Too young and small to do BJJ?

[Houston Euler]

I've been practicing Hung Gar kung fu and Muay Thai for 6 or 7 months. After reading these forums, I realized that I'd like to take up another martial art, namely a grappling art. Since Brazillian Jiu Jitsu seems pretty popular, I'm sure there will be a school in my area.

Here's my question: I'm pretty young (15) and I'm very short (5'4 currently, but still growing). From what I know of BJJ, which is not much, I'll admit, small people would have problems doing BJJ. Should I wait until I grow more to join BJJ? Also, I'm kind of worried that my smallness will annoy people because they'll think the class is being invaded by 12-year-olds who watch dragon ball Z or something. Does anyone actually think like this or am I crazy?

I also have a little side question. My HG and MT class are in the same place, and we spar in the Muay Thai class but my Sifu has said that we don't spar in Hung Gar because "that wouldn't be the art." Seeing as how I enjoy the class, I don't want to quit it, but do you guys think it's a McDojo?

[Deadpan Scientist]

it's not mcdojo, but it's not training for fighting if you don't spar.

Shorter people actually do well in bjj, as they have lower centers of gravity. Don't worry about it.

[Aesopian]

With regard to BJJ, I say just go now. You're at an age where I'm not sure if the instructor will have you in the adult class or the kid's (assuming he has one), but that shouldn't be a huge factor when considering whether to go or not. At my school, kids classes are until they about 14ish, then they can start coming to adult classes and phase from one group to the other. What any of that means to you, I don't know, but I thought I should share.

As for size, I think you'll be able to overcome anything if you stick to it. There are guys shorter than you who kick my ass royally, and I'm 6'3".

In summary, just go to BJJ.

Also, brace yourself for the imminent omega reaming.

[Omega the Merciless]

Originally posted by Houston Euler
I've been practicing Hung Gar kung fu and Muay Thai for 6 or 7 months. After reading these forums, I realized that I'd like to take up another martial art, namely a grappling art. Since Brazillian Jiu Jitsu seems pretty popular, I'm sure there will be a school in my area.

Here's my question: I'm pretty young (15) and I'm very short (5'4 currently, but still growing). From what I know of BJJ, which is not much, I'll admit, small people would have problems doing BJJ. Should I wait until I grow more to join BJJ? Also, I'm kind of worried that my smallness will annoy people because they'll think the class is being invaded by 12-year-olds who watch dragon ball Z or something. Does anyone actually think like this or am I crazy?

I also have a little side question. My HG and MT class are in the same place, and we spar in the Muay Thai class but my Sifu has said that we don't spar in Hung Gar because "that wouldn't be the art." Seeing as how I enjoy the class, I don't want to quit it, but do you guys think it's a McDojo?


You know when your boy friend is smacking the back of your head while you're attempting to deep throat and your dad is pulling caboose try blocking and maybe you can see how how good your hung gar is.

Welcome to bullshido.

[Omega the Merciless]

Too small for BJJ? Nah, girls do BJJ and you'll find out the size of you penis doesn't matter.

[PizDoff]

What they said. Damn smallish guys! Grrr

[ImAlrdyNum]

BJJ was designed to give people of smaller stature equal footing in playing grab-ass on the floor.

All kidding aside, in grappling, size isn't as big an issue. Look at wrestlers...until you hit about 178 or so, most of them from, my experience, are 5'8" and smaller. Plus you're only 15, you'll grow. I grew about two inches from 15-16.

[Greese]

I fucking hate children, but we have had several people come in your age and they were all pretty cool.
The only problem you may have if it is anything our college club is that you will be out weighed and out strenghted, so it may be a long while before you get to where you are not getting your ass handed to you. But you will develop great skills.

[SifuAbel]

"but my Sifu has said that we don't spar in Hung Gar because "that wouldn't be the art."

That doesn't sound right to me, I knew two hung gar schools in FLA that sparred on a regular basis. The idea that you can't use the priciples of your style in sparring is stupid.

[Greese]

Yeah, kind of takes the point out of martial art..."Oh no, you can't fight with this!"

[much love]

Train BJJ now!

That said, Eduardo Delima in Florida recommends to stay away from neck cranks until 16 or 17 as it could screw up development.

[meowrsx]

uuuummmmmmmmmmmmmm

Helio Gracie > Shaq in sparring bjj

[SifuAbel]

Yeah, you don't grow much when you're dead.

[Aesopian]

Originally posted by much love
Train BJJ now!

That said, Eduardo Delima in Florida recommends to stay away from neck cranks until 16 or 17 as it could screw up development.

Where'd you hear that? Just wondering.

[Jenfucius]

don't worry, they'll enjoy molesting you just as much as the TKD guy down the street

[MUT]

Go for it I was only a 5'7 15 year old with short legs when I started....