Small man's jiu jitsu...for a big man?

[danny]

Hey Mr. Harris, how's it going?

I've been hearing references to the "small man's jiu jitsu" game. Could you explain what this game encompasses and the characteristics of such a game? Also, I've also heard references to big guys who play the small man's jiu jitsu game, i.e. Frank Mir. So here's the big question...can I, as a "lightweight challenged" individual make the small man's jiu jitsu work for me? Would it be a waste of time and effort to pursue such a thing?

Thanks again! =)

Danny

[Big House]

Danny,

I am sure Roy can get much more in depth into this subject, but I wanted to pass on a little bit of advice that Matt Stansell and Roy Harris always gave to me as a "larger" Jiu-Jitsu player, and it has always stuck with me as I trained. They always told me to play my game as a big guy, but focus on having "little guy transitions" in my game.

The best example of this I can think of is Manny Rodriguez. Here is a big (and Hispanic) BJJ guy with some great skill and a game that is filled with "little guy transitions", even though he is far from little.

I don't know how much of a chance he is getting to come down to the academy these days, but as far as a big man teaching, he is one of the best we have there in San Diego.

Just my .02, good luck,

Yurk

[danny]

Thanks for the advice! Could you elaborate more on what you mean by "little guy transitions"? Thanks again. =)

[kjones]

Danny,

My impression of small man's jiu jitsu is that it is more "technical". Small guys don't have the benefit of outweighing or the ability to overpower their opponents, therefore they have to execute techniques with timing and precision or they don't work. The bigger and stronger you are the more you can get away with using your strength and size to counter technique. For example, if your mounted by someone half your size and you can bench press them off with minimal effort, why use elbow/knee escape?. I have heard Mr. Harris say that one way to take strength out of the equation is to tire yourself out before you roll. When you're tired, you have to rely on timing and precision to get you out of a jam. You might want to do some jump squats or pushups before you roll if you feel you're using size and strength too much.

Just another .02 to add to Jeff's. I hope I helped a little.

Kevin

[danny]

Thanks for the help Kevin!