My best & worst mindset for BJJ competitions

I operate best when I feel like my back is against the wall.

My main goal is not to win, but more so to give it the best I have and lay it all out on the mats.

This weekend I stepped out into my 1st four matches with the mindset of,

“I’m not here to win, or lose.

I’m here to chase submissions and do the best BJJ I can do.”

And it worked terrifically!

Then as I hit the semifinals (the medal rounds) I began to feel good and think, “I might win this thing.”

Bad move for me. I got comfortable.

I met Tim Spriggs (a ferocious competitor) in the Semis and I came in with a mindset of focusing on the win and feeling good.

I had lost my back against the wall mentality. And I paid for it in the form of being guillotine choked quickly.

That’s not to say I would have won, but I could have given him a better go than that.

During my last match I begin to hone in and return to my “back against the wall” mindset.

I cared less about the podium and more about attacking.

I scored a takedown to a quick straight armlock.

I used that same straight armlock to finish 2 matches that weekend and nearly finished a 3rd before the ref intervened.

If you’d like to learn it. After purchasing my Wrestling for BJJ Series there is an offer for a 2017 Seminar Series.

My Straight Armlock is Lesson #6 on that series (which includes some of my favorite moves I showed in seminars).

If you see the smug face I have in the picture.

It’s not because I’m upset with third. But because for a moment I lost control of my mentality.

Success is great but it can create comfort. And comfort can be bad in a situation like a competition.

All and all it was a great event. And I want to thank you and everyone else for your support both in person and online.

Talk to you guys next time!

-Chewy –