Combat sports have been in existence for thousands of years now. Each form has its own unique philosophies and techniques. For instance, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) emphasizes leverage and control. It also requires participants to master the ground game with submissions and positional dominance. On its part, Muay Thai is revered for its devastating strikes. This is done mostly using fists and elbows. Knees and shins are also be implemented.
These two disciplines can be blended together to create the powerful strategy – ground and pound. This technique offers a hybrid of grappling control and striking power. Through this, you are able to subdue and damage your opponent. This is all while maintaining positional dominance.
This article looks at how these two methods can be combined to ensure maximum dominance.
Showcasing Muay Thai Technique
What Does Ground and Pound Entail?
This is a tactical approach mainly implemented in MMA. With this strategy, the fighter takes the rival to the ground. The fighter then secures dominant positions. One such example is the side control. When in such a situation, you are able to deliver some powerful hits. This is usually in the form of punches and elbows. At other times, hammer fists are also thrown at the opponent.
Ground and pound is quite different from BJJ. This is because the only goal in BJJ is for you to earn a submission. This isn’t the only objective in ground and pound. You have the ability to finish off the fight using Muay Thai-inspired hits. This is all while making use of BJJ fundamentals.
BJJ’s Role
It provides the positional command and leverage required to dominate your rival to the ground. This ability goes a long way in boosting overall effectiveness. It emphasizes transitions and balance. This promotes your ability to maintain dominant positions. Some of these include mount and back control. These are important for delivering powerful strikes. This is all while reducing the risk of reversals.
Some great techniques enhanced with this method include hip control and the ability to maintain top pressure. It also enhances your potential to neutralize limbs. Through such developments, an individual is able to create openings for clean and unanswered shots.
Muay Thai’s Role
Muay Thai is traditionally a stand-up kicking art. However, its principles can still be implemented in ground and pound. The technique is known for devastating elbows and knees. It’s also famous for close-range hitting. These attributes could be used together to give fighters the ability to generate force from tight spaces. This is a crucial skill, especially when it comes to delivering strikes from the ground.
For instance, the art can be used to deliver lethal elbows. This is especially true when thrown from top positions such as side or mount control. In addition to this, Muay Thai emphasizes balance and command. These aspects could be implemented to give you the chance to maintain stability. This is quite essential when striking to the ground.
Key Positions for Ground & Pound
Full Mount
This position gives you a prime spot to execute effective ground and pound. The fighter sits on the opponent’s torso with their knees pinning the opponent’s sides. This creates a great chance for ensuring maximum command and mobility. At this position, you are able to deliver some powerful hits. This is possible without the risk of being countered or swept.
Side Control
In this position, the fighter lies perpendicular across the opponent’s torso. This is done while using weight to help pin the rival down. The idea is to limit overall movement. While in this position, the fighter has the ability to control the hips and isolate an arm. This creates perfect opportunities to deliver some clean and powerful strikes.
Half Guard
This is a transitional position in grappling. In this position, the bottom fighter will have one of the opponent’s legs trapped between their own. It’s regarded as a defensive position. However, it can still be used offensively.
Ground and pound is all about blending technique, timing and control. To get an edge over your competitor, you might consider combining both BJJ and Muay Thai. BJJ ensures positional dominance. On the other hand, Muay Thai is all about delivering devastating close-range strikes. By using these two strategies, fighters are able to develop a winning edge inside the cage. As an MMA enthusiast, you need to master this art. This is because it will give you the ability to dominate and finish your competitors quite efficiently.
