{"id":19273,"date":"2023-05-21T09:00:09","date_gmt":"2023-05-21T14:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rollingaroundbjj.com\/?p=19273"},"modified":"2023-05-24T18:20:00","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T23:20:00","slug":"first-bjj-tournament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rollingaroundbjj.com\/first-bjj-tournament\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Prepare For Your First BJJ Tournament"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a highly competitive sport, and tournaments play a significant role in its popularity. Even white belts and beginners have frequent opportunities to compete against people of similar skills, so every practitioner has thoughts of entering a competition. But should you do it, and when?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can participate in your first BJJ tournament as early as 3\u20134 months into training, but there is no set time you should start competing. Once you are committed to a tournament, you should train hard, know the rules, make weight, and do your best to follow a game plan. Most of all, you should enjoy the experience. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tournaments can be a daunting but a rewarding experience. The matches themselves are hard enough, so it’s best to have all the preparation on point and not let minor details or missing information ruin your first BJJ tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You Do Your First BJJ Tournament<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>The time you enter your first tournament will vary greatly depending on many factors and can range from 3\u20134 months of training to 2\u20133 years in the gym. For most people, the first competition happens between 6 and 12 months after they start jiu-jitsu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Competitions are a considerable part of the success of BJJ, both in terms of effectiveness and popularity. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in competitions because it’s an elevating experience as a martial artist and person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BJJ is so popular among enthusiasts because of the sport’s safe nature. Yes, there are injuries, and the opponent is effectively trying to do a damaging technique on you, but submissions are safe when let go in time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The injury rate in BJJ is drastically lower than in other martial arts, especially striking ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your instructor should be the main person to determine whether you are ready for competition. Luckily, in-house tournaments and white belt competitions happen often and are perfect for beginners to test themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have the basics of BJJ down and there is an appropriate tournament for your level, my advice is to go for it. The thrill alone, as terrifying as it is, is worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What To Expect At Your First BJJ Tournament<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once it\u2019s time for tournament day, a few things will happen. Only in-house tournaments differ from this schedule, but if you are at an IBJJF or any other organized BJJ tournament<\/a>, you can expect the day to go like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weigh Ins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you are allowed to compete, you have to pass the scale, which is the first test. Most of the time, the scale takes place in the morning before the matches begin. Make sure you are within the limits of your weight class<\/a>. Sometimes there is some allowance from the weight limit, other times there isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the weigh-ins, it is a good idea to view the brackets if you haven\u2019t already and know who you will be grappling against, when, and if there are multiple mats where you will be called. This is very important to avoid last-minute problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warm Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You know the importance of a proper warm-up, which may play a significant role in your tournament performance. Find the warm-up area, which is likely crowded, and use the small space the best way you can. Stay moderate with the warm-up and expend less energy. Break a slight sweat and try to get your muscles ready for action and not fatigued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call-out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep track of the number of matches and know when you will be expected to come out. Once you hear the call, you will experience the most nerve-wracking moment of the day. Don’t worry; it’s the same for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Match<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the match starts, follow the game plan you have drawn. More likely than not, you will be overwhelmed and unable to think much since this is your first competition. Expect the adrenaline to take over and make you infinitely tenser than you should be, meaning your energy will deplete quicker than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other thing that may surprise you is the aggression of your opponents. Regardless of how hard you roll in the gym, people go at 100% in competition, and the feeling is drastically different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Aftermath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After your first match ends, there are a few possible outcomes, depending on the format and whether you win or lose. If the tournament is a single elimination format and you win, you continue in the bracket and will grapple again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on how deep the bracket is, the next match may come in 30 minutes or after a few hours. If you lose, you are eliminated, which is it for the day. Enjoy spectating the rest of the matches with your teammates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hopefully, you reach the end of the bracket and win a medal or a trophy, which will be an outstanding start to your competition career. But don\u2019t worry if you didn\u2019t. At this stage, the only important thing is the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First BJJ Tournament Preparation Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"When<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Having good preparation is a major factor in performing well in a BJJ tournament. Here are the things you should know and do for optimal performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Know the Rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It cannot be overstated how important the rules and regulations are. I can\u2019t count the times I\u2019ve seen a white belt disqualified because he used a move he is forbidden to. It\u2019s essential to familiarize yourself with all the rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n