Do you have to be "big" for submission fighting?

[nitrogen]

I don't know, but it seems to me that a larger person would be better suited for submission fighting. I'm a fairly small person, and if put in a situation where I would need to defend myself, I would like submission wouldn't be an option.

[applexcore]

so i really dont know a whole lot about submission fighting can any body give me a good mental picture of it...

[KarateKid]

Well you can always build yourself up cant you?

If you are talking about height, then no, you dont need to be really tall.

But strength, yes you need that.
So go do some weights!

I train my upper legs and arms mostly. Chest is not so important for me but Im pretty broad.

if you are a smaller person you should focus on mid-body strength to make up for not being tall.

[Twinkle]

I wouldnt think that size is really a issue in this sport, big = strong, but usually means slow too, not allways but mostly.
Small = not quite as strong, but bloody quick, well mostly quick
Its hard to make a 5ft guy submit if you cant hold onto him.
I think the basic idea, no matter the size is learning lots of grapples and take downs, couple that with lots and lots of weight training, and you should be great at this one.

being big and strong is good. It's a pluss and will give you an edge, but don't forget technique is also an important factor and not just size. I have known little guys that have made big guys tap. Not because of size or strength. But because of a good technique that worked. An old instructor of mine use to always say. "Focus on technique. Power will come"

[foytey]

You definitly need to have an all-around good shape and be strong in your arms and legs. Fighting like boxing is based on the same type of system and weight scale so being bigger isn't any better or worse because you would be fighting in the same weight class.

[baldmonkee]

Royce Gracie is one of the best submission fighters ever, and he certainly wasn't very big, a lot of submission fighting takes place in technique rather than brute strength, that being said though, being stronger certainly wouldn't hurt you

[191125]

Helio Gracie in his prime was 120lbs and took out guys from all over the world and different styles. I'm pretty small myself and love submissions. Being small just means you have to be more aware and technically sound. A big guy will come swinging thinking he owns you then boom, you take his arm off.

[Shirindo]

Originally Posted by 191125

Helio Gracie in his prime was 120lbs and took out guys from all over the world and different styles. I'm pretty small myself and love submissions. Being small just means you have to be more aware and technically sound. A big guy will come swinging thinking he owns you then boom, you take his arm off.

OMG!! You sound just like a friend of mine!!

Where are you from? Are you my friend?

Lol