When a self-defence situation arises, the last place you want to be is on the floor. In this video lesson I talk about the art of groundfighting without groundfighting: knowing just enough to not actually do any groundfighting, and just get up.

It is for self-defence students, traditional martial artists and grapplers who want to think about the ground from a street point of view.

Why the Ground Is Dangerous on the Street

On a mat, going to the ground can be a smart strategy. On the street it is a very different story:

  • The surface is hard, and there may be glass, kerbs or other objects
  • There may be more than one attacker, and their friends can kick you while you are down
  • There may be a weapon you have not seen
  • You cannot run away from the floor

So the priority is simple. If you end up on the ground, get back to your feet as quickly and safely as you can.

Just Enough Groundfighting

That does not mean ignoring the ground. You need enough skill to survive it and escape it:

  • How to fall without injuring yourself
  • How to protect your head when you are down
  • How to keep an attacker off you with your legs and frame
  • How to get up safely without giving them your back or your head
  • How to escape when someone is on top of you

That is a small, focused skill set. It is very different from learning to win a grappling match.

Using Targets and Balance

Simple strikes and pressure points can be useful here. If someone is on top of you, creating a reaction with a good target can give you the space to escape. Taking their balance makes the escape far easier. As always, train this with control and a cooperative partner, and keep strikes light in practice.

Train It Under Pressure

Practise getting up from different positions, then have a partner try to stop you. Add a second partner who tries to tag you while you are down. You will quickly learn why getting up matters.

Take It Further

My Pressure Point Self Defense Course covers practical self-defence including dealing with the ground. If you are older or less athletic, Fight Like An Old Man is built for you.