This is the dramatic moment a stubborn rock climber who refuses to use a safety rope is caught when he falls.

Footage shows the young man scaling the wall without being attached to any safety gear in Guangdong, China.

Reports say he was doing so to show off to the young women present at the climbing centre.

However, he suddenly falls while trying to grab hold of a grip.

Luckily, a retired firefighter climbing just behind him manages to catch him by the waist as he falls.

The pair bump slightly against the wall as they are brought down to the ground.

No one was harmed during the incident on June 17.

Authorities reminded climbers to always use the appropriate safety equipment when scaling climbing walls.