the school won 21 Big Ten Championships. Never losing a conference title in his tenure as a coach.

Also in those 21 years as the coach at Iowa, his team won 15 national championships. Not to mention 45 individual champions and over 152 All-Americans that were part of the team.

Gable was also the coach of the US Olympic team on a few occasions. Most notably at the 1984 Olympics, where his team won 10 medals. Six of which were gold medals.

Dan would retire from coaching in 1997 and his widely considered one the best(if not) the best ever.

The Death of His Sister Diane Gable

On June 1st, 1964, Dan’s sister Diane Gable was murdered in her home of Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was unjust nineteen years old.

Dan was heartbroken at the news of his sister’s death as the two were very close. The death made national news and the investigation commenced.

A teen named John Kyle was convicted of the murder. A shocking revelation, because Kyle was actually a neighbor of the Gable family growing up.

Gable would later open the Dan Gable Wrestling Institute in Waterloo. Dedicated the institute to the memory of his beloved sister.

You can hear Dan give the full details of Diane’s murder on this clip of the Joe Rogan podcast. 

Dan Gable’s Life After Coaching

After retiring from coaching in 1997, Dan would become a motivational speaker and work at his wrestling institute. He does numerous speaking gigs every year and still puts on wrestling seminars.

The Legacy of Dan Gable 

Dan Gable is no doubt one of the best wrestlers and coaches that have ever lived. His ability and mental toughness were an inspiration to many that would go on to be champions. When people talk about the greatest of all-time, he’s always on the short list.

On the short list of greatest amateur wrestlers of all-time, Dan Gable is for sure one of the best ever. Not only being a dominant wrestler, but also considered one of the best coaches of all time.

Here is a condensed version of the legendary Dan Gable. Going from his journey to winning every accolade in wrestling, dealing with tragedy, and becoming an even greater coach.

Dan Gable’s Early Years 

Dan Gable grew up in the small town of Waterloo, Iowa. From an early age, Gable was a self admitted hellion.

His parents were always working and Dan would always find a way to get into trouble. That is when his parents decided to enroll him into the local YMCA to help him find guidance and discipline.

He would first get into swimming and would actually excel at the sport. Winning a state championship in the backstroke at 12 years old.

Gable had already been wrestling from an early age, but began to hone his skills at this YMCA. But even though Dan excelled at sports, he had a hard upbringing.

His parents liked to drink and the local police would often visit his home to break up fights between his parents.

Dan Gable’s Early Wrestling Career

Despite Gable’s hard upbringing, he had good instructors that helped him develop his skills. He credits much of his development to his wrestling coach at West Waterloo High School.

In his high school career, Dan went undefeated going 64-0 with 25 pins. Winning a state championship three years in a row in three different weight divisions.

Dan Gable’s Collegiate Career

Dan’s stellar high school career would earn him a full scholarship to Iowa University. A college that has been historically considered having one of the best wrestling programs ever.

Gable would continue his domination throughout his collegiate career. As a freshman, Gable would compete in the 142 lb division throughout his entire collegiate career.

He would go on to win three straight national championships in the weight class and going undefeated.

Dan Gable’s Only Collegiate Loss

Going into his senior year, Dan had not suffered a loss in his wrestling career in over a decade. In his final match in the national championship, Gable had an unblemished record with 118 straight wins

He would face a sophomore from Washington named Larry Owings, who many assumed would lose to Gable. Dan, who was methodical about his pre-match ritual didn’t do his usual thing.

Instead, he was doing interviews with ABC’s Wide World of Sport and wasn’t focused on the match. Larry Ownings however was prepared for the match and gave Gable the match of his life.

Ownings would shock the world and beat the greatest wrestler in the country 13-11 to win the national title. Putting Dan Gable’s collegiate record at 118-1.

Even though Gable lost, he felt that the loss was the best thing to ever happen to him. It would drive him to pursue a world championship and Olympic title.

Dan Gable’s Performance at the 1971 World Championship

Coming off his loss at the 1970 college championship, Gable would return in even better form. His first big competition post-college was at the 1971 World Championship.

He had a strong showing and was the clear favorite to win the competition. Easily beating his first four opponents and winning all of his matches by pin.

