Although the guard is generally considered an advantageous position in pure grappling, punches can be very effective from the top.

Ground fighting (also ground work or ground game) is hand-to-hand combat which takes place while the combatants are on the ground, generally involving grappling. The term is commonly used in mixed martial arts and other combat sports, as well as various forms of martial arts to designate the set of techniques employed by a combatant that is on the ground, as opposed to techniques employed in stand-up fighting. It is the main focus of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is featured in varying amounts in Catch wrestling, Judo, Sambo, Shoot wrestling and other styles of wrestling.

Similarly to clinch fighting, ground fighting implies that the combatants are at a very close range, usually involving one or both combatants grappling the opponent using various grappling holds. Depending on the positioning of the combatants, the proximity can allow for techniques such as biting, chokeholds, fish-hooking, eye-gouging, joint locks, pressure point techniques, or various strikes.

Striking on the ground[link]

Traditionally neglected by most grappling arts, striking on the ground is an important aspect of ground fighting. Typically, a top position is better for various strikes than a bottom position, simply because the combatant in the top position can generate the distance and movement needed for effective strikes, while the bottom combatant is restricted by the ground and by the combatant on top. Another factor is gravity, which is in favor of the top combatant when he or she is striking downwards. In addition, the effect of ground strikes may be amplified, depending on the area struck, by the strike driving the opponent into the ground. The types of strikes that can be employed effectively depend on the particular grappling position, common ones include elbows, headbutts, knees and punches.

Example[link]

A ground fighting sequence in mixed martial arts competition may begin, for example, with one combatant forcing another to the ground by using a double leg takedown and establishing a top mounted position. The top combatant may proceed to throw punches until the bottom defender attempts an escape by pushing away the top combatant. This creates an opportunity for the top combatant to transition into a juji-gatame armbar, and thus forcing the bottom combatant to submit.

See also[link]

• Clinch fighting
• Combatives
• Grappling
• Stand-up fighting
• Submission grappling
• Sweep (martial arts)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Judo Pinning and Submission Techniques on the Ground
• Free Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling Videos
• David Thomas' Ground Fighting Technique Catalog
• www.lockflow.com/techniques.php Illustrated explanations of groundfighting techniques
• www.bjj.org/techniques/ Guides to groundfighting and grappling techniques, with illustrations and some videos
• www.bjjzone.com Grappling Technique Videos
• Submission Grappling Demo - 7 minutes
• Modern Army Combatives basic grappling M.A.C. cont'd, advanced grappling
• Judo Techniques -- Videos and Instruction
• Mixed Martial Arts Search Engine
• Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling Techniques

Daniel Verkerke

Daniel Verkerke (Born September 29, 1963 in Galt, Ontario) is the founder and Grandmaster of Seicho Jutsu. He is also the International Vice President for the Circle of Masters, Communications Manager for the World Family of Sokeship Council^[1] and Director of the Seicho Jutsu Institute of Advanced Studies.^[2]

He began training in Judo as a child and by 1974, he and his brother were members of the Ontario Judo Black Belt Association and he had also began studying Tae Kwon Do and Karate. In the 1980s, Daniel began studying Ninjutsu and also joined the armed forces in hopes of finding a superior martial art, but he found the training to be very basic. This was a source of inspiration for him, and he decided to begin creating his own style of martial arts at the military base. He was quickly noticed for his expertise and his battalion formed a combat team which performed at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver in 1981. Daniel was released from the armed forces in 1983. He returned to Canada and opened up the Hombu Dojo in Cambridge, Ontario.^[3]

Ranking[link]

Soke Daniel Verkerke is currently ranked by the W.H.F.S.C as Grandmaster and Founder of Seicho Jutsu, as well as 10th Dan Angelic Ninjutsu and International Vice President of Circle of Masters Council.^[4] He is also on the World Academy of Martial Arts Philosophy and Science Board of Directors and is the Canadian Ambassador for the International Martial Arts Research Institute.^[5]

Seicho Jutsu[link]

Seicho Jutsu translates literally to "The Art of Growing". The martial art is founded in the "Emblem Theory". This theory "teaches the principals of correctly moving ones body in such a manner as to be able to successfully avoid or redirect the force of an attack or confrontation, while simultaneously launching a counter. This understanding of body movement is applied with kicks, strikes, grappling, throws, locks, chokes and even all forms of weapons. The "Emblem Theory" is not limited to only teaching physical techniques, it is also integral in teaching the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Seicho Jutsu."^[6] Seicho Jutsu can be used both offensively and defensively. In the defensive, it is very non violent and is part of the N.V.S (Non Violent System), which is used by the Sheriffs Department in Pennsylvania, under the direction of Deputy Sheriff Edward Rose.^[7] Offensively, Seicho Jutsu is very aggressive and suited for combat.

