Let’s look at a real-world example. In the video included below, a weightlifting youtube influencer, known for his size and power, steps onto the mats of a jiu-jitsu gym. You can see the confidence in his stride, as if his strength alone will be enough to get him through the fight. What happens next is nothing short of eye-opening. The influencer gets handled—not just by the seasoned instructor, but also by a female student who’s clearly smaller and lighter than he is.
How is this possible?
The answer lies in the principles of leverage, timing, and technique that are at the core of martial arts like Judo and Jiu-Jitsu (Jujutsu).
Maximum Efficiency, Minimum Effort
Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, built his entire martial philosophy around a few ideas one of them being: "maximum efficiency with minimal effort". He believed that size and strength alone weren’t the key to victory. Instead, by using leverage and proper technique, a smaller person could redirect the force of a larger opponent, turning their size against them.
In Kano’s view, it wasn’t about meeting strength with strength. It was about using angles, positioning, and balance to throw or control an opponent, no matter how big they are.
This philosophy found its way into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, thanks to Helio Gracie. Helio, who was smaller and physically weaker than most of his peers, refined Jiu-Jitsu techniques to ensure that even someone without natural strength could succeed against larger opponents. His adaptations allowed for a weaker person to survive, and even dominate, through the use of leverage and strategy.
The Proof is on the Mat
After watching the video of the weightlifting influencer, you’ll see these principles in action. You’ll witness the power of *leverage over strength*. The influencer may have be able to bench press 200 pounds, but when faced with someone who knew how to use their body weight, angles, and leverage, his strength became irrelevant. His size and muscle couldn’t save him from being taken down, controlled and put to sleep.
The smaller female student, with her knowledge of positioning and technique, didn’t need to overpower him. She outsmarted him, using the foundational principles that Jigoro Kano and Helio Gracie championed. It’s fascinating to watch as the bigger, stronger man becomes more and more frustrated, his power unable to solve the puzzle in front of him until he is put to sleep.
Experience the Gift of Jujutsu for Yourself
At Self Defense Academy COS, through the Valente Brothers Method we teach these same principles. We focus on techniques that allow anyone—regardless of size or strength—to defend themselves effectively.
Whether you’re smaller and wondering if you could truly protect yourself against a larger opponent, or just curious about the magic of martial arts, we invite you to come experience the gift of jujutsu for yourself.
The mats don’t lie. Strength can be an asset, but technique will always win in the end. Jigoro Kano and Helio Gracie proved this through their life’s work, and we carry those lessons forward today. Don’t take our word for it—watch the video, then come join us on the mat.
See for yourself what maximum efficiency, with minimal effort, really feels like. Come to Self Defense Academy COS and let us help you discover your strength in new ways. YOU Are Worth Defending!
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Thought of the Moment: "Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will." - Mahatma Gandhi
Overcome Size with Technique: Smaller vs Bigger Attacker
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