Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is not just a martial art; it’s a lifestyle. For many practitioners, the journey begins on the mats of a practitioner’s local gym, but for those seeking an extra challenge and a chance to test the skills they have learnt during training, they can do, in a competitive but a controlled environment. A practitioner will usually develop a strategy for their fight. A competitor can win a fight with either points or a submission. Sometimes you’ll win other times you will learn. BJJ competitions offer an unparalleled opportunity for growth and development. The more competitions a practitioner attends the more resilient they become. Sometimes you win, other times you learn. In this article, we’ll explore the myriad benefits that come with stepping onto the competition mats and why every BJJ student should consider taking the leap of faith. 

1. Mental and physical Toughness: Competing in BJJ tournaments presents a unique blend of mental and physical challenges. Competing in BJJ competitions requires a level of mental toughness unlike any other. From the moment you step onto the mat to the final buzzer, you’re faced with constant challenges and obstacles that test your resolve and determination. If you have any mental blocks, whether it’s overcoming nerves, strategizing against tough opponents, or pushing through fatigue, competing teaches invaluable lessons in resilience and mental fortitude that translate far beyond the mats. A competitor must also maintain focus and composure under pressure, competitors must harness and control their mental strength to perform at their best. This mental toughness must last over the fight. Fights usually go for anywhere between 3-5 minutes for kids and about 5-10 minutes for adults. That can be a long time for competitors if they are not prepared or mentally strong. Hours on the mats is the key to developing mental strength and physical toughness.  
2. Physical Fitness: There’s no denying the physical demands of BJJ competitions. Physically, matches demand a high level of cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility and agility, pushing competitors to their limits and beyond. When a practitioner competes, it serves as a powerful motivator to stay consistent with their training to maintain peak physical condition. The intensity of the matches, coupled with the adrenaline rush of competition, pushes your body to its limits and beyond. 
3. Skill Development: There’s no better way to put your skills to the test and identify areas for improvement than competing. Especially when competitors train at different gyms, locations and under different instructors. Each tournament match presents a unique learning opportunity, allowing you to apply techniques learned in class, experiment with new strategies and helps refine your game under pressure. Win or lose, every competition experience contributes to your growth as a BJJ practitioner and accelerates your journey towards mastery.
4. Camaraderie and Community: BJJ competitions foster a strong sense of belonging, they are not just about individual performance; BJJ competitions are also about camaraderie and community. Sharing the mats with fellow competitors who share your same passion for the art, creates bonds that extend far beyond the tournament venue. Win or lose, competitors often find themselves cheering for each other, offering support and encouragement, and forging friendships that last a lifetime, even if the competitor trains at a different dojo or under a different instructor. Quite often, you see the same individuals competing regularly. Overtime, seeing the same faces help forms friendships and bonds which provides support and encouragement on and off the mats. For the competitors training at the same dojo, when they are cheering on teammates, sharing techniques, or bonding over post-competition experiences, tournaments create lasting connections and friendships within a dojo. Each competition provides experience and valuable lessons in sportsmanship.
5. Personal Growth: Perhaps the greatest benefit of competing in BJJ tournaments is the opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Facing your fears, pushing past limitations and embracing the challenges of competition, fosters a sense of confidence and empowerment that carries over into all aspects of life. Win or lose, each competition experience leaves you stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to tackle whatever obstacles come your way – which overflows into your personal life too. Competitors learn to overcome setbacks, adapt to different styles and strategies, and identify areas for improvement, ultimately becoming more well-rounded and skilled practitioners.
6. Diverse Formats: BJJ competitions offer a variety of formats to suit different skill levels, preferences, and goals. From local, grassroots tournaments to prestigious international championships, there’s something for everyone regardless of experience or rank. Competitions may include Gi (traditional uniform) or no-Gi divisions, as well as different rule sets and weight classes, ensuring a level playing field for all participants. There are even competitions for different ranks. 
7. Technical Mastery: At the heart of BJJ competitions lies the pursuit of technical mastery. Competitors strive to execute techniques with precision and timing while navigating the dynamic and fluid nature of grappling exchanges.  They can rewatch their shortcomings and have an idea of their strengths. Matches often unfold as a strategic chess match, with competitors vying for dominant positions, executing submissions, and defending against their opponent’s attacks.
8. Pathway to Excellence: For aspiring competitors, BJJ tournaments serve as a pathway to excellence and recognition within the sport. Success in competition can lead to opportunities for sponsorship, coaching, and even professional careers in BJJ. Competing regularly allows practitioners to gauge their progress, set goals, and strive for continuous improvement, driving them to reach new heights of skill and achievement.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions are not just events; they’re transformative experiences that challenge, inspire, and unite practitioners from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-time participant, stepping onto the competition mats is a journey of growth, discovery, and camaraderie that enriches the BJJ experience and leaves a lasting impact on all who dare to compete. There are many competitions in Perth, Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu WA (AFBJJWA) is the state competitions that run yearly. With both Gi and no-Gi. Submission Grappling Tournaments run yearly, Pan Pacific, Nationals and Worlds AFBJJ. If you are thinking of competing, make sure have a chat with your coach. They will help you come up with a competition plan and they should help you prepare you for your competition.

If you want to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, come and check out C2 Martial Arts (C2MA). We are a Legion affiliated gym; Legion has been in the top three winners in National competitions for multiple years for both kids and Adults. We are located at 4/58 Constellation Drive, Ocean Reef.

If you want to know our family tree – here it is:

Gracie family (founders of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
Peter Debeen 

Legion 13

C2 Martial Arts

As you can see, we’re close to the Gracie family and we provide authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training. Grayson West is the founder of Legion 13 and we are affiliated with their club since we started C2MA in 2017. Crimson Cruz is a first-degree black belt, he’s been training for over 15 years. Crimson is the founder of C2 Martial Arts.