Is height an advantage or disadvantage in grappling?

[Terrorizer]

Hey guys quick question. I am only slightly experienced in wrestling and bjj. I was wondering if height/reach is an advantage (or disadvantage) when it comes to grappling? I could see being shorter being an advantage in wrestling since you have a lower center of gravity. In BJJ I could see long limbs being helpful for some moves like body triangle or a triangle choke, but is a person with long arms easier to submit in something like an armbar? Thanks guys.

 

[redaxe]

Height is usually an advantage on the ground. In certain circumstances it can be a disadvantage, but longer limbs usually work in your favor. They generally make your guard more dangerous (esp. with triangles) and harder to pass, and make it easier for you to take the back and keep back control.

However a longer arm is easier to armbar, that would be an example of a disadvantage. And generally in competition you will be weaker for your weight and easier to take down if you are tall. Although a tall person with a good sprawl can still be very hard to take down.

 

[ninjaduck]

Height is fantastic for guard long legs FTW.
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[AbbyBJJ]

Short legs = Super tight triangles

 

[Spawned_Fighter]

really depends on the person

 

[itzconnor]

It depends on the situation.

If the tall person is either based/ Low Stance or is explosive being somewhat low. They are good.
Or if the tall person is open, shorter person can explode in for a chance.
It is 50/50 , just depends on whos better and whos quicker.

and
edit: tall legs are great for arm bars when straightened, and keeping in guard/jumping guard and Spider Guard as well. Triangles I don't know, Short legged people are pretty good with triangles.

 

[Truebeliever]

Roger Gracie and Fabricio Werdum are both 6'4 and are two of the best grappler's ever. Tough to say but i think length is a pretty big advantage.

 

[gobucks34]

Size/Length is always an Advantage. People who are tall and lengthy that complain should be slapped. Short/skinny/small people always have a disadvantage in every aspect of the life.

 

[rowdstar]

i find that tall beginners often think they are being "tight" in their movements but there is space i can use, being shorter and thin. i almost always find it eaiser to make and find space on a taller person than a shorter person. either on offense or defense.

 

[raptorjesus29]

This is kind of a huge generalization but in my limited experience I have found bjj guys to be more tall and skinny and wrestlers to be more short and stocky. I have also not really had a problem grappling with someone who is tall, though they have an easier time getting a triangle than me,

 

[Boricuajj]

This is kind of a huge generalization but in my limited experience I have found bjj guys to be more tall and skinny and wrestlers to be more short and stocky. I have also not really had a problem grappling with someone who is tall, though they have an easier time getting a triangle than me,

I'm not exactly short and stocky, but you pretty much hit it right on the dot.

The taller you are, all the more leg for me to take you down with. But also all the more for you to choke me with... lol.

 

[Rod1]

I'm not exactly short and stocky, but you pretty much hit it right on the dot.

The taller you are, all the more leg for me to take you down with. But also all the more for you to choke me with... lol.

Jon Jones is 6'4", Alexander Karelin was 6'4" the best judoka in the world is 6'8", sure you have a lower center of gravity, but you will be fighting gravity in the clinch fight and if you include "judo throws" that use a lot of leg attacks with the legs, well, not a disadvantage at all.

 

[Sir Galahad]

Roger Gracie and Fabricio Werdum are both 6'4 and are two of the best grappler's ever. Tough to say but i think length is a pretty big advantage.

Marcelo Garcia and Rubens 'Cobrinha' Charles are both around 5'7'. They're two of the best grappler's on the planet. I think being short is definitely an advantage.

 

[MickCollins]

Different body types gives different advantage/disadvantages. If you ever roll with someone 6

 

[ElKarlo]

Height is fantastic for guard long legs FTW.
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Yep, one of the few guys who can sub me from his guard, is a lanky fellow. But when I pass his guard he is doomed.:icon_chee

 

[Jiujitsurican]

Just try not to get caught in a triangle and definitely do not give up your back.
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[Graciebarra 847]

I know a few very talented guys at my academy that are 5"7 and under, that being said I think height is an advantage for sure. The bluebelt who gives me the most trouble at my academy is someone who is close to 6"4. His guard is very hard to pass and he is very dangerous with triangles and sweeps.

Taller guys have an advantage in probably 85% of positions, situations in bjj! A few things a shorter guy has an advantage in that I could think of would be arm bar defense, Guard retention after getting passed, changing levels on the double leg. Other than that I can't think of too many advantages.

Think of the major sports such as basketball,baseball,football hockey were there are no weight classes, 85-90% of these athletes are over 6 foot and that isn't just by chance.

 

[YeahBee]

Size/Length is always an Advantage. People who are tall and lengthy that complain should be slapped. Short/skinny/small people always have a disadvantage in every aspect of the life.

stfu shorty, flying, riding the bus, going to the cinema is a chore if you are tall. try to get clothes if you are bigger then the norm.

For grappling it evens out and you can adapt the techniques or use the ones suited for your build

You shorties got to have some head on tit action growing up to:icon_chee

I am fortunate enough that I am tall but most of my opponents in SSHW are taller then me, easy level change for me if I go for a double

And I am the tall in open weight if I face anything but SSHWs

I am not evenly tall either, if my legs were proportionate to my back I'd be 6'5 or something now I am just 6'2-3

 

[Graciebarra 847]

And generally in competition you will be weaker for your weight.

There are some tall skinny guys that are weak but I think this is mostly a myth. Tall people tend to usually be bigger people. Think of guys in the UFC that compete the tallest guys are the biggest guys in the division. For example if I compete in a grappling tournament and I am the shortest guy in my division chances are I didn't cut weight properly and won't be the strongest.

If I am the tallest guy in my division I will feel good about my chances.

Think of Jon Jones at 205 and Anthony Johnson at 170 in the UFC. God gave them bodies were they are able to be the biggest guys in there divisions. Generally speaking long legs and short torso's are better for making weight. Most people no matter what type of diet or steroids they are on can't make weight like those guys. They are born with that body composition.

 

[dwright2]

You can definitely use longer limbs to your advantage. Conversely, it depends on how one is built and his/her skill set. Look at Palhares, he's built short and squat.