Grappling is NOT Self Defense!

"95% of all fights end up on the ground!" This is one of the greatest marketing campaigns ever, brought to you by Gracie Jiu-jitsu. And it worked for them. Just look at the popularity of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. 

Is it true?  NO!  Could it possibly go to the ground, YES! There is one thing that is 100% true; all fights start standing up. "So, I shouldn't train on the ground at all?" NO, what I'm saying is that in the realm of self-defense you need to make sure that the ground is the last place you should go. If you do end up there your first goal should be to GET UP!

Three reasons to NOT be on the ground in a self-defense situation.

1.  Environment!  Most dojo training is done on a nice padded mat with cooperating team-mates, this is not true in the street.  Asphalt, curbs, broken glass, rocks, cars, and trash are just a few things that you have to watch out for while you're rolling around. The ground is hard and unforgiving, don't ever forget that.

2. Multiple Attackers! Street fights never happen one on one. There is always someone else. On the ground you run a greater risk of getting punched or stomped on by "the friend" you didn't even know was there. Or it comes from a complete stranger that just wants to take a free shot at you. It's strange to think about, but believe me they're out there.

3. Weapons! They come at you when you least expect them. Knives, guns, rocks, sticks, or dirt are all easily deployed and can cause a lot of damage. Hell, you're so close you won't even see it being plunged into your back or smacking you behind the ear. On the ground your mobility is limited and you need that mobility to survive against weapons.

I'll be the first to admit, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is fun, MMA is fun, Judo is fun, but they are definitely a game of sport.  Use them to enhance your skills but know, they are not for a real world street encounter.  If you do try to use it in the street you will most likely get severely injured.  STAY OFF THE GROUND!!!!

Eric LaLone is the Chief Instructor at the Empower Training Center, the Head of TrainWarriors.com, and the operations officer for FearNOBully.org.  He has been training over the past 5 decades and holds Black Belts in a variety of martial arts.