Your First BJJ Tournament: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Competing in your first BJJ tournament is a milestone every practitioner should experience. The nerves, the excitement, the intensity—it's unlike anything in regular training. Here's everything you need to know.

Choosing Your First Tournament

Not all tournaments are created equal. For your first competition, consider:

Beginner-Friendly Organizations

NAGA

• Has dedicated "beginner" divisions
• Welcoming atmosphere
• Same-day registration often available

Grappling Industries

• Round-robin format (more matches)
• Lower pressure environment
• Well-organized events

Local Tournaments

• Smaller brackets
• Familiar faces
• Lower stakes

AGF

• Strong kids and beginner programs
• Clear division structure
• Submission-only options

What to Avoid First Time

• Major IBJJF events (high pressure)
• Expert/advanced divisions
• Events requiring extensive travel
• Submission-only without experience

Registration Process

What You'll Need

1. Valid ID: Driver's license or passport
2. Gym affiliation: Your academy name
3. Belt rank: Be honest—belt checkers verify purple+
4. Weight: Know your competition weight class

Common Registration Mistakes

• Waiting until the deadline (divisions fill up)
• Registering for wrong weight class
• Incorrect experience level
• Not checking ruleset

Understanding Rules

Different organizations have different rules. Know before you go:

IBJJF/Standard Rules

Point Scoring:

• Takedown: 2 points
• Sweep: 2 points
• Guard pass: 3 points
• Mount: 4 points
• Back mount: 4 points

Advantages:

• Awarded for near-submissions, near-sweeps
• Tiebreaker if points are equal

Penalties:

• Stalling
• Fleeing the mat
• Illegal techniques

Beginner Illegal Techniques

At white belt, you typically cannot use:

• Heel hooks
• Knee reaps
• Neck cranks
• Slicers

Study your ruleset carefully!

What to Bring

Essential Items

• [ ] Competition gi (IBJJF legal for gi events)
• [ ] Rash guard (for no-gi or under gi)
• [ ] Fight shorts (for no-gi)
• [ ] Flip flops/sandals
• [ ] Water bottle
• [ ] Snacks (bananas, energy bars)
• [ ] Valid ID
• [ ] Registration confirmation
• [ ] Medical tape
• [ ] Extra hair ties (if applicable)

Nice to Have

• [ ] Foam roller
• [ ] Resistance bands
• [ ] Change of clothes
• [ ] Coaching notes/game plan
• [ ] Camera/phone for video

Competition Day Timeline

Before Leaving Home

• Light breakfast (2-3 hours before competing)
• Final weight check
• Double-check all gear
• Arrive with plenty of time

At the Venue

3+ Hours Before Match:

• Check in and get bracelet/wristband
• Find your mat assignment
• Locate coaches and teammates
• Scout the venue

2 Hours Before:

• Light movement and stretching
• Review game plan
• Stay relaxed

1 Hour Before:

• Begin warmup
• Light drilling
• Get mentally prepared

30 Minutes Before:

• Final warmup
• Check brackets
• Use the bathroom

Managing Competition Anxiety

It's completely normal to be nervous. Here's how to handle it:

Before the Day

• Visualize success daily
• Practice deep breathing
• Train competition scenarios
• Accept that nerves are normal

Day Of

• Stick to familiar routines
• Don't overthink
• Move your body (walking calms nerves)
• Connect with teammates
• Focus on what you can control

Right Before Your Match

• Deep breaths
• Shake out tension
• Positive self-talk
• Focus on your first move

Your First Match Strategy

Keep It Simple

For your first tournament:

• One guard pull or takedown
• One guard sweep
• One pass
• One submission

Don't try fancy techniques. Execute your A-game.

Common First-Match Mistakes

1. Going too hard too fast: Burning out in first minute
2. Abandoning the game plan: Panicking and improvising
3. Not breathing: Holding breath during action
4. Forgetting basics: Under-hooks, posture, grips

What to Focus On

• Breathing (seems obvious, often forgotten)
• Position before submission
• Grip fighting
• Staying calm

Win or Learn

Regardless of outcome, you've accomplished something. After your matches:

If You Win

• Stay humble
• Thank your opponent
• Prepare for next match
• Don't celebrate until tournament ends

If You Lose

• Shake hands respectfully
• Analyze what happened
• Note what to work on
• Support teammates

Either Way

• Get video if possible
• Discuss with coach
• Celebrate competing
• Plan for next time

After the Tournament

Immediate Post-Competition

• Properly cool down
• Rehydrate and eat
• Review matches with coach
• Connect with teammates

Days Following

• Rest and recover
• Watch match footage
• Note areas for improvement
• Plan training adjustments

Common Questions

Q: How many matches will I have? A: Depends on bracket size. Could be 1-4+ matches.

Q: What if I get injured? A: You can tap or verbally submit. Don't risk further injury.

Q: Can my coach be on the mat? A: Coaches can be mat-side but not on the mat during matches.

Q: How do I find my bracket? A: Check tournament displays or apps. Usually by division.

Track Your Competition Journey

Use BJJChat to log your competition results, analyze your performance, and plan your training leading up to your next event.

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