The Mind and competitions
The Mind and Competitions: How It Can Be Changed for Success
Introduction
Competing in martial arts like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo takes immense courage. Stepping onto the mat to test yourself against another skilled competitor is no small feat. Both athletes have trained hard, both want to win, and the outcome often comes down to physical and mental preparation.
At Praia BJJ in Costa Mesa, California, we train our students to be strong competitors by refining their techniques and strengthening their mindset. Many students perform exceptionally well in the gym, yet struggle when the competition arrives. Why does this happen? And more importantly, how can we change it?
Success in competition isn’t just about skill—it’s about experience, strategy, and mental toughness. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential components that determine success in competitions and how athletes, parents, and coaches can work together to build strong competitors from the inside out.
Building Competition Experience and Rhythm
Many students believe that just because they train daily, they will automatically excel in competition. However, competition is a skill in itself. The more you compete, the more you learn how to compete.
Just as in life, experience matters. Competing regularly allows athletes to develop rhythm, timing, and familiarity with high-pressure situations. It teaches competitors how to control adrenaline, make quick decisions under stress, and execute techniques effectively.
At Praia BJJ, we encourage students to participate in local tournaments in Orange County and beyond. Each competition is a learning experience, regardless of the result. Over time, athletes build confidence and learn what works best for them in a competitive setting.
Takeaway: The more you compete, the better you get at handling the competition itself. Start with smaller local tournaments, gain experience, and develop a rhythm that prepares you for larger events.
Finding What Works: Strategy and Individuality
Many competitors make the mistake of copying techniques they see others using, without considering whether those strategies align with their strengths. Every athlete has unique attributes—some are strong and explosive, while others rely on agility and flexibility.
To compete successfully, athletes must:
✅ Identify their strengths – Are you better at playing guard or passing? Are you explosive or methodical?
✅ Work on weaknesses – Strengthen areas where you struggle to become a well-rounded competitor.
✅ Develop a personalized strategy – Build a game plan that plays to your strengths and minimizes your weaknesses.
This is where private lessons, focused training, and competition-specific drills come into play. At Praia BJJ, we emphasize individualized coaching to help athletes create their unique style.
Takeaway: Compete in a way that complements your natural abilities. Develop a game plan that works for YOU.
The Mind: The Missing Key in Competition Preparation
One of the most overlooked aspects of competition preparation is mental training. Many athletes train their bodies tirelessly but neglect their mindset. In reality, mental toughness often determines the outcome of a match more than technical ability.
As The Champion’s Mind by Jim Afremow states:
"Champions think differently from everyone else. They believe in themselves, trust their preparation, and embrace competition as an opportunity rather than a threat."
Mental Toughness and Resilience
Training the mind requires effort, just like training the body. Here are the key components of mental preparation:
🧠 Visualization – Picture yourself competing confidently and executing your techniques successfully. Many top athletes, including Olympians, use visualization to improve performance.
💪 Resilience – Losses and failures are part of the journey. Instead of dwelling on them, use them as learning experiences.
🧘 Calmness Under Pressure – Many competitors lose matches not because of skill but because they panic under pressure. Breathing techniques, meditation, and mental conditioning help athletes stay calm and focused.
🔥 Confidence Building – Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build through preparation and positive self-talk.
As The Art of Mental Training by DC Gonzalez explains:
"The mind must be trained just as rigorously as the body. Without mental discipline, even the most skilled athletes can crumble under pressure."
At Praia BJJ, we incorporate mental training into our competition preparation. We help athletes develop confidence, focus, and a warrior mindset that allows them to perform at their best when it matters most.
Takeaway: Training the mind is as important as training the body. Mental preparation can be the difference between winning and losing.
The Role of Parents in Competition Success
For young competitors, parental support plays a crucial role. However, the way parents support their children can either motivate them or create unnecessary pressure.
🏆 Encouraging, Not Pressuring – Many parents think that being loud and vocal at tournaments helps their children, but in reality, excessive pressure can make them anxious. Young athletes need positive reinforcement, not fear of failure.
💬 What to Say Before and After a Competition – Instead of focusing on the outcome, parents should focus on effort and improvement.
Before: “Do your best and have fun!”
After a loss: “I’m proud of you for competing. What did you learn today?”
After a win: “Great job! What do you think worked well for you?”
As Mental Toughness for Young Athletes by Troy Horne highlights:
"Confidence grows when kids feel supported, not judged. Parents must learn to provide constructive feedback and unconditional support."
At Praia BJJ, we educate parents on how to support their child’s competition journey in a way that fosters confidence, resilience, and long-term success.
Takeaway: Parents should be a source of encouragement, not pressure. Their role is to provide unconditional support and help their child grow, regardless of wins or losses.
Dealing with Losses: The True Test of a Competitor
Losses are part of every competitor’s journey. The difference between great athletes and average athletes is how they respond to setbacks.
🏆 Champions Don’t Quit – Many competitors give up after a few losses. But as How Champions Think by Dr. Bob Rotella emphasizes,
"The best athletes are the ones who refuse to let failure define them. Instead, they use setbacks as fuel for growth."
✅ Every Competition Is a Learning Experience – A loss doesn’t mean you’re bad at Jiu-Jitsu. It simply means there’s more to learn.
💡 The Will to Keep Improving – Champions aren’t the most talented—they’re the ones who keep pushing forward despite difficulties.
At Praia BJJ, we teach our students that perseverance is key. Whether you win or lose, the goal is growth.
Takeaway: Losses don’t define you. Champions are the ones who keep going, keep improving, and never give up.
Conclusion: Transforming Your Mindset for Competition Success
Success in competition isn’t just about talent—it’s about experience, strategy, mental toughness, and resilience.
At Praia BJJ in Costa Mesa, we help our students become well-rounded competitors by focusing on both physical and mental training. We encourage:
✅ Competing regularly to gain experience.
✅ Developing a personal strategy based on individual strengths.
✅ Training the mind through mental exercises, visualization, and confidence-building techniques.
✅ Parental support that motivates rather than pressures.
✅ Viewing losses as learning opportunities rather than failures.
If you or your child are looking to train Jiu-Jitsu in Costa Mesa and take your competition mindset to the next level, join us at Praia BJJ! Our expert coaches are here to help you succeed—on and off the mats.
💬 Ready to compete with a stronger mind? Book a free trial at Praia BJJ today!
📍 Located in Costa Mesa, near Newport Beach and Huntington Beach