Understanding the Ground Game

The grappling arts are interesting in that each discipline brings its own flavor and strategy to the ground game of MMA. Some say it's a melting pot, a blend that thrives on the interplay of styles—BJJ, wrestling, and judo. We recently saw grappling on full display at UFC 316. Merab Dvalishvili defended his belt by submitting Sean O’Malley, after taking him down almost at will. Kayla Harrison won hers against Juliana Pena by beautiful judo and upper body takedowns, finishing with a a nasty Kimura. I personally thought her elbow and shoulder were going to break - glad she seemed okay.

Wrestling: The Foundation

Wrestling has a reputation. It's the tough love of grappling. The first time I stepped onto a wrestling mat, it hit me: the demands are unyielding. It's about positioning, pressure, and the relentless pursuit of control. There's nothing quite like it for building a solid groundwork. Just look at how successful fighters like Merab, Khabib, and Islam Makhachev have been. On a personal note, I find that every time I train wrestling, my strength, cardio and most importantly balance improves. And this translates to better jiujitsu when the fight hits the ground. 

Judo: The Dance of Throws

Judo is different—more dynamic. I've watched, fascinated, as judokas make the art look like a dance, combining strength with technique to throw their opponents off balance. The timing involved is exquisite. My experiences with this, which are limited but evolving, constantly remind me how important timing and balance really are. If you’ve ever been swept off your feet with a De Ashi Harai or an Uchi Mata, you know exactly what I mean. Some notable mentions of elite judo fighters include Ronda Rousey and of course, more recently, Kayla Harrison.

BJJ: The Art of Flow

Jiujitsu is the art of control leading to submission when the fight gets to the ground. It’s a game of physical chess, a game of “if-then” scenarios. Efficiency and mechanical leverage are used to dominate fighting exchanges on the ground. That being said, it also is poetry in motion. If you’ve ever hit a Sumi Gaeshi using your butterfly hooks, and quickly transitioned into side control then arm-bar, you know what I mean.

Synergy in Fighting

What I’ve noticed and I’m sure you may have as well, is how BJJ, wrestling, and judo are all coming together under one domain. You can see it in the modern UFC game. Almost all good fighters will use a mix of these grappling practices to win their fights. Last week’s event was a great example of this. In the training room, most jujitsu classes are now integrating different techniques from wrestling and judo - creating more interesting and effective fighting styles.

Closing Thoughts

Ultimately, mastery in the ground game isn't just about mastering techniques or accumulating trophies. It's a lifelong journey. As I continue training and watching the world of MMA evolve—it's been over a decade for me—I remain intrigued by the nuances that come with integrating BJJ, wrestling, and judo into my practice. In many ways, it's a reflection of my own growth, both in the sport and as a person. There's always something new to discover, and that's what keeps me coming back.