Hello, I’m Professor Seidler Rodrigo Ziser, Head Professor at Gracie Barra West Jordan, and a proud black belt under the Gracie Barra organization. Over the years, I’ve helped countless students step onto the mats not only to learn self-defense, but also to challenge themselves through the powerful experience of competition.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to compete in a Jiu-Jitsu tournament, or whether you’ve got what it takes to try, it’s time to clear the fog and bring the spotlight onto what really happens during a Jiu-Jitsu competition. Let’s talk preparation, nerves, strategy, mindset, rules, and above all, how competing can awaken something powerful inside you.
Whether you’re searching for jiu jitsu in Utah because you’re already training or you’re simply exploring the next step on your martial arts journey, this article will guide you through what it truly means to compete.
What Is a Jiu-Jitsu Competition, Really?
A Jiu-Jitsu competition is more than just two people trying to outgrapple each other. It’s a test of discipline, technique, mental focus, and emotional control. It’s not just about “winning”, it’s about putting your skills to the test in a high-stakes environment.
There are multiple types of competitions:
- Gi tournaments: Competitors wear the traditional kimono and use grips on the gi for sweeps, submissions, and control.
- No-Gi tournaments: Without the kimono, matches rely more on speed, athleticism, and different grips.
- IBJJF, local opens, and superfights: From local events to international championships, the competition scene is diverse and inclusive.
For many people in Utah’s Jiu-Jitsu community, stepping into a competition mat is a rite of passage. It reflects the Gracie Barra motto: “Organized like a team, fighting like a family.”
Who Should Compete?
The short answer? Anyone who trains consistently and is ready to challenge themselves.
At Gracie Barra West Jordan, I’ve seen:
- Kids as young as 4 building confidence in friendly tournaments.
- Women overcoming fear and self-doubt to win their first medals.
- Adults in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s entering masters divisions and discovering a competitive fire they didn’t know they had.
You don’t have to be “elite” to compete. You just need:
- A solid understanding of the fundamentals.
- A good attitude and coachability.
- Understand the tournament rules
- The ability to lose and learn with humility, and win with grace.
Competing doesn’t require perfection. It requires courage.
What Is It Like on the Day of the Competition?
The Morning of
You wake up early. Maybe your stomach is in knots. You double-check your gi, your belt, your mouthguard. Maybe you’ve cut weight, or maybe you’ve just tried to stay relaxed. You check your bracket. You find out your mat number. And then… You wait.
The Warm-Up
At most tournaments, warm-up areas are crowded, noisy, and full of adrenaline. Some people stretch silently. Others drill moves. Coaches walk around giving last-minute advice.
Your name gets called. Now it’s real.
The Match
The referee gives the signal. Your heart races. You shake hands. And then the world narrows down to just you, your opponent, and the technique you’ve practiced hundreds of times.
You try to pass the guard. You defend a sweep. You attempt a choke. The clock ticks.
You feel your lungs burn. You hear your coach yelling. You push a little more.
Win or lose, it’s over in minutes.
And then comes the biggest lesson: what you do after the match.
What Are the Rules and How Are Matches Scored?
Understanding the rules is crucial for anyone considering Jiu-Jitsu competition. While rules can vary slightly between federations, most tournaments (like those run by the IBJJF) follow a points-based system.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Action |
Points |
| Takedown |
2 |
| Guard pass |
3 |
| Mount |
4 |
| Back control with hooks |
4 |
| Sweep |
2 |
| Knee-on-belly |
2 |
- Advantage points are awarded for almost-successful attempts.
- Penalties may apply for stalling or illegal grips/moves.
- Submissions win the match instantly, regardless of score.
That’s why training for competition is different. You must learn to play by the rules, not just roll for fun.
The Emotional Side of Competing
Here’s a truth many don’t talk about: competing in Jiu-Jitsu is emotionally intense, and that’s exactly why it’s such a powerful experience.
Whether you’re a white belt competing for the first time or a seasoned brown belt chasing gold, the mental and emotional rollercoaster is real:
1. Pre-Competition Anxiety
- Your mind races with “what-ifs”: What if I lose? What if I get injured? What if I freeze?
- These fears are normal. In fact, feeling nervous means you care, and that’s a good thing.
- One of the biggest mental shifts we teach at Gracie Barra West Jordan is this: embrace the nerves. They’re not a sign of weakness; they’re a sign that you’re stepping into something meaningful.
2. Self-Image and Ego
- Many people tie their performance to their identity. Win, and you’re a “winner.” Lose, and suddenly you’re not “good enough.” This thinking is toxic.
