How to free your leg when your kicks get caught in Muay Thai & MMA

Do your kicks get caught by your sparring partners at the gym or your opponents in fights and you don’t know what to do about it? You just want to roundhouse kick people in peace but they have to go and catch your awesome kicks and then make you look like a fool by dumping you on the ground? Or you think you have a perfectly timed teep, but then the guy turns out to be an expert Nak Muay who catches your lightning fast front kick mid air and then sweeps you?
We’ll fear no more, friends! Here are two simple techniques to free your legs from those nasty leg grabs so you can throw your Muay Thai kicks with confidence.
Ramsey Dewey is an MMA coach and fight commentator based in Shanghai, China.
Thanks to my channel sponsor:
Xmartial: catering to all kinds of combat sports athletes from BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai and more. Use my code RAMSEY10 for a 10% discount on everything at
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This video features original music by Ramsey Dewey
Follow me on Instagram at: / ramseydewey

[@bostoncorbett6022]

I appreciate videos about small things like this. There are millions of videos about how to punch, block, takedowns, but this is something important that isn't talked about as much, even with teachers.

[@theelysium1597]

this

[@trilobite8589]

one of the most impressive UFC knockouts I have seen was someone that had his kick caught and turned like that to turn it into a spinning back kick.

[@respektrespekt9932]

I remember a while back I typed this into KZbin and couldn't find any results

[@RamseyDewey]

You have your results. Now get out there and train!

[@talaniel]

I think the most important thing in the video: "never catch a kick using fingers" :-)

[@beawarrior9208]

I'm so happy you made this video! I hate it when my leg is caught so this will give me a little more confidence 😉 Thanks 🙏🙏🙏

[@SergeantFunkDan]

Great, great stuff. I especially appreciate your candor/humility regarding mistakes you've made. I feel I often learn more from the "Do nots", rather than the "Do's".

[@hellclown4]

Thank you for sending me too this video! I've had some success with the clinch entry and the re-take, but I never tried the spin through method, THANKS AGAIN!🙏🏻

[@theflyingnimbus7995]

Thank you for doing what you do, you focus on the broad veiw of martial arts instead of that small window that people look into.

[@ives3572]

Finally, what I've been looking for!

[@LRkun]

The turn I feel is the most effective. Thanks for sharing :)

[@Oguyaka.]

One of my coaches was really god with this! He could read into my opponents on a lot of occasions, to see when they would counter grapple; I'm cranking for the middle kick, and he's already yelling, "Escape the hold!" 🙂

[@ismaelmasso6662]

Love it, thanks Ramsey

[@ivanguzman727]

Ramsey thankyou so much man, I've been waiting for this for a while I love kicking but I would never want my kick to get caught

[@momsbasementmma4842]

Thanks coach

[@Tora209]

I started doing MMA recently, I have 4 years and a couple of kickboxing months on my back, this will come in handy

[@adityan.4744]

Love the music!

[@tomasotreasaigh111]

Thanks as always, peace from Ireland mo chara.

[@nytrodralyg1860]

That is a very good and helpful video, thanks!

[@RamseyDewey]

Thanks!

[@tomasotreasaigh111]

@@RamseyDewey You do give very helpful tips Ramsey, you work hard and I wish you all the best. Have you any thoughts on Krav Maga? I would like to look into it, purely for self defence of course. I have a good knowledge of boxing, I trained very hard as a young man and my boxing has always been quite good because of that. I also have some basic wrestling and knowledge of leg sweeps and using an opponents poor balance against them, can you give any suggestions regarding Krav Maga and maybe something online that I could learn from? Peace from Ireland to you and yours, thank you mo chara.

[@utubeu8129]

awesome, thank you

[@GiordanoFanti]

Very nice! When it happens to me what it comes naturally is to rotate inside putting my hands to the ground and than perform a roll or just a quick escape. Usually it works for me. Ps. Background music is dope!

