First Fight Jitters: What Happens When a Hobbyist Enters the Arena

Photo by Florian Schmetz on Unsplash

So you have decided to compete for the first time.

Let me guess, you’re probably in your thirties or forties, with a spouse and possibly kids.

If so, I would like to one say you’re a little crazy, but I mean that in a good way. And two, I’m excited for you.

Competing is not for everyone, but in my opinion, everyone should do it at least once. If you’re like me and have never really competed in anything before Jiu-Jitsu, this will be the most alive you’ll feel.

Game Planning

The game planning for the even is going to be a massive portion of your preparation and you should not discount it. Your plan should be pretty flexible and malleable. We’re not talking about a step by step process but, what do you want to do in each facet of the game.

• Stand Up - Will you be pulling guard, if so, how? If you’re someone who wants to play from top, what takedowns speak to you most.

• Passing - Which spaces are you most comfortable and do you know how funnel your opponent into it?

• Guard Play - Guard is going to be your home base in a sense. It’s where you’re going to go based on instinct, where’ you’ll compose yourself, and ultimately attack with sweeps and submissions.

Things to Expect

Everyone’s experiences are going to be different, our temperaments play such a big part in how we receive information and experiences.

• Sounds and Smells - The amount of people at a competition is unlike anything you’ll experience at your gym. There’s a distinct sound and smell that I associate with competing that I’ve never been able to forget.

• Nerves - Your nerves will get to you, especially that first time. If they don’t you might be a serial killer, and that’s a whole other issue to tackle. The nerves are normal. Tell yourself over and over, “I’m not scared, I’m excited.” That shift has helped me in the past.

• You Might Die - You’re going to feel like you might die, you won’t. There’s going to be a moment in the round where your cardio is going to take such a hit that you’ll think your heart is going to explode. Find a position that you’re comfortable with to take some deep breaths and gather yourself. It will pass.

• Bathrooms Are Gross - I’ve never been to a competition, as a competitor or coach, where the bathrooms were great places to visit. Those things will be gross. Athletes of all shapes and sizes will be peeing, sweating, and shitting in large groups.

Weight Cuts

Personally, I wouldn’t bother. If you happen to be within a few pounds and you have plenty of time before the competition where you can make lifestyle changes, by all means, go ahead.

In my most humble of opinions, don’t do a wrestler’s weight cut. You don’t want to deplete yourself heading into the competition. Most of these make you weight in the morning of or minutes before getting on the mats.

Lastly, you’re going to be stressed out enough, don’t add a weight cut to the list.

Have Fun

As a coach, we always want our students to do well, don’t get me wrong. But my crop of students are “hobbyist” and not pros looking to make a living by competing. As Hobbyist, the process is far more important than the result.

Someone might argue against me here but, it genuinely is about having fun and testing yourself, the result is a cherry on top.

Additionally, the biproduct of competing is the added level of focus that it tends to give students. There’s a specific date in mind on your horizon that begs your attention. Under those conditions, most students ask more questions, they attend more classes, and roll with far more intent.

What to Bring

Get a bag and fill it with the following items. How much of each, I have no clue.

• Patience - If you’re competing at an IBJJF competition, they are usually pretty accurate. When I was coming up, most of my comps were local and ran wildly off schedule. There were times when I was set to start around one in the afternoon and would have to wait around for hours.

• Water/Snacks - You don’t want a come in on a full stomach but you’ll definitely need water and snacks. Specifically if you’re at a local comp that that doesn’t always run as scheduled.

• Entertainment - Knowing that your nerves might get to you, bring something to occupy your mind. Bring a book, some music, whatever you need to pass the time. If you like knitting, bring that shit.

Hope this helps, if you’re interested in the Audio Companion, that should be out next week.

Would love to know what you think and if there’s anything you’d like me to cover, let me know.

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Thank you for reading.

David Figueroa-Martinez
Founder, DFM Coaching
Coach | Writer | Grappler

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DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!

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