I will be competing this Saturday Nov 20th at The Good Fight Thanksgiving Throwdown. It will be my first tournament since getting my blue belt, so i figured i would answer some of the more frequently asked questions to give everyone some more insight.
The first question that i figured everyone would want to know is, are you nervous to compete at blue belt?
I am not nervous at all! I have been waiting for what feels like forever to step it up and compete at the next level, so i am exited! I think that there are always some nerves when i arrive at the tournament, but i settle in quickly and get into “Game Mode”. I have trained hard day in and day out to prepare, so the tournament is the time to have fun and put on a show.
Do you do anything differently in training before a tournament?
I like to keep my training pretty consistent, so i don’t take any days off before the tournament. I will go a little bit easier on my strength and conditioning workout so my body wont be too sore. I am also going to limit the number of matches i will do in open mat after class, and i will drill some of the things in my game plan.
Do you cut weight or change your diet before a tournament?
In the past i haven’t really had to do much weight cutting before tournaments. If i am close to being in a lower weight class i will cut, but i don’t really want to make any extreme cuts for a local tournament. There aren’t any weight classes at The Good Fight, they match you up with people close to your weight, so i am comfortable with what i am walking around at. I also don’t get too crazy about my diet. I pay closer attention to my portion control, and make sure i am eating the right things.
What are your goals for your first tournament at blue belt?
My goals for this tournament are the same as always, I want to win every match by submission. Winning by points is good, but when i set goals i don’t want to feel like I’m setting them too low or being happy to settle. I also want to let loose and leave everything on the mat. I will fight to the last second of the match, no matter if i am winning or loosing. I cant think of anything worse then getting done a tournament and thinking i could have done more.
If anyone has any more questions for me feel free to email them to eric.paramountbjj@gmail.com