Most BJJ students in a typical school will not compete. It is estimated that only about 20% of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) school’s membership will actually compete.
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this choice, competing in tournaments does have its merits. The competition aspect of BJJ drives athletes to be their best, become more driven, and even pursue athletic goals on an entirely different level from the BJJ practitioners who do not compete. For the most part, competing in BJJ competitions is a journey that not many people embark upon, but it’s one from which they can definitely benefit a lot from. Let’s explore the many lessons you can actually learn from competing in BJJ tournaments.
Dedication, Willpower, and Perseverance
For beginners, competing in tournaments can be a test of your dedication, perseverance, and willpower. Not everyone has a strong enough will to keep practicing BJJ when they’re all alone in the gym with no one to impress or to keep them going. If you’re able to keep that positive attitude when you’re training by yourself, you’ll definitely be able to do the same when you’re surrounded by people who are just like you, for example, in a tournament.
Confidence and Integrity
The first time you compete, you’ll probably be scared out of your mind when the referee tells you to walk out on the mat. You might feel like you’re not ready. Others might even question your ability. Making the decision to compete and actually doing it means you have more confidence than those who are holding back.
It also shows that you’re an honest person and you want to compete in a fair fight. There’s nothing dishonest about entering a tournament and walking out with a win. As long as you don’t do anything illegal to get the win, you’re winning on your own skill, not because of something that is against the rules of competition.
Improve Your Skills
Tournaments test your skills. You’re going to fight against someone who’s trying to defeat you. If you’re good, you’ll end up coming out on top. If you’re not good enough, you’ll lose. Losing means you’ll have a chance to learn what you need to work on. You should take the time to understand what you did wrong, and do your best to fix it.
Becoming More Intimate with Your Weaknesses
This might be the biggest thing that you can get from competing, especially if you lose. When you compete, you’ll probably learn where your weaknesses are, and that is invaluable information. Losing can be a huge learning experience that will make you a better BJJ practitioner.
Competitive Edge
You’ll not just be training for the sake of it. You will be training to win, by all means. This means that you’re not just practicing techniques as you go, but you’re practicing them with a competitive mindset. That competitive edge is something that you can take with you in your daily life, and that is definitely not a bad thing.
Conclusion
Competing in tournaments can have its benefits, but it’s also not for everyone. If you’re only doing it just to be the best, then you might not enjoy it as much. However, if you’re serious about improving your skills and becoming a great fighter and a better person overall, then competing is an excellent way to do it.
Pride Martial Arts is a black belt school that motivates, inspires, and coaches individuals who have the passion for using martial arts to transform their lives positively. We hold adult and youth MMA programs, Jury Jiu-Jitsu, as well as kickboxing and BJJ classes in Clarence, NY. If you’re looking for an MMA or kickboxing school offering various programs, then Pride Martial Arts is the place for you. Contact us today to initiate a free trial.
