The First Tournament Jitters

There is a local grappling tournament being held at the end of September that I'm planning on entering. As soon as I took the serious notion to go for it my mind started going nuts with all the "what ifs" that could happen. I'm usually a pretty confident guy but this would be the first time I've ever really done it competitively against others I don't know with random people watching. I'm starting to doubt my abilities and my readiness which is never something I've ever strongly questioned before. I'm figuring it's just nerves and everything.

Any tips on how to overcome this sort of thing?

Lose the ego and don't worry about getting tapped. It happens. Good Luck.

You're most likely gonna have a serious adrenaline dump your first time, prepare yourself for that and being tired as hell your first match.

Other than that, win or lose you'll learn a LOT at your first tournament. It's not like you're gonna learn a whole new game between now and then, so just stick with your strong points. KNOW the rules back and forth, and have some sort of plan. Like Eddie has mentioned, pull half, chill for a while, control, sweep, control, win on points...worst case.

If the guy seems like a strong wrestler, i recommend pulling either half or guard, because you WILL get taken down and he WILL automatically be up on points, which will F with your head.

Good luck buddy.

I just took first place in my division at my first tourney (videos will be posted soon. i drop the 10th planet sign in both.) when i was prepping for it i made sure that i rolled tired the whole time. I.e. i would do push ups during break, running at least 2.5 miles each morning, jump rope, and shadow boxing. I also would only work 1-2 passes and 2-3 subs per practice. i also did A LOT of work from bad positions. the result was 45 pounds of weight gone and a 1st place trophy. after rolling tired all that time i have notice my squeeze is a lot better and i am sharper getting from one position to the next.

Congrats Matt!!! Logan, just have fun. We all were nervous for our first one. As a matter of fact, nerves never go away for all comps, but the "what if's" are layed to rest. After this one you will know what to expect and realize you were overreacting a bit. Kick some ass.

I felt the same way at my first tournament. I ended up winning my weight class.

Cut weight so you can have an advantage . Guys seem stronger in tourneys.

first tourney jitters, awh man. how long have you been training? all i can say is i compete ALOT and to this day i still get the competing jitters, it's just natural. (: i find the best thing to do is to not go in with a "game plan" and take what they give you. go in with a clear mind. listen to your music and just relax. as long as you trained hard for it you should have no doubt in your mind that you're going to take first! good luck! update us on your progress that you made!

I've trained on and off for about 2 years. I've always lacked a school close by so I've always had to just do visits, which is one reason why I'm doubting myself. There is one close by now, which is who is holding the tourney. I have always been told that I am really good for never actually going to classes on a regular basis. I use to go to a renzoku jiu jitsu school, when I was able to make the drive, where I train during their MMA days and I would tap out several of their boys on many occasions and I learned a lot from everyone. I've actually never been able to train with anyone my size except for once, most everyone has been at least 20lbs or heavier. I've been into 10th planet for quite some time now and own all the books and plan on getting the DVDs in the very near future. I was wanting to use the tourney to just see where I was at, so I didn't really have any ego involved or really any major expectations. Of course I want to win, but self progression is my main goal.

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Originally Posted by Trent_D

I've trained on and off for about 2 years. I've always lacked a school close by so I've always had to just do visits, which is one reason why I'm doubting myself. There is one close by now, which is who is holding the tourney. I have always been told that I am really good for never actually going to classes on a regular basis. I use to go to a renzoku jiu jitsu school, when I was able to make the drive, where I train during their MMA days and I would tap out several of their boys on many occasions and I learned a lot from everyone. I've actually never been able to train with anyone my size except for once, most everyone has been at least 20lbs or heavier. I've been into 10th planet for quite some time now and own all the books and plan on getting the DVDs in the very near future. I was wanting to use the tourney to just see where I was at, so I didn't really have any ego involved or really any major expectations. Of course I want to win, but self progression is my main goal.

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use this as experience i would say (: just go with the flow, what happens.. happens. take some chances, i bet you do way better then you think. like i said, keep your mind clear!

Thanks alot Gabby!

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Originally Posted by Trent_D

Thanks alot Gabby!

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no problem! just speaking from experience! (:

Trent check out my "competition prep article" thread, focus on the goal setting and visualization portion in should lead you in the right direction.

Thanks a lot Chris. I've read them about 3 times through just today. Got em favorited. Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

I've been training for 3 months now and been to 3 tournys for the experience. the first was only after 3 weeks of training and I was extremely nervous, needless to say I got rocked but didnt tap. The second went better but still no W. Saturday was the first tourny I won a few matches in and lost the battle for 3rd place by a coin toss :-( But it was a great time. I was extremely nervous before each match, but once you step on that mat and look your opponent in the eye the jitters go away. Just give it your best and only look to take away some good grappling experience and you will do fine!

Trent- I have not done that many tournaments...3 to be exact and I get insanely nervous every time. I agree with Gabby, just zone out, try not to think about it, and rock out with your iPod. Just remember, you will be in a division with people of your same experience or close to it. Just do your best and try to harness your nervousness into increasing your intensity. Most everyone at tournaments are in the same boat you are. Wish you well Trent. Let us know how you do.

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Originally Posted by Don Blankenship

Lose the ego and don't worry about getting tapped. It happens. Good Luck.

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Truth.

I was tapped, tapped, and tapped again at my first (and only thus far) tournament. Who cares.

Video tape it if you can, if you win or lose there is still something to take away from the matches. Always something to do better, always.

Just don't worry about. The adrenaline dump can be avoided if you just chill. Think Steve Nash.

The bit that messes with my head is that Eddie has the bit about winning with the 10th Planet patch on, for grading. Iv got no real measure on what I can do, and if it works. I would hate to go and make a mess of 10th Planet technique and not do it justice. I will leave the gear at home, but if I do Ok I will be gutted!

Make sure you give us an update Trent, we are all sending positive thoughts your way.

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Originally Posted by Kendra Rudd

Trent- I have not done that many tournaments...3 to be exact and I get insanely nervous every time. I agree with Gabby, just zone out, try not to think about it, and rock out with your iPod. Just remember, you will be in a division with people of your same experience or close to it. Just do your best and try to harness your nervousness into increasing your intensity. Most everyone at tournaments are in the same boat you are. Wish you well Trent. Let us know how you do.

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very well said! i agree completely! (: don't forget to tell us how you did! can't wait to hear!