Training With Larger Partners
One reality for many women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that you will often train with people who are bigger and stronger than you.
That can be extremely valuable, but it can also be frustrating. When someone outweighs you significantly, your normal game may not work the same way. That does not necessarily mean your technique is bad or that you are not improving. Physical mismatches can make it much harder to judge your progress.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that not every round needs to look the same. A productive round should give you an opportunity to learn, troubleshoot your game, and train with someone who understands the pace and purpose of the round.
When you are stuck underneath someone much larger, change your goal. Instead of worrying about “winning” the round, work on:
Frames
Breathing
Staying calm under pressure
Creating space
Escape timing
Protecting yourself
Those are all important skills, even when you do not escape immediately.
You should also feel comfortable being selective about your partners. You do not have to accept every roll. There is a major difference between someone who is challenging and someone who is reckless. If a round becomes unsafe, you can stop. Protecting your ability to keep training is more important than trying to prove how tough you are.
The goal is not to avoid larger partners completely. It is to learn how to train with them intelligently. Read my FREE E-book for more information:
Comments