When Will I know I'm Ready To Compete In BJJ?

www.Chewjitsu.net
I was recently asked by John D, When will I know I'm ready to compete in BJJ?
This is such a common question I get from my newer students who haven't competed in wrestling or other 1on1 sports.
The people that get into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that have competed in other 1on1 sports know that a part of it is simply doing it. You're not going to know you're ready. But you just do it anyways.
This is especially true for your first competition. You won't know you're ready for something you haven't done yet. So it's only natural that you're going to second guess yourself and wonder when you'll feel ready.
So for your 1st BJJ tournament you're not going to know you're ready. You just have to get out there and do it.
If you're one of those people who is a little more anxious or an over thinker. Like me. Then something you can do is make a simple game plan outlining at least one move from every major position. Making sure you have at least 1 takedown, 1 guard pull, escape from every position, a sweep series, submission series.
In essence you want to make sure you know exactly how you will approach the match from start to finish.
You don't want to start the match and wonder, "what do I do now?"
So there are a couple of tips.
Hope the video was helpful!
-Chewy
-----------------
www.chewjitsu.net/focused-jiu-...
/ chewjitsu
/ chewjitsu
/ chewjitsu
Snapchat: Chewjitsu
Intro/Outtro Music : www.thesoundproviders.com/#/

[@harpershaw2617]

Competed after 2 months. Lost both my matches but it was a great learning experience and it was so much fun.

[@eh9135]

I only have 1 month training but I will like to wait until my 3rd month. Anyways good for you, have you competed ever since?

[@asteriskcolon]

Checklist: One solid escape, one sweep or series of sweeps from guard, Submission from guard, guard break, guard pass, submission from back/side control, mount One thing from every position

[@Chewjitsu]

That's a good place to start.

[@hongsun9457]

I think another thing to add is guard pull or takedown/throw

[@jyoungerification]

I competed as a white belt and won a silver in my division. Never be fearful because there is no losing in Jiu jitsu just learning either way it's a win . OSS

[@Chewjitsu]

great job!

[@pauldigga5419]

On the other hand fear be harnessed and drive you

[@aplacetobewithmythoughts7428]

I’m not worried about losing. I’m worried about getting injured.

[@millsakov]

@@aplacetobewithmythoughts7428 same!

[@hehehaha4577]

Lol how many people competed in your division though

[@lucasfrancelino5580]

Lost my first five tournaments, in the sixth I was already thinking about giving up on competitions and just sticking to training twice a week. But on that day I ended up winning the whole thing, and submiting all my three oponents, Kimura, Katagatame and a Cross Collar Choke.

[@jonidelapaternal3629]

Boss

[@mclrk]

Hey dude. I've been watching a lot of your videos and just wanted to say how much I like and appreciate them. Keep up the good work.

[@Chewjitsu]

I appreciate the message Matt! Thanks brother.

[@tenaciousg808]

Thanks Chewy for all your videos. I just started BJJ last at age 32. Broke my foot, and then continued February this year. Your videos have given me inspiration to keep training when I've wanted to quit, and now prepping for my first competition. Keep up the good work!

[@Freduccine978]

Got my first tournament on the 27th, Tap Cancer Out in Danvers. I'm a white belt with one stripe. Wish me luck!

[@Chewjitsu]

Nice man! Good luck. Let me know how it goes.

[@Freduccine978]

Will do! Also you said your buddy has a school in Chicago, i will be out there for work next month on the 6th and was looking for a place to train. Whats the name of his school and i'll give them a call.

[@ollebridal4656]

How did it go?

[@cogen651]

Chris Frediani Good luck. How much is it?

[@Freduccine978]

cogen651 it would have been $65, but I actually raised a bunch of money so my admission was waived. Didn't do well, made a lot of mistakes and got eliminated first round. But.... Two months later took 3rd and 1st gi and no gi at good fight

[@Daluris]

This was super helpful because as one of those practitioners who sometimes tends to overthink, having some semblance of a gameplan is definitely going to assist me in structuring my thought process a little better in preparation for my first competition next month! I'm going into it with the mindset of a higher intensity training match with no limitations other than to have fun and learn from the experience. Thank you!

