A visitor to the dojo recently asked what kind of 'ground-fighting' we did. My first instinct was a flippant answer ('It's ALL ground-fighting, we don't jump around much ...'). However, better sense and courtesy prevailed and I talked a bit about our suwariwaza and newaza.

I tend to make a distinction between the two (suwariwaza = seated techniques; newaza = ground techniques, more or less) but in fact, the line is pretty blurry.

Usually, when I refer to suwariwaza, I'm talking about relatively formal techniques or exercises done from a kneeling position. Newaza, on the other hand, usually denotes more the 'wrasslin' stuff most folks think of when they talk about ground-fighting or grappling.

There's been a lot of interest in ground-fighting in recent years, mostly in relation, I think, to the commercial success of the so-called no-holds-barred combat-sport competitions (I will NOT call them martial arts).

Another factor is the much-cited (often very imprecisely) study done by a major metroploitan police department several years ago that determined that a majority of police apprehensions wind up on the ground. That material has mutated (in part thanks to the internet, bless its digital little heart; we have to take the good with the bad and must develop really good BS filters to use the net wisely). Some folks will point to a major university, others to the Justice Department or FBI as the source. If I remember correctly, it was the LAPD, but don't quote me. It was a metro PD and not a national or federal organization, however.

The content has been inaccurately referred to as stating unequivocally that 75 percent or 95 percent (or whatever) of all fights go to ground. While many do, I do not believe that great a majority will end up in such a scrum. The (in?) famous report did state that an overwhleming percentage of police apprehensions wound up on the ground with the perpetrator on the bottom and a handful of officers making a dogpile on top. Not at all conducive to suwariwaza ...

While we do train in newaza, we don't emphasize it. Our primary thrust is to avoid going to ground in an uncontrolled manner. As a matter of doctrine, our system prefers that tori put uke on the ground (usually pretty vigourously) in a very controlled manner, then move in close to secure or finish the job at hand. Of course, we don't live in a perfect world, thus the newaza option.

One of the prime points to remember in considering going to ground is that no matter if you're standing, sitting politely or scrambling around on your belly, certain principles still apply:

• Keep your weight underside
• Maintain good center
• Extend through your target
• Relax
• Breathe

Sound familiar? Understandably, you probably can't do shiho nage while engaged in a grappling match, but you likely will receive good opportunities to attack your opponent's joints, use point-directed atemi and center-taking.

The big danger in going to ground and grappling an opponent -- and that's a capital 'D' -- is that your new-found best friend has a few buddies around more than willing to stomp, kick, whack or otherwise make mayhem with your bod whilst you try to control or extricate.

Your best bet, of course, is not to get into such a situation in the first place. Failing that, it is critical to stay as cool and centered as possible. The best tool kits for coping with any physical engagement must include a level head and unwavering determination to survive ...