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Does Size Matter In Martial Arts?
Turn Size into an Advantage: How Leverage Levels the Playing Field
👋 Hey Sheepdog,
This week, let’s tackle a classic debate that never seems to go away...
...Does size actually matter in a fight?
There’s a lot of chatter out there—about who's bigger, who's stronger, and if that really means anything when push comes to shove.
But here’s the thing, in self-defense, it's not just about raw power.
It's about technique, leverage, and outsmarting your opponent before they even realize what’s happening.
Krav Maga isn’t about being the biggest dog in the fight. It’s about being the smartest.
It’s about knowing how to use what you’ve got—your skills, your awareness, and your determination—to tip the scales in your favor.
Today, we’re diving into why size isn’t everything, and how Krav Maga gives you the tools to handle any situation, no matter who or what you’re up against.
We’ll break down why technique and mindset are the real game-changers, and why having confidence in your abilities makes all the difference when it comes to real-life situations.
So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s explore why being the smaller fighter might just be your secret weapon.
Ready to get into it? Let’s dig in. 🐺
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Does size matter in martial arts? Well, yes and no.
It all depends on what you want to achieve and which martial art fits you best.
If you think being small means you're at a disadvantage, think again. Speed, agility, and good ol' strategy can easily outshine brute strength.
Martial arts is about skill, not just muscle. The smallest person in the room might actually be the toughest.
So, which martial arts are best for the smaller folks?
I recommend Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Karate, and Krav Maga. Each of these arts has something unique to offer a smaller fighter.
Let me break it down for you…
BJJ is all about leverage and technique.
You don’t need Hulk-like muscles to win here—just some smarts and an understanding of how to use your body to gain control.
Smaller practitioners often have an advantage in BJJ because they can be quick and slippery, making it easier to escape tough positions.
Plus, as I found out myself, a smaller opponent can make even a big guy tap out. Lesson learned the hard way.
Karate focuses on precision and speed rather than brute power.
You’re taught to strike at the right place, at the right time, with the right technique—kind of like a well-aimed dart hitting the bullseye.
It’s not about strength; it’s about knowing where and how to hit.
Smaller fighters often have faster reflexes, and Karate leverages that perfectly.
Krav Maga? It’s a whole different animal.
No flashy moves or fancy kicks here.
It’s direct, it’s practical, and it’s designed for real-world self-defense.
Smaller people can thrive because it’s all about getting home safe, using whatever you have, however you can.
Your knees, elbows, and even your size can become tools for survival.
At the end of the day, being small doesn’t have to be a disadvantage in martial arts—it can actually be a weapon.
Remember, it's not about the size of the fighter, but the size of the fight in them.
Whether you go for BJJ, Karate, or Krav Maga, there's a place for you to shine.
So, if you're wondering whether size matters? Not really.
What matters is your drive, your grit, and finding the right fit for your style.
Train hard, stay smart, and never let size keep you off the mat.
You've got this!
I have a full article on this subject that dives deep into each of these martial arts.
You can check it out at the following link:
Stay Safe,
Paul Simoes
PS. Discuss the ideas presented here in the "Fight or Flight Newsletter" by joining the free My Krav Life Community. Hope to see you there!
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From Around The Net
We’ve all heard it before—“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.”
But when it comes to self-defense, is that just motivational fluff, or is there real truth to it?
In this video, a group of experienced martial artists digs deep into whether size really matters in a fight, especially in Krav Maga.
Size and strength aren’t everything, and sometimes, being the smaller fighter can be an advantage.
Here’s the real deal:
Size Doesn’t Matter Most: It’s not about muscles—it's about using technique, leverage, and having the kind of situational awareness that keeps you three steps ahead of the other guy.
Realistic Training Builds Confidence: You need to train in a way that mimics real-life scenarios. The more you practice realistically, the more confident you become.
You Can Defend Yourself, No Matter Your Size: Whether you're big, small, or somewhere in between, everyone has the power to learn effective self-defense. It comes down to using what you have smartly, choosing the right techniques, and being ready to go all in if needed.
Curious to see what else these martial artists have to say?
Hit the link and dive into the discussion—you might just rethink what’s possible when size isn’t on your side.
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Ask Us Anything?
Do you have any specific questions you want answered? Just respond back to this email or use [email protected].
Here’s this weeks question:
Q - Does size matter in MMA?
A - Yes.
In martial arts and self-defense, size isn’t the deciding factor—it's skill, mindset, and tactics that matter most.
A smaller person trained in Krav Maga or Jiu-Jitsu can outmaneuver a bigger, untrained opponent.
Real-life situations aren't fair, and they aren't bound by rules—making technique and strategy far more crucial than raw size.
However, in competitive combat sports like MMA or Muay Thai, size and weight absolutely provide an advantage.
That's why these sports have weight classes—to level the playing field.
When everyone has training, conditioning, and skill, the edge often goes to the fighter with superior reach, mass, or strength.
But remember, sports have rules, no groin strikes, no eye gouging, no biting—restrictions that limit your options compared to a street confrontation.
In a real-world encounter, those rules are gone, and that's when size starts to matter a lot less than what you've trained to do.
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