“Light” Jiu Jitsu for Big Guys
As many of you know, I’m not a small guy (6′ 260 lbs.) And I have a great base. What this means is that in Jiu Jitsu I am often tempted to use the combination of my weight, and my solid base to just play “wet blanket” on an opponent. It tends to be pretty easy most of the time for me to just keep side control, and slowly inch into one submission or another.
The problem with this technique is that neither my opponent, nor I actually are benefiting, and improving our skills very much from this type of Jiu Jitsu. So what I have been doing lately, to improve my speed, mobility, and range of attacks while also allowing my opponent to try a variety of things is what I think of as “light jiu jitsu.” What I mean by “light” is that I am trying not to use my weight as the key factor of my movements. I am trying to use my skills and speed.
The way this works, is by committing to being constantly on the move. I try not to hold any position for more than 5-10 seconds. If I have side control and can’t submit him, then I spin to north south, or knee in the stomach. This keeps the game a lot more fluid, and a lot more fun for everyone. It allows you to work with people of various sizes and both of you are improving.
Also, as you move through these positions, try to use your weight less. Don’t just lay on the person for your 5-10 seconds, and then spin to another position. Try to control without using so much weight (“light”, remember.)
I have found that this really has helped my game quite a bit.
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