NAGA / IBJJF tournament prep guide — everything you need to know before your first BJJ competition

your first BJJ tournament is nerve-wracking. the logistics alone are overwhelming if nobody explains them. heres the comprehensive guide.

8 WEEKS OUT:

register online. NAGA at nagafighter.com, IBJJF requires annual membership ($40) plus event registration
pick your divisions: gi, nogi, or both. your belt level and weight class
tell your coach. they should help you structure the next 8 weeks
start training with competition intensity. time your rounds. practice starting on feet

4 WEEKS OUT:

start dialing in weight. DO NOT crash diet. gradual 1-2 lb/week through clean eating
increase your rolling intensity. ask training partners to simulate competition energy
develop your competition game plan: what are your go-to takedowns, guard passes, submissions from each position?
make sure you have the right gear. IBJJF has strict gi requirements (correct patches, fit, color). NAGA is more relaxed

FIGHT WEEK:

taper training. lighter sessions, more drilling, less hard rolling. your body needs to recover
check weight on Tuesday/Wednesday. you should be within 2-3 lbs of your division limit
pack your bag the night before: gi (and a backup), nogi gear, tape, water, snacks, sandals, deodorant, IBJJF membership card if applicable
sleep. this is harder than it sounds because the nerves are real

DAY OF:

arrive early. at least 1 hour before your scheduled time
weigh in as soon as you can. for NAGA its same-day. for IBJJF check the schedule
warm up 20-30 minutes before your first match. jog, drill your go-to moves, light movement
eat something small and easy to digest between matches. banana, rice cakes, energy bar. not a burrito
stay hydrated but dont chug water right before stepping on the mat

ON THE MAT:

the adrenaline dump WILL happen in your first match. your heart rate will spike, your hands will shake. this is normal. breathe
stick to your game plan. the techniques you drilled are in there. trust your training
if you lose, its data. what happened? what do you need to work on? every loss is a lesson
if you win, stay humble. you still have more matches

AFTER:

win or lose, be proud you competed. most BJJ students never do
take notes on what worked and what didnt while its fresh
take a few days off training. your body needs recovery after competition intensity
sign up for the next one. the second tournament is 50% less nerve-wracking

DFW competitors — what would you add to this guide?

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