This weekend I’ll be coaching my students as they step onto the competition mats IBJJF Dallas!
War!
Competing in anything is stressful. Competing in Jiu-Jitsu, where someone is actively trying to submit you is another level of stress. Most people’s first tournament is very nerve-racking. Remember it is win or learn. Not win or lose. If we win we probably didn’t learn anything. But when we lose is when we grow the most.
1. Show up an hour early.
Don’t roll in at the last minute. Get there with time to breathe, settle in, and get your mind right.
2. Check your weight on the practice scales first.
Make sure you’re on weight before you even step near the official scale. Once you’re on the board and they weigh you in — if you’re even a little over, you’re disqualified. No excuses, no second chances. Handle it early.
3. Warm up properly — 15-20 minutes to get. your heart rate up and start sweating.
Light jogging, light grappling, dynamic movements,. Burn off some of that extra nervous energy so you’re loose and focused. Ready to compete when your match is called. Sweating/warming up early prevents injuries and helps us to be ready to perform when it is time.
4. Once you’re on the board, go through GI check, weigh-in, and wait.
Stay calm. You’ve already done the hard part. Now it’s just follow the process. Use this waiting time to stay loose, breathe, and visualize your game plan.
5. Remember to breathe.
When the nerves spike, most people hold their breath or breathe shallow. Slow, deep breaths keep your mind clear and your body relaxed. Do it while you wait, while you walk to the mat, and between scrambles.
6. Walk to your mat, wait for the ref,
When they call your name, walk over, wait for the referee’s signal, then step on the mat. Shake the ref’s hand, shake your opponent’s hand, and get ready to go. Simple, respectful, and it keeps you grounded.
7. Keep your game plan simple and trust your training.
Everyone please have a game plan and go over it with me be as detailed as possible. Follow the game plan as well as you can. Two or three go-to moves you’ve drilled a thousand times. When the adrenaline hits and your brain gets foggy, muscle memory takes over.
8. This is fun.
We are choosing to do this. Relax and enjoy this moment. Not everyone has the privilege to compete! Winning is fun, losing not as much.
Conclusion:
Competition is hard. 50% of the people who compete lose their first match. Remember it is win or learn.
Doing hard things is important. We don’t get that many opportunities in life as an adult to step outside our comfort zone. It is good for everyone to grow and expand ourselves doing hard things. Look at this as an opportunity to challenge yourself and grow as a human.
Just showing up already puts you ahead of 90% of people. Bring that nervous energy, follow the plan, and leave everything on the mat.
If you’re one of my students reading this — I’ll see you there. Let’s go get some medals.
And if you’re thinking about competing someday, come train with us. We’ll get you ready.
Train hard,
Travis Lutter
Team Lutter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
6913 Camp Bowie Blvd #133
Fort Worth, TX
(817) 781-4243