In an extraordinary display of strength vs technique, Martins Licis, the 2019 World’s Strongest Man, who also does BJJ, recently engaged in a unique grappling session, simultaneously facing two junior judoka at the Keiji Academy.
This remarkable event has sparked widespread discussion about the interplay between sheer strength and technical skill in martial arts.
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“So the reason I’m taking on Judo right now, or really want to learn some Judo, is because in Jiu-Jitsu a lot of the moves transfer over.”
– Martins Licis
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Martins Licis Grappling: When Strength Meets Technique
During his visit to the Keiji Academy, Licis donned a borrowed gi and humorously sported a black belt, clarifying that he hadn’t earned the rank. He took on two junior judoka in a simultaneous sparring session, a scenario that tested both his physical prowess and adaptability.
Licis shared his thoughts on the experience, stating:
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“Things got really weird when we decided to do a 2v1 round with the junior Judokas.”
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The session highlighted how Licis’s formidable strength allowed him to counterbalance the coordinated efforts of his opponents.
He explained, “I was able to grip tight and use one of my new friends for balance while the other attempted to trip me.” Despite the judokas’ technical expertise, Licis’s raw power presented a significant challenge, demonstrating the impact of strength in grappling scenarios.
Pandora’s Box Is Open?
The martial arts community responded with a mix of admiration and humor. Observers noted the playful nature of the encounter, with fans commenting that Licis “had them right where he wanted them” even when taken to the ground.
This lighthearted exchange underscores the respect and camaraderie shared among practitioners of different disciplines. Licis expressed his appreciation for the experience and his interest in further exploration of martial arts, saying:
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“I hope to return to this school again, to learn more, and spend time with these wonderful people and athletes.”
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His openness to engaging with various martial arts disciplines highlights the value of cross-training and the mutual respect that can develop between strength athletes and martial artists.
With Craig Jones now scheduled to meet a wrestling world champion, after his initial CJI superfight against Gabi Garcia, these unorthodox matchups seem to be popping all over the place. While great fun, let’s make sure we don’t end up in the realm of pro-slapping or those Russian 2-on-1 MMA parkour fights. Just saying.
Two Judokas vs. One Strongman – What’s Next?
Martins Licis’s grappling session with two judoka makes a case for the strength vs. technique debate that has been a part of martial arts since the first small person claimed that their technique could beat bigger guys.
While technical skill is paramount, this encounter illustrates how physical strength can influence the outcome of grappling exchanges. The event quickly went viral, once again bringing focus to the fact that strength does matter in grappling, and when you have as much as Martin Licis, you can pretty much dominate everyone on the mats.
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