In late November 2024, the 2019 World’s Strongest Man and Arnold Strongman Classic champion, Martins Licis, joined Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) legends John Danaher and Gordon Ryan at the ROKA Performance Lab in Austin, TX, to develop his grappling skills.
During their sessions, Licis took on two 300-pound goliaths — his first time rolling with similar-sized opponents in his two years of BJJ practice. “I’m nervous but stoked,” Licis said before grappling with Ty Horn, a 320-pounder who utilizes Strongman training, and Dan Manasoiu, 6-foot-3 inches tall, weighing 295 pounds and ranked 10th in the world.
“This is a very, very harsh reality check at the skill of these guys,” Horn told Licis. “It’s pretty amazing — a whole different tier.”
[Related: 2024 Magnús Ver Magnússon Strongman Classic Results]
Escaping the Mount
Licis started from the basics, on his back, with his opponent seated on top, putting him at a disadvantage. Licis first learned to counter by kipping, which involves explosive lower-body thrusts to leverage momentum and dismount the person on top. Though his Strongman instincts kicked in, it was of no use to him.
“You’re still treating it like a bench press,” coached Manasoiu. “You’re training with strong people today, so you’re not going to be able to cheat.” Manasoiu proved his point, rendering Licis powerless during their tussles, “It was like having a bus-sized [boa] constrictor slowly crush your bones,” Licis said.
Praising Licis’ Skills
Despite being helpless against highly experienced grapplers, Licis’s athletic ability received praise from Horn. “Your spatial awareness and ability to play chess as it goes, rather than just react, is very good.” The compliments continued, “There’ve been world-class guys that come through here, and they’re a walk in the park compared to [you],” Horn admitted.
Gracious in defeat, Licis continued working on butterfly guards counters and improving defensive techniques.
Submission Legend 1-On-1
A highlight for Licis was a private session with Gordon Ryan, an American submission wrestler, and third-degree BJJ black belt often considered the greatest no-gi grappler ever. He taught Licis hand control techniques, more escape tactics, and submissions.
“That was an overload of information,” Licis acknowledged after 72 hours of time on the mats with elite BJJ artists. “I have a new understanding of when and how to use different types of escapes,” he concluded. Licis plans to expand upon his newfound skill set with the guidance of his training partner, Thiago Rodrigues.
It is unknown if/when Licis will return to competitive strongman platforms. However, should he challenge top-tier strongman talent again, his training on the battle mats will certainly garner further body awareness to improve his techniques.
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Featured image: @martinslicis on Instagram
