Why is grappling so good?

[Red J]

I think it is important to know how to use a variety of techniques. Grappling is great and can be devastating. It’s even better if the practitioner has the knowledge of a striking art. In my dojo we study all aspects of fighting. You never know what the situation may call for. Remember, when you are attacked, it's on the attackers terms to start with, you react, and make the terms yours.

[JerryLove]

People say grappling is the best for self defense on the streets, but why is this so?

Because the have money or ego vested in making you believe it.

[Thai_Kick]

People say grappling is the best for self defense on the streets, but why is this so?

 

"They" came to this conclusion by watching Pride, UFC, Vale Tudo fights in the early days of the sport when it was being introduced to North America, many of the competitors trained in grappling arts (Sambo, BJJ...) and won the majority of the fights. The main problem with using NHB as a resource to prove grappling is the "best" in these "early day" tournaments the grapplers were some of the best in the world (Ken Shamrock, Royce Graice, Oleg Taktarov...) and the strikers were unknowns with VERY POOR skills and sad representatives of stand up arts (Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate...) This is how it was at the beginning (1992) of UFC, the best grapplers vs. poor strikers, so for MANY years this is how it was, and viewers/martial artists judged stand up strikers for their lack of ability in a fight and came to the conclusion that grappling is the best.

 

Then, in the late 90's everything started to change. Powerful, skillful strikers were competing in the sport (Vanderlei Silva, Mirko "Cro-Cop" Filipvic, Chuck Liddell, Bas Rutten...) and now it all new sport, "stand up" fighters were blowing away top grapplers, with kicks, knees, punches and grapplers were falling behind quickly, until they (grapplers) began cross-training in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate... to learn how to EFFECTIVLY strike. They were now prepared for the powerful strikes, at the same time

 

strikers began to cross-train in grappling to have greater knowledge of how to stop a "shoot" or a powerful clinch and learn submission and they were prepared for grapplers. Now in these tournaments you don't have just grapplers or just strikers you have fighters who are trained in both, many have learned that no art is "best" it's all up to the fighter to prove himself and not the art. NHB has changed since the early days, grapplers had their chance on top, strikers had their chance on top but now MMA's are on top and IMO will be for now on.

 

In conclusion the sport (NHB) has evolved SO MUCH that neither grappler or striker is the best you NEED a mixture in both to be successful in a fight or a self-defense situation.

[Venezolano]

I think grappling it's if not the best style for the street, one of the best, why?

 

Because, it's supposed that in the street your opponent is gonna be larger and stronger than you, so it's stupid interchange punches and/or kicks with him, so in the ground i think i'm more secure, and i can control the person better, since almost anybody knows how to move on the ground

[ckdstudent]

I think grappling it's if not the best style for the street, one of the best, why?

Since the three templates are grappling, striking and weapons it would be hard to say that grappling's not one of the best for the street.

Because, it's supposed that in the street your opponent is gonna be larger and stronger than you, so it's stupid interchange punches and/or kicks with him, so in the ground i think i'm more secure, and i can control the person better, since almost anybody knows how to move on the ground

Hardly anyone knows how to throw a good punch either, or move off the centreline, angle around, block, throw a decent kick...and brute strength actually has more effect in grappling if you think about it where you're in close and vulnerable to their reach, whereas in striking you're trained to dodge. How do you dodge someone you've got in an armlock?

[Molson style]

any1 that says any 1 style's the best probably doesn't know what he's talking about.

[shotochem]

As a "vertically challenged" individual, I tend to favor striking. I feel that it would be a disadvantage to lock up with a guy a foot taller and heavier than me. Though a wrist lock or armbar with a pressure point or two combined with striking would work well for a person with my build. It really does matter how big the attacker is. I know Gracie is a small guy But he fights in a tournament setting where there are rules. I just dont feel that it is the answer in a no rules self defense situation. Of course any MA would help but the bigger stronger brute has the advantage.

[G95champ]

Its not that grappeling is so good but its the new thing. Most American dojo teach stand up fighting. Thanks to the UFC and other events it is gaining popularity. Its just like the new style eveyone wants to do it. No it is not better than other MA but it is not worse either. Any art is what you make of it.

[Punchdrunk]

Actually CKD you can find angles when you have someone in an armbar.

 

If your opponent can still effectively strike you when you have a particular submission locked in, abandon it and transition to a more advantageous position like back control or full mount. Good grappling like good striking favors postion over submission or in the striking version hit without being hit.

 

In all styles your physical makeup is what you make of it as far as advantage.

 

Heavy = Strong but usually not as quick or mobile.

 

Tall = long reach & leverage but not so good on the inside, has to drop hands to punch at opponnent and high hips that are easier to get under and throw.

 

Light = not so strong and durable but usually good wind and possiboy speed

 

Short = Short reach, hard time working from the outside but hands are up even when punching and shooting for take downs and hip positioning for throws is superior.

 

The principles are the same whether striking or grappling.

[Azim]

I don't mean to offend anyone by this post, just this is my opinion.

 

Alot of martial artists who fight in tournemants or spar often get dissolusened about what real street fights go like. In a tournement your given an area which you can use to the full potential. Your given space to advance and withdraw, space to do fancy spinning high kicks and such. In a street fight there might be a group of people who surround you to try and get a view of whats happening (cetainly in school yard fights) and its immpossible to try anticipate your surroundings. The attacks learnt for self-defence must be effective in these situations. Often the two fighters will end up on the ground and this is where grappling comes in, most advantages the other might have in the fight go down the drain when on the ground. Size, Strenght and speed don't matter, the only advantage you can have is knowing techniques for these situations. Thats why grappling is so effective for street fights.