North Coast Miller
Level 9 Valued Member
I disagree with the last part of this quote. I'm not a fan of the arts that require you to hit the ground for self defence. In my experience this is a recipe for getting your head kicked in.
I cannot agree more!
Grappling arts are a must for people whose jobs require subduing an individual.
For SD is useful for getting back on your feet or dealing damage from the guard with an intention to get back on your feet. Basic wrestling reversal patterns are also very handy.
It is also important to learn how to access any contact weapons you might have on your person, while on the ground. If you include this aspect you will realize how difficult it is to defend contact weapons, particularly edged weapons, when you are on the deck - is basically a death sentence. And this says nothing of dealing with multiple assailants.
For maximum survivability, any art/strategy for SD that does not emphasize mobility and redirection as job one has a high likelihood of coming up short.