The Differences

Karate is and is not a “sport.” Karate is and is not a “combative system.” Karate is and is not a “self-defense system.” In the book, “Dirty Ground,” by Kane, Wilder, MacYoung and Miller is not just about going to ground. In my view it is about the “ground” to which we play, practice and train for either sport, self-defense or combat. 

Granted my view of the book in regard to the second aspect, “Self-defense,” is not the same as the “Drunkle” referred to in the book. I chose self-defense because that label covers everything from the social, even when it involves a drunk uncle, to predatory violence. My version encompasses what they include in the “combatives” aspect of the book. 

There are differences and those differences may not be addressed in self-defense training and practice. I believe that is why those fine authors decided to write and present the book, “Dirty Ground,” to us who either are or think we are practicing, training and teaching self-defense. 

As they provide in their book the differences are what they call “the critical point” where application and context drive how you find which arena you are in at any given moment. The importance of this book is to find out what those differences are and then train for them. You don’t want to have to decide once you are under attack. It also takes a considerable amount of training to train for the differences because under the affects of the fight/combat, etc. you don’t want to find you used sport oriented techniques in a combat situation. You might survive, you might not - do you want to take that chance is the question. 

In self-defense you want to control the adversary with the goal to end the encounter as quickly as possible so that your adversary is either in a controlled restraint or so that you can exit the environment safely to gain security until help from authorities arrive. You don’t want to use techniques from sport oriented training but you also don’t want to use those techniques from combat either as they can quickly take you beyond control and defense right into the illegal fighting. 

In closing, look toward your martial art and/or self-defense course with open eyes and an open mind. Ask the appropriate questions before beginning and as a prerequisite to taking up self-defense read this book. Along with the authors other books you will find the necessary information to acquire the knowledge necessary to vet out your self-defense training and most important - how to apply it properly and within the laws of societies. 

Bibliography:

Wilder, Kris; Kane, Lawrence; MacYoung, Marc; Miller, Rory. “Dirty Ground: The Tricky Space Between Sport and Combat.” YMAA Publishing. New Hampshire. 2013.