Training the Mental Side for Tournaments

I'm curious as to how one would go about training the mental side for Jiu Jitsu. I've realized I go in with little nerves and I'm maybe a bit too calm. I really like fighters like Inoue's viewpoint of going out on the shield. There's quite a few 10th Planet warriors that look at it the same way.

Is it possible to change the mental aspects?

It is, however I think a lot of it is god given bottle.

Originally Posted by chris miah

It is, however I think a lot of it is god given bottle.

God given bottle? My Yankee brain can't figure that one out.

I understand how you feel. Ive had trouble finding the right intensity for competition. Ive had lotsa guys say im way too nice. But after goin to afghanistan a few times it's been hard for me to have that kind of intensity on the mat. But in my last naga match i finally feel like i got to the right place.

Originally Posted by Damian J

I understand how you feel. Ive had trouble finding the right intensity for competition. Ive had lotsa guys say im way too nice. But after goin to afghanistan a few times it's been hard for me to have that kind of intensity on the mat. But in my last naga match i finally feel like i got to the right place.

Did you make a conscious effort to bring more intensity or did it just happen for you?

Originally Posted by Brent Smith

God given bottle? My Yankee brain can't figure that one out.

My bad, I think a lot if gods gift, being confident in competition. Some guys just really struggle no matter what they do, others find then can use sport psychology etc to break through mental barriers. But I think the very best are born that way.

Originally Posted by chris miah

My bad, I think a lot if gods gift, being confident in competition. Some guys just really struggle no matter what they do, others find then can use sport psychology etc to break through mental barriers. But I think the very best are born that way.

Ok thanks for clearing that up haha. In my opinion I think you're right that there are ones that are naturally born with the mental fortitude but just like the physical side of Jiu Jitsu where there are those that are natural there are also those that can work their ass off to reach the same level, I think the same can be done on the mental side. Those that struggle can either allow the struggle or find a way through it. I'll be testing out myself if that's true.

Originally Posted by Brent Smith

Did you make a conscious effort to bring more intensity or did it just happen for you?

It was a little bit of both. One of the things was my wife pulling me aside after my first match and bitching me out about how I'm overly humble and nice to people when it comes to bjj. And I think that's true when it comes to competing. I have never gone into a match and felt like I was overmatched physically or technically. I always have really admired Roger Gracie and Marcelo Garcia and how they carry themselves. But, I had to find a way to still be humble but be hungry. And then a lot of the switch just came from frustration. I want to represent 10th Planet the way it deserves to be repped and also my coaches Boogey and Walel and what they expect of me. I'm one of those people who performs better when it's for something bigger than me, I guess. You know how everyone says bjj will take care of your ego? Maybe I needed a little more of that and allowed that back in for competitions, if that makes any sense. We'll see how it goes at Gracie Nationals. I 10th Planet SD will be bringing a lot of people to compete there. Looking forward to a submission only.

Originally Posted by Brent Smith

I'm curious as to how one would go about training the mental side for Jiu Jitsu. I've realized I go in with little nerves and I'm maybe a bit too calm. I really like fighters like Inoue's viewpoint of going out on the shield. There's quite a few 10th Planet warriors that look at it the same way.

Is it possible to change the mental aspects?

I just think about why I am entering, how hard I have trained, how much I paid to enter, how far I travelled and realise that the answer is: to win or at least prove to myself I'm good at this. It's minor, but it usually fires me up and reminds me that I'm not here to play around… I could have stayed home and played Diablo 3. Instead I want to be competitive and I want to win.

I always try to go in calm. You have to remind yourself that all the other competitors are just as nervous as you, don't over analyze your opponents. Just remind yourself that it's just a sport and that there will always be more tournaments. Just try to have fun with it and work your game. Treat your opponents like they came into your gym, there's no reason you shouldn't beat them. It's all about finding the balance between intensity and staying calm enough to do what you know you're capable of. And by "you" I really meant "I" haha, you're obviously the much more experienced grappler, just my approach to competition