Turtles Are Silly

I talk about this a lot. I'll probably have to keep talking about it. It might be the hill I die on. Turtle is not a resting position, and if you have the choice between sitting to guard and staying in turtle, pick guard. In turtle you should not stop moving until you are someplace else. Unfortunately, the rules of grappling encourage belly down positions (yes that includes jiu jitsu), because of this we have a proliferation of people who feel safe in turtle. Why do I dislike turtle? I see people use it as a safety and stalling position, when from a combat perspective it might be the worst position you could end up in. It offers the top person freedom of movement, freedom to strike, and the possibility of distance to generate power, while offering limited defensive options. Turtle was far less prevalent in Pride Fighting Championship, why? Grounded fighters could be kicked and kneed in the head. Would people still turtle if it awarded pass points? What is the first thing a collegiate wrestler does on the whistle when in bottom referee's position? Stand up! Stop hanging out in turtle...it's stupid.