Metzger
A counter to an opponent's bodylock attack. As the attacker locks their hands around the defender's body, the defender reaches one arm around the attacker's head/far side and the other down to the in…
- Wrestling: Metzger, Farside Metzger, Mezger
Description
A counter to an opponent's bodylock attack. As the attacker locks their hands around the defender's body, the defender reaches one arm around the attacker's head/far side and the other down to the inside of the attacker's thigh, lifting the leg. The defender then steps their own leg around and across, blocking the attacker's far leg so they can't rebalance, and finishes by pulling down on the head while continuing to lift the trapped leg, twisting through the upper body to bring the attacker down and over the blocked leg. In freestyle this combination (head pull + leg lift + leg block) can score as a three-point throw.
Common Applications
Triggered specifically by an opponent's bodylock attempt — it's a counter, not an initiated shot. The head control and leg lift happen almost simultaneously while the defender is still fighting to keep balance under the lock; the blocking step with the own leg is what actually prevents the attacker from basing out and is the mechanical key to the throw's amplitude. Also taught as a no-gi clinch/over-under takedown for BJJ and MMA. Named for Andre Metzger (US freestyle/Greco/judo wrestler, National Wrestling Hall of Fame).
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