So your kid is fighting in their first BJJ tournament -What to expect - Part 2

Hunter and his teammate practicing on the warm up mats.

by Jen

You arrived, now what?

13. The tournament will usually have separate tables for pre-registered competitors and those needing to register that day. At these tables you will need to complete or finalize paperwork, the parent will need to sign a waiver, and all paid competitors and spectators will receive their wristband for entry.

14. Competitors will be directed to the weigh-in area for their official fighting weight. Some tournaments give you a 1 lb clothing allowance. This should be listed in the brochure if it applies. (Some tournaments allow you to weigh in the Friday night before the competition.)

15. Just a note of caution - even though the weigh in allowance is given, many of the adult and even teen competitors will drop to their underwear to help make their fighting weight. Kids and adults weigh in at the same area so your young ones may see a guy in their underwear. Logan and I now know to just look straight ahead, but it was a shocker the first time she competed.

16. Using your weight and age information, determine which mat your child will be fighting on. Most tournaments divide the rings by weights. For instance, all 60-69 pound children at all levels will be fighting at Ring 6 that day.

17. Set up your team’s “home base” in the bleachers. We like to settle towards the top of the middle section for a decent view of all the rings.

18. Pay attention to the rules meeting hosted at the beginning of the tournament. I have sat through so many, but still manage to learn something new each time.

19. Having the kids warm up together helps them to work off some of their anxiety. This also promotes good bonding for the team. The more experienced competitors can take the newer ones under the wings to help them feel more comfortable.

20. If you are like me you will be as anxious, or even more anxious, then your child. Keep yourself in check and reassure your child. Remind them that the most important thing is that they enjoy the experience. Remind them that you are proud that they have chosen to fight and that you love them no matter what happens.

Tomorrow, Part 3 - Fight time

So your kid is fighting in their first BJJ tournament - What to expect - Part 1

by Jen

Tournaments can cause a lot of anxiety for children (and parents) or can be a fun and rewarding experience. It is all in how you approach them. Knowing what to expect can help to reduce the anxiety so here is the beginning of a four part series with tips that we have learned throughout the years. Use this as a guide, but pay attention to the rules and the specific tournament information to plan accordingly.

The series will cover
1. Preparation
2. You arrived- now what?
3. Fight time
4. Coaches

Preparation
1. Read the details in the brochure or on the tournament’s web page. Read through the rules, the schedules, the divisions, etc. All tournaments are different so read the specific tournament information to help you in your planning.

2. Verify the spelling of your team name and make sure you register correctly.

3. Pay attention to the Pre-registration date. Online registration typically ends Friday one week out from the event. If you do not make pre-registration you usually have to pay a slightly increased rate in cash at the door. Spectator tickets are usually sold at a discounted rate during the pre-registration period. NAGA charges $10 in advance or $15, in cash, at the door.

4. Consult with your coach on which division to register your child - novice, beginner, intermediate or advanced.

5. Plan your snacks and meals for the day. Some venues allow coolers and others do not. Tournaments have concession stands but sometimes they can be pricey or will not have something that fits within my eating plan. We bring peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, water, juices, snack foods like Cheezits, almonds, etc. and fruit. We bring enough to share with the team. If I have time and I am feeling up to it, I will bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies to share.

6. Bring something to keep you occupied. Do the same for younger siblings. Tournament days can be very long and boring for children. When Hunter was a spectator we brought his Nintendo DS, books and toys. He has also developed a group of “tournament friends” – other siblings of competitors that help him pass the time.

7. Make sure you bring the correct gi, belt, mouthguard and any other required gear. Also, bring something to keep the competitor busy during downtimes - an Ipod, light read or handheld game system.

8. Bring a sweater – sometimes the gym can be cool so it is best to be prepared.

9. Bring cash – some tournaments charge a cash only parking fee. Concession stands are usually cash only. Not all locations have ATM’s.

10. Of course, bring a camera and video camera.

11. Bring your cell phone loaded with the numbers of the other parents and your coach. Texting is a good way to notify the others when one of your fellow students is starting his or her match.

12. Arrive early so you have time to get organized and you are not feeling rushed.

Tomorrow - Part 2 - You arrived - now what?