Bodybuilder & BJJ Black Belt Dr Mike Israetel Explains Why Strength Matters In Jiu-Jitsu

Dr. Mike Israetel, a well-known fitness expert, was recently promoted to black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he’s making it clear that strength plays a crucial role in the sport.

While this might seem obvious to those with backgrounds in other combat sports, the idea remains a surprisingly controversial topic in Jiu-Jitsu.This is because the belief that technique alone can overcome strength has been a core philosophy of BJJ since its inception.

Given Israetel’s extensive background in weightlifting and his Ph.D. in Sport Physiology, he wasn’t about to buy into the myth.Recently, during a training session at Gold’s Gym with elite grappler Ethan Crelinsten, Israetel laid out his thoughts on the subject:

If we’re trying to peel the leg here from the bottom to get the Kneebar, your ability to pull with your hamstrings and glutes, and your ability to unfurl your back and pull back, is a big deal.

While a Kneebar is just one scenario, the same principles apply to countless other positions in Jiu-Jitsu:

The other thing is if you’re on the top side of Mount… And I get double unders but clamp down, because, you know, you’re not trying to do this.

If I take my fingers and walk out on the mat, my ability to engage my front delts and biceps simultaneously to do this is a big deal.

If I’m really weak in this position, I’m just going to waste minutes here.If I’m really strong, I’m going to be able to splat you out.