What is the first action in the pummeling drill?

The first action in the pummeling drill is to start with a partner with established grips. This is essential because the pummeling drill is designed to improve grappling skills, specifically the ability to establish and control positioning during close combat or wrestling situations. By beginning the drill with a partner who has established grips, both participants can practice the dynamic of engaging and disengaging from these grips, which is crucial for effective defensive tactics.

This focus on starting with established grips helps to simulate realistic scenarios where fighters are already in contact with each other, allowing them to work on techniques such as balance, leverage, and positional control in a controlled setting. Such practice lays the groundwork for more advanced techniques and strategies that will be encountered in actual confrontations.

Other options, like establishing a dominant position, beginning the drill alone, or preparing for cardiovascular exercises, do not align with the foundational purpose of the pummeling drill, which emphasizes partner interaction and grip work.