Defending ourself against larger opponent

Tips on how to defend ourself against larger opponent

How to Defend Against a Large Opponent
By Keith Pascal

Imagine facing an attacker who significantly outweighed you - maybe by a hundred pounds or more. What would you do? How would you get the upper hand in the fight?

Let's take a couple of minutes to figure out what you should do, what you should avoid, and how to gain a distinct advantage against big opponents.

What to Do Against a large Opponent

Your best bet is to play to your strengths. After all, you are smaller and faster. Use this to your advantage. You can probably force range with your darting movements in and out.

You can also rely on tighter angles of attack and defense. Make it harder for the big guy to reach you. If you learn to check your attacker's arm above the elbow, then it will be almost impossible for him to reach you. That really is a tight angle.

And you can reach up the big guy's center for throat grabs, eye jabs, and the like. Why? Because it's harder for bulky guys to close that line.

Also, think about striking your attackers legs and arms. There is no reason for you to try to reach your attacker's torso. If you have problems getting in that close, then don't. Force him to come to you ... and then hit the limbs.

What Not to Do Against Giants

Obviously, don't get in a situation where your opponent can overpower you. This probably means you should avoid grappling or wrestling moves of any kind.

Note: I realize that in the princess bride Wesley uses a sleeper hold on a giant, but unless you can out last a bucking bronco who is also using martial arts techniques on you, I'd avoid taking the giants to the ground.

Also, beware of your attacker's ability to punch or kick right through your guard. Barreling through is a common tactic for big guys with muscles.

The Art of Martial Arts Over Training

If you really want to be prepared to take on a big, giant, then I suggest you over train. Find lots of big partners to work out with ... all of the time.

Find partners without egos. Get them to help you to beat them. Have the big guys teach you to beat other big fighters. And then practice, and practice some more.

Then, when you really have to fight a big hulk, it will be familiar territory for you - common. No big deal.