| In many articles, I get the opportunity to subtly | | | | Some fighters on the ground don't hit. They try |
| reiterate some of my views on grappling. For | | | | to wrestle a wrestler. Mistake. |
| example, I still believe that most fights don't have | | | | There are a few martial artists who do punch and |
| to "go to ground." I also feel that most people | | | | kick a lot while grappling, but their hits are |
| don't strike enough when fighting on the floor. | | | | ineffective. |
| So, let's begin with the premise that you are | | | | Those who know to make their strikes count |
| already down on the ground, in a grapple with | | | | often can't get a clean opening when defending on |
| your enemy. Most martial artists forget to hit as | | | | the ground. |
| much as they could be. | | | | For some, a bite, scratch, or poke has little, if no |
| Note: You can make your opponent's life | | | | effect. Can you say, "nothing more than an |
| miserable with all of the hitting, biting, kicking, | | | | annoying mosquito." |
| clawing, scratching, locking, and so forth that you | | | | It's fine to say that we should make our hits |
| can throw at him or her while entangled. Most | | | | count and that we shouldn't waste motions (Bruce |
| don't even try. | | | | Lee's idea of moving with a purpose), but how do |
| The corollary is that those who do hit a lot, often | | | | we make this advice practical? |
| waste their motions. I have witnessed a lot of | | | | Is it possible to practice what we preach? |
| people striking while on the ground and having no | | | | Yes, it is. |
| effect. They don't phase their enemy. | | | | For now, keep in the back of your mind to make |
| Of course, there are some great ground fighters | | | | each hit count. Even your berserk rage should |
| out there. I am not denying that, at all. Still, when | | | | focus on efficiency. |
| I look at the world of grappling, I see a mess: | | | | And look for... |