Butterfly Guard and Leglocks Against Bigger Opponents

Jiu-jitsu is a game of strengths meaning different qualities such as quickness, strength, agility, technique, and being great at strategy. Different styles and body types make Jiu-jitsu dynamic, and although you do not have to change your style or body, you should be able to adapt using different qualities or skills suitable for the given challenge in front of you. For example, you should not be trying to overpower a larger opponent. On the contrary, BJJ is an art that permits people to take advantage of others strengths. Someone who is weaker, but quicker, smarter and agiler can defeat a bigger and stronger person. 

Use trips

It is not a great idea to shoot a single or double leg takedown against someone that is much heavier than you are. You will be risking injury and potentially end up in a disadvantageous situation. Instead, use trips to get your opponent down. A rule here is to create motion. Tripping a more prominent opponent with their feet firmly planted will be almost impossible. Therefore you have to force them to move. The best way to do that is by using your footwork and quickness. Use your footwork also to take advantage of counter attacks.  With that said keep in mind that there is a weight difference, so be prepared to defend against their takedown attempts.

Be technical

If you think you are going to rely only on strength with someone outweighing you, think again. Using too much strength in Jiu-jitsu usually serves as a disguise for bad habits or poor technique. It will carry you to a certain point in Jiu-jitsu. Past that point, you have to become a well rounded technical player to reach more advanced levels. Taking on an opponent as skillful as you who is more massive than you requires technique. Usually, technical players are also great at strategizing. A ‘’big challenge’’ asks for a decent strategy. For example, if you end up in a bad position like mount or side control, don’t panic. Panicking will cause you to lose valuable energy, and caring your opponent’s weight does not make things easier. Keep your cool and use timing and strategy to get out of trouble. Proper technique will make you more efficient with your movement and prevent you from emptying the gas tank.

Butterfly guard

Your legs are powerful. Therefore utilizing the butterfly guard against a larger fighter is going to be extremely beneficial. If you are familiar with the butterfly guard position, you know that your opponent may be at a disadvantage due to their kneeling position. Kneeling limits the use of their legs. On the other hand, you can use your arms and legs while actively playing butterfly guard. Having two more tentacles available enables you to block the other person’s arms and attempt a sweep attack using your legs. Before setting up attacks, you need to have control of your opponent which is why grip and hand fighting are also integral parts here. So, explore the butterfly guard and become comfortable with it.    

Employ Leg Locks

One series of techniques that always seems to work on bigger and stronger people are leg locks. Whatever biased opinions you have on leg attacks should disappear if you have to face large folks. Arm locks and shoulder locks are tough to get on people with strength. They can defend relatively easy and reverse the position. Yet, leg locks will work well. It is because of what the locks attack. Ligaments, and parts of the knee such as the ACL and MCL. No matter how strong, those areas will cause pain and will cause a tap. This definitely comes from experience.

Casa De Luta FightKlub Saarbrücken (Eingang im Hinterhof) Mainzer Str. 30 66111 Saarbrücken Email: acasadeluta@gmail.com

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