Philly Shell for MMA takedown defense

Takedown defense means understanding takedowns. Here’s how. Featuring wrestling coach Michael Hulbert.
Thanks to the channel sponsor, No-Gi BJJ Gear. Use my code RAMSEY10 for a 10% discount on everything at www.nogibjjgea...
Shanghai based MMA Coach and Kunlun Fight Combat League ringside commentator Ramsey Dewey answers questions from the viewers.
This video features original music by Ramsey Dewey
Follow me on Instagram at: / ramseydewey

[@Peroxide-Mark]

the 1 dislike got suplexed

[@harumori1558]

Very cool. That anti-boxing-clinch tip alone is worth the watch, kind of brilliant in its simplicity.

[@Docinaplane]

Joe Lewis (karate) used to recommend the Philly Shell position when up against the ropes or wall rather than squaring up to the opponent.

[@handler803]

Hey Ramsey, can I just say that my fave videos of yours, in no particular order are: back tag drill for boxing angle, cardio myth, speed bag, double end bag, and junk training 😊

[@RamseyDewey]

Thank you!

[@mmareviewer.2372]

The best concept is going down to the basics and constantly refining them in order to make every other technique really matter.

[@SwordAndWaistcoat]

I really loved how you talked about using the philly shell in an MMA context, it always struck me as something that would be good against wrestling. I'd love to hear you talk more about using the philly shell in MMA. I love using it when I box so I'd love to be able to translate it across into an MMA context if I can.

[@mrmushin1]

I have also found odd how boxing is foundational striking disclipine of MMA but they never learn the Philly shell and shoulder roll.

[@Donky_Kongs_Baby]

@@mrmushin1 you always give up one thing for another good head movement is great to dodge punches but not knees elbows or kicks.

[@combatsportlover6919]

@@Donky_Kongs_Baby It is for kicks if you lean back out of range. Something they do in Thai boxing.

[@Donky_Kongs_Baby]

@@combatsportlover6919 That is one direction and that isn't all head movment. For the most part head movment is to dodge punches and being able to lean back like most Thai kickboxer does requires years of practice which most mma practitioners won't master. Also in mma you lean back like that you expose yourself to a take down single or double or sweeps. It would be better to block and counter then to use head movment against a kick on average unless your talking about the top of the food chain fighters who have been kick at for most of their lives and even then it's riskier then a standard check.

[@maxo2097]

Thanks for all the technical videos you've been putting out recently coach! Those have been really helpful

[@trujilloroldancarlosarturo4281]

Please, more boxing+Wrestling videos!!!!

[@memevarg2530]

I like coach Michael, sounds like a very good coach.

[@RamseyDewey]

He is.

[@bloodfiyah1689]

Nice idea

[@overtones77369]

Thank you for the helpful video, Mr. Dewey. I love the Philly shell for takedown defense; however, I have been struggling to deal with the overhand right coming over the shoulder. The advice I have seen from boxers is to lean back/pull, but this puts me heavy on the back leg, leaving the front leg open for takedowns (which defeats my goal of using the Philly shell). How would you recommend dealing with the overhand right?

[@pauloalves1847]

Ramsey, you've recommended wrestling for learning position and getting stronger, but I can't find any wrestling gym where I live. Could judo be as useful as wrestling for those purposes (would you make a comparison between the two, please)? What are the pros and cons of both arts in general?

[@pauloalves1847]

@Benjamin Brant There's no wrestling gyms where I live. Wrestling is not practiced even on high school in my country. So, for me, I know what to do: I'll start judo, as I don't have other option. If an opportunity to practice wrestling shows up, I'll try that as well. But I'd like to hear an expert's comparison of the two styles.

[@dakkadakka7697]

i cant compare them, but a frw guys on my wrestling team did judo and were good at wrestling. they seem to compliment each other nicely. also, there are a few grappling coaches online like teachmegrappling, eli knight, and this one judo guy whos name i forgot ;-;

[@ultimaoculis6389]

Judo would be very good, just need to learn nogi grips and you'll be a great clinch thrower. Remember muay thai sweeps are just judo foot sweeps and Greco-Roman wrestling (arguable better mma application than freestyle) is essentially judo without the gi

[@memysurname7521]

Find a BJJ place and train No Gi. Try to find some wrestler in there and become his friend.

