BJJ/Grapple help for a beginner

hiphophead · 04-01-2009, 09:21 AM

Wondering if any of you guys can give me some tips on what I need to work on.

Basically I've been going to an MMA class for a few months. I'm really getting into it but when we get paired up to grapple I'm often paired with my good friend, I think because we are the same height and have been coming to the class for the same amount of time that it will work, but it doesn't.

The dude is an animal, he?s been lifting weights for years and he the strongest kid at my school. So my main problem while grappling him is feeling out muscled. I mean I think I've got pretty decent defense and although he is a lot stronger than me I can defend his sub attempts but I find it hard to get into good positions where I could work for subs ect.. when he puts his weight on me its a real struggle to try and advance my position.

tbh I like going against stronger guys because it makes me up my game and when I go against someone my weight its much easier, but is any one here in the same position, having to roll with someone a lot stronger than themselves? any tips you could give me?

thanks. will rep

Mrs Grudge · 04-01-2009, 09:33 AM

just keep doing it. facing a stronger guy can only benefit you. maybe don't try to go for key locks as much, but im a nub too ;x.

Keddy · 04-01-2009, 10:53 AM

i would say that you should drill subs from the positions you get stuck in. I usually end up rolling with people bigger than me and a rely on their weight to get good positions. I wait for them to shift there weight one way and then go for a sweep or an escape.But i tried rolling with a powerlifter and it was pretty much a lost cause hes just incredibly strong for his size so maybe you should switch to someone else and see what happens. Its not about defeating one person its more important to gain experience from rolling with diff people. As Mrs G said experience is the best way to learn.

LatsMakeTheMan · 04-01-2009, 11:00 AM

It's all part of the experience. Just keep at it.

I'm a blue belt, and we just got a heavyweight college wrestler in class. He's only just started BJJ, but he gives me all kinds of trouble because of his size and wrestling experience. It does wound your pride a bit to be losing to a guy who's less experienced, but it only makes you better.

RyanBravo · 04-01-2009, 11:03 AM

just keep training and paying attention in class
maybe you should start cross training and work with weights(if you already dont) cross training other sports really is helping my jiu jitsu and my stamina

Dark Phoenix · 04-01-2009, 12:39 PM

I find when you have the strength grapplers fighting, two things happen. The first is they try to smoother you. The second is they leave limbs out, asking to be tapped.

ripper6 · 04-01-2009, 03:21 PM

It sounds like you, or the school/instructor, need to make some changes. You should be rotating around the class with different practice and sparring partners. That gives you a feel for working with different guys of different sizes and different levels of experience.

As an instructor I always make that happen in classes. You will get into a rut, get discouraged, and not progress, if you are with the same person of limited experience who just overwhelms you. The instructor should be rolling with you too, as well as watching you, and COACHING you on your techniques.

If you are paying for lessons you should be getting INSTRUCTED, not just left to your own resources with a friend.

Don't be afraid to talk to the instructor or other more advanced guys in the class about having them watch you and coach you more, and get them to work with you rolling.

Mrs Grudge · 04-01-2009, 03:23 PM

Yeah, how come you're only rolling with this dude? Then again there were a few times when I rolled with only 1-2 people depending on how many people were in the class.

hiphophead · 04-01-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs Grudge

Yeah, how come you're only rolling with this dude? Then again there were a few times when I rolled with only 1-2 people depending on how many people were in the class.

cus the rest of the class are pro/amatuer mma fighters and all have at least 20lbs on me..i'd just get tooled rolling with them

krayden · 04-01-2009, 07:02 PM

Pretty much what has been said but I will add a little more for motivation.

a.) Going with your friends is always a little different. You always roll a little harder and a little faster because its a competition (at least when you are new to jj).
b.) I am a small dude. I deal with guy who have a solid 15 pounds on me. And time and time again, I learn its all about the technique. Also, because I do no-gi jiu jitsu I have put on strength and muscle where necessary. So some guys might have tons of muscle and can out bench me by a 100 pounds by my clinch and squeeze is much better than theirs. Once again, that comes with experience.

Kane Fan · 04-01-2009, 07:23 PM

I rarely find people stronger then me and I'm pretty big
but the first thing to work on is either stablishing Guard or Escapes to look for Top

do you start standing or kneelikng

teamventure09 · 04-01-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kane Fan

I rarely find people stronger then me and I'm pretty big
but the first thing to work on is either stablishing Guard or Escapes to look for top

do you start standing or kneelikng

that's a good question. maybe he should learn more takedowns and start from the feet if he already isn't.

Kane Fan · 04-01-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teamventure09

that's a good question. maybe he should learn more takedowns and start from the feet if he already isn't.

well I'm like 90% sure that they train mostly from Kneeling
but I wanted to get the answer just to make sure

teamventure09 · 04-01-2009, 11:37 PM

yeah i believe everyone should go from standing atleast 50% of the time or more. but oh well sometimes it just dosn't happen.

hiphophead · 04-02-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kane Fan

well I'm like 90% sure that they train mostly from Kneeling
but I wanted to get the answer just to make sure

Quote:

Originally Posted by teamventure09

yeah i believe everyone should go from standing atleast 50% of the time or more. but oh well sometimes it just dosn't happen.

When I first started it was kneeling but now its standing.

teamventure09 · 04-02-2009, 04:46 PM

hmmm. well take some wrestling classes so you can take him down and get top position.

JCham · 04-02-2009, 05:41 PM

Focus on learning some good sweeps. Have your instructor work with you on some and start working on getting in good cardio shape.

Kane Fan · 04-02-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiphophead

When I first started it was kneeling but now its standing.

100% of your rolling is from standing?