First No-Gi Grappling Tournament

[Wastelander]

Hello everyone,

I am planning on competing in a no-gi grappling competition this Saturday to see how well I can adapt my Judo to use without the gi. The tournament will mostly consist of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, so I'm just curious to hear if there is anything I should expect aside from them shooting for single- and double-leg takedowns and doing that irritating guard-pull from standing. I'm still not sure whether I should enter in the Beginner division or Intermediate division (I'm assuming they have these, but all that's listed on the website is weight divisions so it may be a non-issue) because I've had about 4 years of Judo training and 2 of those years had a heavier focus on groundwork, but none of that necessarily equates to BJJ experience. Any tips, tricks, or advice on what I can expect? Thanks!

[MMA_Jim]

Nothing wrong with going into a beginner division- most judoka doing their first BJJ tournaments do white belt divisions- which is what you could expect mostly from the beginner division. You also dont want to jump into the intermediate division if you're not familiar with leglocks should the rules allow them.

What to expect? Well, going belly down to avoid a pin is a very bad move in a jiu jitsu tournament- fight to keep your back from being taken- they can win by pin.

Also keep in mind that choking against the face is very legal in BJJ. Simply tucking your chin to defend the choke wont be a very good strategy, as it is well within the rules to grind and viviously crossface your opponent.

[Wastelander]

Nothing wrong with going into a beginner division- most judoka doing their first BJJ tournaments do white belt divisions- which is what you could expect mostly from the beginner division. You also dont want to jump into the intermediate division if you're not familiar with leglocks should the rules allow them.

What to expect? Well, going belly down to avoid a pin is a very bad move in a jiu jitsu tournament- fight to keep your back from being taken- they can win by pin.

Also keep in mind that choking against the face is very legal in BJJ. Simply tucking your chin to defend the choke wont be a very good strategy, as it is well within the rules to grind and viviously crossface your opponent.

Thanks for the input, Jim. I'm not completely untrained on the ground, so I am familiar with leglocks (straight leglocks are allowed, but twisting leglocks are only allowed in "absolute" matches) and I know not to go belly-down, in general (I've never been a staller in my Judo competitions when it comes to groundwork). I appreciate the advanced warning that choking against the face and grinding crossfacing is allowed--I've tapped out more in practice from chokes crushing my jaw than from chokes on my neck.

[bushido_man96]

Good luck to you. Let us know how it goes.

[Jay]

No advice as you have been training longer than me

I just thought though, maybe watch a couple of No Gi matches to get a feel if you have never done one before. Have fun let us know how you do.

[ps1]

Hello everyone,

I am planning on competing in a no-gi grappling competition this Saturday to see how well I can adapt my Judo to use without the gi. The tournament will mostly consist of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, so I'm just curious to hear if there is anything I should expect aside from them shooting for single- and double-leg takedowns and doing that irritating guard-pull from standing. I'm still not sure whether I should enter in the Beginner division or Intermediate division (I'm assuming they have these, but all that's listed on the website is weight divisions so it may be a non-issue) because I've had about 4 years of Judo training and 2 of those years had a heavier focus on groundwork, but none of that necessarily equates to BJJ experience. Any tips, tricks, or advice on what I can expect? Thanks!

You should enter intermediate if it's offered. Beginner is usually meant for people with only 1 to 2 years of grappling experience.

If you want to do well, you'll need to figure out ways to get them out of the low stances that dominate this type of competition. You can't let them see you know judo until it's too late because they will just pull guard to avoid it. Dave Camarillo suggests playing a low "wrestling type stance" until you get your underhooks, then you can go to your more comfortable positions. But underhooks will dominate, especially when you don't have a gi. You'll find yourself sprawling alot as singles are extremely common.

Good luck and have fun.