Become Fighter
Ground to standing: MMA guide
Get up from guard or from underneath when you do not want to be there.
In MMA, standing back up is often the best outcome of a bad situation. The technical stand-up you already know is the start. The skill here is choosing the moment and creating the space.
The principle: make a frame, make space with your hips, then stand while controlling the opponent's head or hips.
Key points
- Create distance with your hip escape before you stand.
- Keep a hand on the opponent while you rise: they should not be able to attack you as you stand.
- Protect your head. One arm guards the face during the entire movement.
- Stand when the opponent is committed. A moment of lazy posture is your window.
- Return to stance facing the opponent.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Standing with your back turned. Keep your front toward the opponent.
- Standing up without space. Create space with a hip escape first.
- Dropping the guard hand. Keep one hand up through the entire motion.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Transitions module of MMA foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Transitions
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.