I have nothing against grappling, joint manipulation or pressure points--they have their place. But they require constant training and re-training, while dynamic striking can be learned and retained very easily. Court cases Garner v. Tennessee and Graham v. Connor hold that police use of force must be reasonable based on the circumstances at hand. These cases said nothing about a minimal level of force.

Grappling a suspect to the ground (like is done on the UFC) and holding them there until they submit might be minimal, but it is also a good way to get hurt. What if the ground is covered with rocks or broken glass? What if your suspect has a friend you did not know about who decides to kick you in the head while you grapple?

I know that I don't want to go to the ground if I don't have to, and neither should you. Ground fighting techniques are great if you end up there, but I would suggest that you get up ASAP. There is even a move afoot to do away with Use of Force Continuums as officers seem to think that escalation through a series of steps is required and not just a guideline.

A few knowledgeable trainers think that Use of Force policy should be established and taught as case law instead of as a colored chart. Maybe, just maybe, its time to reevaluate what we are doing.