A Question About Rolling with Someone Much Smaller

[JoeSchmo]

Hey I just had my first BJJ Class today and I must say it was pretty cool. It only had one drawback, my parter was much smaller than me and I'm not sure what to do. I only weigh about 115, but my partner felt like he weighed around 55 lbs. He was so small I couldn't go to the knee on belly position because I was crushing his abdomen. Then, when we were drilling this choke, I couldnt execute it correctly because my forarm wouldnt fin in his tiny neck. We are the smallest two in the class and I dont really wanna roll with this kid anymore because I dont think I can learn as much. What should I do? Help is really appreciated, thanks in advance.

[TJS]

Well when learning techniques(especially for the first time) It proabably is best to pair up with someone similar to your size. once you get a good bas it is good to practice with people of various sizes both big and small though.

[ninjanurse]

I would have to say size doesn't really matter here. I weigh 115 lbs and always had to grapple with the guys that weighed over 170 because that's all there was! It was a rare treat to get to grapple with someone my size. You will adapt to the situation as you train.

[JoeSchmo]

Well, I am the only one even remotely close to the other kids weight and the next closes weighs about 160, but if I were to grapple with him who would the even smaller kid go with? If, I do have to stay with this 55 lbs kid should just not do the knee on belly drills?

[Menjo]

Id go with the advide above however just to get a sugestion in, maybe show to your instructor that he is to easy.

[Kajukenbopr]

ask your instructor for guidance- if your partner is that small, he'll tell u what to do

[Sam]

yeah always ask for your instructors advise....

[pineapple]

Most of the best grapplers that I rolled with were a lot smaller than me so it's a matter of skill rather than size. If you are capable of completely dominating your opponent, take it as you are helping that person to learn!