[@garysith1370]

Thanks Mike!!

[@arasgames5210]

what is your opinion of leg locks in mma

[@RamseyDewey]

Leg locks are a matter of objective fact, not opinion.

[@MikeAMesfin]

Two Interesting things I saw from Ramsey 1.) Set up for Vengativa takedown from Phillyshell. 2.) Philly Shell Variant about engaging and disengaging distance is a movement from Shotokan Karate. They show it in Never back down 3, where MJW does Kata Poses. Great Video, my mind was definitely blown away.

[@hagenanon9484]

i just dont know where to get my no-gi gear from. do you guys have any ideas? :D

[@varanid9]

Since it's "no-gi", you don't need it. :D

[@UnexpectedWonder]

This was very insightful.

[@ben5154]

That Philly shell to underhook looks cool, but as someone not so advanced I'd rather be more square if they're going for a leg. I can still try for an underhook (although maybe not as easily), and if it doesn't work, I can sprawl. If you don't get that underhook and they wrap both legs when you're in that sidestance, I feel like you're gonna take a rocket ride. Like the vids though, just my opinion for where I'm at.

[@CodyHa420]

great video.. now if only I had a friend to practice this with lol

[@SirPraiseSun]

awesome stuff

[@TheTrippnotist]

First shoulder stroke from Yang Taijiquan

[@mattstew6078]

I don't know about you guys but coach Michael reminds me of meatloaf

[@Some.Donkus.]

Dude looks eerily like my dad 20 years ago

[@michaelhulbert2189]

Like a bat out of hell boys :P :P

[@Neightiznot]

Hey Coach, I have a problem with my leg kicks.. I feel like very often i kick with the meaty part of the calve muscle, instead of the shin bone. This raised a lot of questions about kicking technique, shin placement etc. I am from Holland where we are still in complete lockdown so that's why I reach out to you! So I feel like my kicking technique is just awful in general, and watching video's on the matter just made me more confused to the point that I don't even practise roundhouse kicks anymore. I'm afraid I'd be practising wrong technique, but at the same time practise makes perfect right? I dont know what to do. If you don't get to my questions that's cool, a general video on legkicks/shin placement etc. would be incredible.. A lot of content on YT is mcdojo stuff but your video's are the best. Thank you

[@RamseyDewey]

This one has a silly intro, but it has the info you need: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qquZk6Fro89gbaM If you are connecting with the side of your leg or your calf instead of the front on your shin, the issue is your standing leg. You’re not turning it out when you kick. This is done by either (1) pivoting as you kick or (2) stepping into a turned out position before you kick. It’s all covered in this video I linked you to.

[@Neightiznot]

@@RamseyDewey thanks

[@N2EG]

Please do peek-a-boo style for mma

[@thecarnosaurchannel2819]

Thats a big boy

[@beyonderaatrox1670]

This is the real ordeal!

[@ManicOpake]

I'm disappointed Ramsey 2:43 when you said "this lead arm being down..." I was expecting "means you're in the perfect position for GROIN STRIKES!" for shame

[@lockeddownboxing9904]

Hey coach. I am an orthodox but when I do boxing only there is a huge gap between my jab and cross when it comes to execution from orthodox and southpaw. I don’t do southpaw very often but I just do it so right and perfectly from southpaw, I struggle on orthodox. I know you’ve made a video on fake southpaw and all that but I really wonder what might be the case... I train 95% of my life from orthodox yet the difference in my jab cross is day and night. Any clues?

[@Wise-Fool97]

Sean Stricklands performance against Israel Adesanya. Philly shell guard. Ramsey Did It First

[@RamseyDewey]

A low lead arm to stop a takedown is a very basic MMA strategy.

[@jbdougy9290]

Mr. Dewey what is your opinion regarding Shootwrestling?

[@user-he4ef9br7z]

I did this and my coach smiled at me. Then took me down anyway.

