Ground fighting (in martial arts sometimes referred to as "ground work" or "ground game") is hand-to-hand combat which takes place while the combatants are on the ground, generally involving a degree of grappling. The term is commonly used in martial arts and combat sports to designate the set of techniques employed by a combatant that is on the ground, as opposed to techniques employed in stand-up fighting. Martial arts and combat sports that emphasize ground fighting include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, catch wrestling and mixed martial arts. It is also an important ingredient in judo, sambo and most types 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.
