Be lazy

People claim that strength and size are not important in fighting. This is a ridiculous claim, and absolutely false.

They certainly matter, just as much as speed and many of other factors.

Our current biggest White Belt is as strong as an ox. The poor fellow just can't seem to stop doing things with strength.

An example is one of this week's moves. You are supposed to break your opponent's headlock using your entire body pushing up and forward. This gives you tons of power, and also gives you a huge advantage against his arm due to leverage. Our big guy's partner held tight, and his headlock was not broken. The big guy's body was quivering with exertion. He had it all right except for pushing forward as well as up. No leverage. Technique failure.

In the pair next to him, Amelia had no problem effortlessly dislodging her partner's equally secure headlock. She did it correctly, and used hardly any strength at all. She must weigh about a hundred pounds.

I get to roll about with everybody sooner or later. Big and strong is only part of the equation.

One of the secrets of martial arts is making sure the other guy is using more energy than you, especially in grappling. When I roll with our big, strong guy I could never match his power. I never try. He tries too hard. I rest and he tires out very quickly. Then I have him.

If he ever masters that trick, I'll never beat him.