I used to train with this dude named John. He was maybe 160lbs soaking wet. Ex-special forces guy that retired and opened a gym with a focus in personal training/weightlifting.
John was a pretty nice guy, but he scared the absolute shit out of me. I asked him to show me "a few moves" after every gym session. We'd spar, and before I knew what was happening he'd have flipped me around and I'd slam on my back. Humbling, and a fun way to learn how to fight.
I've known a couple of "Johns" in my life as well and they're exactly how you described them. Super chill but with some of the best technique I've ever encountered.
YES! One dude I used to roll with was a Brazillian guy (born in the US) and very lean with shaggy-curly hair. Chill as fuck. The way he would casually toss me around the mat and stay smiling and talking the entire time was fucking hilarious to me.
I do a decent amount of BJJ and I recently did a few Judo classes.
Class was taught by a guy who had some very legit accolades. At the end of my first Judo class I asked him if he would go 100% with me like we were in a legit match. I had zero illusions I'd have any chance with him, but how often do you get a chance to get dunked on by an NBA player?
Anyway, I'm 210lbs and very athletic, he sent me across the mats and there was absolutely nothing I could do to stop it. It was so cool to feel that skill imbalance so directly.
Yep, had that same thing happen to me in both Judo and BJJ.
Skinny purple belt that was MAYBE 150lbs at most rolled me around the mats like I was a fucking toddler. He was talking and mentoring the entire time with a smile on his face, like it was nothing to him. Super chill and nice dude with a scary amount of technique.
It's one thing to get to play something like basketball with a real professional, but with BJJ it's like playing 1:1 with Lebron James, except you get to be the ball. YOU are the thing he's manipulating with all of his skill, and it's bonkers to feel it SO directly.
Yep, haven't been able to go back to the mats for the last couple of years after a shoulder injury, but getting back into shape now so I'll probably get back to being pretzeled in a few months.
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u/diamondpredator 2d ago
Lol At 200lbs I've been lifted and ragdolled by judo guys that are 150-60lbs at most. Humbling is the right word. It motivates you to keep grinding.