Unfortunately, Gable suffered an injury in the semifinal match and was forced to pull out of the finals. Being forced to settle for silver at the event, but many believed he would’ve won his final match.

Dan Gable Winning Gold at the 1972 Olympics 

Gable would continue his grueling training throughout the next year to prepare for the 1972 Olympic Games. His performance at the Munich Games is widely considered to be one of the best performances of all time.

He would compete in the 68 kg division and not get a single point scored on him throughout the Olympics. Winning his six matches by a combined 27 points.

His match in the finals would be against Soviet Union wrestler and defending champion Ruslan Ashuraliyez. Becoming the first American to win Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling since 1960.

Till this day, people still talk about Gable’s performance at the 1972 Olympics.

Dan Gable’s Training & Mental Toughness

Dan credits much of his success to his training and mental toughness. He would spend hours a day training until exhaustion.

Taking his body and mind to their limits to become the best he could be. Even during the offseasons, Gable would continue training like he was in wrestling season.

When he would come home during the offseasons and vacation, he would get his friends to help him. Both wrestlers and non-wrestlers to help him sharpen his technique and keep him in shape.

But what meaning experts of wrestling believe that Dan’s best weapon was his mental toughness. He credited his wrestling coach for instilling the importance of a tough mind.

Gable likes to recite a quote from his coach: “Guys win this humility and lose with dignity, but dammit don’t lose!”

He would always remember that throughout his wrestling career.

Dan Gable’s Legacy as a Coach

After having one of the best careers as an athlete, Gable was offered the job of head coach at Iowa University. He accepted the job in 1976 and he would build one of the greatest dynasties in the history of collegiate wrestling.

In his 21 year career as a coach at Iowa, the school won 21 Big Ten Championships. Never losing a conference title in his tenure as a coach.

Also in those 21 years as the coach at Iowa, his team won 15 national championships. Not to mention 45 individual champions and over 152 All-Americans that were part of the team.

Gable was also the coach of the US Olympic team on a few occasions. Most notably at the 1984 Olympics, where his team won 10 medals. Six of which were gold medals.

Dan would retire from coaching in 1997 and his widely considered one the best(if not) the best ever.

The Death of His Sister Diane Gable

On June 1st, 1964, Dan’s sister Diane Gable was murdered in her home of Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was unjust nineteen years old.

Dan was heartbroken at the news of his sister’s death as the two were very close. The death made national news and the investigation commenced.

A teen named John Kyle was convicted of the murder. A shocking revelation, because Kyle was actually a neighbor of the Gable family growing up.

Gable would later open the Dan Gable Wrestling Institute in Waterloo. Dedicated the institute to the memory of his beloved sister.

You can hear Dan give the full details of Diane’s murder on this clip of the Joe Rogan podcast. 

Dan Gable’s Life After Coaching

After retiring from coaching in 1997, Dan would become a motivational speaker and work at his wrestling institute. He does numerous speaking gigs every year and still puts on wrestling seminars.

The Legacy of Dan Gable 

Dan Gable is no doubt one of the best wrestlers and coaches that have ever lived. His ability and mental toughness were an inspiration to many that would go on to be champions. When people talk about the greatest of all-time, he’s always on the short list.

Most know that the submission is named after him, but many don’t know the history of Masahiko Kimura. During his time, Kimura was one of the most accomplished Judoka that won numerous championships and shoot fights.

Here is the story of the legendary Masahiko Kimura. Going over his time as an athlete and his grueling training regimen. Also, of course, detailing his historical grappling match with Helio Gracie.

Masahiko Kimura’s Early Years

Masahiko Kimura was born on September 10, 1917 in Kumamoto, Japan. At the age of ten, Kimura would begin his Judo training.

From the moment Masahkio began his Judo training, he would be extremely dedicated. Quickly rising through the ranks and was already competing at a high level in his teens.

Kimura’s Competitive Career

Throughout his teens, Masahiko Kimura would win numerous low level competitions At the age of eighteen, he would compete in his first national tournament in 1935.

Successfully winning a national championship in his first attempt. Becoming one of the youngest national champions of all time.

This first national title would be one of the first of many as he would win his next five national Judo championships.

