There are some hugely strong grapplers too, but for the most part, the thinking is that the more muscle you have, the more blood has to be pumped and oxygen used to fuel all of that muscle. Grappling is weighted much more toward technique, and not strength. That is why there is an "Absolute" (no weight classes) division that a lot of people participate in. Almost always, it's the lighter, faster guys, that have crisp technique, that win.
Yes, essentially. People with a wrestling background tend to be better all around than guys who just train jiu jitsu, but wrestlers have to unlearn a lot of their basic "ideas" (like being on your back, for example) before they can really sart being successful. If you look at the last ten years of UFC champions, you'll find gobs of collegiate wrestlers.
Are you in the Salt Lake area? I can recommend a few excellent gyms in Northern Utah, but if you're in Slc, then the Salt Lake Grappling Club is the best in town.
ECTYA, you're absolutely right about using grappling as self defense. I haven't been in a fight in years, but the last one I was in I ended up with a broken hand from punching his chin, and a broken nose from catching his fist like a BAWSE. I'm never going to exchange hands again. Hopefully I never get in another fight, but if I do, it's going to the ground and my opponent is going to sleep.
