Although most self-defence situations begin standing, they do not always stay that way. A slip, a tackle, a throw or a loss of balance can quickly take one or both people to the ground. For this reason, every self-defence practitioner should have a basic understanding of groundwork.
The question is not whether groundwork is important—it is. The question is how it should be approached within a self-defence system.
A Different Set of Priorities
Ground fighting in combat sports often focuses on achieving positional dominance, applying submissions or controlling an opponent until the contest ends.
In self-defence, the priorities are different.
The ground is rarely a safe place to remain. You may be struck while down, the surface itself may present hazards, and additional attackers may become involved. Even if you are successfully controlling one opponent, you are often less aware of what is happening around you and may find it difficult to disengage quickly.
For these reasons, self-defence generally prioritises returning to your feet whenever it is safe and practical to do so.
Escaping First
Kempo is a traditional martial art with a strong emphasis on practical self-defence rather than specialising in any one area of combat. As a result, students are introduced to groundwork from the perspective of self-protection rather than prolonged ground fighting.
The primary emphasis is therefore on escaping from common bottom positions, protecting yourself while under pressure and creating opportunities to stand up safely. These skills are developed through partner practice and progressively more resistant drills, helping students learn to apply techniques against realistic resistance.
Control When Necessary
As students progress, they are also introduced to methods of controlling or restraining an opponent on the ground. These are generally taught from dominant top positions, often following a successful throw or escape.
The emphasis, however, remains on maintaining control while retaining the ability to disengage if circumstances change. In a self-defence situation, remaining entangled on the ground for longer than necessary is rarely desirable.
A Balanced Approach
Different martial arts naturally place different emphasis on groundwork, reflecting their aims and methods of training. Some specialise in ground fighting for sport and explore it in great technical depth. Kempo takes a broader approach, recognising that groundwork is an important part of self-defence while also recognising that it is only one piece of the puzzle.
The aim is not to become a specialist ground fighter, but to develop the knowledge and confidence to protect yourself if a confrontation reaches the ground, recover your position and, whenever possible, return safely to your feet.
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