Competing is a very optional experience when training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Considering this, would it be beneficial to compete or is it not worth the anxiety? Every practitioner usually has a different perspective, but most of us can agree on some good points. Training for competition is said to be a good way to stay focused and advance your training. Similarly, the anxiety some practitioners feel while preparing can be negative when wanting to compete. Each of these effects can be involved in your daily routine and can help or hurt your training. In conclusion, knowledge about your options will let you decide on the perfect choice.

Competition Training

Competition training can have more of a meaning than just pushing yourself as hard as you can go. Everyone who trains knows that competition isn't restricted to just the youth either. In preparation, an athlete can tend to use more focus on building or fixing their arsenal of sweeps, passes, and submissions. Also, if starting from a standing position isn't practiced at your academy competition prep might help. With the date in mind, you can practice your guard pulling or takedowns when normally skipping this area of technique. Lastly, the sparring rounds you have will matter a bit more. Some athletes count points in their rounds to effectively picture the competition setting. These little tricks put you in the right direction of being prepared to give it your all at any competition.

Competition Anxiety

The anxiety faced when deciding to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is totally personal. Some athletes feel it right when signing up when they are next to fight, or in minor amounts if at all. In most cases, each athlete will face some kind of anxiety or worry even if they have done it a thousand times. One thing to note from all the anxiety is the ability of choice. Having fun and wanting to better yourself is a fun challenge for anyone to set. If life is already stressful enough it might be better to support some teammates competing and see from there. In conclusion, no matter the stance on anxiety it is reasonable to sit on either side.

Is Competition Beneficial?

Competition teaches an athlete characteristics about themselves that they might have not caught before. With this being said, do you really need to know about those? Winning in a competition can teach you about what is working and what you are doing right. In the alternative, it can also show you some things you are doing poorly when you lose. Both sides are fine and can lead to improvement and knowledge. In the ultimate goal, this is exactly what we are all trying to achieve. When considering if the competition is beneficial, ask yourself if you can achieve your goals without competition. Being truthful with yourself can lead to the right decision making that leads to your progression.  

(BONUS) Dealing with Losses

Competition is a very vulnerable place that is exciting to watch or participate in. Losses are apart of the game and everyone will go through them. This is either in training or actual competition. Just like life, we keep moving forward. No one will like you any less no matter the outcome!

When asking yourself the question if you should compete or not, see how you feel about the situations above! Training is life-changing for us all. Competition can be for the extra achievers, are you interested?

Train on. Oss.