Great post, Kit! It's a pleasure to have someone with your experience in law enforcement discuss the values and vulnerabilities of groundfighting. I have always wondered about the use of the turtle myself, as it always seemed like an invitation for soccer practice on one's ribs and head. One thing I find myself wondering, though I know this has been discussed previously at one time, is how edged weapons change the dynamic of groundfighting. One of the people I train with feels that the counter for this is cross training in arts that emphasise disarms etc, such as Silat or Jeet Kune Do, or better yet, become qualified with a legal concealed firearm. Both of these responses presume the prescence of the blade being known when both parties are still standing and at a certain range. How does groundfighting adjust to the sudden apppearance of a blade when both parties are on the ground?
Krzysztof M. Mathews
http://www.firstgearterritories.com
Every place around the world it seemed the same
Can't hear the rhythm for the drums
Everybody wants to look the other way
When something wicked this way comes
"Jeremiah Blues, Part 1"
Sting-The Soul Cages