Stocky Guys vs. Lanky Guys

**Res Judicata** · Posted On: 10/21/2006 10:17am

It's no secret that lanky guys often have a significant natural advantage BJJ/grappling.

I'm a stocky guy (~5'8"/195#) but reasonably lean thanks to BJJ. I have the basic endomorph/endomesomorph build: short neck, broad shoulders, relatively short arms and legs. I'm reasonably strong and somewhat flexible.

They sometimes have a problem with others' weight, but those long arms and legs give them options that other people don't have. For example, they tend to be able to hit triangles from the guard a lot easier than other people, and the long limbs give them a lot a leverage when the bridge. They also tend to be very flexible and fast.

I'm curious as to the strategy stocky guys use against lanky guys. The obvious solution is to be as technical as possible, and I'm working on that. My usual strategy is to try to pass kneeling, working on controlling their hips and pinning one leg to the ground (genius, I know!), or stack the crap out of them. Lately I've been stacking and rolling them over their heads a lot, going for an ankle lock. I find that non-stacking standing passes are not very useful.

What are some strategies you stocky guys use against lanky guys (in any position)? I'd also be interested in hearing from lanky guys regarding what they do versus stocky guys.

**Roland** · Posted On: 10/21/2006 1:07pm

Thursday at judo we were working on the spider guard and one of the transitions we did was to a triangle choke. I'm short to and it still worked for me but once I went for the triangle choke I had a problem getting my legs in position so the instructor told me to create an angle by scooting sideways. Thats the most help i can give you.

**Knave** · Posted On: 10/21/2006 1:22pm

Greetings.

There are pros and cons to all body types in bjj just like any other range. You are experiencing a "grass is greener" effect.

***Cassius*** · Posted On: 10/21/2006 1:55pm

Originally Posted by Knave

Greetings.

There are pros and cons to all body types in bjj just like any other range. You are experiencing a "grass is greener" effect.

I'm honestly amazed that this was said within the first 5 posts.

Good show.

***JohnnyCache*** · Posted On: 10/21/2006 4:16pm

I love being me (stocky WITH long legs)

**Gumby** · Posted On: 10/21/2006 5:40pm

The fact that you're short with stubby limbs makes you a difficult person to submit- less of an arm or less of a leg to grab when attempting that joint lock. That is your advantage, the lanky guy who's flexible has a pain in the ass guard as his advantage. All guard passes will work against virtually everyone, the only catch is against someone who's got good hip positioning/ flexibility, you have to make sure you address the details in the pass and make the fewest mistakes possible. Giving too much space to a flexible guy is going to make passing very difficult for you.

Other than that, tall lanky guys just kick so much ass that theres not much you can do to stop them

**War Wizard** · Posted On: 10/21/2006 7:46pm

Tall lanky guys also have that awesome higher center of gravity. Takedowns FTW!

**Holy Moment** · Posted On: 10/21/2006 8:58pm

Stocky vs. Lanky?

Mario vs. Luigi!

**PoleFighter** · Posted On: 10/22/2006 4:42pm

Stocky guys tend to, in my experience, be more inclined towards stronger passing game, and tall lanky guys tend to be better at bottom position in guard. Shorter also limbs help a lot in most non-bridging escapes, and when you actually do hit that triangle, it's going to be tight.

**IzzyDaHedgehog** · Posted On: 10/22/2006 5:39pm

As a tall, skinny, and lanky mofo, let me say that the people who give me the MOST trouble are the stocky fireplug type. Shorter arms are harder to lock up.

EDIT: What Gumby said. I am honestly more comfortable in guard than on top. Don't give us any feet or legs to hook, because they will get hooked. Also, make sure to control our hips and legs when you hold top position. I love taking the back from under N/S.