If You don't compete you're a pussy

[Alder Hampel]

Nasty title right? I don't believe that at all, but I've heard it many times before. I'm wondering how many people feel like the HAVE to compete in Jiu Jitsu. We have a decent group of competitors at VN, but we also have a groups of people that don't compete at all. I used to promote competition to everybody, but now I've changed that philosophy. I now only promote competition to people who actively seek it out. I find less discouraged students that way. We have had a lot of guys compete, then never show up again, or very shortly after would burn out. I find jiu jitsu is for everybody, but competing isn't necessarily for everybody.

Agree or disagree?

[Eric Rodriguez]

Nasty title right? I don't believe that at all, but I've heard it many times before. I'm wondering how many people feel like the HAVE to compete in Jiu Jitsu. We have a decent group of competitors at VN, but we also have a groups of people that don't compete at all. I used to promote competition to everybody, but now I've changed that philosophy. I now only promote competition to people who actively seek it out. I find less discouraged students that way. We have had a lot of guys compete, then never show up again, or very shortly after would burn out. I find jiu jitsu is for everybody, but competing isn't necessarily for everybody.

Agree or disagree?

Just my opinion.. I think it's best to give encouragement to the abilities that one has, but never make them feel like they have to do something they may not be ready for physically or especially mentally. A good encouragement I've heard is something like "Man, if you were to compete you would dominate." and that seed planted might make them feel as though they may want to compete on their own when they are ready.

[Mick Broster]

I agree Alder, competing isn't for everyone. Doesn't mean they can't enjoy training and be valuable team members

[Scott Yockel]

Agreed!!!!!

[Zach Maslany]

i agree, we dont usually tell people to compete but me and holland do and then other people always get interested to compete. We do have alot of guys that i know will probably never compete but its totally up to them. I will push the younger guys that train all the time tho. I feel like you can tell who would want to jump in there. Also we shall see you in a few weeks, we are planning on stopping by for class the week after gracie nationals.

[Isaac Atley]

this is actually just what ive been thinking lately. im not a good competitor, guys that i regularly tap out in the gym seem impossible to beat in competition and i feel like all the stuff i normally do, stops working. ive been thinking lately that id much rather stop looking towards competing and just work on fixes the holes in my games. its disheartening for sure and i think that its definitely affected my game. im happy i did compete though because it pointed out things i need to fix, but speaking from personal experience, its definitely not for everyone. at least not all the time.

[Isaac Atley]

i guess its like in mma, the decision to jump straight into fights or to build up your skills first and go in later.

[rickdawson]

Personally, I think that competition is a great tool when learning, personally I feel that (win or lose) after every competition I felt myself get better... however, if you don't compete it DOESN'T make you a Pussy... especially if you have a harsh job that only allows you to train 1-2 days per week or things of that nature.

Also, not everyone wants to be a Marcelo Garcia... some guys simply do Jiu-Jitsu to stay in shape and/or learn a martial art for self defense purposes.

[David Rosado]

Agree. I plan on competing one day just for the experience and for the fun of it, but it's not a high priority. BJJ for me is mostly a tool for self improvement. I wouldn't mind a nice set of medals one day, but in the end, I just want to be a better person and BJJ helps me do that somehow.

[Greg W]

If you are not able to be in a 10p school you are kinda forced to compete if you want to go anywhere in the system. 10th planet puts a HUGE emphasis on killing in comps, you move up belts fast if you have a camera and kill in comps. To me, at times, it does seem like that is all that matters.
I do beleive the addage that 1 tourney is equal to 6 months training as far as growth goes.