Shooting without getting KOed

[Makalakumu]

When one is doing a shoot, how does one minimize their chances of getting struck really hard on the way in. In particular, I can see a stand up fighter who can sprawl well using knee and elbow strikes to his advantage. Lets assume that there are no rules so kicking and kneeing a downed opponent are legal and so are point of the elbow strikes.

 

[Andrew Green]

A lot of it is going to come down to set up, generally you don't just shoot as an initial attack. Some basic set ups:

Jab - cross - shoot / jab shoot / jab jab shoot /etc. Punch him in the face and go.

Draw an attack and shoot under it. You can see some of the initial BJJ fighters do this a lot, they go in hands low and chin up to get the guy to punch and shoot under it.

Shooting from within a clinch.

Following a kick back.

The other thing that is important is proper posture. You don't want to shoot with your head down or you likely will get kneed, you take the shoot with your hands protecting your face and your hips leading the way.

 

[arnisador]

Yes, the set-up is the big thing.Ducking your head for fear of a strike can set you up for a guillotine. You need to set-up the shoot!

 

[Makalakumu]

I can still see the posability of someone setting up a shoot really well and just getting blasted because the other fighter reacted well. Are there any recent MMA fights where this has happened? Has anyone tried a really good shoot and still got nailed?

 

[Andrew Green]

Another valuable thing is knowing how to finish a shoot on a partially sprawled opponent, or sit out and escape if you loose the legs.

 

[Makalakumu]

Another valuable thing is knowing how to finish a shoot on a partially sprawled opponent, or sit out and escape if you loose the legs.

One scenario that I've practiced in the past is to sprawl and try to get a good hook so they can't get away easily and then drop a knee.

If someone does a really good sprawl, the uki is going to end up face down on the ground. Very bad position if elbows and knees are allowed strikes.

 

[Andrew Green]

Proper posture on the shoot should keep your knee under you if you get sprawled on, from your knees hopefully you are able to sit out.

But you're right, if things go bad you're in trouble, but then again any technique you throw can get you in trouble, especially one which can heavily influence the fight, be it a heavy strike, or a shoot.

Good set up and knowing the possibilities of what can happen and what to do if things go bad are your best bets.

 

[Andrew Green]

One scenario that I've practiced in the past is to sprawl and try to get a good hook so they can't get away easily and then drop a knee.

One more thing, try for a double underhook, not just one. With one hook they have a "hole" to sit out through.