Ground Fighting
Ground Fighting is in martial arts sometimes referred to as "ground work". It is hand to hand combat which takes place while the combatants are on the ground, generally involving a high degree of grappling. The term is commonly used in martial arts and combat sports to designate the set of techniques employed by a combatant that is on the ground, as opposed to techniques employed in stand up fighting. Martial arts and combat sports that emphasize ground fighting include BJJ, Catch Wrestling and MMA. It is also an important ingredient in Judo as well as Sambo.
Similarly to clinch fighting, ground fighting implies that the combatants are at a very close range, usually involving one or both combatants grappling the opponent using various holds. Depending on the position of the combatants, the proximity can allow for techniques such as biting, chokes, fish hooking, joint locks, pressure point techniques.
When unskilled fighters get embroiled in combat, a common reaction is to grab the opponent in an attempt to slow the situation down by holding them still, resulting in an unsystematic struggle that relies on brute force. A skilled fighter, in contrast, can perform takedowns as a way of progressing to a superior position such as a mount or side control , or using ground positions to set up strikes, chokeholds and joint locks. A grappler who has been taken down to the ground can use defensive positions such as the guard , which protects against being mounted or attacked. If a grappler is strong and can utilize leverage well, a takedown itself can be a form of attack -- the impact to the head can render some opponents unconscious. On the other hand, grappling also offers the possibility of controlling an opponent without injuring them. For this reason, most police staff receive some training in grappling.
(Taken from Wikipedia.org)