[@RamseyDewey]

Was that your first time trying this?

[@user-he4ef9br7z]

@@RamseyDewey yes. He ankle picked me instead.

[@InkThinks]

Hey Ramsey, silly question: Have you ever noticed a direct negative correlation between a person's actual ability to fight and the amount of bragging untrained people do regarding their fighting skills?

[@RamseyDewey]

Yep. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKa2nYl9ocyoqNk

[@InkThinks]

@@RamseyDewey oh great! I had seen that video but forgot about it. Thanks for the link!

[@adamzoubi96]

That's so stupid with all do respect, no boxer would ever go for underhooks to clinch. That would leave him open to get punched in the face, boxers always go for overhooks. Also even if they did get an underhook you'd never get rid of it like that, and why would you wanna break when you have a clear opening to punch. And lastly this is the worst "Philly shell" I've ever seen. Sorry if I was too harsh but it's irritating to watch

[@RamseyDewey]

MMA, not boxing. Read the title. You want the underhook so you can get the takedown. If you’re trying to punch a guy who has underhooks on you in a cage fight, you will quickly learn what a suplex feels like.

[@snatchX626]

damn, i'm loving all these technical videos lately.

[@r.matthews594]

The Philly shell has always been something I liked to employ in boxing, and it's good to see it has a home in MMA as well. And that little tip about what is essentially a sternum rub is a good tip. This is an excellent technical video.

[@oldschoolkarate-5o]

old school grappling knowledge being shared on this video.

[@mmareviewer.2372]

Ah yes... the wise and ancient concept of tossing the other man to the floor in the best way you can.. another of the most ancient concept known to wrestling is keeping good posture.... very old school knowledge and the sort of knowledge all people need to be constantly reminded of.

[@robbybee70]

isn't all grappling pretty old school I mean....

[@robbybee70]

@@mmareviewer.2372 don't forget the oldest school of the knowledge....only fall down if you can land on them

[@mmareviewer.2372]

@@robbybee70 that is some really ancient knowledge there indeed my friend! Fall only on the enemy! not under them!!

[@robbybee70]

@@mmareviewer.2372 Translated from before the fall of the Babel Tower!

[@ChocolateMilkCultLeader]

But does this work in Daa Streetzzz

[@Membersacc]

Nah, if they stepped outside the ring it would all fail bruh.

[@dinomra7771]

Well, mma is like the closest thing to a street fight.

[@SirPraiseSun]

fo da streeeets

[@lemonkid2543]

Use peekaboo best for the streets

[@Donky_Kongs_Baby]

@@Membersacc I hope this is a joke :/

[@penttikoivuniemi2146]

Funny to see the knuckle push advocated by an actual wrestling coach. I sort of came up with it naturally when training some closer distance stuff last Summer in HEMA (either dagger or wrestling). We were doing some specific technique drill, but my partner that day was one guy who has a habit of sometimes seeing if he can pull something unexpected off. Which is an annoying habit, but what can you do. So when I was trying to do the technique, he decided to try and step in and grab me to stop me, so I laid my fist on his stomach and pushed just a bit to give me the room I needed to pull it off. I've done the same a couple of times afterwards when wrestling, it's surprising how much space you can make with just a little nudge there.

[@clockmakerbr2470]

So i wasn't crazy, using philly shell to frame takedowns is a thing. Philly shell is my secondary stance, and a panic frame against takedowns, works great if you don't stand very upright. Nice video!

[@r.a.8407]

Philly shell is more effective defensively from orthodox stance not southpaw

[@DaveyLers5150]

Check his grappling until he just takes your back

[@bingsoo9559]

I have a question I’ve been taught the two on one grip in Grappling, I keep getting pulled into guard, any tips?

[@godisgood540]

Hey Ramsey. I'm a shorter guy and I feel really comfortable using Mike Tyson's squared up peekaboo style. However, I know that it's incredibly susceptible to kicks and knees to the head (when those things are allowed, of course). Also, if one bobs too low in this stance while trying to close the distance with weaving/head movement, the other guy can easily go for a headlock on the peekaboo practitioner (which is dangerous). So, I was wondering if there's any way to adapt the peekaboo style for MMA, or at least "for da streetz" (lol).