Masahiko Kimura at the Olympics

A year after winning his first national title, Masahiko would compete at his first Olympic event in 1936. Representing Japan in the lightweight division.

He would win his first three matches, but would lose his fourth match. Earning a bronze medal in his first appearance at the Olympics. 

Kimura was set to compete at the 1940 Olympics, but the event was canceled due to WW2. He would never compete at another Olympic event.

Kimura’s Competitive Career During the 1940/1950s

Despite not competing at the Olympics in 1940, Kimura would continue to actively compete throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Winning numerous other national championships.

On top of winning multiple national titles, Masahiko would also win the All Japan Championship four times three Kodokan Cups.

Then on the international scene, Kimura would win the Asian Games twice and earn three world titles. After winning numerous major titles, Masahiko would retire from Judo competition in 1955.

Masahiko Kimura vs. Helio Gracie 

What many know Masahiko Kimura for was the highly publicized match that he had with BJJ creator Helio Gracie. In 1951, Kimura was doing a tour of South America doing demonstrations and meeting with influential people.

During this time in Brazil, BJJ founder Helio Gracie had become known for laying down challenges. Of course, when Kimura arrived in Brazil, Helio would come to him and challenge Kimura to a grappling match.

At first, Masahiko had no interest in the match as he saw Helio as not worthy to face him in a match. This didn’t stop Helio and Carlos from calling on a match against Masahiko Kimura.

After badgering Kimura enough, he gave Helio an offer. If Helio could beat his teammate, Yukio Kato in a match, he would have a match with him.

Helio Gracie vs. Yukio Kato

The first match between Helio and Kato would take place on September 6th, 1951. Their fight would go for hours, but the fight would end in a draw.

Helio demanded a rematch that was accepted and it would take place on September 29th of that year. This time, Helio would pull the upset and win the match by choke. Earning his match with Kimura.

Kimura vs. Gracie

On October 22nd, 1951, the two sides agreed to a grappling match with altered rules for more grappling on the mat. A large audience would witness the match at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

From the moment the match began, Masahiko Kimura would keep control of the match. Immediately taking Gracie to the ground and putting down heavy top pressure.

Kimura would lock in the gyaku ude-garami or double wrist lock. Helio would refuse to tap, which resulted in Masahiko breaking his arm. Resulting in Gracie’s corner throwing in the towel.

After the match, both sides were very respectful and Helio congratulated Kimura on his victory. 

From that moment on within BJJ, the submission would be referred to as the kimura.

Masahiko Kimura’s Training Regimen

What set Masahiko Kimura apart from other Judokas and grapplers of his time was his training regiment. He took his training very seriously and would spend hours a day training.

Not only working on his technique, but also being methodical about his conditioning routine. Some publications have published what his supposed physical training routine may have looked like.

• 1000 Push-Ups A Day
• Bunny Hop 1 km
• Headstand 3×3 mins
• 100 Judo Throws
• 100 Submission Drills
• 100 Judo Entries
• Multiple Rounds Of Randori(Sparring)
• One Arm Barbell Lift
• 200 Sit-ups(Decline/ On Partner’s Back
• 200 Squats w/ 150 lb or Lifting Partner

It’s probably unlikely that he did all of this everyday, but doing a handful of these exercises are quite impressive. His dedication to doing any of these movements daily shows why he was a multiple time champion.

Masahiko Kimura’s Pro Wrestling Career

During the 1950s, Masahiko would also get into the world of professional wrestling. He even opened his own promotion called Kokusai Pro Wrestling Association.

Kimura would often compete in tag team matches with Rikodozen. The man is considered to be the very first Japanese pro wrestling superstar.

The two would compete with one another many times to sell out shows all across Japan. Even having a few friendly worked matches with one another.

The Incident between Kimura and Rikidozen

Since the two were the biggest attractions in Japanese pro wrestling, the two would set up a big match. Competing against each other for the Japanese Professional Wrestling Championship.

The initial plan was for this match to end in a draw to set up future matches and big payoffs for each wrestler. However, this is not what happened and their initial match would have an infamous incident.

During their match, the two were working together and selling for each other. This was until Rikidozen put Kimura in the corner.

