In self-defense, the ground isn’t where we want to stay. But real-world encounters don’t always go according to plan, and fights can end up there. That’s why ground defense is part of the XKM training experience. We train you to manage yourself on the ground, protect yourself under pressure, create opportunities to improve your position, and ultimately work toward getting back to your feet. If you’re new to ground training, you’re not expected to already know what to do. That’s what your training is for. Ask questions, communicate with your partners, and use your instructors as a resource as you learn. And because ground training means closer contact with our training partners, proper gear matters. Check out the attached Ground Training Gear Guide so you know what to wear and bring. For our experienced members, keep setting the standard: come prepared, communicate, and help newer training partners learn the ropes. This is how we train at XKM: prepare for the situation, take care of our training partners, and build skills we can rely on when we need them.