Competitions in BJJ are not mandatory, but you can learn a lot from them.
That is why we at Jiu-Jitsu Amersfoort advise you to do it at least once.
With this BJJ blog, we try to stimulate and inspire you for a BJJ competition, of course.
Six tips that will help you:
1: Weight Class
Jiu-Jitsu has weight classes, so compete in a weight class that is close to your natural weight.
You don't need to diet yourself to death for your first BJJ tournament.
When you have more experience, you can see at which weight you feel best.
2: Diet
If you are used to eating certain things, do not suddenly change that just before a competition. We, as humans, are creatures of habit.
So stick to your routine, even if that means, for all I care, that you shove down Big Macs every day and wash them down with a Coke.
I personally thrive on a carnivore diet with fruit, for example.
Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for you.
3: Warm-up
Everyone has their favorite routine, but what most people will agree on is a sport-specific warm-up.
Think of solo-drills, throws, and positional sparring.
4: Strategy for competition day:
Nobody goes to a competition to finish second.
You want to win, but it won't always go the way you want it to.
Come with a strategy and a plan B for when things aren't going well.
5: Work on your strengths:
A common mistake is that jiujitsukas add new techniques to their arsenal a few weeks before the competition, don't do this. Do this when no competitions are scheduled.
Learning new skills takes time, and you don't just do it three weeks before a BJJ competition!
6: Enjoy:
Don't forget to enjoy it, doing BJJ competitions is a privilege.
You are healthy, fit, and you practice the best sport in the world.
This article was originally published in Dutch. Read the Dutch original.
