Dominyka Obelenyte
Competing is a tricky thing.
Being successful at it is the result of multiple factors combined.
You need to be in top shape physically and you need to be very well trained with your game ready for whatever your opponents throw your way.
Perhaps, more than anything else, you need to have your mind in the right place.
Thinking of that, we have rounded up 10 valuable advices from 10 super-champions to help you be ready for the next time you step on the mat of a tournament.
Here you go.
1. “Champions seek tough training partners in the academy. They go for the challenge. The power of the will needs to be greater than the fear of losing or the vanity of being seen as a champion”- Carlos Gracie Jr
2. “Be aware of how the mind is the controlling factor for everything that happens. A lot of guys are great in the academy, but fall short at the championship. You need to be able to withstand the pressure of putting everything on the line in a tournament and show what you know.” – Rickson Gracie
3. “A champion cannot lose the positions he conquered in a match. A champion knows how to apply non-stop pressure when on top and also knows how to give no space when on the bottom. A champion knows how to maintain firm grips and hooks.” – Ronaldo Jacaré
Roger Gracie Photo by John Cooper
4. “Champions need to be patient. Like a drowning man, if you make wrong decisions and waste energy you will sink faster, but if you keep calm and follow a plan the chances of surviving increase.” – Roger Gracie
5. “If you want to be good at Jiu-Jitsu, train Jiu-Jitsu! You have to be able to do at the competition all you do at training.” – Marcelo Garcia
6. “Learn to start over. After a tough defeat, be at the academy the next day to work on your mistakes.” – Marcio Feitosa
7. “In training, ask yourself how would you win if you could roll against yourself. This way, you will find your weak points and draw a strategy to fill the holes in your own game.” – Leo Vieira
Marcelo Garcia vs. Kron Gracie at the 2009 ADCC, in Barcelona, Spain.
8. “Competition starts the moment you open your eyes in the morning. If you have that mindset, you’ll be closer to victory.” – Saulo Ribeiro
9. “In training, bring your body and mind to their limits. Competition will look easier the harder your training is.” – Braulio Estima
10. “Value progression. Secure positions and score your points. Then, look for the submission.” – Xande Ribeiro
