Ground Arena

It's an interesting study on how physics change a lot of things. The dynamics of a punch standing is so different from a punch in when kneeling.

The importance and use of the hips is only highlighted when you omit the use of that appendage. And so to compensate for the lack of hip power, other parts of the body has to be engaged in order to generate the force and the delivery of that force changes the technique.

Not that I'm any kind of ground and pound, MMA expert however when you apply the techniques it is quickly apparent what works and what doesn't.

Traditional boxing technique, footwork and hip movement dependent, is quickly neutralized on the ground. Instead of using too much arm power and movement, you learn to use your torso, generating force from leaning side to side. You can't level change but you can only move side-to-side.

You learn to pin your opponent down with your hand, always looking for ways to still your opponent and tire him out while the other delivers the force to soften him up.

And the list goes on.....


There are certain rules to adhere to when you hit the ground, whether you have the mount or under the mount, the rules help you weather the storm, reinforce your position and to quickly finish the job.

On the flip side, under the mount , there are even more rules to observe and principals to apply should you value your safety and well being. These are explored in class under strict safety guidelines.

To date I'm pretty happy with the direction of this year's training, having incorporated a lot more kicks (padwork), clinching and ground work in addition to the usual boxing drills. I'm going to pursue this avenue of study and see where this path leads to.

Onward with training.