Groundfighting

[cross]

I decided to write this article to explain the basics(very basic) of the groundfighting training i do. This can be added to your training ...(im talking about groundfighting for real situations, not competition)

 

Takedowns:

 

You can't groundfight unless you are on THE GROUND!!

 

The easiest way to get your opponent there is with the use of a takedown. Most takedowns are simple and involve sweeping/lifting your opponents legs or throwing them. They are generally performed from the clinch(you have hold of your opponent).

 

Positions:

 

Position is very important in groundfighting, it dictates what you can and cant do to your opponent.

 

Mount: This is the position you will most likely want to be in. You are "sitting" on your opponent and generally have an advantage.

 

Guard: This is a position that is not usually favoured but can be used to your advantage if you know what you are doing. You are on your back and your opponent is "sitting" in between your legs. This is considered better than them having mount on you.

 

Side Mount: Your are ontop of your opponent but are laying at right angles to them. This is a good position to rest for a second before you finish off your opponent. Also a good position for performing knees to the head.

 

What To Do With Position:

 

Now you know the basic positions (there are others, and variations of each) i will explain some of the things you can do from each one.

 

"Ground n Pound": This is a common thing to do when you have your opponent on the ground. it is usually used in the mount, but can be utilized from the guard also. Basically you strike your opponent with punches/forearms/elbows etc until you can escape or they are knocked out/dazzed. To do this well just imagine you are fighting stand-up but are at the same range all the time with your opponent, you can use most of the same strikes, blocks, guard etc. Also pinning your opponents arm(s) to there body in various ways will also aid in you landing strikes.

 

Submission: I would tend to use this less in a real situation because i personally find striking more practical on the ground. But if the situation presented itself a submission like a choke/armbar/leglock could be used. Just remember that your opponent isnt going to "tap-out" and you dont have time to sit around on the ground for an hour holding there arm in a lock. So if you are going to do it, make sure you cause them damage to the joint/limb.

 

Practice:

 

You can practice the positions/ground n pound on a heavy bag layed on the ground. Also grappling dummies are available (or you could make one with a jumper and some track pants stuffed and taped together). The best way by far to practice is to find a good grappling school and spar.

Edited December 7, 2003 by cross

[cymry]

Nice.