[@juliamanaraze1864]

Why is Chewy the most soothing, calming person ever? He always helps to chill me out when I'm over-stressing.

[@willkeno]

Im a white belt. So far i did 2 competitions. 1st comp in march went 1-2 and this latest comp I went 0-4. I did get a silver but its cause i got 2nd in a 2 man division hahaha. I still dont feel "ready". Im gonna keep doing it though. So far its the biggest leaps and bounds in learning what i need to work on.

[@TheSands83]

I finally found a gym 2 hours away... I’ve wanted to try bjj forever!! I’m 36 so I feel to old but I lm obsessed with competition n always have been I went to my first class today... it only lasted 45 min but hopefully it gets better n I can compete

[@ersantosjr]

Thanks for this chewy I’ve been contemplating competing for a bit because I am falling in love with the sport! Now I’m going to get at least 1 move from every position down. OSS

[@Terraburn]

Thanks so much for answering my question chewy! Great advice and it gives me something to plan!

[@Chewjitsu]

John no problem! Thanks for asking the question and all the support brother.

[@SanMiguelBulls]

Cant stop watching your channel, great topics...

[@cristobal9677]

Chewy....love the gems of knowledge you post!!!..osss very helpful

[@jon-paulchartier8856]

Bwah ha ha, "If you lose your wife/girlfriend might be relieved" So true ha ha! I'm 30 and I am always so scared to compete. But after each competition I'm always glad I went.

[@hunterholistichealth]

This channel is gold, thank you 👊🏼

[@sentey1]

I just competed for the first time, I didn't want to. My Mestre and my partners kinda forced me to. And I ended up getting 3rd place THIS IS FANTASTIC , REALISTIC AND VERY PRECISE ADVICE.

[@usecodedarkg3463]

I used to do wrestling Muay thai and mma and now you’re motivating me to do jui jitsu

[@Anthony-id6gu]

been training off and on for the past 6 years. but over the last two years ive gotten more into the idea of competing. i have two competitions coming up (they are my first) in the next month. This video will help releave the nervousness of that! thanks

[@haroutdemirjian8831]

I know I’m late but how’s you do bro?

[@chvyguy21]

Awesome video. I am barely starting my jiu jitsu journey and one day hope to compete. This was very informative. You seem like a down to earth kind of guy. Subscribed.

[@Chewjitsu]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for the comment.

[@juaan.olvera]

I'm going to compete for the first time in May, so thanks for this video chewy 🤙

[@thewhitebelts3422]

I remember that feeling before wrestling matches. Never been more nervous in my life. It didn't help that I wasn't very good haha.

[@spinne1091]

I did 3 years of judo, and now i had 2 lessons of bjj and i cant wait to go to a tournament☺Im not afraid to loose bcs i feel really confident while sparring, and i enjoy even loosing bcs i learn so much new.

[@ahyeaman]

we had a judo guy come to our BJJ gym, he was like a boulder once he was in a controlling position! I can see a judo guy doing very well against some white belts in a tournament

[@spinne1091]

Judokas are good in controlling positions ecause in a judo groundfight, there are only controlling positions^^ either you are in the good position or the enemy is, thats a bit different in bjj tho i think

[@ahyeaman]

Yeah for example the judo guy I rolled with hadn't been put in a triangle before so I easily put him in a triangle a couple times. but once he got his hips on the ground it was game over for me!

[@gianttigerfilms]

@@ahyeaman we have triangles in Judo??

[@horsehobbykz1705]

have a first, a small city tournament as white belt soon and your videos help a lot!

[@paulilicious94]

I began jiu jitsu 3 months ago, competed and lost 2 matches in overtime after training for 1 month (in a novice

[@cogen651]

I would think a lot of the fear is letting down the school/gym and teacher.

[@thetornprince138]

would you offer the same advise to a higher ranking grappler who hasn't competed in several years?

