Bjj Principle : Make Your Opponent Tired


Recently, I watached a video from Demian Maia, a man who is widely acknowledged to have the best jiu-jitsu in the UFC. At one point in the video, Maia stopped showing the technique and explained a fundamental principle of jiu-jitsu.

As Demian was placing his bodyweight on his opponent, he explained:

“Your opponent should be carrying your bodyweight/pressure while you are resting.
When I rest, I should put him to work so I don’t work and he works and he gets tired!”

This is making the maximum use of your leverage and bodyweight in all positions and forcing your opponent to move while carrying you. This tires him out, and as he gets tired, he becomes easier to submit.

Here is an example of how I used this principle in a roll against a physically strong opponent.

I had passed his guard and achieved side control. My opponent was pushing hard against me and I could hear his labored breathing.

Instead of trying to match his force output, though, I relaxed. I re-positioned my bodyweight exactly on where he was pushing to make the load as concentrated as possible. With my weight positioned on him (and NOT on the floor or on my knees!) he had to use 500% of the energy I was expending.

I did not have to be in a hurry to leap on a submission. My opponent’s battery was rapidly depleting and I was resting. There was no need for me to do anything.

One of the central principles of both judo and jiu-jitsu is to use maximum efficiency and minimum effort when you execute your techniques.

The next time you feel an opponent using a lot of power, don’t directly try to match them. Instead, relax and let them tire themselves out.

That is efficient jiu-jitsu!

read also: Jiu-jitsu Times –
“This Is Not Jiu-jitsu!”


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