Ground Combative
Modern military and law enforcement training are increasingly dependent on “arm’s length” defensive techniques and methods of impromptu hostile engagement. The ability to control an opponent on the ground in unarmed combat is consistently passed over for alternative methods of close-quarter physical conflict and the advantage is inadvertently being given to the opponent in circumstances where grappling occurs. While not preferable, groundwork is often necessary, and there is no denying the utility of ground combat proficiency when it is necessary.
Noted Historian and Director of the Association of Renaissance Martial Arts (ARMA), John Clements notes that since the 15th century, close quarter armed combat has increasingly been taken “to the ground”. Since the decline of duels fought with foils and rapiers he claims; “Kampfringen; grappling techniques that are about throws, take downs, disarms, and unarmed skill versus weapons—as opposed to wrestling as a sport of going to the ground to achieve a submission hold — are something to be avoided in a life and death encounter”.
The main reason for this is that on the ground the better armed, more highly trained opponent loses their advantage to random biting, clawing, hidden weapons, and debris within arm’s reach. It is less predictable and greatly increases the margin of defeat for the highly-trained knife-fighter, marksman, or martial artist.
Regardless of preference in these situations, it is often the case that an unarmed or less skilled opponent will attempt to level the playing field by taking the conflict to the ground, and in such circumstances, you need to be prepared. FI instructors are professional ground fighters that can prepare you to end a ground fight in seconds before your advantage slips away. Educate yourself in applying arm bars, pressure points, and tactical ground maneuvers that will incapacitate your opponent and ensure your safety.
Contact us today to protect yourself and become a lethal Ground-Combat machine.
