[div class=”notice” class2=”icon”]The following is from an article on DstryrSG, part of the MiddleEasy Network.[/div]
Forward: DSTRYR/SG has been going strong for over 2 years now and we’re only getting better. A lot of our newer readership missed out on some great exclusive stuff from the “early days.” We intend to change that by giving you some flashbacks to some of our best material. Here’s a post I wrote back in the day. It still makes me think about my own optimum weight as a grappler.
Today, I’m going to try and tackle the age old question: Does Size really Matter? Put simply, the answer is yes, it does indeed (and that is also what she said, but we are talking about jiu jitsu here, grapplers).
From my experience, it’s pretty common for grapplers to struggle to find the size and weight (or weightclass) that optimizes their individual skills as a competitor. Strength and endurance, among other things, are likewise affected when the grappler adjusts his/her weight and size. I’ve had my own adventure in this area, and, given all the factors involved, I don’t know if there are any universal truths on the subject, but I’m going to share my story and what I’ve learned.
When I first started training jiu jitsu, I was relatively bulked up, and hovered at around 190 lbs (I’m 6′ exactly). I had been lifting weights for many years and being strong helped me as a beginner. I could maintain certain positions more easily and, when in doubt, squeeze the crap out of my opponents, like so many young belts do (inappropriately I might add).
From my experience, it’s very common for the beginning grappler to rely on strength, so having as much as possible is critical.
