Training With Stronger Opponents?

[Motion]

When you train with stronger opponents what is your general approach?

[shamster]

Outsmart them generally. And get used to being on your back...they will most likely put you there.

[7r14ngL3Ch0k3]

Outsmart them generally. And get used to being on your back...they will most likely put you there.

Not if you train to put them on theirs.

[sapatiero]

Bigger often means slower. Quick, busy hips are key IMO.

[shamster]

Not if you train to put them on theirs.

Of course But the key word is "train". Not gonna happen right away.

[Motion]

Outsmart them generally. And get used to being on your back...they will most likely put you there.

That may be one of the best things I guess. In grappling range it seems like a weaker person can use up too much energy if they try to match a stronger person's strength. So perfecting submissions from your back or guard would be a plus for a weaker fighter. But after seeing some guys in MMA get punched and bodyslammed while using the guard I'd think that you would have to be careful with how you use the guard in a self defense situation with a strong attacker.

[Motion]

What about striking with stronger fighters. Has anyone tried the hit-n-move approach? Or is it best to just go into the clinch and work from there?


One reason I wanted to touch on this is because I would think in one on one self-defense situations your main concern would be with how to best handled bigger or stronger attackers more so than people smaller than you or those around your weight.

[Anti]

When it comes to making/taking strikes against larger opponents, i wouldnt block as much. If you can move out of the way in any case, I would do that. Then, especially if they are inexperienced fighters, you will have an opportunity to stike them. when you strike them, go for places that have less muscle, such as the base of the arm (where the shoulder meets the chest). Hitting places like this, in any fight, temporarily renders their use of what taht part supoprted (ex: a limb). By doing this you get a chance to regain yourself, and make better openings for the win. If it is self defense, you might be in a 'mugging situation', or whatever you want to call this. avoiding hits and rendering your opponents is a quick way to get out of the fight, or stay aware of multiple attackers...if needed. Thats all i can say. hopefully I make sense... I have problems explaining things... Friggin englesh...
-Anti

EDIT: and when it comes to hit-n-move vs clinch approaches, it would depend on your preference. I would use the first, while another person may be more effective in the clinch

[KiotoQuinn]

When speaking of BJJ this is a situation I am very accustomed to. I am 145/150 with Gi and generally guys are about 175-185, and then like 195-215 at my school. Occasionally I get someone around 155, but its a chick. So I get used to fighting these big people. The key for me is you learn to be in guard, and to get into guard. Let them gain mount, and bridge them. They tend to do nothing from side control anyway. Or from side control, try to hip escape and pull guard. Go for a triangle. Go for a gi choke from guard. There is a lot to do that isnt, get on top, stabilize and submit. With a larger opponent you may not have the same opportunity to takedown, or to flatten them out and mount. The biggest idea in BJJ, I have leanred is make the most of every opportunity your opponent gives you. If they use their weight, than they are not learning anything. They are just doing the moves, and with me, I wont even let them do that. They are using their advantage unfairly, so show them that weight is not as important as they think. Escape away. Pull them into you and gas them by squirming. They will try to hold you down and do something. Its pathetic to be honest. Its like a big block camaro racing a civic with an exhaust, they are different classes, not to be compared. On the same note, dont give up. this means you have to work harder. Its a great arm and chest workout to lift these dudes off of you, its like bench press afterall. So work, dont give up, gain position even if you start out with a shitty one. It will make a difference when you go against someone your own size. I know for me, when I do, its amazing how I can just manhandle them because gee, they are 50 lbs less. When you train for a 3 mile race you run 6. When you Prepare for a five minute match you train for an hour. Thats endurance, and thats what we need. Strength is not only in the power, its in the will.

[Bjjexpertise@be]

Dude, I don't know what you are talking about but weight plays a big ass role in grappling. Just try and escape a mount with someone 60 pounds heavier than you who's had 2 months of experience in either wrestling or bjj, I assure you you're going to be stuck there for a long time.

[KiotoQuinn]

Dude, I don't know what you are talking about but weight plays a big ass role in grappling. Just try and escape a mount with someone 60 pounds heavier than you who's had 2 months of experience in either wrestling or bjj, I assure you you're going to be stuck there for a long time.

Well I am speaking from experience. The guys that I face, this is how I deal and what I hope to get out of the training session. Technique beats all. Royce beat a 400lb guy in Pride because of what? Technique!!! Anyone can be beat, its all how you do it. Those who rely on size will be a big defeated opponent. They are still beaten. No one likes a forearm to the neck. Nothing is impossible in BJJ, if you dont believe me come to my school 12pm monday wednesday or fridays.

[shamster]

I am also a "small" guy. 140 lbs, and not exactly that strong either. I agree that technique can conquer strength, BUT ONLY IF your technique is far superior to your opponent. By far superior, I mean a good solid level or two (as in a blue belt compared to a white belt). This is what I noticed from my personal experience.

[Bjjexpertise@be]

Well I am speaking from experience. The guys that I face, this is how I deal and what I hope to get out of the training session. Technique beats all. Royce beat a 400lb guy in Pride because of what? Technique!!! Anyone can be beat, its all how you do it. Those who rely on size will be a big defeated opponent. They are still beaten. No one likes a forearm to the neck. Nothing is impossible in BJJ, if you dont believe me come to my school 12pm monday wednesday or fridays.

Sure technique beats all but you're starting to make this sound like a bunch of mystical death touch mumbo jumbo. Technique matters but so does weight and strength. If technique were the only factor they wouldn't have made weight classes for people to compete in.

[OmaPlata]

Well I am speaking from experience. The guys that I face, this is how I deal and what I hope to get out of the training session. Technique beats all. Royce beat a 400lb guy in Pride because of what? Technique!!! Anyone can be beat, its all how you do it. Those who rely on size will be a big defeated opponent. They are still beaten. No one likes a forearm to the neck. Nothing is impossible in BJJ, if you dont believe me come to my school 12pm monday wednesday or fridays.

Royce is a black belt, are you?

[OmaPlata]

Sure technique beats all but you're starting to make this sound like a bunch of mystical death touch mumbo jumbo. Technique matters but so does weight and strength. If technique were the only factor they wouldn't have made weight classes for people to compete in.

Some guys in class are 260+ and I dont want to get underneath them at all costs, even in my guard its hard as hell if not impossible to sweep guys that heavy and postured. Weight is a huge role when guys are equal or greater skilled