- Competing teaches you to separate your performance from your self-worth. You are not your win-loss record; you are your effort, your growth, your perseverance.
3. Adrenaline Dump
- One of the most shocking things for first-time competitors is the sudden fatigue caused by adrenaline.
- You feel strong in training, but during a match, your body burns out quickly, because you’re flooded with adrenaline and emotions.
- That’s why mental preparation and breathing techniques are just as important as physical training.
4. Post-Match Reflection
- After the match, emotions run high. Some cry. Some laugh. Some are quiet. All of it is normal.
- The key is not to suppress emotions, but to channel them. Ask: What did I learn? Where can I improve? What did I do well?
At Gracie Barra, we believe the emotional challenge of competition is just as important as the technical one. Facing your fear is how you develop not just as a martial artist, but as a person.
How to Prepare for Your First Jiu-Jitsu Competition
If you’re training jiu jitsu in Utah and competition is on your radar, preparation is where the battle is truly won. Here’s how to make your first (or next) tournament a strong, positive experience:
1. Build Your Base Through Consistency
- Aim for 3–5 training sessions per week, focusing on both drilling and live sparring.
- Master your A-game: the guard you feel confident in, the pass you use most often, the submissions you hit regularly.
- Don’t just train randomly, train intentionally. Ask your professor to help structure your prep.
2. Learn to Play by the Rules
- Understanding the scoring system is key. Many matches are won not by submissions but by strategic point accumulation.
- Watch IBJJF match footage, study how athletes score, and notice when they take risks.
- Practice match scenarios in class
3. Develop Strong Mental Habits
- Visualization: Before you sleep, picture yourself walking onto the mat, shaking hands, and hitting your favorite move.
- Affirmations: Use mental cues like “I am prepared” or “I trust my training.”
- Controlled breathing: Deep, rhythmic breaths reduce anxiety and regulate adrenaline spikes.
4. Take Care of Your Body Like an Athlete
- Recovery matters: Stretch, foam roll, sleep well.
- Fuel smart: Eat clean, hydrate consistently, and avoid drastic weight cuts.
- Consider cross-training with strength and conditioning, but don’t overtrain; balance is key.
5. Create a Competition Game Plan
- Map out your first few moves in case you pull guard or start standing.
- Have counters and escapes ready for common positions.
- Train to impose your style, not just react.
6. Prepare Logistically
- Arrive early to weigh-in and warm up.
- Bring two Gis (in case one gets disqualified), your ID, snacks, and water.
- Know your bracket and mat assignments in advance.
What Happens After the Competition?
Win or lose, what you do after the tournament matters most.
If You Win:
- Celebrate humbly.
- Watch your match to identify strengths.
- Stay hungry, there’s always more to learn.
If You Lose:
- Learn from your mistakes.
- Ask your coach for feedback.
- Use it as motivation to improve.
At Gracie Barra West Jordan, we remind our students a Master Carlos Gracie Jr’s quote: “There is no losing in Jiu-Jitsu. You either win, or you learn.”
Competing Doesn’t Make You a Champion, But It Might Reveal One
Here in Utah, the Jiu-Jitsu scene is growing stronger every year. Tournaments are more accessible than ever, with options for all ages and experience levels.
But competition is not just for medal chasers. It’s for:
- The shy teen who wants confidence.
- The woman learning self-defense.
- The dad who wants to show his kids what commitment looks like.
- The adult who once doubted himself, and now steps onto the mat with fire in his heart.
Come Train With Us at Gracie Barra West Jordan
Gracie Barra Utah: A Legacy of Champions
Gracie Barra West Jordan often joins forces with other Gracie Barra schools in Utah to compete as one united team. Together, we’ve proudly seen our students and professors standing on the podium at major competitions such as CompNet.
More Important Than Winning: The Experience
But beyond medals and trophies, what truly matters is the journey each student experiences on the competition mats. Some discover a hidden champion within themselves, achieving victories they never thought possible. Others find their greatest win in simply conquering their own fears and stepping into their very first competition. At Gracie Barra West Jordan, we believe every student’s story is unique, and every step on the mat is a victory in itself.
Join Gracie Barra Team
If you’ve read this far, maybe there’s something inside you stirring. Maybe you’re ready for the next challenge, or maybe you’re wondering if there’s a champion hidden inside of you, just waiting to be awakened.
At Gracie Barra West Jordan, we’re not just a gym. We’re a family. We prepare students not just to compete, but to grow, to thrive, and to live the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle on and off the mats.
Come try a FREE trial class with us. No pressure. No ego. Just real training, great people, and a path that could change your life.
We’ll see you on the mats.
