MMA Pressure Striking for Fighters - The Higher Level Counter System with James Doolan

James Doolan is the highly respected founder and head coach of the internationally renowned Higher Level MMA gym in Whitburn, Scotland. Being successful with striking based attacks in MMA requires specific skills and systems in order to avoid the many potential risks of being countered.  

In this, his fourth volume in an ever expanding series with the Warrior Collective, he goes through more of his MMA striking system.  Using MMA pressure striking, he shows how he likes to use counter striking, calf kicks and body shots with the world class fighters he trains - Pressure Counter Fighting, Second Phase Attacks, Aggressive Body Shots, Countering with Body Shots, Catching Body Kicks, Outside Calf Kick Framework, Using Inside Calf Kicks, Fight Finishing Knees and Higher Level Pro Training.

MMA Pressure Striking for Fighters - The Higher Level Counter System with James Doolan

James Doolan is the highly respected founder and head coach of the internationally renowned Higher Level MMA gym in Scotland, a programme that has consistently produced world class fighters across promotions such as the UFC, Bellator and Cage Warriors.

Well known for his systemised approach to coaching Mixed Martial Arts, Doolan has built a reputation for developing fighters who can apply pressure, control exchanges and consistently win the key moments inside the cage.

In this latest instructional, he breaks down his complete pressure striking system for MMA, showing you exactly how elite fighters create openings, capitalise on reactions and finish fights at the highest level.

A Complete MMA Striking System Built for Real Fights

This is not a collection of random techniques.

This is a structured, phase-based striking system designed specifically for MMA—where small gloves, takedown threats and cage pressure completely change how striking actually works.

You’ll learn how to:

• Apply intelligent forward pressure without overcommitting
• Force reactions from experienced opponents
• Build second phase attacks when your initial offence is defended
• Counter effectively within high-pressure exchanges
• Break opponents down to the body and legs before finding the finish

Every concept is taken directly from the methods used daily with professional fighters at Higher Level MMA.

MMA Pressure Striking for Fighters - The Higher Level Counter System

What You’ll Learn

Inside this volume, James takes you step by step through the key components of his Higher Level Pressure & Counter System:

• The Pressure Striking Counter System
  Learn how to apply controlled pressure that draws predictable reactions, allowing you to counter cleanly without taking unnecessary damage.
• Second Phase Attacks & Counters
  Understand what to do when your first attack doesn’t land—how to stay one step ahead and continue building offence in live exchanges.
• Setting Up Body Shots on the Attack
  Develop a systematic approach to breaking your opponent down with body work that opens up head strikes and finishes.
• Countering with Body Shots
  Turn defence into offence by punishing opponents as they attack, using timing and positioning rather than speed alone.
• Catching Body Kicks
  Turn your opponent's biggest strength’s into weaknesses by exposing hard to defend openings when catching their kicks.
• The Outside Calf Kick System
  Learn how to destabilise your opponent, limit movement and create immediate striking opportunities.
• The Inside Calf Kick Framework
  A modern approach to attacking the lead leg from inside range—perfect for disrupting stance and balance in MMA.
• Fight Finishing Knees
  Discover how to capitalise on pressure, reactions and positional advantages to land decisive, fight-ending knees.
• And more….

Designed for Fighters, Not Just Pad Work

Striking in MMA is different.

The threat of takedowns, the smaller gloves and the presence of the cage mean that traditional striking alone is not enough. As Doolan emphasises throughout his coaching, success comes from understanding how all phases of fighting connect.

This volume shows you how to:

• Blend offence and defence seamlessly
• Strike with awareness of grappling threats
• Maintain pressure without losing positional safety
• Create repeatable systems—not one-off techniques

For Intermediate to Advanced MMA Athletes & Coaches

Whether you are:

• A fighter looking to sharpen your striking for competition
• A coach aiming to implement a structured MMA striking system
• Or an experienced martial artist wanting to better understand modern MMA striking

This instructional gives you a clear, proven framework that can be applied immediately in training and sparring.