Initially, Rikidozen was supposed to hit Masahiko Kimura with worked karate chops to his chest. Instead, he actually hit Kimura with a hard chop to the side of his neck. Knocking the Judoka unconscious.

Rikidozen then began “shooting” on Kimura with legit kicks and knees to his face. Forcing the ref to step in and announce Rikidozen the winner.

The pro wrestler had gone into business for himself. Going off script and legitimately hurting the Judoka, who had no idea what had happened or why. There would be no rematch.

Years later, Rikidozen would be assassinated in a Tokyo nightclub by a member of the Yakuza organized crime group. Initially, the police thought Kimura was their main suspect, because he had motive to get revenge after the shooting incident.

But witnesses at the nightclub would absolve Kimura of the accusation, as he was not present at the incident.

Masahiko Kimura Becomes a 10th Dan

After decades of competing, Kimura would retire and become a full-time teacher. His years of dedication to the martial art of Judo would earn him the 10th Dan. The highest rank that a Judoka can earn.

Kimura would teach his students everyday until he passed away on April 18th, 1993. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Judokas of all-time.

The Legacy of Masahiko Kimura

Masahiko Kimura lived and breathed the art of Judo. His dedication was second to none and he left an incredible legacy.

Then of course, his name has been immortalized thanks to the submission being named after. The name Kimura will never be forgotten.

Easily one of the easiest and most versatile Gi chokes has to be the Canto choke. You can hit it from almost any position and leave your opponent confused at how fast it comes on.

Here is everything that you need to know about the Canto choke. Going over who created the submission and how it has been innovated within Jiu Jitsu.

What’s a Canto Choke?

The Canto choke is a versatile gi submission developed by Judo Olympic champion Flavio Canto. It’s a quick choke that Flavio developed off of failed throws. 

In Judo, it’s common for athletes to be focused on defending throws and forget submissions. That’s why Canto began using his submission off of just one collar grip.

Flávio learned a similar collar choke from one of his coaches in Brazil. He adapted that choke off the same movement to create what people would call the Canto choke.

Once Canto began landing the choke in Judo competitions, it would quickly catch on. He would also share the technique with BJJ practitioners that loved the submission.

Since Flavio’s choke was introduced, it has become popular among Gi grapplers. It’s a great submission that’s easy to learn with numerous setups available, and it’s really effective.

The Canto Choke From Standing?

There are various setups for the Canto choke, but we’ll start with detailing the mechanics of the choke from guard. The same mechanics that are explained below will also work for a knee shield or in half guard.

Let’s start with the collar grip, which is the most important aspect of getting this choke. Take a semi-shallow collar grip on your opponent right at the side of their neck.

This is so you have a little slack that will tighten up to lock in the choke. Your opponent’s lapel will be able to slide right under their neck.

Next, before you go for your choke, you have to keep space between you and your opponent. Keep your bottom foot placed on your opponent’s leg and your hand framing on their arm.

Now, you can go into the Canto choke. Lift your hips as you slightly turn and chop your leg down as you pull your opponent in. 

The motion is pulling your grip at the same time you’re pushing down your leg on your opponent’s head.  Make sure to chop your leg down with force to keep your opponent’s posture broken, so they can’t defend.

This should be enough to finish an opponent that’s caught off guard.

Finishing Option #2

Sometimes, a tough opponent is able to pull their head to escape the choke. If this happens, you have the option of hooking your opponent’s arm with your top foot.

Slightly turn your body to give you the space to hook your opponent’s arm. You can now finish them from there or use your hook to turn your opponent to their back and finish.

Finishing Option #3

Your opponent might also react by standing up out of the choke. If they do this, there’s an easy counter you can do by hooking your foot under their leg. Just like a butterfly hook.

Slightly hip out to give you space to hook their leg and use it to push your opponent. Forcing them back to the mat and into a super tight submission.

Flavio Canto goes over how to do his move with the finishing options in this video.

Canto Choke From Standing

This submission can be set up from a variety of different ways from standing. Whether you fake a trip or throw.

The first step is to get your collar grip on your opponent. It doesn’t matter what fake you do, but what’s important is getting your opponent’s posture broken.

