Ground Fighting vs Grappling It has been said that 90% of all fights go to the ground. While I do not agree with that high a percentage there is some truth to this. One reality fighting expert I spoke with seems to think the number may be more like 20%. Others feel the percentage is much less than that. In any case some fights (and self defense situations) do go to the ground. Because that is the case, you should be prepared if it does happen. You should at least have some basic knowledge on how to fight off an attacker if you end up on the ground with him. Today there is great interest and popularity in systems like Brazillian Jujitsu, Sambo, Shoot Fighting and the like. Martial arts and fighting magazines are filled with this month's expert on grappling techniques. As it is my habit I regularly purchase some of these videos to see if we can pick up a gem of knowledge here and there to add to or enhance our system. Most of the time I am diappointed. I try to stay away from sport or competition type videos because they focus on combat sport fighting (UFC type). I have found they have very little relevance in realistic street self defense for several reasons. First, to learn these techniques you need to spend months and years in training. This training must be done with a partner and it is extremely hard to learn from a video. So that means enrolling in a grappling school and be willing to spend a couple of years, several time a week learning. Second, while much of this stuff works in the ring where biting, eye gouging, groin strike, etc. are not allowed it leaves quite a few openings for an experienced street fighter (or a street thug who likes to prey on inoccent victims and is extremely street wise). While trying to get in position for the choke, arm bar or other submission hold, they forget that the opponent has a free hand to poke their eyes clap their ears or rip their groin, all of which are illegal in most so called no holds barred competitions. So when looking for a good ground fighting video I come accross one that is street focused I usally buy it. Again, I am usually disappointed. This because most of the time the person either doing the video or the producer does not see or understand the difference between the sport, "no holds barred" competition and the reality of the street. On the street anything goes. This means anything. An experienced street criminal will use anything at his disposal to overcome you. He will not grapple with you on the ground but rather find some means of hurting you so that he can take whatever advantage he is looking for. So while you are attempting a choke or arm bar he is kicking, kneeing and riping at your groin. Gouging, ripping or poking your eyes. Clapping your ears, ripping at your throat. Using the ground (concrete or pavement) as a weapon of destruction, throwing dirt or sand in your eyes. He is using any weapon he can find (including anything within reach that you may not even consider a weapon) to hurt, mame and control you. That is the difference between ground fighting and grappling. Fighting on the ground is no different than stand up fighting except you are down. The same kind of strikes work in either arena. In fact it's easier to hit someone on the ground because you are close and they can't move very much. We have been repeatedly asked for a good, practical groundfighting video. One that will teach simple, usable techniques that easy to learn and simple to execute. Techniques that give you a fighting chance if you find yourself on the ground. Read about this new ground fighting DVD at www.groundselfdefense.com

Shihan Michael Pace