Coach Vinnie’s approach to ground fighting is not as a sport, but as a last resort in a violent street confrontation.
The goal is not to win a grappling match but to survive by using gross-motor, "dirty" fighting techniques to cause immediate damage, escape, and disengage.
Core principles of Self Defense Ground fighting
Avoid the ground: Emphasizes de-escalation and escape as the primary objectives of self-defense. However, if the fight goes to the ground, the immediate goal is to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Use gross-motor skills: In high-stress situations, fine motor skills are lost. ground techniques, including the "Shredder," rely on instinctive, gross-motor movements that are easier to execute under pressure.
Focus on physiological weaknesses: Rather than seeking a joint lock or submission, we will targets the body's natural weaknesses to elicit a protective reflex from the attacker. Targets include the eyes, throat, ears, and groin.
The "Shredder" concept: The Shredder is not a specific technique but a barrage of gross-motor attacks designed to overwhelm an opponent's senses and nervous system. The resulting panic and reflexive action creates an opening for escape.
Offense as defense: We will learn offensive ground tactics as a defensive tool. By attacking the opponent's sensitive areas, you force them to defend themselves, breaking their offensive rhythm and creating space to escape.
In a real-world scenario, being on the ground is extremely dangerous, especially with the potential for weapons or multiple attackers.