[@DynV]

I think your sidekick is training to become an actor in a Hellraiser sequel.

[@frodokhunt]

Man I wish I saw this before sparring last night, my go to reaction is to close the distance and try to engage in clinching

[@captaingeengeen7260]

Good stuff

[@paulgaras2606]

It’s good to see technique videos where the guy teaching isn’t afraid to say “this is how I got knocked out, so don’t do this” then plays the video like three times. Peoples egos get in their own way and other peoples so it’s nice to see some humility on the internet.

[@Fightingat40]

The great Ramsey Dewey, the only reason I would ever move to China. Honestly hope to find a coach or trainer as smooth talking and intellectually sound as you sir. Idea for your next vid possibly. Was wondering about your thoughts on unorthodox styles, more specifically guys like the great Emanuel Augustus, Prince Nasim, Michael Paige, and Andersen Silva. And how you would approach coaching someone who wants to use a broken rythm style like they do. Would you embrace it and work with it, or would you try and force them into being more tight and technical or would you just suggest they find a coach that can adapt better to their style. And have you ever had a situation arise where you just couldn't coach someone based on their style or attitude even though they had a high skill level?

[@mothereartha7]

You could use it as a trap, a feint, a way to get a hook in train to kick and punch anticipating a leg grab.

[@RD-un5bh]

Ty

[@Devi_Shammuramat]

Side-to-side movement of the ankle can help, but only once you detect further motion in the opponent (it won't work if he is stiff rigid & motionless, but then again can't do much if remaining like that anyway).

[@ED-rj1pw]

Coach Ramsey, can you do a video on guillotine defense (prevention + escape), especially when performing a takedown?

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

He already did. Look up the video how to double leg without breaking your knees, he also explained guillotine defense. In short, don't break your posture when shooting takedown, look up to the light and the guillotine will just become a dumb head lock

[@ED-rj1pw]

@@jaketheasianguy3307 Thanks

[@UnusuallyLargeCrab]

Thank you, I am pretty tired of getting dumped for trying to kick.

[@BWoodTTV]

Nice video. I like the double collar tie escape only if they already closed the distance when they caught the kick

[@RamseyDewey]

Careful with that one! I have a broken skull and a blind spot because of it.

[@bondjames-bond7664]

@@RamseyDewey hello Ramsey Do u hv a vdo of this ??? Also can u make a vdo specifically on " bullies bashing up wimps " coz I recently got my ass whooped . The other guy was atleast 10kgs heavier than me and was kinda street fighter ... I used to practise on heavy bag ... Did shadow box and practised shadow elbows ... One thing I neva did was sparring ... This guy suddenly jumped upon me and started beating me up ... I was frozen in fear ... He push kicked me and I fell and he kicked me in the ribs ... The one thing I landed clean was a jab ... The other guy was just a natural fighter .. and I am a skinny guy ... What do u think has happened ... and what wud u advise me ... 🙏🙏🏼🙏 I am decently strong ... Can do archer push-ups and 10+ pullups ... But my strength did not help me at all ... But at the end of fight , I was still on my feet ... Pls make a vdo ... Or a reply wud also suffice ... Pls sir , this was my first Street fight / physical altercation ... I want to know your thoughts on this ... It is very heart wrenching for me Ramsey ... Please help 🙏🙏🏼🙏 I humbly request you

[@AdolfHitler-pm3lc]

@@bondjames-bond7664 You should probably spar

[@bondjames-bond7664]

@@AdolfHitler-pm3lc yes I realised it a hard way ....

[@bikersoncall]

I like how your partner turned that fall into an arm bar, of course if you weren't treating him with kit gloves, and not in the ring, he would most likely have been unconscious to say the least. : ) Either way, great lesson here, you're not blshting us in anyway. Many MA channels cover moves but fail heavily to cover pit falls and caveats of using certain techniques.

[@lrwhiteley]

@ramsey what about if they catch tour kick with guard and use the rear hand ✋??

