Recently, I gave the class a reminder. Adjust your game to your partner.

I don’t train with a bigger, stronger athlete the way I train with a smaller partner who comes to class to get some movement in.

With someone smaller or less experienced, I don’t sit in mount or side control. Pressure there wastes the round. Neither of us improve. Instead, I play guard. I drop back for leg locks. I work on taking the back. Back mount is dominant, but I’m not using my weight there. They’re on top.

With a bigger or more skilled partner, I test my B and C games and see where they stand.

Then there are rounds that force my A game. I don’t get a choice.