Why is it that guys who are so much lighter than me are so freak’n tough?

For reference, as of this morning I’m 201.3 lbs.

I’m not talking about those with more experience. That is a given why they are so good. BJJ gives one the means and those that stick with it find the way.

Case in point:

What is puzzling me is that whenever I get someone on top of me that is either close to my weight or more, I get gassed out super quick or thrown around like a rag doll.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot????

There was a new kid in class tonight. When I say ‘kid’, I’m meaning 10-12 ish. When we went to roll I thought ‘hey, I’ll start with him first and let him work some moves he learned tonight’. I’m guessing he’s 60 lbs soaking wet. We started from the knees, and I told him that we’re just going to try and take the other guy off balance. He took me down first try.

So I think okay, kid knows what he’s doing, I’ll step it up a bit. Yes, I could have used my weight to my advantage, but I feel that is a cheap shot. My goal is always first and foremost technique. He worked his butt off and did an excellent job of moving around. Got me in some decent head locks too that I unfortunately had to muscle out of. Turned out he wrestled for a year previous so that explained a lot but still, why is it he can keep going like that??

Even when someone heavier than me isn’t using their weight to their advantage, like when I’m in their mount or they have side control on me, I seem to move as if stuck in molasses. You know, like those dreams where you’re fighting like hell but can’t seem to move. Mark has worked with us on breathing, and I’m definitely starting to use it and it shows. I’m lasting longer and longer. I think I’ll work from on my back more. Otherwise, I’m gonna be screwed come tournament time.