Ground fighting (in
martial arts sometimes referred to as "
ground work" or "
ground game") is
hand-to-hand combat which takes place while the combatants are on the ground, generally involving a degree of
grappling. The term is commonly used in
martial arts and
combat sports to designate the set of techniques employed by a combatant that is on the ground, as opposed to techniques employed in
stand-up fighting. It is also an important ingredient in
judo,
sambo and most types of
wrestling.
Similarly to
clinch fighting, ground fighting implies that the combatants are at a very close range, usually involving one or both combatants
grappling the opponent using various
grappling holds. Depending on the
positioning of the combatants, the proximity can allow for techniques such as
biting,
chokeholds,
fish-hooking,
eye-gouging,
joint locks,
pressure point techniques, or various
strikes.
Striking on the ground
Traditionally neglected by most
grappling arts,
striking on the ground is an important aspect of ground fighting. Typically, a
top position is better for various strikes than a
bottom position, simply because the combatant in the top position can generate the distance and movement needed for effective strikes, while the bottom combatant is restricted by the ground and by the combatant on top. Another factor is
gravity, which is in favor of the top combatant when he or she is striking downwards. In addition, the effect of ground strikes may be amplified, depending on the area struck, by the strike driving the opponent into the ground. The types of strikes that can be employed effectively depend on the particular
grappling position, common ones include
elbows,
headbutts,
knees and
punches.
Example
A ground fighting sequence in
mixed martial arts competition may begin, for example, with one combatant forcing another to the ground by using a
double leg takedown and establishing a top
mounted position. The top combatant may proceed to throw
punches until the bottom defender attempts an escape by pushing away the top combatant. This creates an opportunity for the top combatant to
transition into a
juji-gatame armbar, and thus forcing the bottom combatant to
submit.
See also
