Best Techniques for Winning a Fight When You’re Small: You know, I might have a chance against you, but taking on someone as big as him would be a different story. I hear this a lot. Standing at 5’5″ and weighing 165 lbs, I’m on the smaller side. The “big guy” in question is my friend and co-owner, Peter, who towers at 6’3″ and weighs 250 lbs—he was a college football quarterback. That’s when we like to show the picture from the time I accidentally broke Peter’s nose.
Use leverage
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, leverage plays a crucial role. Even smaller practitioners can turn the tables by employing techniques centered around joint locks and chokes. With the right leverage, a smaller individual can effectively dominate a larger opponent. Take the rear naked choke, for instance; the smaller person can wrap their legs around the larger opponent’s torso while using their arms to apply pressure to the neck. This technique allows them to utilize their full body weight to execute the choke. Of course, being in this position can feel vulnerable, as ground work can be quite intimidating.
Use speed and agility
In Krav Maga, being fast and agile can really give you an edge when facing bigger opponents. If you’re on the smaller side, you can concentrate on making swift moves and darting in and out of their reach. We often discuss this during sparring sessions. In a one-on-one scenario, this approach—landing a quick strike to the body and then retreating—is highly effective. However, it can feel a bit daunting, especially for beginners.
When you look at the bigger picture, men often act like headhunters, having been conditioned to target the head from a young age. If you’re on the smaller side, quick kicks to the groin and a swift escape can be your best strategy.
Use technique
In both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Krav Maga, mastering technique is essential. For those who are smaller in stature, it’s important to learn techniques specifically aimed at overcoming larger adversaries. For instance, in BJJ, smaller practitioners can utilize the butterfly guard, enabling them to leverage their legs to manage the movements of a bigger opponent. Meanwhile, in Krav Maga, techniques such as the low leg kick can be effective, targeting the legs of larger opponents to bring them down.
Use distractions and common objects
I’ve discovered that for women, finding distractions and utilizing everyday items can be incredibly helpful, and they often share a similar appearance. The nature of distractions can vary greatly depending on the situation. For instance, when my training partner has me pinned down and I can’t escape, I’ve tried looking at the door, greeting an imaginary friend, or even spitting in his face. These tactics have helped me throw him off balance or divert his attention, allowing me to seize the opportunity.
We can turn everyday items into weapons, and honestly, just about anything can serve that purpose. Got a cup of coffee? Pop the lid off and toss it at your opponent! If your keys are on a lanyard, you’ve got a handy tool to swing and keep someone at bay.
Target vulnerable areas
Check it out! In Krav Maga, if you’re not targeting the groin, you’re missing the point. This martial art focuses on striking vulnerable areas like the eyes, nose, throat, and yes, even the testicles and toes. There’s no such thing as a fair fight here; the main aim is to ensure you get back home safely. So don’t hold back—bite, scratch, or spit if you have to!
Train with larger opponents
One of the best decisions I ever made was to partner with a larger opponent who I feel at ease with. He really challenges me during our training sessions, but we have a safe word for those moments when things get a bit too intense. I have complete trust in him when we spar, and this experience has significantly boosted my confidence in facing bigger opponents. It has also been incredibly beneficial in preparing me for real-life self-defense scenarios. I want to emphasize that building this level of trust takes time, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Having a reliable training partner can truly transform your training experience.