How much weight do you guys cut?

[Amber Kamischke]

I don't like the idea cutting for a fight but I like to lean out to my lean weight, which is 155lbs and keep that weight for the week leading up to the matches.

That's what I'm doing right now for Gracie Worlds. I don't cut for tournaments since they typically combine weight classes but there it's just under 135 and 135+. I have 3 weeks to lose 4.5 pounds so it should be easy (fingers crossed!)

[Pat Campagnola]

I cut weight for too long when I was wrestling so I don't do it anymore. I also don't like the idea of beginners cutting weight. Like others have said, why add one more thing to worry about the week of the competition? I would rather focus on technique and conditioning rather than cutting weight and being hungry and miserable.

I typically only get up to 4 or 5 pounds above my competition weight and always eat healthy and stay in shape, so it only takes a couple weeks of tightening things up to get to weight.

[NotReady]

Morning of or matside weigh-ins most you should cut is what you can sweat off during normal warm ups, so probably 2-3 pounds.

Night before you are probably safe cutting 5-9 pounds, depending on size. I would only cut if you have done it before and you respond favorably to it. Even then, a lot of times divisions are combined, so it sucks to cut weight and then wind up in the same division anyway.

In terms of dealing with nerves, map out your game plan on paper. How you see a perfect match going, how you would respond if people stop or frustrate your perfect moves. Then visualize yourself in these scenarios. Visualize success.

Beyond that, just focus on doing your best and having fun. It's all a learning experience that will make you stronger win lose or draw.

[Andrew Sarasin]

3 pounds for this weekend.
http://grapplingindustries.com/event-register/

[Greg W]

I think it's not good to cut for your first tournament. You will have so many other things to worry about and making weight does not need to be one. After this tournament you can decide if you may perform better at the smaller weight class. It also depends if you've ever cut before. If you have not, that's another reason to wait in my opinion.

^^Sound advice, from somebody that knows a thing or two about competitions. Just go have some fun.

[NotReady]

^^Sound advice, from somebody that knows a thing or two about competitions. Just go have some fun.

I generally agree, but sometimes there are big gaps between weight classes, and getting smushed by someone a lot heavier than you is a pretty miserable first tournament experience.

[Brian Debes]

For your first tournament, You should be asking if you should cut to 170 or just do one 180. 13 pounds is such a bad idea for your first cut. And then brackets may be combined anyway. My success in 2013 came partially from not cutting the TWO pounds to get to 129 anymore. I felt a little better that way, especially as often as I was competing. I've cut weight deep in the double digit amount of times by the way. 95% of those I shouldn't have.

On a side note, it was mentioned above about cutting weight when your at Marcelo's level... I think its relevant to mention that he says he diets before comps (eats clean, ext.) but doesn't cut and tells his guys not to. He thinks it effects your physical attributes more than it helps you getting into another weight. Wish I knew where that interview was off the top of my head, I'd post that for you.

Best of luck buddy, and never stress your first tournament at all!

[Gray]

Most guys seem to crash diet rather than cut intelligently, which is where the problem lies. If you had decided to make 160 four weeks ago, it would have been a cake walk.

[Amber Kamischke]

I generally agree, but sometimes there are big gaps between weight classes, and getting smushed by someone a lot heavier than you is a pretty miserable first tournament experience.

I know about large gaps between weight classes. Most for women are 20-25lbs! I cut for my first naga going from 142 down to 135 and got moved up anyway to go against girls who cut to 160. That's when I decided not to cut. If I can't get there naturally a month out then I won't do it.

[Ken Lowery]

I literally just went through this situation myself. I was starting a permit weight cut at 255. By time comp time came, I was walking around 225. My goal was to compete in the 215 bracket. I could feel myself begin constantly weak and tired during rolls and I didn't realize just how badly my body was taking the hard weight cut the week before comp until I actually had someone UNDO a body triangle I had on them, and they only used 1 hand.....So after some talking with Trey Rushing and my other coach, the decision was to take the last 3 day off and just rest. Eat normal and just walk in at whatever weight I was. It came down to the decision of either competing at a lower weight class at 50% or compete at a higher weight class at 100%. I'm glad I listened. I walked in at 223 so I had to do ultra. I still took silver at least. And turned around and competed in the gi division and took second in that as well. I know for a fact, if I would have kept trying to drop those last lbs, I would have lost every match just by being to tired from the cut.

TL;DR Best bet is to go in feeling 100% regardless what weight you are.


Edit: Holy hell my grammar is atrocious when on my phone.