[@mhal822]

I love your videos professor, my problem is every time I go to fight in a tournament and it's my turn to fight, I forget everything and my mind goes blank. If my professor isn't watching my fight I can't think straight, the problem is some of my friends they compete by themselves and get medals and I lose from my first fight. Any tips to help me change that?

[@ignaciocabrera1839]

I want to compete, but in the last 2 years not one student from our facility has lost so I'm not trying to break the streak😂

[@malachimoore1101]

Ignacio Cabrera lmfao

[@haroutdemirjian8831]

I learned a lot at the jiu jitsu world league world championship. Work more on my wrestling. I’m a judo brown belt but I was scared to get a throw and land in a bad position but thank God I got first place at the medium heavy division. 1st was by point other 2 first min armbars from guard

[@-CrampedStyle-]

Great question and smart answer! I like how your response was very tactical "Have a technique for every position." I'm a 2 stripe purple belt that has never competed, but thinking of doing it next year just to experience it. Three things I'm concerned with: 1) Weight cut 2) Changing my training to prepare for a comp 3) Competing/Training as an older BJJ Player (I'm 46) Maybe you can address one/all of these topics in a future video?

[@Chewjitsu]

Absolutely. I'll write down the question and I'll make a video about it sometime soon. Thanks for the question brother.

[@ddevice4914]

Great advice. Thank you!

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome! Thank you for the comment.

[@liamrobinson5612]

I’ve been away for 6 weeks on holiday I have come back and started training again I haven’t forgot anything much really and I’ve signed up for the Europeans as a white belt and my first competition , do you think I should just go in and do it or wait till another competition later on in the year

[@FJ0EL]

Maaan this video gave me a great idea! thank you!

[@Chewjitsu]

What kind of great idea?

[@KazzArie]

Even if you don't have a move from every position it's good to try. Feel what it's like to make weight, the comp jitters, tunnel vision, maybe even make the podium and get a medal. The less you know going into a tournament, the more you find out what you need to improve. The pace and intensity going with strangers for a $3 chunk of medal is crazy compared to an average roll at your primary gym or some other place's open mat 😄 Did my first one in Masters 1 after seven months training, second one over the past weekend in Masters 2 after 14 months.

[@TyHatfield]

Yep exactly what I had always taught me like in wrestling also there's only three moves you need to take down, pin, and a escape! Another thing that I was talk to you to help me if you're at a playground and there's guys that are exactly the same size as you same weight can I hold you down and make you do anything they want? Answers know now if you add in understanding through grappling that's what makes what you do worth it!

[@NoBody-ro3xj]

What do you think about going to tournaments not to win but make sure no one can submit you? I end up losing by points because I'm too playful but I haven't been submitted in a tournament and I have even gave submissions to people on purpose.

[@DaSlav_KING]

Started at haanpaa in rockford IL not really to concerned about being ready cause I'm drawn significantly to combat sports and understand that bjj is about concept and just having a game plan and I personally just wanna ask man what's the best method for attacking mobility problems as in off of gaurd or passing guard. I know I need to lose the belly and tighten my back up. Sitting at 275-280 as of today, should I just focus on dropping fat mass instead of strength training???!?!?

[@youngrevival9715]

I competed at 10 weeks experience with no experience prior. Competed against guys that had almosta. Yearexperience. I lost. But I'm happy I had the heart to go in even at a disadvantage

[@austinalexander238]

Thank you!

[@ConfidentGrips]

10 months in still don't have one thing in every position and tournament is in few weeks most people tell me they had similar exp

[@Jorge-wg9tq]

A comment on the Cardio thing in your first wrestling match, the adreniline dump is insane your first time clmpeting

[@charlesrahim3455]

Good advice.

[@gabehill8062]

My coach has won a tournament or came in second i think only knowing a key lock when he first started. Legendary

[@Alpha-tu4yx]

Idk why but this video just made made nervous of competing In jujitsu when I wasn't scared at all and just hyped

[@batjackjohnson252]

thank you brotha

[@christianalinas]

Awesome!

[@paulsmith1768]

"Your wife isn't going to leave you..." lol

[@randysmith9578]

I just completed my first tournament, mang was I nervous.

