Competing is an awesome experience. You have put in a lot of time in the gym, and now it’s time to show the world!!!
Wait…. The whole world is watching?!?!
Well no… probably not, but it could feel that way whether it’s your first tournament or your 100th. While we can’t guarantee your training is going to get you to the top of the podium, this list will help eliminate some of the anxiety when you can’t find your gi, belt, or team rashguard! I have spent a ton of my life sitting in loud, uncomfortable, gyms. Hours on end sitting there wishing I had packed snacks, water, something to pass the time faster. This is a list of some must haves and some nice-essities that will make the long day more bearable.
On to the BJJ Competition Check List..
MUST HAVES
These are necessities. Make sure you have these no matter what. Obviously you don’t need a gi if you are not competing in gi, but honestly, if you’re trying to get better, all mat time is good mat time. So here are the must haves in your gear bag.. First item is your….
Gear Bag – good size bag with plenty of room for all of your stuff.
Rash guard – make sure its clean, fits, and meets tournament standards
Shorts – check tournament rules. Some of these guys are uptight about it.
Gi – clean, proper fit and meets tournament standards
Belt – yes. This is on here because people (Johnny) has forgotten his.
Warm-up Clothes – hoodie, shorts, sweatpants or whatever you feel best in.
Flip Flops or Sandals – don’t be a dirty troll. Some places will DQ you for walking around barefoot!
Mouthguard – personal preference, but highly recommended
ID/Wallet – Gotta be able to let them know who you are right?
Cash – Yes its 2019, but that doesn’t mean the tournament organizers are. I’ve seen it all. Be prepared!
KINDA MUST HAVES
“Nice-essities” Things that are not crucial to your tournament success, but will make it a lot better.
Headphones
Music/phone – I recommend downloading a few playlists. Cell service isn’t always easy to some by in a gym.
Phone Charger/extra battery pack
Extra Clothes – A full change of clothes is a great feeling after a long day of competing.
Water/Drinks – $2-3 for a water sucks, and drinking soda isn’t the best option. BYO is the way to go.
Snacks – Had a hard match? Need to refuel? You don’t want a candy bar. Have good food and fuel on hand.
Gum – for real. Fresh breath, nervous energy, win win.
Books/Magazines/Reading Material – you could be here a long time. Some tournaments aren’t the best organized events. Be ready.
Towel – can be used as a pillow, wiping sweat, and cushion.
Supplements – Don’t take new stuff, if you take it during training, then it’s a good idea in competition too. Just don’t Jon Jones it and end up failing a drug test!
More cash – seriously. You may want a new tourney shirt, go out to eat later, or post victory beer! Or root beer if that’s your poison
HYGIENE and FIRST AID
You had great training in the gym, double gold and an absolute championship? AWESOME! Guess what else you got? Ringworm and a jammed finger. There aren’t always showers available, so here are some hygiene and first aid items that will make your weekend more memorable for the wormguard over the ringworm.
Antiseptic Gel
Nail Clippers – You don’t really want to share these at the tournament do you?
Pain Meds – Ibuprofen,
Athletic Tape – if you have been training a while, this may be under “Must Have”
None of this guarantees victory, but it definitely helps to have a good base for when you are traveling to compete. Take as much off of the list that can cause a day of headache so you can perform your best. Trust me. You don’t want to do like I have done, be gone for 9 days with 2 pairs of underwear, 5 shirts, and the wrong rash guard…
– Johnny
Owner/Coach
Rogue Combat Club
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