Once your opponent’s posture is broken you can pull them to the mat and go right into the Canto choke. Doing the same motion as you were pulling guard, but going right into the submission.

Follow the same steps to finish the choke as listed in the previous section and finish it how you wish.

Canto Choke From Half Guard

The Canto choke is actually very effective from on top in half guard. Your setup starts with you backing up to make your opponent react by moving into you.

Grab a hold of your opponent’s collar and cover your body over their top leg to block them. From there, you’re going to step over your opponent’s head and hook your leg at the back of their head.

Bring your feet together as you pull their collar to get the tap.

Canto Choke From Side-Control

This submission also works when you’re controlling your opponent in top side-control. Your first step is to get your collar grip and get an underhook on your opponent’s far arm.

Use your underhook to lift your opponent towards you to give you space to step over their head. Step over your opponent’s head, hook your leg behind their head, pull the collar, and finish the choke.

How to Defend Against The Canto Choke 

The Canto choke is really effective, but it’s rather easy to defend. Here’s how you defend against the Canto choke.

Defend Collar Grip

This choke begins and ends with the initial collar grip. If you defend the collar grip, you won’t have to worry about getting put in this submission.

Posture 

From the guard to defend the choke, always keep your posture like you would defend any other submission inside the guard. Keep your posture and avoid the choke.

Block the Leg 

Your opponent needs to hook the back of their leg around your head to lock in the sub. If you block their leg from hooking your head, it’ll stop the choke even if they have your collar.

Tuck Head

Another defense that you can do from both on top and bottom is to keep your head tucked. When your carotid artery isn’t exposed, it’ll help you defend and escape.

Important Tips for Hitting the Canto Choke

The Canto choke is easy to learn, but there’s small details that you’ll need to remember to successfully land it. Here are important tips you need to remember for landing the Canto choke.

• The Collar Grip: This choke begins and ends with your collar grip. If you don’t have a good grip against your opponent’s neck, you won’t land the submission.
• Leg Positioning: The back of your knee/calf must be pressed right on the back of your opponent’s head. 
• Kick Down: You have to kick down your leg with force on the back of your opponent’s head. Doing this gives you a better choke and keeps them from being able to posture up.
• Pull: As you’re kicking down your top leg, you have to pull your collar grip down. These two motions together are what make the choke work.
• Make Space: From the bottom position, you have to make space in order to set up your choke. If you don’t have space, you will not get the submission.
• Finishing Options: Remember the three finishes options you have for this submission. Depending on your opponent’s reactions, you can finishing it straight on or hook their arm or leg.

Knowing Judo techniques is a must if you wish to improve your grappling game. One of the core techniques that you should know how to execute is uchi mata.

Here is everything that you need to know about the uchi mata throw. Going over various setups for the throw and list important tips to remember for executing this technique.

What is an Uchi Mata

Uchi mata is one of the core Judo techniques developed by Jigoro Kano. In English, the uchi mata throw translates to “inner thigh throw. 

It is one of the most effective and popular throws within the grappling art of Judo.

To execute uchi mata, you  step forward with one leg, while the other leg is placed between your opponent’s legs. As your opponent comes forward, you load them and kick between their legs to kick them over

What makes uchi mata so effective is that it can be set up in numerous ways. As either an offensive attack or a defensive counter.

It can be a direct attack, set up off a fake, or to counter an attacking a pressing opponent.

In MMA, the throw has been proven very effective in grappling situations with striking involved. One of the best at this throw was MMA vet and Judo ace Karo Parisyan. 

Today, uchi mata is a must know throw, whether you compete in grappling or MMA.

Uchi Mata vs. Harai Goshi

Another throw that beginners often confuse with uchis mata is harai goshi. They do look similar and have the same steps, but they have one distinct difference.

In the uchi mata throw, you target the opponent’s inner leg. Harai goshi targets the opponent’s far leg.

The great thing about these two throws is that their mechanics are nearly the same. You could fake one of the throws to set up the other to keep your opponent off balance.

The Basic Uchi Mata 

The basic uchi mata like most all pulling throws in Judo starts with a lapel and arm grip. Aim to grab a good amount of fabric right above your opponent’s elbow.

