BJJ Move #23: Standing up from the Ground

It just didn't turn out like you planned. You're on your back, and your opponent is standing up. Maybe you slipped, or he knocked you down.
Well, don't just sit there on your butt-- get up!

Without getting knocked out by a kick to the face, okay?

WARNING! These techniques could result in serious injury or death if practiced incorrectly or even if performed correctly. They should only be practiced with the supervision of an experienced instructor.

Standing up from the Ground:
-stance
-basic

First, you should be on your back (supine), not on your belly (prone).
Second, your feet should face your opponent, not your vulnerable head.

If your opponent is close, try to get your feet hooked into his knees or in his hips; the De la Riva guard will be described in another post.

If, as is more likely, your opponent isn't crowding over you, and he's in right-handed (left foot forward) stance, your stance should be as follows:

Put the sole of your left foot on the ground, left knee pointing up.
Lie on your right hip, with your right leg bent at the hip and knee and lying along the ground.
Put your right hand on the ground behind you to prop your body up a little, and keep your left hand or forearm out forward, "feeling" the distance and protecting your face. In this position, if he throws a rear leg roundhouse kick, your raised left leg and left arm will protect your face somewhat. If his right foot is forward, your position should also be reversed.

With the your right foot, kick straight out at his advancing legs with your heel, toes facing to your right. This should help keep him at a relatively safe distance.
When you see the chance, lift your hip off the ground (your weight is on your left foot and right hand), snatch your right leg backwards and stand up on your right foot.

If you want to be fancy, instead of snatching your right leg back, swing it hard in a roundhouse kick so you rise up as it’s going past and ends up behind your left foot (a la Matt Sera).