Written by Gile Huni., a 3rd degree BJJ black belt and head instructor at Kimura BJJ Serbia
Hello everyone, this is Gile Huni, a 3rd-degree BJJ black belt, sharing a vital approach for practitioners like myself who find themselves facing younger, faster, and more explosive opponents in training and in competition. As we age, our speed and cardio may not match what they once were. But instead of trying to outpace youthful energy, the answer lies in taking control of the pace through what I call Sloth Jiu-Jitsu.
The Power of Slowing Down
Aging in Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t mean losing your edge; it means evolving your approach. While younger practitioners might dart around with unending energy, our strength lies in patience, control, and methodical movement. Slowing the game down forces your opponent into unfamiliar territory where bursts of speed are ineffective.
Instead of engaging in a chaotic scramble, you dictate the tempo. This method is not only sustainable but also allows for precision, strategy, and a focus on energy efficiency. By applying steady pressure, setting traps, and advancing with calculated steps, you can systematically wear down even the most athletic adversaries. Best of all, this style is timeless—you can continue to play this way for decades without relying on speed, explosiveness, or extreme cardio.
My Transition to Sloth Jiu-Jitsu
In my early years, as a blue and purple belt, I relished fast, high-movement techniques. I embraced spider guard and even experimented with the Tornado guard. But these flashy moves came at a cost—injuries piled up, including a torn hamstring that left me rethinking my approach. I soon realized that to keep training, competing, and staying true to Jiu-Jitsu as I aged, I needed to adapt.
Over the last 12 years, my focus shifted toward control and pressure, honing a methodical style I now call Sloth Jiu-Jitsu. It centers on heavy top pressure, incremental advancements, and forcing my opponent to bear my weight. By wearing down my opponents, I move inch by inch to dominant positions. This evolution has become my primary competition strategy.
Close-Range Dominance
When it comes to passing guard, you generally have two options: a high-speed, explosive approach or a slow, calculated strategy. My preference? Keeping it slow and close. By staying close to your opponent, you rob them of space to create angles, engage in guard play, or set up their own offensive techniques. Forward pressure ensures they carry your weight and limits their movements. This constant weight-bearing tires them out, breaking their rhythm and opening paths to pass, control, or take the back.
Key Benefits of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu
- Reduced Complexity and Space
The larger the distance between two fighters, the greater their freedom of movement. This favors quick, explosive athletes who can capitalize on transitions and complex modern techniques. By closing that distance, you strip away their ability to implement flashy or unpredictable guards, bringing the fight to your terms. - Lower Risk of Injury
High-speed, chaotic scrambles can lead to injuries—sometimes in the most unexpected ways. A slower game, centered around control and precise movement, minimizes these risks. It’s a safer way to compete, particularly as you age. - Energy Management and Fatigue
Constant pressure wears down your opponent. While they struggle to escape, create space, or even breathe under your weight, they tire faster. Slowing down allows you to conserve energy while steadily depleting theirs. - Transitional Versatility
This approach has a natural crossover to wrestling, MMA, and self-defense. It emphasizes fundamentals, strong positioning, and control, making it effective across multiple arenas of combat.
Slowing the game down and embracing Sloth Jiu-Jitsu isn’t about resigning to age—it’s about mastering control. By bringing the fight into your realm of patience and steady pressure, you can nullify the advantages of youth and explosiveness. Whether in sport Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, or self-defense, a pressure-based, slow style remains one of the most effective paths to victory. So, next time you find yourself against a younger, faster opponent, remember: bring them into your world and watch them tire themselves out. Stay patient, stay methodical, and let your experience shine through.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
