There are many reasons to love Jiu-Jitsu, but one of them is that it is such an effective martial art. Dating back to origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Helio Gracie adapted this martial art to work for the smaller person – and it worked. And we all witnessed just how well it worked when UFC launched as Royce Gracie walked into the octagon with what many people thought were pajamas, and he went on to destroy all the beasts in his path. This is when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu caught the attention of every martial artists out there. Who doesn’t love a good David vs. Goliath story? We all love to cheer for the underdog.
Being a blackbelt in Jiu-Jitsu is impressive. But even more impressive, is being a small person in Jiu-Jitsu, and not having to rely on any strength. Our list below, are a few guys that symbolize exactly what Jiu-Jitsu is all about. The power of the little man (or girl). The following list are people you wouldn’t mind pushing to get to the front of the bar for your drink. Or cutting in front of them in a long line at Disneyland. Or stealing their parking spot, as they were patiently waiting in a crowded mall parking lot and you decided to just swoop in at last minute.
Well, next time you think about doing any of the things above, think again. Because if you do end up deciding to steal their parking spot, they may end up just choking you out. Enjoy our list of the small guys you would not think could kick your butt, but would absolutely destroy you.
CAIO TERRA
Caio reminds us of Ralph Maccio from The Karate Kid… as it seems he just doesn’t age. Aside from his good genes, Caio looks like he would blow away in the wind. But somehow, his steady diet of candy makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in Jiu-Jitsu. So kids, next time your parents don’t want you to eat all your Halloween candy, just point them to this article.
Caio received his blackbelt in one of the fastest recorded times ever, and proves that TECHNIQUE CONQUERS ALL.
MIKEY MUSUMECI
Mikey looks like he just came from an episode of STRANGER THINGS. But don’t let his looks and that big innocent smile deceive you. Sure he’s known for loving pasta, but if you confront him and are not on his good side, he’ll turn you into a noodle in no time.
He got his blackbelt when he was 18 and is only the 4th American to win the black belt world title in his first year as a black belt. Also, his innovation in the modern game of BJJ is remarkable. Just look at his MIKEY LOCK… ouch.
RYAN HALL
If Ryan comes across as an engineering student… it’s because he was one. Thankfully for the BJJ community, he gave that up and has been able to entertain us ever since. Although, we wonder if he would have kept up with engineering, what incredible things could he have invented?
Ryan got his blackbelt from Felipe Costa and was on the show The Ultimate Fighter, where he showed us a beautiful display of leg locks.
If you want to see Ryan in action while he’s having dinner, check out the youtube video below where he takes care of business.
ESTEVAN MARTINEZ
Estevan looks like he escaped from the Ringling Brother Circus to try out Jiu-jitsu. Not only is he small, but the acrobatics and scrambles he uses in his Jiu-jitsu makes him one of the most entertaining (and dangerous) fighters in BJJ.
Estevan “The Giant Slayer” Martinez got his blackbelt from Luchas Rocha and fights under ZR Team.
BJJ FOR SMALLER GUYS
So if you’re a small guy and have gotten discouraged from BJJ or any other martial art for that matter, we hope this list of amazing fighters will inspire all the little guys and girls out there. Let us know in our Facebook Group who some of your other favorite smaller fighters are.
