Something as become abundantly clear. I can no longer power my way out of a bad situation on the mat. As I’ve mentioned a number of times, I have lost a fair amount of weight over the last few years. In 2002 I weighed close to 240lbs. For a 5’7″ man, that means I was very fat. However, I was also very strong. I was bench pressing 325lbs and leg pressing 900+lbs. That is no longer the case. Don’t get me wrong, I feel a hell of a lot better at 175lbs now, but I have lost the one thing that I was able to brag about; strength.
I know there is a big difference between lifting strength and the functional strength that you need on the mats. I feel my core and stability strength are still strong which is very important. When I started grappling, I was able to power my way out of tough situations. I could use my power to shoot a double which had a very high success rate for me. Now it seems those things are gone. When you have learned to rely on something, it’s very hard to unlearn to rely on it when it’s gone. I don’t think I have hit a power double in months. It’s also becoming harder and harder for me to escape from a submission or sweep an opponent unless they are smaller and lighter than me.
They always say that BJJ technique trumps all. However, when technique is close to equal, strength is a big factor in the outcome of a match. You see it time and time again in tournaments, especially in open weight or absolute divisions. That’s not to say that the bigger stronger guy always wins, but when fairly equal combatants face off, I will always put my money on the bigger stronger guy/gal.
So what am I to do? Submit to the fact that I have come as far as I’m going to in the grappling game? Try to perfect my technique? It’s hard to do when you are held down or pinned to the mat. If I can’t get that double or other takedown anymore, I will always be on the bottom. Just thinking about that is exhausting…
Case in point. Last evening during drills, the two gentlemen whom I was training with, basically had their way with me. Not because they know more or have better technique than me, but because they are stronger. During rolling, I should have been able to submit or at least control both individuals. I have many more tricks in my tool box then they do. But their strength shut me out and controlled my game.
Sigh… It’s very frustrating.
Awesome job on losing that much weight. That task alone is an accomplishment. It sounds like you need to make strength training a key component in your training regimen. I think technique and strength are both equally important. Now that you’ve lost all that weight, you can focus on regaining your strength. Thanks for the article.
I know how you feel really, I’ve been doing Capoeira for some time now and it always seems like my breathing or those I am sparring against have more energy than me! I found this video to be helpful when in times like this. Hope this helps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfH_dimjTGE&list=LL9ombqUqHq6gU-oNiWTj9QA best of wishes and thanks for visiting my blog!!
“When you have learned to rely on something, it’s very hard to unlearn to rely on it when it’s gone”
I agree with that and its even more frustrating when your mind is telling you that it use to be so normal for you to do that. I believe “wrestleclub” is right and you should focus on regaining your strength through specific training while you have to relay on your experience and technics.
Thank you for stoping by my blog!
I agree that you should up your focus on strength training, that’s what I would do. I personally would add in some yoga and meditative excercise, there’s a lot to be said for a strong mindset
awesome weight loss. If grappling/bjj is your passion then don’t give up. No one ever got where they wanted to be by giving up 
thanks for liking my blog posts!
Having done martial arts in many forms for years, I can attest to the idea that strength is a deceptive factor. It can seem to be the dominant force during a match, but in the end it doesn’t last against technique and speed.
Stop trying to move them. Move yourself.
I’m not trying to be snarky or anything, but solid technique trumps everything, strength included. I’m digging your blog, BTW.
Great post! I’m bigger than most of the guys I roll with, but the young guns are so much stronger than I am. So technique must reign supreme for me. However, every once in a while I secure an Americana, or get a quick sweep, using more strength than technique. So I keep this in the back of my mind…always reminding myself to rely on the technique.
Keep up the great blog!