Tips Against Bigger Opponents

Jiu-Jitsu Made Simple But Not Easy.

Photo by Richard Bustos on Unsplash

One of my students approached me recently after moving away. He’s training at a new gym and is trying to make the adjustments to succeed there.

One of he issues is dealing with stronger opponents who are not afraid of using it. The older I get, the more this has been an area of focus for me. So his question forced me to have to give it some thought, which I always appreciate.

In the end, these types of questions make me a better instructor.

Areas Of Focus:

• Avoid Most Submission From Bottom - Personally, unless I’m going for collar chokes, Kimuras, and Omoplatas, I don’t bother. Their size and weight coming down on me as a defense are often too much to deal with.

• Hand Fighting - Hand fighting has to be of the highest priority, both to prevent your opponent form latching onto you.. but also to create opportunities for your own offensive griping sequences.

• Two On One Grips - While hand fighting, I love getting the Two On One, Gi or NoGi. I use it to redirect my opponent’s weight, expose the back, and initiate various sweeps.

• Ankle Picks - Ankle picks are not just available when you are both standing. They are routinely available when you’re seated and your opponent has one knee down or standing.

• When On Top, Stay On Top - Your posts become incredibly important when you’re on top, so anticipate when you’ll need them. Prioritize posting over submissions, as you do not want to be reversed and have to fight off your back all over again.

• 3 to 4 Points of Contact - Keep your feet active and in front of them. As they fend off your guard, your job is to keep no less than three points of contact on your opponent at all times.

• Turtling Up - If you’re losing the passing battle, one great option is going to turtle. No points are awarded in competition and I’d rather be in turtle than in bottom of side control.

• Underhooks - I live and die by them. I dig for them from the bottom of half guard, bottom of side control, and when I know I’m going to lose the passing battle from bottom. They are my get out of jail free card against most people.

I’ve included a couple of links with some fantastic examples and further tips.

Jordan Teaches JiuJitsu: How To Beat Bigger & Stronger Opponents

Marcelo Garcia Breaking Down Double Underhooks

DFM Coaching Technique Breakdown: Seated Ankle Pick

Clark Gracie - Two On One Options From Guard

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