Describe the essential techniques and principles of ground fighting and submissions in combatives.

Ground fighting and submissions play a vital role in combatives training as they address the scenarios where an altercation ends up on the ground. In such situations, being proficient in ground fighting techniques and submissions is crucial for self-defense and gaining control over an attacker. Here are some essential techniques and principles of ground fighting and submissions in combatives:

1. Positional Control:

* Mount: The mount position involves straddling the opponent's chest while keeping the attacker's hips pinned to the ground. It provides a superior position for strikes, control, and potential submissions.
* Side Control: In side control, the attacker lies on their side with the defender controlling the attacker's body by pinning the shoulder and hips. It allows for effective control and transitions to submissions.
* Guard: The guard position involves being on the bottom with the legs wrapped around the attacker. It allows for defensive options such as sweeps, submissions, and creating distance.
2. Escapes and Reversals:

* Bridge and Roll: The bridge and roll technique involves using the hips and core to create a bridge, rolling the attacker off and gaining a more advantageous position.
* Hip Escape: Also known as shrimping, the hip escape technique helps create space by using the hips to move the body away from the attacker, enabling the defender to regain guard or establish a better position.
* Stand-up: Stand-up techniques focus on getting back to a standing position quickly and safely, allowing the defender to disengage or transition to other defensive options.
3. Submissions:

* Chokes: Various chokes can be employed from different positions, such as the rear-naked choke, guillotine choke, or triangle choke, to render the attacker unconscious or force them to submit.
* Joint Locks: Joint locks target vulnerable joints, including the elbow, shoulder, wrist, and knee, to apply pressure and cause pain, forcing the attacker to submit or release their hold.
* Strangles: Strangles involve applying pressure on the neck to restrict blood flow or block the airway, causing the attacker to submit or lose consciousness.
4. Ground Striking:

* Elbows and Hammerfists: Elbows and hammerfists are effective close-quarter striking techniques that allow the defender to generate significant force while maintaining a grounded position.
* Ground and Pound: Ground and pound refers to a combination of strikes, such as punches, elbows, and hammerfists, executed while on the ground to incapacitate the attacker and create opportunities for submissions or escape.
5. Principles:

* Base and Balance: Maintaining a strong base and balance is crucial in ground fighting. It involves utilizing proper body positioning and weight distribution to prevent being easily swept or controlled by the attacker.
* Timing and Transitioning: Timing is essential in ground fighting, as well as smooth transitioning between positions and techniques. The ability to seize opportunities, anticipate the opponent's moves, and execute seamless transitions is key to gaining an advantage.

It is important to note that ground fighting and submissions should be practiced with a strong emphasis on safety and controlled training environments. Regular training, realistic simulations, and sparring sessions are crucial to develop the necessary skills, awareness, and resilience required for ground combat situations. Additionally, understanding the principles of leverage, body mechanics, and using leverage-based techniques can enhance the effectiveness of ground fighting and submissions in combatives.