| It's no secret that after the Gracie's burst onto the | | | | get tightly around you--he can do anything to you |
| Ultimate Fighting and Mixed Martial Arts scene that | | | | from there. If a grappler is shoots in and gets you, |
| people have started to believe that grappling was | | | | wrap your legs around him--putting him in guard--as |
| superior to striking. Even though this is not true--they | | | | you fall. This can help tremendously. |
| are equal--strikers are at a disadvantage in the ring, | | | | Tip 3: If you strike with your elbows down standing |
| or in one on one fights. The only real way to deal | | | | up, raise them while fighting on the ground. This |
| with this is to study a grappling art yourself--a martial | | | | draws power from your shoulder, which is the only |
| artist should learn all areas of combat. But | | | | power source your have while on your back. Make |
| unfortunately that might not be an option. So here | | | | sure you make strikes to the face; keep distance |
| are some tips for strikers when taken to the floor. | | | | between you and him. But be quick: he can grab your |
| Tip 1: First off, the only thing that should be in your | | | | arm and put it into a lock. |
| mind is to get OFF the ground and back onto your | | | | Tip 4: When you can, get your feet against your |
| feet. That is the ultimate goal: it should never leave | | | | opponent's hips or legs and push yourself out of his |
| your mind. Every movement and breath goes | | | | reach, and then roll backwards onto your feet. This |
| towards achieving this goal. Do not stay on the | | | | option will most likely not work with a skilled a |
| ground: you can't beat a ground fighter at his own | | | | grappler, but it is a good one for self defense |
| game. | | | | nonetheless. |
| Tip 2: Learn and use the guard. The guard is when | | | | Tip 5: Learn a few basic grappling techniques. Learn |
| you wrap your legs around your enemy's torso and | | | | shrimps, the guard, an arm bar, triangle, sweep, etc. |
| lock them together. This prevents them from mount | | | | Learn anything you can that can help you get around |
| your chest, and you can retain some control and | | | | a grappler so you can use your preferred method of |
| distance. The last thing you want is for a grappler to | | | | combat. |