Competing in a BJJ fight is a huge deal even at the amateur level. It’s thrilling – it means you get to showcase your skills in front of an audience, and you want them to see you at your best.

You’re confident in your skills, but how ready are you for the occasion? 

Here’s how to get yourself prepared for a BJJ fight in front of an audience.

1. Look the Part When You Arrive

Each martial artist arrives at a fight dressed to feel comfortable. This means just the bare essentials for some – it can help you feel ready to jump in at any moment. For others, this might mean arriving in style, decked out in a suit made by world-renowned tailors. Some might simply prefer the familiar feel of their home clothes.

Whatever style suits you is the right style. That’s what will give you confidence. Audiences pay attention to how an artist dresses, but they’re much more attentive to how a martial artist feels when they arrive. 

Whether it’s high-end or low-key, you’ll want to arrive feeling like a million bucks.

2. Find a Meditative Activity

Meditation can do wonders for some people, sharpening the mind and working on your internal relationship with your body. For others, it’s a great way to spend an hour thinking about what you want for dinner.

If you fall into the latter, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a meditative activity. Some of us find workouts cerebral, calming experiences. Others might go for a jog or go for a walk around a local beauty spot.

In the build-up to a fight, it’s important to find a few hours to take stock and focus on yourself. Whether it’s clearing your mind or systematically working through your doubts and building your confidence, never forget the mental side of preparations.

3. Prepare a 1-Week Training Schedule

You’ll be working with your coach or master in the build-up to a fight. Get them to help you prepare a full regime for the week approaching the fight that balances resting, healing, and staying strong. You don’t want to take a full week off, nor do you want to feel tired on the day.

The most important thing is to ensure that you’re properly healed when the fight comes around. This means getting the right amount of sleep as well as avoiding highly strenuous exercises in the days before the bout. Your coach will know best – run your ideas past them in advance.

4. Eat Well

Eating healthy food is always essential for a martial artist. This is never more true than in the days before the bout. Your digestion should feel at ease – try to avoid a cheat meal because fast food can make you sluggish for days.

Likewise, try to avoid anything with too much chili or spice in it in the days leading up to the fight. Some of us tolerate heat better than others – you know your body best. 

5. Hone Your Rituals

Many athletes and martial artists have superstitions and rituals. Have you ever thought about why you use them and what they do for you? It can be so helpful to associate your important rituals with parts of your game that you need to focus on. 

Touch your temple twice before it starts? You could use that as a mental check to watch your footwork. Make your superstitions practical as well as mindful.

Final Thoughts

Look the part. Walk the walk. Fight the good fight knowing that you’ve made preparations that help you feel comfortable. And remember – win or lose, you’ll come back stronger and more prepared next time.