Larger and stronger opponents

[Inirie]

Hello All,

I have a question regarding fighting larger and stronger opponents of equal skill.

Im 5-6 145 pounds and one of my training parnters in about 6-2 190.
In my eyes the only way of dealing with this type of opponent is using "dirty" tactics as in groin kicks, hitting the throat or eyes etc. What would be the best way of training these skills?

Also, is it wise to go to the ground with a larger and stronger opponent? Even with superior (though not much more) ground skill his weight and strength over comes me.

Thanks in advance
Reggie Velasco

[Inirie]

Also, is there a good way to strengthen your fingers so you dont injure them if you miss the eye and hit their cheek bone or skull?

[getgoin]

I'm 5'6" (180lbs) and I cheat, plain and simple. I close the distance to create a better range for my size, not his. Seeing how we are short we can deliver great power in closer ranges so I work alot on rounding punches like hooks and upper cuts. If they work for a clinch which is something I don't want with a larger person I attack the side that just opened up with hooks to the floating ribs finished by a uppercut anyplace that is open. The taller persons kicking won't be as strong as yours either, that close. If given the option check his height by kicking one of his legs out to make them stand wider. By doing that you open a hole for level head shots, which will have more power because they are not haveing to travel up. Your bodies natrual mechanics will work. This position will only last a second or two before the person moves so you have to attack quick then get out before he can counter. AS soon as they move come back in, don't let up, be that fly buzzing in his ear. A few rounds of that and he will start to think how is going to handle you.

Work escape with your larger buddy. I for one don't ever like to be put on my back = ever. Just for the reason it would take me longer to get up in a street fight and that would give some joker's freinds more shot to my head with steal toed boots. And being of a smaller frame it is that much harder to get out from under a bigger person. Start to think top postion, and work it alot. Work escapes over and over with him, that will also get you use to the larger size or extra mass on your chest. It is alot to overcome. I train with someone who is 6'4" and 285 and another that is 6'1" and 240, my BJJ coach is 6'4" and 220, I'm the second smallest guy in the room. I'll grab a handfull of flesh to make them move to where I need them to be. As long as your not nasty about it and you let them know up front that you play ruff (expect it in return also) they are usually ok with. After all "what can the little guy to to me".

[Inirie]

Thanks for the great advice.

Now I have to see if i can explode past is quick punches to get inside.

If that doesnt work ill gnaw on his shins. hehe

[Burton]

Good advice Getgoin.  If you have to grapple, you can overcome a larger opponent by use of leverage and superior technique.  But, if it is on the street, you don't want to be on the ground if you can avoid it.  (The steel toed boot problem!)  It can be a great equalizer, though.  
   The great thing about actually training "dirty" tactics is that you will be able to apply them quickly and may be able to use that element of surprise to escape.
   To keep from hurting your fingers, keep them slightly curved for the eye strike rather than absolutely straight.  If you hit the skull you won't sprain your finger.  Aloha!

[Inirie]

Thanks again guys!

[Anonymous]

Reg,
    Calling certain tactics "dirty" gives them a negative tag and could prove to be a liability in a real fight.  Since we focus on street the only goal should be to WIN, regardless of tactics.  If you look at a technique as dirty, it may cause you to hesitate to use the technique and give your attacker time to finish you.  As Burt always teaches, techniques like groin kicks, eye gouges and the like are not guaranteed fight stoppers.  So I changed my mindset and look at what are likely reactions to such unorthodox techniques and what escapes the techniques can help set up.
   
    Regarding larger opponents, mobility is your friend, but that is not always realistic in a real fight.  When an attacker is motivated, even skilled defenders have a difficult time avoiding a tackle especially with environmental concerns like uneven ground, potholes, parked cars, etc.  So I am really focusing on my half guard game, as the underhook really helps to get off the ground.  If your training partners are really pinning you well, I suspect that they are not striking well.  Try this test, put on your gear and tell your partner to try and keep you down while striking in your guard.  If he really tries to hit you you will find that it is relatively easy to move from full guard to half, get the underhook and work the escapes.  This is a good time to test reactions to the unorthodox techniques we talked about earlier.  Straight finger jabs are uncommon when grappling is involved so focus on thumbing the eyes as Burt teaches.  To test, DO NOT THUMB YOUR PARTNERS EYES, even if they deserve it, but you can place your hands on his head where the gouge would happen and push on the head and face with the palm.  

Some other things to consider with big boys or girls:

Entanglement sweeps or leg locks from your back are too risky when your opponent is striking.  If he is standing and you are on your back work the single ala Baret or kicking to make space and stand.

You do not want a larger, skilled opponent to get side control on you because hammer fists suck.  So if he is working to the side GET TO HIS BACK.  Again, this is where we need to be true to ourselves and our training partners and make sure that they are trying to hit you, because when the striker is really trying to hit you he won't be able to pin you effectively.

Sorry if this was too disorganized but I have too much stuff in my head......

Creighton

[Inirie]

Thats why I placed quotation marks on "dirty". Because most consider it that. To me its a necessity.

Thanks Creighton!