a bit of fat: advantage or disadvantage?

[KenshiRyan]

Iv been training for a year in martial art, but have never realy had to use what i've learnt except for if im sparring etc, Im just wondering does a bit of fat help as an advantage or disadvantage in a conflict? (im not talking full on overweight monster, just a bit on the sides if you know what i mean), any opinions would be great.

(sorry if this is in the wrong thread, my mistake)

[jubaji]

If you are looking for an excuse to feel good about being a fat bastard, forget it.


Hit the gym, tubby.

[KenshiRyan]

lol im actuly a bit skinny.
Im just looking to learn a bit more about how size affects conflicts, anyone?

[jubaji]

You are looking for an excuse and an affirmation. Forget it. Lose the fat.

[KenshiRyan]

I cant say much more than the truth, take it or leave it jubaji

[Tom Yum]

lol im actuly a bit skinny.
Im just looking to learn a bit more about how size affects conflicts, anyone?

Size matters as it builds potential for force but so does skill, but that being said I've seen a 140-lber knock a heavyweight on his ass.

All things being equal, the bigger man will win though.

[Thai Bri]

In all seriousness, force equals mass x acceleration (ok guys, I know it is more complicated than this, but there you go).

So, the more mass you have, the more potential power you have. Mass from muscle is preferable, because muscle helps move you around, whereas fat doesn't. But mass is mass.

If you look at the old style wrestlers many of them were a little generous around the belly. Now I am not talking about the fake stuff. I mean the real stuff from yesteryear. They had "extra" as it helped cushion them when they were thrown. It will also cushion blows too.

Another factor is knife defence. If you are stabbed with a three inch knife into a belly that had four inches of fat you will bleed - buut you won't die. Even if the knife was longer the fat will still limit the penetration towards your vital organs.

I do not recommend getting fat as an aid to self protection. You are hardly protecting yourself when you increase your chances of getting obesity related diseases! But you can hit harder and take harder hits with fat. Thats a fat fact!

[jubaji]

They had "extra" as it helped cushion them when they were thrown. !

No, that is not why.

[KenshiRyan]

So really skill and technique are more important than size?

[Thai Bri]

It all depends on the individuals and the circumstances. Size matters (ask jubaji's still tight ass'd boyfriend). But it isn't necessarily the deciding factor.

But sports fighting arts have weight categories for a reason. Muscle is preferable, but fat can add to your destructive power also.

[Tom Yum]

So really skill and technique are more important than size?

Generally speaking they are, but it depends on the circumstances...

Its a mistake to think that skill and technique don't produce power.

Its also a mistake to think that size and strength don't matter.

If we're talking about a full-contact, KO event you have cases for both sides:

Size over technique

1. For example, look at Kimo vs. Gracie in UFC 3. Gracie gave a draw to Kimo, who was way less experienced but stronger and some 90lbs heavier.

2. Former footballer Bob Sapp KO'd Ernesto Hoost in K-1 two times; Not that it was easy for Sapp, but he still crushed him.

3. Tank Abbot has KO'd alot of guys smaller than himself who were more technical.

Technique over size

1. Genki Sudo had his way with Superheavyweight Toughman Butterbean despite giving 150 lb in weight and strength.

2. Koaklai Kaennorsing KTFO Mighty Mo (also a superheavyweight) and went toe to toe against 7' Chong Mam Ho (decision draw).

3. Roy Jones jr. at 190 lbs gave a beat down to hard hitting heavyweight fighter John Ruiz.

[jubaji]

It all depends on the individuals and the circumstances. But sports fighting arts have weight categories for a reason. Muscle is preferable, but fat can add to your destructive power also.

Good idea to start to alter your foolish position, champ.

[gabbah]

Good idea to start to alter your foolish position, champ.

lol just give it a rest jubai.

[Thai Bri]

I think I must have upset jubaji. He's started to follow me around the forum, making cheap jibes.

Hey! If it makes him happy then it makes me happy!

[gabbah]

Hmm, I wonder what you did to make him feel he has lost face and brought shame to his family.