For me getting ready for a competition is always more motivating and
stimulating than just training for training’s sake. I like to have goals and
something to shoot for. I always like the test and thrill of combat and the
opportunity to test myself to find out where my skills are at and what I do
well and what needs work.
In order to be fully prepared for competition you will need to
develop a ‘base’ level of: skill, strength, conditioning, and mental
preparation. This should be an ongoing process that includes a regular strength
and conditioning program, grappling classes and private lessons, strategy and
game plan development and adversity training. To be truly competitive this
process should be year round.
When training for a specific competition your training needs to
be similar to what your competition will be like. More emphasis should be placed
on situational drilling, live sparring and conditioning. A moderate to shorter
duration grappling workout with a higher output of intensity is best.
This type of grappling workout should be planned for the last 4-6
weeks before your competition. Usually about an hour and a half is good to shoot
for. 2 hours can be a little long and sometimes leads to less effective use of
time. Make sure that everything you have planned for your grappling session has
a purpose.
Including actual “Live” matches where time and score is kept help
add with the preparation. When possible, schedule “Live” training matches so an
“audience” can be present. Invite friends or family or even have fellow students
be part of the “crowd” and simulate a real tournament environment.
The week of the competition plan short, low intensity workouts so
that you can maximize recovery and take full effect of your body’s adaptive
capabilities. You should also plan in a day (or two) of full rest during that
week. I usually try to rest up the day before I travel because I know that
traveling will take a toll with additional stress of flying or driving,
unfamiliarity with the environment and/or foods and other possible disruptions.
When I get to my destination I like to have a short intense
workout to help me get the ‘gunk’ of travel out of my system and settle in
mentally. I have found this is very beneficial over the years of competition
experience. It is also relaxing because your body has a chance to release some
of the nervous tension that comes up prior to competition.
stimulating than just training for training’s sake. I like to have goals and
something to shoot for. I always like the test and thrill of combat and the
opportunity to test myself to find out where my skills are at and what I do
well and what needs work.
In order to be fully prepared for competition you will need to
develop a ‘base’ level of: skill, strength, conditioning, and mental
preparation. This should be an ongoing process that includes a regular strength
and conditioning program, grappling classes and private lessons, strategy and
game plan development and adversity training. To be truly competitive this
process should be year round.
When training for a specific competition your training needs to
be similar to what your competition will be like. More emphasis should be placed
on situational drilling, live sparring and conditioning. A moderate to shorter
duration grappling workout with a higher output of intensity is best.
This type of grappling workout should be planned for the last 4-6
weeks before your competition. Usually about an hour and a half is good to shoot
for. 2 hours can be a little long and sometimes leads to less effective use of
time. Make sure that everything you have planned for your grappling session has
a purpose.
Including actual “Live” matches where time and score is kept help
add with the preparation. When possible, schedule “Live” training matches so an
“audience” can be present. Invite friends or family or even have fellow students
be part of the “crowd” and simulate a real tournament environment.
The week of the competition plan short, low intensity workouts so
that you can maximize recovery and take full effect of your body’s adaptive
capabilities. You should also plan in a day (or two) of full rest during that
week. I usually try to rest up the day before I travel because I know that
traveling will take a toll with additional stress of flying or driving,
unfamiliarity with the environment and/or foods and other possible disruptions.
When I get to my destination I like to have a short intense
workout to help me get the ‘gunk’ of travel out of my system and settle in
mentally. I have found this is very beneficial over the years of competition
experience. It is also relaxing because your body has a chance to release some
of the nervous tension that comes up prior to competition.
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