Daniel Verkerke with Sheriff

Combat Sense[link]

Combat Sense is a teaching and training method created by Daniel Verkerke which is described as "learning the most effective and logical ways to defend oneself from various situations. Our instructions are based from the science of human actions and reactions and the awareness of possible attacks and counters. We take into consideration the mind set of an attacker and the most likely actions and response to various counters."^[8] The method trains martial arts students in the science of human action and reaction. Lessons in Combat Sense are said to broaden a student's understanding of self-defense.^[9]

Training[link]

Daniel Verkerke continues to teach Seicho Jutsu both locally and internationally as well as study and train in Ninjutsu, Judo, Karate and Tae Kwon Do. He has trained with Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Shihan Stephen Hayes and has taken classes with Daron Navon. During the 1990s, he was introduced to Grandmaster Dr. Dan McEaddy and he began studying Angelic Ninjutsu. In 1994, he had completed all of the requirements for a 9th degree Black belt, and was promoted by Dr. Dan McEaddy.^[10]

Daniel Verkerke meeting Mahaguru Dato HJ Omardin Mauju

Certifications[link]

• Certified 9th Dan Ninjutsu with Grandmaster Dr. Dan McEaddy 1994
• Certified 10th Dan Ninjutsu with Grandmaster Dr. Dan McEaddy 2001
• Membership Certification from the World Head of Family Sokeship Council in 1995
• Certified 9th Dan Global Taekwon-Do Federation with Dato Dr. Sabree Salleh 2008
• Doctor of Philosophy in Martial Arts Science from the World Academy of Martial Arts Philosophy and Science in 2010
• Recognition Hanshi Certification from the Mukashi Kai International
• Ryu Nippon Bugei & Budo / Academe Self Defense.
• Recognition Hanshi Certificate from the Sekai JuJutsu Kumai-World JuJutsu Union.
• Founders Certificate from World Jug-Tai Head Society

Awards and Honours[link]

• 1993 - World Martial Arts Hall of Fame "Outstanding Contribution of the Year"
• 1996 - World Head Of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall Of Fame "Grandmaster of the Year"
• 1997 - I.S.C.M.A. Hall Of Fame "Man of the Year"
• 1997 - Masters Martial Artist International Association - "Grandmaster of the Year"
• 1997 - International Circle Of Masters Hall Of Fame - "Philosopher of the Year"
• 1998 - Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers and Legends Hall Of Fame "Grandmaster Of The Year"
• 1998 - World Head Of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall Of Fame "Grandmaster Instructor of the Year"
• 1999 - Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers and Legends Hall Of Fame "Humanitarian of the Year"
• 1999 - World Head Of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall Of Fame "Grandmaster Instructor Of The Year" and "Outstanding Contribution Award"
• 2000 - World Head Of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall Of Fame "Millennium Leadership Award"
• 2001 - World Head Of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall Of Fame "Council Man Of The Year"
• 2002 - International Circle of Masters "Soke of the Year Award"
• 2002 - World Head Of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall Of Fame "Council Man Of The Year"
• 2003 - Inducted as "Grandmaster Of The Year" at the 1st World Martial Arts Black Belt Hall Of Fame held in Kuching, Malaysia
• 2005 - Inducted as "Doctor Of Martial Arts" at the 2nd World Martial Arts Black Belt Hall Of Fame held in Kuching, Malaysia
• 2006 - World Head of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall of Fame "Grandmaster Leadership Award"
• 2007 - World Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame (Malaysia) "Pioneer Award"
• 2007 - World Head of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall of Fame "Grandmaster Continued Excellence Award"
• 2008 - World Head of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall of Fame "Historical Member Award"
• 2009 - Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors "Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award"
• 2009 - World Head of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall of Fame "Grandmaster Pinnacle Award"
• 2009 - World Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame (Malaysia) "Living Legend Award"
• 2010 - World Academy of Martial Arts Philosophy and Science “Degree” Professorship in Martial Arts
• 2010 - World Head of Family Sokeship Councils International Hall of Fame "World Grandmaster Ambassador of Martial Arts Award"

References[link]

External links[link]

• Daniel Verkerke Biography
• Seicho Jutsu on Youtube
• Seicho Jutsu Website
• Action Martial Arts Magazine
• Combat Sense Website
• Article
• Spotlight on Daniel Verkerke
• The Alliance Magazine