[@RamseyDewey]

Sure. Make sure to keep your posture unbroken at all times. Don’t Bob and weave lower than shoulder level, and twist your body to slip punches instead of leaning.

[@godisgood540]

@@RamseyDewey Great advice! Thank you Ramsey! Love your videos by the way. Keep up the good work 🥊👊

[@perrenchan6600]

Michael Hulbert teaching that knuckle dig is interesting. Those kinds of cheeky moves like the eye pokes or whatever are not the magical off switch that people often say it is. His description is perfect. Its an annoyance to the opponent to allow you that window of opportunity to do something bad ass

[@memevarg2530]

Hey Ramsey, can the Philly shell work in Muay Thai? It feels kind of dangerous because of high kicks, but it's very comfortable for someone who goes down to body shots very easily. Thouhgts?

[@Swagnummagax]

Floyd mayweather was a boxer but he did grapple alot in the ring and was very efficient with it.

[@bartimaus8738]

Very nice video! Two great coaches :) would like more videos with Michael

[@kravmagaCDK]

Nicely done. Never thought of the concept of using the mayweather defense to defend takedowns. I’ll be practice if that tomorrow

[@robbybee70]

I had looked into this I particularly like it for Southpaws as it helps protect the liver

[@christophernavarro2168]

That’s the may weather defense

[@Swagnummagax]

The mayweda system

[@shaunhunter7474]

Ramsey I will like to see you spar against Lyte Burley.

[@RamseyDewey]

Does he live in China?

[@shaunhunter7474]

@@RamseyDewey No but he probably come to show you what 52 blocks about.

[@CM-zn7rd]

Check out Mads burnell

[@bralyngamble695]

At this point let's just admit. Philly is the shit 🤷🏾

[@henrymenh7824]

Liking the video before the video starts because Mr Dewey really does care about us and his content and actually read the comments:)

[@RamseyDewey]

Thanks my friend! That means a lot to me! Happy New Year!

[@paragon1782]

Ur vids just got much more technical and interesting out of no where lol didn't use to like ur content at all a year ago

[@RamseyDewey]

I’ve got a whole playlist of technique videos dating back 14 years.

[@paragon1782]

@@RamseyDewey yeah I saw them back in the day. Not sure what it is that is grabbing my attention more these days

[@RamseyDewey]

Well, I appreciate it!

[@darylfields]

Hey Ramsey do you think style like aikido can evolve to fit modern combat or it's no hope for in today's world of combat

[@RamseyDewey]

That’s a great question. A lot of people have tried to exactly that with various traditional martial arts, and they always end up with something completely different than what they started with. The archetypical example being Bruce Lee’s wing chun (an art that addresses primarily one range of combat) morphing over time into Jeet Kune Do (a philosophy attempting to address multiple ranges of combat) I’ve got a lot to say on this subject. I’m going to put this on on my video list!

[@darylfields]

@@RamseyDewey I think a lot of traditional styles evolve because martial arts are evolving fast these days

[@RichReflectionz]

Sean Strickland must’ve watched your video against Izzy 😂

[@RamseyDewey]

I don’t recall any takedown attempts in that fight. That being said, the threat of a takedown is the main reason for a low lead hand in MMA.

[@benderrodriguez6343]

This technical video is amazing.

[@danielc.5724]

Legend

[@guy-s]

Can you make a video on the wrestling 2 on 1? Also if you could go over how to maintain ground control/positions without being swept, specifically pertaining to MMA ?

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

2 on 1 hand grips you mean?

[@guy-s]

@@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935 Yes

[@deecampbell.rva-2]

My first karate teacher loved having the lead arm all the way down, philly shell like... I love the shoulder strike to the chin/jaw...

[@deejin25]

Innovative 6:30 leopard fist usage

[@Atius8]

There was mantis boxing technique this kind of reminded me of. Instead of pushing him away, you pull him in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ2rmXVvjq55e5I

[@californiacombativesclub202]

Thanks for the shell tips Spider-Man!🦾🦾🦾

[@blakedove2263]

Can you do a video on the differences between double leg takedowns in mma compared to pure wrestling? It seems like there are some slight technical differences between the way mma fighters do double legs and the way wrestlers do double legs.

