Table of Contents
Introduction
I never imagined that I would ever get to experience training in any martial arts discipline, let
alone join a competition. When I started training in the Martial Arts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I didn’t
even have the slightest idea what I’m getting myself into. My main reason for BJJ training back
then was to try out this new sport and learn something new. I don’t know who’s winning or losing
when I watch others roll, I don’t know that there is a BJJ belt system that will signify your
knowledge in Jiu Jitsu and I don’t know why my teammates say OSS every so often during
sparring. I got hooked during the first week of training and my coach dangled the idea of joining
a competition 3 months into my Jiu Jitsu addiction. I learned that the way BJJ competition works
is that you go against someone who has the same belt level and weight class as you.
What are the things that you need to consider before joining a BJJ competition?
- Know the BJJ belt system and Identify the weight class that you want to join
- You must identify the category that you will be signing up for. It is a must to know
the right category so that you can prepare whether you will need to lose weight or
go on a higher weight division. Keep in mind the BJJ belt system and sign up
with your correct belt color.
2. Familiarize yourself with the competition rules
- Every event has a particular set of rules that they impose. These rules can either
make or break your win, that is why it is very important to know the dos and
don’ts of competition. A perfect example of this is by downloading the IBJJF
Rules guide to keep yourself updated with the latest Jiu Jitsu rules.
3. Attend Competition training
- A normal Jiu Jitsu class is different from a competition training. In competition
training, you will emulate situations that are similar to the actual competition. It is
one of the most important things that you need to be able to prepare fully for BJJ
competitions.
4. Prepare Mentally
- Having the right frame of mind is one of the hardest but achievable preparation
you can do for yourself. Creating a mindset that is resilient and formidable are
the best traits one can practice all throughout your BJJ training sessions.
5. Set your rest days
- As much as you want to push yourself to train, it would help if you also gave rest
great importance. Our bodies have limitations which is why it is very important to
recover through resting. It is as important as the physical training itself, so set
your training days and your rest days as well.
6. OSS! OSS! OSS!
- Whenever you see people training in Jiu Jitsu they always say this expression.
One of the meanings it entails is “Persevering when pushed”. You will definitely
feel the pressure once you decide to compete but keep in mind that the
preparation is the hardest part of competition training. The competition itself is
where you showcase what you learned and worked for. So when the preparation
gets more challenging, just go on and utter OSS!
Conclusion
Competition is not for everyone which is why it’s a big milestone for a Jiu Jitsu enthusiast that
tries to compete for the first time. Take down notes from your Professors and Teammates who
had experiences in competition. You will never take out the jitters, Even the most Elite Athletes
experience this during their performances. The better thing to do is be prepared and most of all
enjoy the journey leading up to the competition. It is also a great time to build rapport and
camaraderie with your team. OSS!
