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Preparing for a BJJ Competition

Preparing for a BJJ CompetitionWhat is important when preparing for a bjj competition? So many of us, once we start on this beautiful journey of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is often asked: “are you going to compete?” That is a choice that some make and others decide to pass on. There are some fantastic competitions that are available for both Adult and Kids, even divisions for older generations of the sport as well. The goal is to find out how to properly prepare and be ready for a challenging day on the mat.

Diet and Food Choices

This is just based on generally known knowledge and will for sure help those who are getting ready. It is important to keep a healthy diet when training in general and should already be established.

Foods to Eat:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruit in moderation
  • Clean protein (chicken, fish, meat, chickpeas, peas)
  • Nuts
  • Clean grains and even pasta in moderation
  • Water and more water

Foods to Avoid:

  • Soda
  • Desserts
  • Fried foods
  • High sodium (canned beans, soups, etc)

The food is the fuel for your body and when you are getting ready for competition, it is not only about making weight but keeping you healthy through the rough preparation period while practicing. The foods to avoid is really about keeping inflammation down in your body and providing as many nutrients as possible if you are going to have to cut weight, keeping carbs low is also a good choice.

Level of Intensity

Your mindset and training will change when you know you are getting ready for a competition.

1st phase:

The first phase is all about the number of rolls you are getting in. This will provide you time to work your game, get used to many different styles of opponents, and build your stamina up.

2nd phase:

The second phase the intensity is going to rise with the amount of energy in each roll being almost at competition level, and most schools will have a set time for this “competition training,” so all that is in class know what to expect.

3rd phase:

About a week out or a little more, it goes down to a much more relaxed approached with a lot of drilling and some light flow rolling to keep your muscles awake and memory sharp with what you have been working on.

What to bring to the competition

Just like when you are packing your bag for class, it is important that on game day you are extra prepared.

  • Water
  • Protein or energy bar
  • Change of clothes
  • Small medical kit
  • Mouthpiece
  • Tape
  • Comfortable shoes (you may be standing a while)
  • Sandals optional but cannot hurt

Final Tips

Some final tips are when you are preparing for a bjj competition. You are breaking your body down, so make sure to give yourself time to heal. A nice ice bath and cold showers can assist with this, and also getting enough sleep are super important to allow your joints, muscles, and overall body to heal. Some people may think starting to lift weights is a good idea. If you do not do it already, don’t start three weeks beforehand, but if you do, then keep the same regime you have and even amp it up in phase one. This is just a little advice from some, and I am sure there are many more pointers from those who dedicate their time in competition. At Casarez Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we have many students that compete, but all will tell you it is the entire team of students that drive the competitors to the podium. Last and I would say the most important thing to remeber is to have FUN!