BJJ Tournaments

For those who are passionate about BJJ, competing in a tournament can be a thrilling experience. However, it can also be nerve-wracking for first-time competitors. In this blog post, we'll discuss what to expect at women's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions and how to prepare for them.

Types of Competitions

There are several types of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, each with its own set of rules and requirements. The most common types are:

• Gi competitions: These tournaments require participants to wear a traditional BJJ uniform (gi) and follow specific rules for gripping and choking techniques.

• No-Gi competitions: These tournaments are similar to gi competitions, but participants wear shorts and a rash guard instead of a gi.

• Submission-only competitions: In these tournaments, the only way to win is by submitting your opponent. There are no points or time limits.

• Points-based competitions: In these tournaments, points are awarded for various moves and positions, and the competitor with the highest score at the end of the match wins.

Preparing for a Competition

Preparing for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition takes time and dedication. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

1. Train consistently: To compete at your best, you need to train consistently leading up to the competition. This means attending regular classes and putting in extra training sessions if possible.

2. Focus on guard passing: Every tournament I've ever been to (and I've attended LOTS), I noticed one common theme amongst EVERY competitor: the majority of your match is spent passing the guard. Get really good at guard passing when you are prepping for your matches!

3. Focus on your weaknesses: Identify your weaknesses and work on them during your training. This could mean focusing on a specific technique or working on your endurance.

4. Adjust your diet: As you get closer to the competition, you may need to adjust your diet to ensure you have enough energy for your matches. Focus on eating whole foods, and avoid sugary or processed snacks.

5. Get enough rest: Make sure you get plenty of rest leading up to the competition. This will help you stay alert and focused during your matches.

6. Visualize success: Visualize yourself performing well and winning your matches. This can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety leading up to the competition.

What to Expect at a Competition

On the day of the competition, there are several things to keep in mind:

1. Arrive early: Arrive at the competition venue early so you have time to warm up and get familiar with the area.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

3. Listen to your coach: If you have a coach or teammate competing with you, listen to their advice and guidance.

4. Focus on your breathing: Take deep breaths to help reduce anxiety and stay calm during your matches.

5. Stay within the rules: Make sure you are familiar with the rules of the competition and stay within them. Breaking the rules can result in disqualification.

6. It's going to be noisy! There are a lot of people mingling around, and shouting out instructions at their teammates. Get used to the noise and learn to drown it out.

Competing in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By training consistently, focusing on your weaknesses, and staying within the rules, you can give yourself the best chance of success. Remember to stay focused, visualize success, and most importantly, have fun!