Ground fighting facts for kids

Ground fighting is an inherent part of mixed martial arts.

Ground fighting is a type of combat where fighters are on the ground. It's often called "ground work" or "ground game" in martial arts. Imagine two people wrestling or grappling while lying or kneeling on the mat. This kind of fighting usually involves holding onto each other, trying to control the opponent's body, and sometimes using special moves to make them give up.

What is Ground Fighting?

Ground fighting is a big part of many martial arts and combat sports. Instead of standing up and punching or kicking, fighters move to the ground. Once there, they use different techniques. These can include holding an opponent down, trying to get into a better position, or using "submissions." A submission is a move that forces an opponent to tap out (give up) because it puts pressure on a joint or chokes them.

Why Do Fighters Go to the Ground?

Fighters might go to the ground for several reasons. Sometimes, one fighter takes the other down on purpose. This could be to avoid punches and kicks. It also lets them use their grappling skills. Being on the ground can give a fighter an advantage. They might be stronger in ground techniques than their opponent. It's also a way to control the fight. If you can hold your opponent down, they can't hit you as easily.

Martial Arts That Use Ground Fighting

Many martial arts include ground fighting as a key part of their training. Some focus almost entirely on it. Others combine it with standing combat. Here are a few examples:

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is famous for its ground fighting. It teaches how to use leverage and technique. This allows a smaller person to defend themselves against a bigger, stronger attacker. BJJ focuses on getting opponents to the ground. Then, it uses positions like "mount" or "guard." From these positions, fighters try to apply joint locks or chokeholds. The goal is to make the opponent submit.

Wrestling

Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of combat. It involves takedowns, throws, and pins. While much of wrestling starts standing, a lot of the action happens on the ground. Wrestlers try to control their opponent. They aim to pin their shoulders to the mat for a win. Different styles exist, like Freestyle and Greco-Roman. Both involve intense ground control.

Judo

Judo is a Japanese martial art. It focuses on throws and takedowns. Once an opponent is on the ground, Judo uses "ne-waza" (ground techniques). These include pins, chokes, and arm locks. The goal is to hold the opponent down. Or, to make them submit with a lock or choke. Judo teaches how to use an opponent's own strength against them.

Sambo

Sambo is a martial art from Russia. It combines elements of wrestling and Judo. Sambo includes many ground fighting techniques. Fighters use leg locks, arm locks, and chokes. They also use throws to get opponents to the ground. Sambo is known for its quick transitions. It moves from standing to ground combat smoothly.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combines different fighting styles. This includes striking (punches, kicks) and grappling (wrestling, ground fighting). In MMA, fighters often try to take their opponent to the ground. This is to avoid strikes or to use their ground skills. Ground fighting is a crucial part of MMA. Fighters need to be good at both standing and ground combat.

Safety in Ground Fighting

Like all combat sports, ground fighting has rules to keep participants safe. Training usually happens on soft mats. Coaches teach techniques carefully. They emphasize control and respect. When practicing submissions, fighters learn to tap out early. This prevents injuries. Safety gear, like mouthguards, is also often used. Learning ground fighting can be a great way to stay fit. It also teaches discipline and self-defense.

Images for kids

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  Ground fighting taking place in a mixed martial arts bout

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  Bas-relief of knee mount. Located at Angkor Wat (1100's A.D.) in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

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  Submisson lock on grounded opponent in Silat Minangkabau.

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  Ground fighting from Pehlwani in a drawing from 1825.

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  Ground fighting in Judo.

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  Ground fighting in Capoeira

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  Ground fighting in Senegalese wrestling

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  Ground fighting in Sambo

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  Ground fighting in Sambo

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  Ground fighting in Sambo