A Parent's Guide: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Competitions for Kids

After months or years of training, joining a BJJ competition can be quite stressful if you are a parent because it's a test of your kid’s skills, as well as the time and effort you invested in your kid’s jiu-jitsu training.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions for kids can certainly increase your anxiety but competitions help with the development of your kid’s maturity as a person and a grappler.

Parents are fully aware of the benefits BJJ can have on their kids. BJJ can help kids with their physical and mental health, training them to protect themselves by using BJJ techniques. The development of self-confidence, communication skills, and collaboration skills will better prepare kids for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.

Make sure to check the eligibility criteria announced for each specific Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition for kids. The preparations for the competition should include the following:

• Develop a checklist and let your child’s coach evaluate your child’s current level of performance.
• Make sure all the training sessions were attended successfully. Go through the progress reports.
• Talk with your child and ask whether he or she is ready to work hard.
• Ask your kid for permission to enroll his/her name in a competition. Do not force your child to participate against his/her will.
• Contact the help desk before the due date to stay updated on any relevant information. Do not forget to sign up for the tournament.
• Check the rules for the competition, the scoring system, and any restrictions.
• Be sure your kid has thoroughly reviewed the rules and has memorized them.
• Your kid's BJJ gear should be in good condition.
• In case of queries, contact the managers of the competition rather than relying on unofficial sources.

• Analyze the weight classes for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition and then decide which weight class is appropriate for your child.
• Tournaments are nerve-wracking. Do not opt for weight cutting stress as it will negatively affect your kid’s performance.
• Register your kid according to the appropriate belt rank. The competition must belong in the same weight class and belt rank.
• Make sure your kid understands that the opponent can be a different gender.
• IBJJF tournaments require a weigh-in a few minutes or one day before the start of the tournament.
• Be on time with your kids. It is going to be a long day full of enthusiasm and exhaustion. Bring a well balanced diet to help your kid refuel.
• Your kid should not forget to get a good night’s sleep before the day of the competition.

• Make sure your kid eats a light meal full of the necessary nutrition on the day of the tournament. A Turkish sandwich with enough protein and vitamins is going to be easy to digest. Oatmeal and blueberries are also a perfect choices for breakfast.
• Be on time to get easy access to the parking area, This will save time for your kid's warm up.

• The tournament requires warm up clothes like a hoodie, jacket, or sweatpants.
• Flip flops are easy to wear and remove while off and on the mat.
• A high altitude yeti or Easton patch must be attached to your child’s BJJ gi.
• Bring a lot of water and light snacks to help your child refuel.
• A mouthpiece is essential.
• Wear masks during attendance
• Check your child’s name, mat number, and match number on the board or online. Make sure your child stays near the mats as the mat number may be subject to change. Make sure to check the match number and mat number frequently.
• During breaks, make sure your child is wearing warm and comfortable clothes. There will be downtime between matches.

• Understand the position of your child. Parental support plays a key role in your child’s performance.
• Do not place high expectations or get too involved with your child’s fights and opponents.
• Trust the authority and decision of the respected coaches and judges. You may not agree but it is mandatory to follow the rules while keeping ethics in mind.
• Ask your kid to remain calm and courageous.
• In the tournament, there will be a lot of coaches, judges, opponents, and famous BJJ athletes. Stay calm and take the opportunity to learn new things for your kid.

Whether it's your kid’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition or not, the following points are important to remember for both parents and kids.

Implementing specific techniques for mounting an opponent requires perfect timing and a stronghold. Deep and controlled breathing can help your child from getting exhausted and losing his/her hold on the opponent.

Placing high expectations on your child may lead to disappointment and stress. Any setbacks may demoralize your kid, resulting in distractions that could prevent them from focusing on the match.

Warming up before competitions will boost your kid’s confidence, lower levels of stress, and reduce fear and anxiety.

Despite rigorous workouts and training, how much trust you place in your kid can play a role in how well your kid does in a competition. Remind your kid that losing hope is never a solution. Remind him/her to trust his/her abilities and that you have faith in him/her.

Parents must teach their kids how to handle minor injuries and to not panic when hurt during a competition.

No matter if your child wins or loses a competition, your child should consider it a part of his/her training.

According to famous BJJ athlete Fabio Santos,

If your kid is attending his/her first competition, then make sure your child does the following:

• Arrive early at the competition place
• Dress up and identify match location and mat number
• Warm up
• Encourage your child to help reduce stress
• Show good sportsmanship in victory or defeat
• Fight adversity
• Stay calm and motivated
• Avoid coaches that make empty promises
• Stay at home if sick

The following are the legal techniques that participants under 18 can utilize according to grappling industries.