[@Wombo_combo75874]

Cool video.

[@RamseyDewey]

Thanks!

[@Emcron]

related to #2, how about closing with punches instead of going for the clinch? considering the opponent has to bend forward a little to catch a leg kick, it brings their head closer to your punches?

[@madhatter785]

Never try to catch kicks with your fingers, you will break them" Spoken wisely

[@blackjaguar324]

How about a side kick or back kick? What do you do if those get caught?

[@cameronkazan1630]

Hey Ramsey, so I have been doing kempo karate for 11 years and I joined my high school’s wrestling team a few months back. I was wondering if you had any advice as to what the next step should be to transitioning into mma?

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

Find and join an mma gym. Continue learning.

[@craigross341]

The Muay Thai defence if they catch a teep (supposedly) is to instantly jump up and into them and grab them around the neck, and stamp down. Your sweaty leg can't be held onto. Yes, I got you knocked out, but everything and anything can go wrong.

[@dtibvgz8441]

My personal experience as Kyokushin Karate practitioner is that your not successful way to bridge the gap after your leg is caught is actually viable. Yet what I have done multiple times is jump slightly with my anchor foot and use the one the opponent holds to pull myself closer, this way I use my full body weight to knee him in the upper body, sometimes even the head - while holding my guard up (in Kyokushin punches to the face are not allowed, for those who are not familiar, but they do happen occasionally). Doing so you should be ready for being let go as well as making contact with the opponent, because a lot of people will just avoid it - but the result is there - your foot is free.

[@charrleschervanik3632]

My personal prefered method if my round kick is caught, is to whizzer and get that leg to his inner thigh. There are faults with it, but old faithful whizzer is something I trained extensively while wrestling because Ankle picks were common where I am from. You do have to mind the hands as Ramsey said, and personally found that a long guard and snuffing the hands, When possible, make life ever so slightly easier.

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

So...is there a way to prevent the opponent from pushing/spinning away ? Or do i have to be really fast with my takedown the moment i caught the kick ?

[@RamseyDewey]

Impose your will before the other guy does. Know exactly what you’re going to do with the leg before you catch it.

[@1IGG]

@@RamseyDewey be the ant, not the sandwich. Understood.

[@conorjbrown]

What about punching him when he catches your kick? Also, i use the spin out sometimes but once I got clocked coming out of the spin...any advice to avoid getting hit during or at the end of the spin?

[@axevdd]

The problem with punching in this situation is that he still has your leg, you are already at a disadvantage because you cant stand stable, he can. And depending on how he is holding your leg he can still punch you too. Perhaps what you can do to avoid getting hit is to keep your defense high, you have two hands and he only has one so its easier to defend. You should really try it out with a sparring partner and find what you think works best

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

Punches take power from pushing the ground with your foot. And your foot is caught, which means you're just flailing your arms if you try to punch the guy, and all he have to do is to golf swing you to the ground

[@remib2320]

Maybe ending the spin with a backfist ?

[@axevdd]

@@remib2320 i dont think a backfist would work, too much distance when he has your leg

[@remib2320]

@@axevdd yup, but it would prevent him from trying to punch you, as he would need to get a little bit closer, or lean forward to do so

[@jagerthedog4378]

Do you reccomend parrying front and side kicks?

[@RamseyDewey]

Sometimes.

[@tr1pl3str3ngth4]

what to do when you streetfight a very aggressive oponent and he catches your teep and tries to get you to the ground by imediately running forward with the leg?

[@RamseyDewey]

(1) Don’t get into street fights. (2) if you find yourself in a situation where you are being taken down like that (because what you described is a takedown) make sure you have trained sufficiently in the following skill sets: (1) Falling safely (2) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZrClnyPhtd5pcU

[@tr1pl3str3ngth4]

would grabbing their sleeves and then pushing your foot into their belly to get your leg free work or just against wimpy people and will a strong trained grappler still get the single leg?

