Basically I love Bjj and I love weightlifting. I'm not huge by any means, I'm about 5'10 and a lean 200. What this means is I'm often significantly shorter then guys in my weight class.
My question is simply what types of submissions/games seem to work best for guys with thicker builds and arms? So far I'm leaning towards armbars the most. Since I plan to start competing regularly I want to dedicate myself to a practical Game plan.
Side note, i like taking the back but I have a hell of a time getting my arms under the neck for a rnc. I mention this because the other threads I've found seem to all mention the rnc but it seems difficult with bigger arms. I don't see many big guys getting the rnc.
Right, first thing I'll suggest is to spend some free time chasing down that old Jiu Jitsu rabbit hole on YT. Find a short list of moves you like, or that you think may work in your game based on position/attributes/whatever. Position is probably the best point to start from, think of the positions you feel most comfortable in and spend the most time in during a roll. Then factor in attributes second, as you will often find variations on subs which will work better for different body types or utilize slightly different attributes - therefore there is probably a version of the sub you like that will work for ye.
Go to an open mat, or ask one of your training buddies to come early/stay late at class so you can go over your short list. Get a feel, from static drilling, whether or not the move feels mechanically sound for yourself
at this point in time and in your game - I say this last part because something may not be the right fit for you now, but in a couple years you might come back to it and find it's just what you need. Nothing's nailed down or concrete in that sense, I think (just my opinion though). So get a feel for the moves on your short list. Which ones feel like they click and work for your build.
Now start attacking them while rolling, develop setups, baits, build a bit of a game around them. Watch some big name's 4 hour video series on that particular sub and learn everything you can about it. Spam it during rolling until your buddies know that it's all you'll go for, so they start learning good defenses to it and shut it down every time you go for it. Get better at it, beat their defense. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Second is tied into parts of the first, but short and simple; concept, physiology and "henka". Do as much as humanly possible to truly understand the subs on your shortlist, what are the principles and concepts by which they are applied to the body? What aspects of physiology are involved in making that sub work? When you understand the first two, even a little bit (I only understand a little bit of any of them myself - I've only been training about 3 years so I'm still very basic) then you can apply the concept of "henka" (it's just a Japanese term referring to open variations of techniques) when rolling or competing. The move may not be lining up textbook for ye, but if you understand the concept and physiology involved you are able to use "henka" on the fly, and still get the tap. Helps in competition and it's harder to defend against a lot of the time as it's somewhat unorthodox.
Lastly, I'm 245lbs or so and have no trouble with the RNC. I used to, back when I'd reach for my bicep or shoulder, what I found works for me is to slide the choking arm into place, and then slide the second arm into place, back of my hand to his head, and slide it in until the bicep lands under my other hand - then squeeze. Alternatively you may find the palm-to-palm choke from there works better for you. I think some people call it the Severn Choke IIRC..? I could be wrong on that.
And there's always sliding lapel choke, bow and arrow, Ezekiel from the back, lapel half-Nelson choke, and a myriad of others if you're in the gi.
All the best with your training.