[@joshcannon4947]

IMO competing is the single best thing you can do to truly understand your game and where you're at physically and mentally. that adrenaline dump is real though!!!

[@BrandonMckayGaryRalph]

Really helpful.....

[@VIEWS-xn8dx]

You’re the best bro. Thank u for sharing your experience 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 like and subscribe

[@sfkingalpha]

I competed after about 4 months of being a Judo [ I know ]. white belt. I even asked my coach if I should do it. He said "Why not?? What's the worst than can happen? You're gonna get thrown." That's exactly what happened and I'm ok. I guess for BJJ I'd say "What's the worst that can happen? You're gonna tap."

[@outdoorswithroostercurrie6984]

I know you’ve probably been asked this question before but here goes. I’m a really Big Guy, 6’3” & 380. I’m not a complete slob though. I’m prior Military and LEO. So I’m pretty strong but my cardio sucks since I’ve had several knee surgeries from injuries in the Military. Back to my question at my size and knee injuries can I train in BJJ and expect to be able to become proficient in BJJ. I’m not nearly as flexible either as prior to these injuries. I did wrestle some in HS but that was many years ago, I’m 47 now, kinda long in the tooth I know to begin BJJ. So what’s your advice???

[@workoutchannel1806]

You can start no worries, there is a guy at my gym 50+ and he is doing well. Just go to the class and learn the techniques, you could be 60 and start

[@randyyy67]

Is it possible to compete without coaches/gym? My gym is not so actively involved with competition (atleast not in bjj)

[@simonyadig]

My coach was on vacation the weekend of my first comp. Just give it a go and do your best, much better than not competing.

[@radiated117]

When i started out 3 months into jits I kind of just decided "Hey i wanna compete in the tournament coming up in 2 months." And so talked to my coach about it and trained to get ready. I went, and got second place, kind of disapointed. Later I trained even harder, came back and start getting streaks of 1st place for each one i went to. I never liked Gi because i felt limited to what i could learn and how people saw you, "oh a white belt, this'll be easy" well aware i could probably prove those thoughts wrong. I've been doing No gi for around 3 years now, still debating wether or not to do gi.

[@gianttigerfilms]

do gi! I've practiced with hoodies and sweats and everything transfers

[@jrtien]

I just competed as a white belt. Ive trained for 14 months up to that point and never competed in anything other than pickup games of basketball with no audience. I panicked my knees shook, I felt like I was grappling under water. It was pretty brutal. I'm going to compete again. I won the silver with a tie. Only lost because the other guy tied with me.

[@seanherlihy7309]

Ahhh I remember my first wrestling match got cradled and pinned first round

[@PACIFICBboy]

I'm a white belt/no stripes and I've got my first tournament this Saturday. When I started bjj I always knew I would compete eventually but I told myself I'd wait until I was a blue belt for whatever reason. IDK what happened but like two weeks ago I just said fuck it and signed up for a tournament. Surprisingly I'm not nervous at all,I'm excited and something about knowing I have a tournament coming up has just put me in a great mental state when I'm in class these last couple days. I feel more focused and more excited than usual about what I'm doing. I know it's going to be fun

[@simonyadig]

Much better idea to compete as a white against other noobs than go as a fresh blue against other blues, many of which will be nearly purple belts. White belt is the time for getting your experience and going through the trials and tribulations. Trust me your rolling as a whole will improve just by entering the comp and giving it your best. GL sir.

[@PACIFICBboy]

I ended up winning gold in no gi and silver in the gi =)

[@simonyadig]

PACIFICBboy very nice!

[@UtopianCookie]

I got roped in to putting my name to compete next week, and I really don't feel ready... I'm actually scared, truth be told I'm not aggressive 😢.

[@sebof2001]

Me and my 2 friends just joined about a month ago, we go about twice a week (all we can make at the moment) how long should we train before considering entering tournament? Suggestions? Chew or anyone with experience. Great vid btw

[@Chewjitsu]

Do you have any takedowns or guard pulling options? Have you ever done any other 1-on-1 sports before?