[@RamseyDewey]

There are substantial technical differences.

[@blakedove2263]

@@RamseyDewey When i search for information on mma takedowns, I just get a lot of people teaching the traditional wrestling style double leg from a bent over position. Then i watch mma fights and the double legs performed look substantially different

[@robertmiller8110]

Haha in Hung Gar we have the "Black Tiger Claw". Quite poetic names since it's an old culture, but it's the structure of the body. PS I love MMA and have cross trained in Muay Thai, Judo, BJJ and wish I had more time to train in everything. But, for some reason I always gravitate back to Hung Gar. I suppose it's a case of "the art chose me!"

[@eclecticcerebro8287]

When he locked you, i was gonna say, lock his leg but after the shoulder hit, he back his feet up lol... I habitually do that cause i wrestle and in wrestling, i wouldnt give them the chance to utilize my legs for there benefit

[@rico14]

I remember reading this guy on Reddit talk about, because of the threat of takedowns boxing becomes a lot more important in the context in mma. This is due to boxing emphasis on head movement and footwork.

[@eclecticcerebro8287]

Very good explanation... to back what you said up, bernard hopkins was a master of grabbing when he wanted to and used philly shell a lot as he got older.. another thing, philly shell, can make a person forget about your low hand, which you can throw out, fake throw it and your power hand is already set up to shoot

[@joennejordbaer]

Good insights in how to break the grip of your opponent when he get's his arms around you. The way you use the Philly shell when you go from boxing to grappling is really inspiring.

[@lyr5641]

Hey Ramsey quick question, how does one overcome someone that dodges every punch or kick you throw? Even when you feint it seems like theyre always out of range.

[@mervinmarias9283]

Combined with the back fist strike you can pepper your opponent from their blind spot or clip them as they are coming in for a take down with it.

[@kobiecamp1134]

Great minds think alike because I'm on a similar path with using my Philly like Shell as a wrestling defense.

[@welfaregod612]

Hey Dewey, I kicked my sparring partner and cut his forehead open with my big toe, he is now having symptoms of staphylococcus Is that ok?

[@LearnTheLandScandinavia]

Bro... Cut your toenails

[@Peroxide-Mark]

always keep fingernails and toenails cut short bro thats kinds gross my man

[@welfaregod612]

He is now in the ER... I feel horrible I thought having sharper toe nails was a good thing for sparring

[@catocall7323]

@@welfaregod612 the sharper the better bro, you should file them to little triangle tips and walk in mud before sparring.

[@CoolGeekDefence]

Nice video Ramsey

[@GuitarsRockForever]

Hi coach, any chance you can review the latest master Ken anti double underhook video?

[@madhav_g7960]

Hey Ramsey When and why did you decide to start a career as a fighter?

[@raidenkeify]

I was just thinking about this

[@thelemon72]

My favorite part of the philly shell is that it hides the jab really well

[@ethanwatkins6780]

more from Michel!

[@jamesmitchell2704]

Philly shell inside the pocket, looks like some tai chi!

[@-eea32]

Thank you

[@lorenthompson8966]

Much love

[@streetninja1043]

Thanks coach 💪

[@willd0047]

Awesome.

[@SuperKamiGuruu]

Thank you for this video. I'm definitely going to train in mixed martial arts one day

[@hasanagic96]

Thank you guyss very much. Next video request maybe: cage takedown defense and get ups when people take u down. But advanced stuff so even good grapplers can't keep u down:)

[@RamseyDewey]

Advanced stuff is simple stuff done so consistently that you ARE the better grappler.

[@simoneriksson8329]

Do you think it would be a good idea to allow trips and strikes from the clinch in boxing to reduce staling?

[@RamseyDewey]

No.

[@datboiderrty]

The philly shell is an ancient technique I think in Japan when they first developed their martial arts. Slightly modified from the modern philly shell. Just a little random fact! Have a good day guys!