17/10/2026
JOSH BARNETT – CATCH WRESTLING SEMINAR | TECHNIQUES & HIGHLIGHTS
First of all, a huge thank you to the legendary Josh Barnett for sharing his knowledge, experience, and unique approach to Catch Wrestling. It was a great opportunity to learn from one of the most respected figures in combat sports.
Special thanks to Tim Hoffmann, Gian Luca Bencun, and Christian Maihöfer for organizing this excellent seminar!
🥋 SEMINAR OVERVIEW
1. Takedowns & Standing Wrestling
- Double Leg Takedown – Level changes, head positioning, hip control and forward pressure
- Wall Wrestling – Lifting, turning and creating angles to finish takedowns
- Wide Base Attacks – Leg control, pivot steps and driving mechanics
- Shuck-by – Redirecting the opponent to establish back or top control
- Foot Sweeps & Knee Blocks – Breaking balance and creating attacking opportunities
2. Ground Control & Breakdowns
- Hip Control and Pressure
- Far Armpit Knee Hook
- Spiral Ride Breakdown
- Guard Prevention and Positional Control
3. Cradle Wrestling
- Near Side Cradle
- Far Side Cradle
- Head and Leg Control
- Transitions into Submissions
4. Submissions & Finishing Techniques
- Stocks
- Arm Triangle / Side Choke
- Rear Facelock
- Three-Quarter Nelson
- D'Arce Choke
5. Key Concepts
- Head Position and Body Mechanics
- Off-Balancing and Creating Openings
- Continuous Pressure and Positional Dominance
- Chain Wrestling and Technical Transitions
- Using Head Control to Manipulate Body Movement
THE MAIN LESSON:
"Where the head moves, the body moves."
Catch Wrestling is not just about individual techniques. It is about connecting movements, creating reactions, breaking balance, maintaining control, and transitioning seamlessly from takedowns to submissions.
Once again, thank you, Josh Barnett, for an outstanding seminar and for keeping the art of Catch Wrestling alive!
Respect from Franco De Leonardis and Arena Aschaffenburg – Academy of Self-Defense, Germany.
MMA DoubleLeg Cradle ChainWrestling ArenaAschaffenburg FrancoDeLeonardis