[@sebof2001]

Chewjitsu We did 4 years in Tae Kwon Do then took about a years break before moving to Bjj, we know a few solid takedowns and maybe 1 guard pull (still learning bjj terminology)

[@eddietasker9110]

I haven't done any competition yet, but in the first three months of training with my club (I used to be in a mcdojo and I had joined the local mma club and got schooled, it was humbling to say the least, I quit the mcdojo btw) I did an interclub grappling session. I'm 9 stone and was 16 at the time. I won two, lost two against guys who are ww and full grown adults. I want to be an mma fighter. To me, bjj competitions are fun. Bjj is fun to me, my coach has said he wants me to have my first fight this summer, but I don't want to do it after just a year, I want to wait two more. But, for BJJ. Just do it. It's not a fight, it's fun. Rolling to me is enjoyable af, even when I lose it's still fun. I'd suggest to everyone to just do it. Don't go towards it like it's a competition, look at it as a game because that's what it is. Bjj is a game, a game of who can tap the other. Sure it's a combat sport, but it's also a good easy (not easy technique wise, of course not, I mean easy to compete in) game. I personally can't wait for my first comp. To me, winning or losing in bjj doesn't matter at all to me. I'm just doing it for fun. It's why I didn't get nervous before my interclub roll, it's just a laugh. Mma is different to me, I do get nervous thinking about it, I do get nervous before I even just spar. Do what's fun to you, you might find you win the whole tournament. If not, brush it off and go right back at it again.

[@user-xd5wf4kx8t]

I am 23 white belt train one year and five months I had in my first comptishen 8 fights 4 no gi 4 gi way to much I was so tired I won all of them Everybody now have big expection from me what I can say will try to keep up lol

[@TheGiarpi]

Great advice! i will compete in 2 months from now! Thank you for the video

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome!

[@BryceHatley]

What if you get 2nd place and your coach tries to kill you?

[@louisbutler1584]

I know I’m 5 years late to this haha, started grappling 4 weeks ago and got my first comp (Gi and no gi) in 2.5 weeks, want the learning curve and the experience that will come with it, we’ll be reyt

[@louisbutler1584]

Gonna re-iterate that it’s in a while belt division and an under 12 months (no gi) division, yes they’ll still be way better than me but if I can put up a good fight then it’s a win in my book

[@marcelozerbini5411]

As soon as you're set at the white belt. When you know the lingo, and start to make the blue belts work for their wins, you should compete. And by God, have your first competition before your blue belt

[@TonySoprano55]

I overthink days before a during the tournament. Bahhh the suffering

[@dannykramer3999]

How big of a role does competition performance play in the promotion department in your opinion?

[@Chewjitsu]

Depends on the gym. I know some gyms require students to compete before they receive belts. I personally don't. I think BJJ is a personal journey that means different things to different people. While I think competing has a lot of benefits that transcend just the competition themselves (confidence, conquering fears, discovering yourself in a deeper way when you're under pressure). I don't require them for belt promotions nor do I think people should be required to do so in order to be promoted.

[@dannykramer3999]

I'm sure its my own insecurities. I haven't done well in my opinion competing. My coach is always very positive about our performances. It would just be nice to get a gold before purple. lol Love the videos. I'm going to have to plan a vacation some time and come see you guys.

[@Chewjitsu]

Absolutely, come on down anytime. Shoot me a message if you ever plan to.

[@magicfitzpatrick]

I don’t to jujitsu yet but I do do CrossFit and every time I have a competition I get all hyped up and my wife could care less why daughter doesn’t care about CrossFit either.... this video made me laugh.

[@Nurzhigit]

I started practicing no gi from last December, I do not have any idea rolling with gi((( it's the same like no gi???

[@Chewjitsu]

It's really similar. The grips change things though. Does your gym offer gi classes?

[@Nurzhigit]

+Chewjitsu yes it does, but not everyone has gi including me(.

[@Chewjitsu]

Is there any problem with getting a gi?

[@Nurzhigit]

+Chewjitsu nope. Need to buy one soon and start practicing rolling with gi, actually we practice only no gi all the time. Really got used to it and have no idea what gi is about)) thanks for answering. I appreciate it.

