Ground Self-Defense, Part 1

Cameron Siemens, Uke; Photography & Video by Rob Goodwill

About the only thing missing from Aikido is groundwork. The next several lessons deal with survival on the ground.

It's important to understand the ground isn't a bad place to be. We simply have to learn how to move around. First, you always want to be on your side and never flat on your back. The more on your back you are, the more surface area is in contact with the mat, which means more friction, which means it takes more effort to move and it's slower. You also want to keep your legs somewhat bent.
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Begin by learning to walk in a circle. In the picture above, notice Cameron has his little toe of his right foot engaged on the floor; also notice the big toe of his back foot. Cameron brings the back (left) leg over the top...
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... and then pulls his front (right) leg forward:
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And then repeat to move in a circle:
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We also need to learn to reverse directions. Roll like doing a barrel roll or side slap.

And video to show it in action:
http://www.kazeutabudokai.com/LOTW/aiki ... video1.wmv

As you practice walking in a circle, also practice doing it wrong. Practice being too flat on your back and too much on your side to see how it feels. This will help you dial in the right amount of being on your side.