26/10/2021
Competitions are back and something I get asked about is what weight category to fight at.
When fighting in BJJ you usually weigh in, in the gi and a few hours before you step on the mats.
Often people want to fight in the lightest weight category possible and leave it to the last minute to try and cut the weight.
Its not an issue if you only have a few pounds but if you are sitting firmly in the middle of two brackets here's my advice...
• Get the weight down months in advance, in a very modest calorie deficit. In a large calorie deficit your performance in training will suffer, fatigue effects your ability to learn and retain skills. Specific skill work for BJJ is paramount.
• Avoid cutting water weight if you can. Dehydrating yourself before you step into competition will severely hamper your performance.
• If you don't have alot of time for that don't bother fighting in the weight below.
Why? Because unless you are a professional athlete, you don't get paid to compete.
A gold medal is great but in reality you are there to test yourself and your skills, fighting someone a few kgs heavier may not be as bad as you think, the consequences aren't dire.
The short or long term effects of being malnourished and dehydrated to enter a competition isn't worth the £30-60 price you pay for that gold/silver/bronze medal.
