| Have you ever heard the cliche' that all fights go to the | | | | many grappling attempts. But you can't just read about |
| ground? | | | | it -- you will actually have to get out there and practice |
| Do you know why many martial artists make this | | | | -- and not always with the same practice partner. |
| claim? Do understand why it''s dangerous to believe | | | | What should you practice, to avoid getting dropped to |
| this "unwritten rule?" | | | | the ground in a street fight? |
| Let's start with why many martial artists and a lot of | | | | Practice keeping your opponent from coming in too |
| street fighters still buy into this myth: | | | | close -- push him (or her) away -- smash your |
| * When you are grabbing and twisting in a fight, it's | | | | opponent down. |
| easy to lose one's balance. | | | | Shin kick as a preventive measure. Time it so the shin |
| * They hear more experienced martial artists and | | | | kick prevents the grab for the grapple. |
| street fighters continue to promulgate the myth. | | | | Practice avoiding trips and sweeps. |
| * Many styles don't practice grappling avoidance. Quite | | | | The Right Attitude in a Street Fight |
| frankly, they don't know what to do when someone | | | | To survive a street fight, you are going to have to go |
| tackles them. | | | | into the fight with an attitude of survival. Fear will |
| * Beginning fighters accidentally leave their arms and | | | | paralyze you every time. |
| legs extended after attempting a strike. If your enemy | | | | Even if you know a curb-shoving tactic, it will do you |
| can grab or trip you, then you will probably go down. | | | | know good, if you can't keep your head on straight |
| Look, if you practice for it, you can learn to avoid | | | | during the street fight. |