You’re going to use these grips to pull your opponent towards you in a slightly upward direction. With your arm grip, rotate your elbow upward as you pull your opponent toward you. Doing this also helps you in guiding the direction of your throw.

Next is the footwork for the throw. You’re going to do a complete 180 and face the same way as your opponent. 

Your support foot needs to land right between the feet of your opponent. The sweeping leg needs to swing right between your opponent’s legs. Make sure that the toes of your sweeping leg are pointed down.

As you pull your opponent forward into the throw, you need to create hip on hip contact with them. When you achieve this and correctly do the footwork, your opponent should go up with ease.

No-Gi Uchi Mata

Let’s switch it up and detail the No-Gi version of uchi mata. Of course, there’s going to be an alteration in the grips since you don’t wear a Gi in No-Gi Jiu Jitsu.

Like in the Gi, there’s numerous different setups, but we’ll detail the throw from an underhook. To get the underhook, you first have to set it up with a collar tie.

Grab a collar tie to break your opponent’s posture. In the moment, they go to recover, grab your underhook on the opposite side. Your other hand will be holding wrist control on your opponent’s other arm.

From here, you can do various setups to go into uchi mata, but we’ll just go over the throw itself. Hook the inner thigh of your opponent, step in, connect your hips together, and take them up for the throw.

Easy Uchi Mata Entry

This technique for the throw is great for beginners just learning the throw. It starts the same as the other techniques previously explained with inside control.

What you’re going to do first is take your sweep leg and attach it to your opponent’s inside leg. Doing this allows you to do a cheat step and jump into the throw.

Just pull yourself into your partner as you pull them up and go right into the throw.

Belt Grip Uchi Mata

This set up with a belt grip can be done with just three steps and ends in a forward roll. Grab your opponent’s lapel down to break their posture and step in to grab their belt.

From there, you’re going to go into a rolling variation of the uchi. When you step in and turn, look to the floors, base your hand on the mat, and roll your opponent over.

Overhook Uchi Mata

An uchi off an overhook control is a great option to set up this throw. It’s great in both Gi and No-Gi, but we’ll detail the Gi version from this section.

When you’re hand-fghting, grab a deep underhook on your opponent and cross grab their far lapel. Use this grip to compromise your opponent’s posture. You can either finish the throw with a traditional uchi or do a rolling variation.

Cross Grip Uchi Mata

For this variation, you’re going to take a cross grip on your opponent’s lapel and a sleeve grip. You’re going to do the same footwork as the traditional throw, but with a slight twist.

When you step in, lift your elbow on your lapel grip arm. This breaks your opponent’s posture and helps you in getting them up for the throw. 

This video details the last four variations of the throw.

Uchi Mata For BJJ

The last variation of this throw that we’ll detail was created specifically for BJJ. In Judo, the traditional setup doesn’t account for possible single or double leg attempts by your opponent.

For this setup, you’re going to take a standard lapel grip and sleeve grip. This type of sleeve grip is illegal in Judo, but perfectly fine for BJJ. 

It also helps block your opponent if they attempt a takedown since you’re controlling their arm. Your entry with your lead foot is also going to be a bit different.

Step your lead foot in right next to your opponent’s lead foot and turn it inward. From there, just step your base foot behind your lead foot and go right into the throw.

Importing Tips You Need to Remember For Executing Uchi Mata 

Uchi mata is a great throw, but you cannot forget a single detail when executing this technique. Here are important tips you need to remember for executing uchi mata.

• Lifting Opponent’s Arm: On the pull, you need to remember the proper direction that you’re pulling your opponent. You need to pull them at an upward angle forward.
• Turning Elbow: Another detail that you need to remember on the throw is the turn of your elbow. Turn the elbow of your arm grip upward and in like you’re checking the time on your watch.
• Support Foot Placement: Your support foot needs to be placed right between your opponent’s feet. Anywhere else and the throw will not work.
• Sweep Foot Placement: Your sweep foot needs to kick right between your opponent’s legs.
• Toes Down: Make sure that the toes of your sweep foot are facing down when you sweep your foot into position.
• Hip Contact: Remember that you need to have hip on hip contact to successfully execute uchi mata.