The Question
Someone recently asked if they should train extensively in ground "rolling" and whether it's required for Core JKD certification.
Here's my answer…
Certification Options
In Core JKD you can choose to test and certify in the following:
The Full Core JKD System, which includes
- • Weapons
- • Kicking
- • Boxing
- • Trapping
- • Clinch
- • Ground
Separately, in any of the following:
- • Rebel Wing Chun
- • CJKD Weapons
So, no, you don't have to choose Ground if that isn't your forte or preference.
Benefits of Ground Training
Ground training isn’t just about rolling to survive a life-threatening situation. Extensive "rolling" offers key benefits:
- Conditions your body and muscles uniquely
- Enhances your ability to maneuver and escape without sight
- Improves your chances of standing up, regardless of opponent skill
- Boosts your ability to recover against multiple attackers
Skipping Ground training is like riding a bike only on flat, straight roads. Any turn, hill, or obstacle increases your risk of falling.
Conversely, those who focus solely on ground fighting struggle against skilled strikers or weapons experts.
The Core JKD Approach
Core JKD Ground training prioritizes achieving a top dominant position for better mobility, enabling full use of attack tools or escape if needed.
Extensive "rolling" helps us understand and control our bodies against skilled, strong, or heavier attackers, in varied environments like corners or against walls.
It’s excellent exercise with low injury risk, suitable for all ages. Ultimately, Core JKD focuses on quickly gaining dominant control under resistance, incorporating striking or weapons.
Common Misconceptions
Some believe a well-timed sprawl can prevent becoming a grounded victim to skilled attackers. It’s not that simple.
Full body tackles, targeting gut, chest, or head, can overpower untrained individuals and aren’t always aimed at shoot takedowns but at clinch binds for easier takedowns. This makes clinch and Ground training essential.
Sprawls also fail to address other takedown methods like throws, trips, sweeps, or manipulations of wrists, arms, or head to unbalance you.
Conclusion
Many methods can force someone into a vulnerable grounded position, requiring significant physical and mental conditioning to counter effectively.
Experienced fighters know: neglecting any area of training can cost you in a fight.
Hope this clarifies things.
—Ming
