John Danaher famously said: “When you lock eyes with someone, it can only mean two things: You’re either going to fu*k or you’re going to fight.”
As you step onto the mat during a Jiu-Jitsu match, facing your opponent, adrenaline courses through your veins. When it comes to competition, everybody has their own personal approach and mental mindset which works for them.
When I compete, I don’t make any eye contact with my opponent. During the match I look at their chest as it gives me a peripheral vision.
It’s not because I’m scared of them. It’s because I do not want to focus on who is front of me and what my opponent may do. I only focus on implementing my strategy, on my execution, as perfectly as possible.
You want to bring your opponent into your world, into the deep waters, in your best positions where you’ve spent much more time time in than they have, & you know everything they will do, even before they do it…
The work happens in the academy, perfecting it and refining it every single day until you know all your offensive options and can counter all of your opponent’s reactions. It takes many years to build a game. It’s also a constant work in progress where you are constantly adding new tools. Always striving for perfection.
Your mind races as you try to anticipate their first move. In the intensity of competition, it can be tempting to lock eyes with your adversary in an attempt to intimidate them or gain insight into their strategy. However, making direct eye contact during a Jiu-Jitsu match is a critical mistake that can undermine your performance and focus.
Stay Focused on the Match
Locking eyes with your opponent also risks distracting you and breaking your concentration. Remain focused on the task at hand – grappling, escaping bad positions, and submitting your opponent. Do not get drawn into a battle of wills or ego through direct eye contact and stare-downs.
Your goal should be to outmaneuver and outgrapple your opponent through skill and technique, not intimidation. You are not fighting another person you are fighting their Jiu-Jitsu. Keep your mind focused on your training, staying calm under pressure, and executing your moves. Let your Jiu-Jitsu do the talking.
Written by Guillaume ‘Gile’ Huni, 3rd degree BJJ black belt and instructor at Kimura BJJ Academy in Belgrade, Serbia.
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