COMPETITION

Compete and succeed with Frota Academy

Competing as a Frota Academy student

At Frota Academy, we put equal emphasis on both hobbyist and competitor students. And, while we have a bigger number of hobbyists training all martial arts, we also have a big number of competitors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), grappling, and mixed martial arts (MMA).

We put a strong emphasis on our competitors’ progress and performance – with classes that are led by coaches who are experienced in both teaching and competing themselves. They share not only technique advice, but also experience, mindset, and health tips with the students.

So, if you want to compete in BJJ, grappling, or/and MMA – Frota Academy’s doors are open to you.

Competition “guidelines”

Even though it’s possible for anyone to compete in BJJ, grappling, and MMA as a Frota Academy student, according to our rules – it is necessary that a competitor first approaches his instructor and asks him about competing in general.
In other words, you cannot represent Frota Academy at any tournament, but you first need to request authorization from your instructor.

The reason behind this is that we want the best for our students. We don’t want them to compete at tournaments and competitions that aren’t the best fit for them and their skill level.
Therefore, the instructor needs to check the quality of the tournament, if it’s a good fit for the student, whether or not the student has been training enough, and what they need to do to prepare properly.

So, if you’re our student and you want to compete, please approach your instructor(s) and ask them for advice about the tournament. They’ll be happy to research the tournament and let you know about their opinion.

When should I compete?

Competing will help you refine and develop your jiu-jitsu game. It is a true test of your BJJ abilities. Keeping a strict schedule with your training and diet will help you improve faster and gain discipline. Furthermore, you learn how to control your emotions, perform better under stressful situations and deal with failures in a constructive way.

Why should I compete?

You can begin participating in competitions right from the beginning of your training, even if this is only a month in. However, it is best you start whenever you feel comfortable. It will help you progress faster but there is no obligation you should do so.

I want to compete – what do I need to do?

How to apply?

You can apply at the IBJJF website (http://ibjjf.org). There, you will find all the information about the current fight; relevant dates, belt and age divisions as well as other information. Frota Academy is an IBJJF official member so you will only have to register as a participant.

Rules

The rules that apply for each tournament are always the same. You can find the official IBJJF Rule Book under the Info tab at the IBJJF website. There you can learn about general competitions guidelines, referee gestures, point system, kimono regulations and others. Reading and memorising the rules is important.

Federation Card and IBJJF

If you are a white belt you can compete without having an IBJJF card. Higher belts need to have a valid IBJJF card to compete. Through the website of the International Brazilian JiuJitsu Federation you can stay informed of competitions, see the rules that apply for competitions, rankings, become a member and all other important information.

Your kimono

Your kimono needs to be the official Frota Academy Gi which complies with the IBJJF rules. You can find detailed information about the size of your kimono and location of the patches on page 32 of the IBJJF Rule Book.

ISCBJJ

The International Swiss Confederation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ISCBJJ) is an organization that provides nationwide standards and guidelines for the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Switzerland. Frota Academy is an official member of the ISCBJJ. In order to compete in Switzerland, you need to become a member of the Federation. You can apply online under this link: https://bjjsc.ch

Point system

In short, the below applies:

4 points – Rear Mount
4 points – Mount
3 points – Passing the guard
2 points – Knee on belly
2 points – Sweep (from guard)
2 points – Takedown

For more information about the point system, advantages, penalties and disqualifications read the Rule Book.

What else do I need to know?

Competition preparation

It is best to have 5 to 7 weeks of preparation before a competition. Keeping a diverse training schedule is important so practice drilling, light sparring, harder sparring and some cardio. It is best to stop training, apart maybe from some light drilling, a week more or less before to let your body rest and to have 100% strength during the competition day.

Weight

Each competitor has to enrol in a specific weight division. The official weight list is available on the IBJJF website as well as in the webpage of every individual championship. Attention should be paid to the fact that the designated weights are with Gi on. Prior to the competition every competitor has to weigh-in. If the competitor fails to successfully pass the weigh-in then he/she is disqualified. It is not advised to cut weight on your first tournament as this can be a difficult procedure.

Travel arrangements

The official program of every championship is announced a few days before the event. It is recommended that competitors have secured the travel mode and sleeping place in advance. If the competition is not close to your home is better to travel one day before so there is enough time to rest before the fight or to make the final adjustments to your weight.

Going to the competition

Get there early enough for the registration. You should already know when you are fighting, from the schedule published some days before the completion. However, the schedule is not always kept so be there in advance to see any changes that might have been underway. Have enough time to warm up and prepare. Bring with you bananas and fluids to keep you in case there are delays.

Psychological preparation

Psychology plays a major role in competing. Go believing you will win. Keep concentrated and have faith in your training. If you are fighting late you can observe other fights. If you are competing for the first time it is maybe better to wait in a different area where you will not make useless assumptions of your competitors.