
Assume positions such as the squat that give you the strength advantage (e.g. Solution: Keep distance by creating space between you and your opponent.

However, if you’re a lot smaller than your opponent and unable to execute the technique properly, you’re going to end up stuck under a very heavy weight! Problem: Pulling closed guard or half guard is great for bringing you closer to your opponent, giving you that chance to attack. Once they’re in deep enough, all you have to do is count to 10 (or even less sometimes) and place increasing pressure. Solution: Gi chokes are one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult submissions to defend. Sadly, that armbar you’ve just secured has become non-existent in a matter of seconds. Problem: So you’re finally in a better position than your opponent and you see an opening for a submission. The faster and more explosive you do this, the better. Break his grips and secure your own grips. Solution: Assume control of the grips before your opponent does.

With proper grips, it will be easy for him to pass your guard, or worse, submit you. Problem: A bigger opponent, once he has secured his grips on you will be difficult to fight off. Often times, bigger opponents will gas out eventually – use this to your advantage and frustrate them! They constantly move and switch positions, deflecting their opponent’s strength until they are able to stabilize themselves. Solution: Smaller and more agile BJJ practitioners like Rafael Mendes and Bruno Malfacine like to use their agility and speed against their opponents. There’s no way we can prevent them from muscling their way out of bad positions.

Problem: Someone who is twice your size will definitely overpower you (because physics and logic tell us so). Today, Evolve Daily shares 5 Ways To Deal With A Bigger, Stronger Opponent in BJJ: The feeling of being squashed by someone heavier is never pleasant, especially when there is a big disparity in size.Īlthough it’s a known fact that sparring with a bigger partner poses quite the challenge, through certain strategies, the game of human chess can be applicable to all BJJ practitioners regardless of size. For smaller Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, relying on leverage against a bigger and stronger opponent may not be enough.
