I am a hair under 5’6. I was recently about 165 and went to about 140 on keto… signed up for my first tournament and it looks like they are combining the light divisions to one division 159 and under…
My weight has been all over the place in life. When I graduated high school I was a pretty strong 175. 4-5 years ago I was winning trail races and running ultras down at 138.
I feel my best in the 150s in general.
So I was thinking, if I want to compete some (remember I am over 30, and a beginner so even competing is for fun), why not just stay in the 150s and deal with the taller guys?
I generally only train with guys that are taller anyhow and if I am ever in a “real” self defense situation I won’t get to pick a smaller guy…
I also wondered if at this height if competing is just not something to really do unless you want to weigh much less. In that case I might be willing to get into the 160s just to add strength. I think I could add that (since I used to have it) within a reasonable amount of time but any more than that and I used to feel winded quickly.
Right now my plan is to compete at about 150 and see how it goes. My thinking is the real disadvantage comes during the stand up. I would say 90% of the guys I train with are at least 5’10 and the vast majority is above 180. When I have gone against a taller guy in the same weight it did not seem like a big deal. There were advantages to both body types, it was just who figured out how to take advantage first (when skill is near equal).
Thoughts?