What is the best body type to have for BJJ? This is a trick question because there is no “one best body type” for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or MMA or Boxing.
Training and competing is what I miss most while recovering from my ACL tear.
Let me explain: it’s not the body type, it’s how well you use your body.
Let’s take boxing for example
A person who is tall and has a long reach should have the “body type” advantage over a shorter, stockier fighter. That means the tall guy should always win. Or at least most of the time. We know this isn’t the case.
The reason is: Being tall is an advantage…only if you know how to use it.
Weapon Analogy
I heard a great boxing trainer (Virgil Hunter) once say:
“If you have an Uzi (large gun) and I have a .38 (small gun). But if you don’t know how to use your Uzi and I know how to use my .38, it didn’t make a difference that you had a superior weapon.”
Watch the clip below:
Main Point
In my opinion I don’t think there is any one ideal body type. There have been many champions in BJJ.
For example Marcelo Garcia was short and stocky while Roger Gracie was tall and lean. Both were multiple time world champions. Plus there are hundreds more World Champions, all with different body types.
It’s more important that you know how to use YOUR BODY to its full potential.
If you are fighting an opponent who has some “body type” advantage over you – acknowledge it but don’t worry about it. Focus on yourself and using your body well.
It’s not a foregone conclusion that someone is going to beat you because they have a few inches in height or reach!
Thanks for reading if you have any questions or comments please post them below.
You cannot dictate what’s the best bodytype for your sport-
Your SPORT will dictate the best bodytype for it.
Just train for your sport and the body you end up with will surely be the one that is ideal for it.
#principleofSPECIFICITY
Ya that’s a good point. Your body can change a lot along the way.