Competition Preparations

7 Comments, Posted by: Roy Dean in: Training

Since committing to competing in the Pan American Jiu Jitsu Championships, my mental and physical focus has tightened considerably.  2 weeks ago, I shocked my body with a combination of Crossfit and deadlift/weighted pull up/weighted dips, plus hard sparring at night. Exhausting my muscles during the day, then putting myself in the worst positions possible was a method of mental preparation, being close to the hitting the wall yet not allowing myself to stop moving.  Training at that intensity has a consequence, and at the end of the week, my neck was tweaked pretty badly.  I hit the chiropractor, rested, and went into the next week with a completely different strategy.

“Don’t give anything up” was the mantra for the last 7 days.  Sparring was positional, and rather than aggressively going for the finish, my concentration was on creating pressure (on both top and bottom) and not giving up any space.  This final week will be practicing very specific techniques related to my gameplan and strategy.  Then, turn off the mind and enjoy the experience.

I realized some years ago that the less I think on the mat, the better off I do.  My body knows what to do better than my intellect, and once I tie up with the other person, everything falls into place.  My weight is spot on, conditioning is good, my body injury free, and mentally I’m in a secure, comfortable place.  In this last year of teaching, I have polished my basics like never before. I haven’t competed since purple belt, but I doubt it will be any different.  I faced some of the best players of my generation on the path- Derek DiManno, Nick Diaz, Marcos Torregrossa, Dan Camarillo, Jason Brudvik- all of which are black belts now.  I also know how I win matches: by submission.  I have never won a match on points, each has been by submission.  So I know what I have to do in order to advance in this competition.  As always, go for the tap!