Weight in check ramping up training and cardio work

It's that time of year once again when we prepare for the largest and most anticipated tournaments in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (wwww.ibjjf.org) the Pan Jiu Jitsu tournament and Mundial (World Championships).

With little less than six weeks to go until Pan Ams I am feeling fantastic. One focused step I took this season was to work early on my weight and get back into fighting shape before the real hard workouts begin. I am happy to report that I am now within 2 lbs of my target weight. I could not be happier about this.

This Pan Ams is to be my last as Blue Belt Senior 1 competitor. The worlds of course I will fighting in the adult category once again, yippeeeee! Anticipation and focus is high for these wonderful events.

For new competitors jumping into large tournaments can be a daunting proposition. But I would profess to anyone that reads this blog, throwing the dice and competing at the highest level of the game as often as possible is critical to development of a solid player strategy and mindset.

Overcoming the mental aspect of taking on a tournament like American Nationals, Pan Ams, or Mundial may be the hardest part for some competitors. Just stepping on the mat can be the greatest of challenges for new BJJ players.

I'd suggest seeking out smaller jiu jitsu gi tournaments that can help prepare the mind, body and spirit for the greater challenges later in the season. One smaller well run tournament is Clebber Luciano's Copa Pacifica. The rules are the same as IBJJF sanctioned events and the referees will be familiar at the larger events.

The best part about competing is testing yourself against the unknown. I believe it's best way to find out how you respond to real pressure and the surprise of a well devised game plan. Many great competitors have noted BJJ is like a chess match with each player launching different tactics thinking well ahead, reacting and countering attacks or forcing their will upon an opponent. It's amazing to watch two finely tuned competitors attack and thwart move upon move in a complex submission flurry or brutally dangerous stalemate.

If your goal is to reach the podium, enjoy your hard work and thank your great coaches and team mates who helped you achieve your goal, then I emplore you to take on the challenge. Step on to the mat and "throw the dice" in competition as my coach always says.

A lot of people train and love Jiu Jitsu but not everyone loves to compete some people have strong skill and can tap their entire team but once they step to the mat in competition they fold. There's no telling why some perform poorly in competition, stress, fear, anxiety, lack of proper mental focus... I don't know. Whatever it is I know one of the things that helped me early in my training was to step on the mat regularly and have fun in competition. No you don't win every match (even the best in the world get tapped) but the endeavor for greatness builds strong character, trust in your skills and provides a nice testing ground for newly acquired lessons. And you never forget the mistakes made in competition. I think this may be one of the greatest rewards to competing, finding your flaws and making improvements.

So enjoy your training but take the challenge and compete when you feel ready. I know you will love the experience and build upon your ever growing knowledge and love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Happy training to all.

Kenneth Knapp
C-Quence Jiu Jitsu
Norco, CA