Does competing in BJJ really matter?

For some, the idea of competing at a Jiu-Jitsu tournament gets them hyped up. For others, the very thought of a BJJ competition can paralyze them with anxiety. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone's journey in BJJ is their own. And while some people may choose not to compete, for those who do, I believe it can be an important aspect of personal and athletic growth.

Before dealing with some injuries over the past few years, I competed frequently -- probably losing more than I’ve won -- at every belt level. It never got easier, per se, but it did provide me with incredibly valuable insights for my own development as a practitioner and as an instructor.

In every training environment in BJJ, positional and free sparring is a crucial element of classes because it allows us to test our skills against a resisting partner. The outcome can give us feedback about how well we are executing techniques, how we can adapt them, and what we can do better.

In a similar way, competing can be an important tool for learning and developing. Just like sparring, competing allows you to test your skills, but against unknown opponents and in a more stressful setting. It requires greater focus, strategizing, and fitness. And just like with sparring, the outcome of competing can be useful data collection on how well we are executing techniques and whether we are implementing the appropriate ones in the right situations. While no one likes to lose, like Malcolm Forbes said: "failure is success if you learn from it".

Just like so many aspects of life, our Jiu-Jitsu is a work in progress. This is a big reason why I find it so useful to compete -- pursuing challenges, maintaining self-control, dealing with stress, displaying grit and resilience, self-reflection, confronting success AND failure constructively and gracefully -- these are skills that can serve everyone well.

It's very important to me that, as an instructor, I never ask something of my students that I haven't challenged myself with. And make no mistake, it is difficult to risk failure. Competing is never a requirement in our program, but I recommend that all of my students put themselves out there at least once at every belt level. I'm proud of every time they do, because it isn't about winning or losing, it's about the opportunity for growth and development.

So if you’re interested in a new challenge, come try out a free class!