In high-level Jiu-Jitsu competition, technical skill alone
does not guarantee victory. As a referee in major international tournaments and
a strength and conditioning coach for elite athletes, I have seen countless
talented fighters lose matches—not due to lack of technique, but because of
strategic errors, poor mental preparation, or failure to understand the
competition system.
As a third-degree black belt, personal trainer, and strength
and conditioning expert, I have spent years helping Jiu-Jitsu athletes refine
not only their techniques but also their physical preparation and competitive
strategy. Since 2017, I have worked as a referee in world-class Jiu-Jitsu
competitions, including the World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Master
International, and major events organized by Jiu-Jitsu World League, AGF,
Grappling Industries, Battleground, and FBMMA.
I have also coached and trained elite competitors, such as
Felipe Amorim, Felipe Porto, Nathiely de Jesus (5x IBJJF World Champion),
Richar Nogueira (Brazilian, South American, and American Jiu-Jitsu Champion),
Leilani Bernales, Alexandre de Jesus "Robinho," and Cláudio Calasans
(IBJJF World Champion and ADCC Absolute Champion).
Throughout my career, I have seen many promising athletes
fail—not because of lack of talent, but because they made fundamental mistakes
in competitions. Winning at the highest levels of Jiu-Jitsu is not just about
technique; it is also about strategy, preparation, and execution. Below, I
highlight the most common mistakes that cost athletes their matches and, more
importantly, how to avoid them.
1.
Not Knowing the Competition Rules
One
of the worst ways to lose a match is due to a lack of knowledge about the
rules. Many athletes train hard but do not take the time to understand the
specific regulations of the federation in which they will compete. This can
lead to penalties, disqualifications, and unnecessary losses.
Common
Mistakes:
•
Illegal Moves – Some competitors attempt techniques that are prohibited
for their age or belt level, such as heel hooks for blue belts in certain
federations.
• Positioning Errors – Athletes deliberately stepping out of bounds to
avoid a sweep without realizing this can lead to penalties.
• Unawareness of Penalties – Fighters stalling in a position for too
long without attacking and ending up penalized for passivity.
How
to Avoid Them:
•
Read the rulebook of the federation in which you are competing.
• Attend arbitration seminars – Many event organizers offer courses and
updates on rule changes.
• Watch competitions and observe how referees apply penalties in real
time.
2.
Not Adapting Gym Jiu-Jitsu to Competition Jiu-Jitsu
The
Jiu-Jitsu you practice in the gym does not always translate well to the
competitive setting. Many athletes spend hours refining techniques but fail to
adjust their game for an environment where time, points, and strategy make all
the difference.
Common
Mistakes:
•
Focusing only on submissions without securing points – Ignoring scoring
opportunities and going straight for risky submissions without position
control. Against a strategic opponent, this can cost the match.
• Lack of tactical planning – Entering a match without a clear strategy
for different types of opponents (guard players, passers, explosive fighters,
defensive players).
• Ignoring the importance of advantages – Many athletes overlook
advantages and lose due to technical details, failing to realize that a
well-structured near attack can determine victory.
How
to Avoid Them:
•
Train match simulations with a scoreboard and timer, improving your
ability to manage time effectively.
• Study your opponents whenever possible, analyzing their previous
fights to understand their style.
• Develop a clear game plan for different types of fighters.
• Train to accumulate advantages strategically, mastering near-sweeps,
near-passes, and well-applied submission attempts.
3.
Poor Breath Control and Fight Pace Management
Premature
fatigue is one of the biggest enemies of a competitor. The adrenaline of a
championship can cause many athletes to burn excessive energy in the first
minutes, harming their performance for the rest of the match.
Common
Mistakes:
•
Starting too fast – Fighters who go all out in the first few minutes and
end up completely exhausted by the end.
• Holding their breath when applying force – This increases oxygen
consumption and accelerates fatigue.
• Failing to adapt to the opponent's pace – An explosive fighter may try
to impose a frantic rhythm, while a more technical opponent may slow the pace
down. If you don’t adjust, you end up playing their game instead of imposing
your own.
How
to Avoid Them:
•
Practice controlled breathing, adjusting your breath to movements and
bursts of strength.
• Work on fight pace strategies, knowing when to accelerate and when to
slow down to recover energy.
• Analyze the first seconds of the fight to understand your opponent’s
game and adjust your strategy.
• Use strong grips and constant pressure to slow down an explosive
opponent. If your opponent plays a slow game, increase your movement and grip
exchanges to destabilize them.
4.
Poor Equipment Adjustment and Weight Management Before the Competition
Small
details can cost a match before it even starts. A gi rejected during inspection
or a mistake on the scale can lead to an unnecessary disqualification.
Common
Mistakes:
•
Gi rejected during inspection – A gi that does not meet competition
standards due to collar thickness, sleeve length, or pant fit may result in
disqualification.
• Misjudging weight measurements – Many athletes fail to check the
calibration of the official event scale and only realize they are over the
limit at weigh-in.
• Poorly managed weight cuts – Last-minute weight cuts can lead to loss
of strength, endurance, and, in extreme cases, even fainting before the match.
How
to Avoid Them:
•
Test your gi beforehand – Measure sleeve length, collar, and pants
according to the federation’s standards. If possible, bring a backup gi.
• Use a reliable and calibrated scale – Compare your scale with the
official tournament scale days before the event.
• Make gradual weight adjustments, avoiding drastic last-minute cuts
that may compromise your performance.
Simple
Adjustments, Big Results
Competitive
Jiu-Jitsu is not just about technique and strength it is also about strategy,
intelligence, and preparation. Every detail can influence the outcome of a
match, and the mistakes mentioned here are common at all levels, from beginner
to black belt.
The
next time you step on the mat, ask yourself: Am I just training Jiu-Jitsu,
or am I training to compete?
If
your answer is the latter, then study the rules, plan your strategy, and pay
attention to the details. These small adjustments can be the difference between
a frustrating loss and a well-planned victory.
By
Rafael Pinheiro
Referee, Jiu-Jitsu Coach, and Strength & Conditioning Trainer
(@rafaelpinheirojj)
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