Knee Cut

Student Objectives:

  1. The student will explore the use of the Knee Cut while passing the Open Guard.
  2. The student will identify and explore the Underhook and it’s value.

Teaching Cues:

  • Lunge Step
  • Underhook
  • Cut the Knee
  • Head to the Floor
  • Clear the Ankle

Lesson: Knee Cut

The assisting student will start by sitting on their bottom with their legs gently bent, and their back upright.  Their elbows should gently rest on their knees.  

The practicing student will start in a slightly elevated Combat Base position (squatted, with no knees on the floor) and lunge step - confidently planting the front foot between the legs of the assisting student.  The squat and lunge step are designed to create a straight line for the underhook from the lead hand.    

Make sure that you encourage students to maintain posture with their back while making the transition to the underhook and emphasize there shouldn't be any head contact as they transfer the underhook hand to the floor.    

As the underhook makes contact with the floor, the knee should cut across the body.  The outside leg repositions to provide balance and prevent the practicing student’s face from smashing into the floor.  Emphasize control in the transition from upright posture to the underhook with the hand on the floor and head next to the ear, based on the floor.  Only allow the student to lift their head after their leg has cleared the Half Guard.  

Possible Extensions:

  • Pair the Knee Cut with a Double Leg.
  • Have the assisting student hold the ankle extremely tight and the practicing student can Back Step.
  • Have the Assisting student hold the ankle tightly, and have the practicing student move to ¾ mount.

Possible Refinements:

  • Focus on repositioning the outside leg as the knee is cutting across.  It should be a controlled descent to the ground.
  • Emphasize head pressure and shoulder pressure once the underhook is on the floor and the outside foot has been repositioned.  
  • Teach students how to get a collar grip with the underhooking hand (four fingers in).

Reference materials:

Teaching Reflections:

  • How did I do teaching?
  • What could I do better next time?
  • Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?

‍