[@dragonbrown1494]

Hmm.

[@gerardocovarrubias3058]

mr ramsey dewey it's been a while hey so look i really want to train to be a martial artist the best the world has ever seen i want to surpass bruce lee my way my style an i can do it with krav maga,combat sambo, sanda/sanshou the best military hybrid mixed martial arts of all time good effective against multiple opponents attackers if trained properly and used wisely, but tell me sir can i learn combat sambo and sanda in usa american without going to its place of origin just like krav maga yes or no

[@RamseyDewey]

I learned sambo in China from fighters from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. If you can find good training partners, you can learn anywhere. Going to a country of origin can help you dispel all the myths we make up in our minds about the martial arts that originate there, but it doesn’t make you better in any measurable way at martial arts. I learned sanda in China, the country of origin, but the most important thing I learned here is that it’s a set of rules for competition that anyone can adapt to- not a style. I trained Muay Thai in Thailand, and the most important thing I learned there is almost no one cares about teaching anything useful to foreign fighters who are there for the short term. But when I befriended a Thai national champion who lives in Shanghai, man… we got some serious Muay Thai training done in China. Again, it’s not about the place you train- it’s who you’re training with.

[@gerardocovarrubias3058]

@@RamseyDewey well to be honest i live in houston tx and there are many kung fu schools that sanda/sanshou so you're right we can learn anything anywhere right teachers so i can learn krav maga,combat sambo,sanda/sanshou anywhere not just their origin places

[@gerardocovarrubias3058]

@@RamseyDewey oh and sir before i go i just wanna say that i did my research all over the internet and i was right krav maga,combat sambo,sanda/sanshou are the best in self defence,street fighting against multiple opponents attackers if like i said trained right properly and used wisely when you begin and is all thanks to you mr dewey.

[@BD90..]

If they catch a side kick pull your leg away, they try to hold on, immediately curl your leg in towards your glutes like you are try to hook kick and jab to the side of their head on the side they are holding your leg. You must punch as they are being pulled together. Just a theory though lol.

[@RamseyDewey]

Don’t teach what you haven’t tried. Fights are won by time tested experience, not a hypothesis. Try it out and let me know how it goes.

[@ninobrown9600]

Osu!

[@ayrnovem9028]

But... But... Aren't you supposed to do that with a backflip, they way it's done in the movies?

[@graveyardstudio3503]

How about a back fist after the spin exit? You are like a spring, curled up and spining. If you open up like a book, you generate a lot of force 3:10 You are already set up for it, and kicking is unrealistic in this situation, if you are not some athletic god of break dance.... ...or asian.

[@RamseyDewey]

You won’t be close enough for a backfist.

[@graveyardstudio3503]

@@RamseyDewey experience says otherwise. You WILL be too far if you dont train this, and all you think about is running, which is understandable. If you learn that escape with intention to deal damage at the same time, you will be close enough. You can also not slip the foot, and hook the guy with toes pulling him to you. Its almost like you have to train to be able to do something, crazy isnt it.

[@graveyardstudio3503]

Ofc im not sayin do it all the time, but having options is a good thing.

[@achkidding1762]

That pull out of a trapped push kick and then to kick again … good case for the Coach's Mantra: This clip's in vain If you don't train .. 😜 PS: if it rhymes it must be true

[@J-P88]

Easy, do the Pro wrestling technique the enziguri, kick them in the head with the other leg haha

[@captaingeengeen7260]

Hahaha it probably can be done

[@Dudesofdestruction]

it is only now that I report it, but you post your videos during the day?!? are you working late those day? Fanservice?

[@RamseyDewey]

It’s late here in China. Time zones exist on this planet.

[@maou3118]

Maybe, learn how to grapple? Should be the same as a single leg escape? Lets watch the video now...

[@maou3118]

01:12 Is that... a leg seoi nage? 😆