MMA : STRIKING AND GRAPPLING when training

[gzk]

You mention that the newer students get a lot more grappling work than striking work to start out. I have also seen that the new Modern Army Combatives training starts out with grappling as well. The first level is grappling, and then they move up to the striking and Thai style kicking. Just a trend I noticed.

The philosophy, I think, based on how I learned, is that you start from possibly the worst h2h situation imaginable - you're mounted - and learn how to escape. Also, there's the idea that most people can throw some sort of punch intuitively, whereas grappling, to start with, is highly unintuitive.

[edited to remove unfounded assumption]

Edited August 22, 2007 by gzk

[bushido_man96]

Those are all very valid points, gzk.

[nine_weapons]

You mention that the newer students get a lot more grappling work than striking work to start out. I have also seen that the new Modern Army Combatives training starts out with grappling as well. The first level is grappling, and then they move up to the striking and Thai style kicking. Just a trend I noticed.

In MMA, it's almost impossible to see a match which has no grappling whatsoever. because of this, grappling skills are essential, possibly moreso than striking. kicks are even less of an importance as they can lead to easy takedowns if the timing is off or the kick is weak.

grappling

boxing

kicking

I would put them in that order if training for mma, and possibly on the street, depending on what you train for. As a bouncer or LEO, we are not permitted to strike unless the situation is extreme, which places an emphasis on grappling for us.

[nine_weapons]

Our head instructor has run training courses and been an advisor for various military groups both here and in the US, so if you're noticing more grappling at the start, there's a reasonable chance he had something to do with it.

if you look at the army combatives manual from as far back as WWII, the curriculum was judo based - grappling. How old is your instructor?

[bushido_man96]

In MMA, it's almost impossible to see a match which has no grappling whatsoever. because of this, grappling skills are essential, possibly moreso than striking. kicks are even less of an importance as they can lead to easy takedowns if the timing is off or the kick is weak.

grappling

boxing

kicking

I would put them in that order if training for mma, and possibly on the street, depending on what you train for. As a bouncer or LEO, we are not permitted to strike unless the situation is extreme, which places an emphasis on grappling for us.

That is a good point, as well.

So, you are an LEO? I work as a Detention Officer at a county jail. Grappling/restraints are important.

[Adonis]

The field manuel for Combatives in the Army has been up dated. The main person in charge of Army combatives is a brown belt in BJJ. As well as black belt in other arts.

Its true Army starts off combatives doing ground training. Its easier to go all out, while working for postions. and what not. Its safer to do that Then it would be for stand up striking. Its easier to teach and get the skills across to the soldier. Safety is a huge key factor. Can't have soldier out due to training injury's which can jepordize the mission.

Army Combatives consist of BJJ, judo, wrestling, boxing, mauy thai, and Kali/arnis. With the fundentals based off of BJJ but adapted for the needs of the Army.

[nine_weapons]

my guess was that it's taught because it instills agression and gives them an outlet for training HARD with resistance. same with boxing.

[bushido_man96]

Yeah, you can train hard, with aggression, and with decreased risk for injury.

I am curious, though; does the grappling level of training just go from the ground, or do they work any type of takedowns?

[gzk]

Our head instructor has run training courses and been an advisor for various military groups both here and in the US, so if you're noticing more grappling at the start, there's a reasonable chance he had something to do with it.

if you look at the army combatives manual from as far back as WWII, the curriculum was judo based - grappling. How old is your instructor?

I've edited that out, as it is an unfounded assumption based on articles I read rather than any actual knowledge of the US army combatives system.

[Adonis]

They do cover take downs, striking both with empty hands, and improvised impact weapons.