Being Attacked & Thrown to the Floor
If a front attack escalates into a takedown, survival depends on posture, structure, and calm control — not panic. This technique focuses on locking the attacker up long enough to stabilise and escape.
Key Survival Principles
- Protect your head immediately during the fall
- Frame and lock structure before striking or escaping
- Slow the situation down — panic makes it worse
- Use leverage, not strength
- Create space and disengage when safe
Common Mistakes on the Ground
- Trying to scramble up immediately
- Pushing explosively instead of framing
- Turning your back while panicking
- Holding breath and freezing
Flash Cards – Ground Survival
Q1: What is your first priority when thrown to the floor?
Protect your head and stabilise your position.
Q2: Why should you avoid scrambling immediately?
It exposes you to strikes and loss of balance.
Q3: What does “locking the attacker up” mean?
Using structure and leverage to limit their movement.
Q4: What creates escape opportunities on the ground?
Frames, posture, and controlled movement.
Q5: What is the end goal of ground defence?
Disengage safely and get away.

