Preparing for Your First BJJ Tournament: A Bucks County Competitor’s Guide
So you’ve been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a few months, and now you’re thinking about testing your skills in a tournament. That’s a huge milestone, and one that comes with equal parts excitement and nerves.
At Movement Art Jiu-Jitsu in Warminster, we’ve coached students of all levels through their first competitions. Whether you’re looking at a NAGA or Grappling Industries event in the Philadelphia area or something local here in Bucks County, this guide will help you walk into your first tournament feeling prepared and confident.
1. Give Yourself Time to Prepare
Ideally, you should start preparing at least 6–8 weeks in advance. That gives you time to sharpen your techniques, improve your conditioning, and get comfortable with the ruleset.
At Movement Art, we encourage new competitors to communicate with their coaches early so we can tailor training sessions to your needs and simulate match scenarios during live rolling.
2. Know the Rules (And Ask Questions)
Every tournament has its own rules, especially when it comes to points, legal submissions, and match duration. Whether you're competing in gi or no-gi, take time to review the rules of the organization you’ve signed up for.
Unsure about something? Ask your coaches. We’ve coached competitors at all levels and can walk you through exactly what to expect.
3. Practice Like You’ll Compete
During the lead-up to the tournament, treat every training session like it’s a match. Focus on:
Positional sparring (e.g., escaping bad spots)
Improving your takedown or guard pull
Managing your energy during intense rolls
Also, start simulating matches with teammates. Set a timer, go live, and try to score points while staying composed under pressure.
4. Manage Your Weight Safely
If your tournament has weight classes, make sure you know whether it’s with or without the gi. Many beginners make the mistake of weighing themselves without gear and then panic cut at the last minute.
Focus on eating clean, staying hydrated, and making weight over time, not through crash diets. Coaches at Movement Art can offer guidance to make sure you’re on track.
5. Pack Smart and Stay Calm on Tournament Day
Tournament days can be hectic. Here’s what you’ll want to bring:
Your gi or no-gi gear (and backups)
Water, snacks, and ID
Flip-flops and warm-up clothes
Headphones or something to help you focus
When you arrive, check in early, find your mat, and stay loose. You’ll probably be nervous, everyone is. But remember: this is just another day on the mats, with a little more adrenaline.
6. Win or Lose, It’s a Win
At Movement Art, we emphasize growth over gold medals. Your first competition is about learning, pushing past fear, and showing up for yourself.
Some of our members have gone on to high-level competitions. Others just wanted to try something new and came away with a deeper love for BJJ. Whatever your goal, we’re here to support it.
Thinking About Competing? We’ve Got You Covered
From first-timers to seasoned competitors, our team at Movement Art Jiu-Jitsu in Warminster provides structured support, world-class coaching, and a community that’s behind you every step of the way.
👉 Talk to a coach or sign up for a free trial—and let’s get you ready for your first tournament.