Statistically, about 80% of fights will go to the ground. Often, in our dojo, you will hear me say that 100% of fights start from standing. More and more competitive Jiu-jitsu practitioners are realizing the importance of having good takedown skills.
The original design of Japanese Jiu-jitsu was as a hand to hand combative system for armor clad Samurai warriors. Punches and kicks were ineffective against the armor. However, throws can generate a great deal of impact and put the opponent in an instant vulnerable position.
A key element in Jiu-jitsu success is being a step or several steps ahead of your opponent. We refer to this as being proactive. If you are on the defense, you are a step or steps behind and are reactive (losing).
On the ground, the guard position is a defensive position (people often forget this fact). The basic premise for the guard is to defend against an opponent that is seeking to gain control of your upper body (head and hips). Submissions certainly can be performed from bottom guard position, but are more effective from top control. This is why sweeps are important.
If you pull guard, you are automatically putting yourself in a defensive and most times a reactive starting position. Some folks have a very aggressive guard game, but nevertheless, are still in a defensive position.
Statistically, competitors that start their match with a takedown have a higher rate of submission finish. Takedowns also give you the chance to score first and thus beginning your momentum towards the win.
The impact of a throw causes momentary physical and mental trauma and if done correctly, puts you in a position where follow-up attacks are easily accessible. You have become proactive and your opponent has become reactive.
In a self defense situation, it would not be sensible to "pull guard" against an attacker. However, if it is within your abilities, throwing your attacker to the ground and making space to get away would be the wiser choice. The guard would be a good choice if the attacker managed to tackle you or somehow end up atop you. You would look to improve position, clear space between you and the attacker and get away. Self defense is not a point scoring match, it is about escaping an attacker.
I often stress in the dojo the importance of position before submission. Raising you hips to finish an armlock is relatively easy. Getting to the position to perform the armlock on a resisting opponent is where the real challenge is. For similar reasons it is important to become confident in your throw/takedown skillsets. Grappling begins when the combatants get to the ground. Getting the fight to the ground can be quite a challenge against a resisting opponent. Being in a dominant position when the ground fighting begins is of paramount importance if you wish to be proactive.