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome! Good luck on the future pajama fighting. :)

[@ahyeaman]

I was a 4 month white belt, I went against all multi stripe white belts and did pretty good, considering. I beat a fellow non striped white belt, and lost the rest to submission and advantage points when we tied. I ended up getting two bronze medals even though I only won one match. my professor was really proud of me even when I lost becuase he knew how fresh I was to competing and BJJ in general. competing broadened my mind for future training, and was a HUGR adrenaline rush and testosterone boost for me, I loved it even though I was pretty cautious and scared at first.

[@Chewjitsu]

Congrats on your first competition!

[@thecoolguy775]

I competed a bunch of times already as I have almost a year of experience but I had to stop for a year now I have a few days to get ready!

[@idkhehe658]

Cool man youre cool

[@generallychillinLA]

"If your married or got a girlfriend, there not going to leave you if you don't win." AHAHAHAHA!! Ooooh ego. ;)

[@trevortheterrorist]

I tell everyone that the only way to know is to do it! Then you go from there. haha

[@surfandjiujitsu2444]

i like his advice but one question are you standing infront of a picture of your gym or are you actually in your gym. i see some wierd shine coming from your hair.

[@Chewjitsu]

I'm in my gym. Probably just bad lighting.

[@freedom9729]

Well I'm not scared of losing, I'm scared of getting injured 😫

[@hyperpretender9414]

As soon as you get the first stripe on your belt

[@jamesbishop4183]

I wanna compete.....but i gotta take a nervous shit just after listening to this.....lol

[@carlosg.7669]

I really would love to train Bjj but I'm too skinny. Whenever I try to start training I just feel like I have a great disadvantage...

[@michaelsears1627]

Only compare yourself to yourself. Strength will come. Maybe something that could help is change the word skinny in your mind to 'precise'. There are positions that will be easier for you due to your ability to slip in quickly. That sounds like an advantage to me! Good luck

[@sentey1]

How much do you weight ? and also , bjj will do amazing stuff for your body. Only going to class and getting beat up gives you greats results.

[@robertrodriguez4587]

Carlos G. I had an instructor that was 135 lbs. the way he used his weight was insane.

[@elmemesin]

Hello Nick! good video! I am currently belt white with 2 strips with 3 years of training , participate for the second time in a tournament after a long time and win 3 of 4 fights losing to the champion , but I do not do to advance belt , but to improve my bjj , that tournament is another workout more at this time for me, you have to enjoy , but never stop looking for your target further than this . look on my channel , I have 2 fights and tell me how you see me , your videos helped me a lot . Thank you! sorry for my english! grettings from argentina

[@Chewjitsu]

Glad you liked the video! Thanks for the message.

[@elmemesin]

xD

[@surfandjiujitsu2444]

ive lost to guys i beat all the time at my gym in a comp does not mean you are better or worse it was just not my day.

[@Chewjitsu]

Spot on!

[@rollinOnCode]

You should compete when you can tap .... black belts.

[@hellosenorjarnton9193]

I did it in my first month lol

[@selder03]

Holy S**t! I was just thinking this. Thanks for the check list, because I am the over thinker. And like a great pair of B**bs, I can't stop looking at your damn tooth.... Thanks @Chewjitsu

[@Chewjitsu]

lol. . .

[@zordmaker]

Oh thats an easy one. Never. Full stop.

[@VinylUnboxings]

Just realized these videos are in front of a green screen

[@Chewjitsu]

They are not. I address that question in a video. :)

[@twinsunpredator7998]

love train , love my bjj , love everything but compete ... not for me . my art is for the streetzz

[@myyoutube5422]

Two people got smashed pretty badly that's why the 2 thumbs down.

[@hackattack0154]

Lmao at maybe he'll stop if he loses! That ain't no shit, she's not allowed at any events!

[@GuiaAlarkon]

i like your teeth

[@jimjimmi5686]

You are so cute 💙

[@kjuarez29]

"If he loses maybe he'll stop" LOL . Yeah, no.