Technique Videos

Reflecting on my recent experience at the IBJJF Pan American Championships, I’m reminded that every competition is an opportunity to learn and grow. While the results may not always be what you expect, the lessons you take away are invaluable.

1. It's About the Big Picture – Not Just the Small Details

In the final match, I faced a highly skilled opponent who was able to control my movements and manage my guard effectively. Looking back, I can pinpoint technical mistakes, like my grip management and not applying enough pressure in certain situations. But the most important lesson here is that these small technical errors were symptoms of a larger issue: my overall jiu-jitsu wasn’t at the level it needed to be.

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to fix one small detail, but when you lose a match by a small margin, you have to look at the bigger picture. It’s not just about correcting that one specific mistake; it’s about improving the entirety of your game.

2. Consistency Is Key

During the tournament, I struggled with executing some sweeps, and I wasn’t able to defend takedowns as well as I should have. These areas were my focus for the next phase of training. If I want to succeed at the next level, I need to consistently perform these techniques in every match, under pressure, without hesitation. Jiu-jitsu is a dynamic art, and consistency in all areas is crucial.

3. The Importance of Adapting

A lesson I learned the hard way in my final match was the importance of adapting to your opponent’s game. My opponent had a collar drag that I wasn’t ready for, and it caused a significant shift in the match. Recognizing and adapting to your opponent’s strategy on the fly is critical. Next time, I’ll be more prepared for different grips and movement patterns, especially when dealing with such explosive tactics.

4. It's Not About Just Sweeping – It's About Being Ready to Attack

Throughout the tournament, my sweeps were a point of focus. But I learned that sweeps don’t happen in isolation—they are part of a bigger picture. To get that sweep, you need to be in the right position, with the right pressure and timing. When you’re constantly looking for a sweep without properly setting it up, you’re more likely to fail. It’s important to approach sweeps not as a goal in themselves but as part of an ongoing chain of actions within your guard.

5. Growth Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Perhaps the biggest lesson was the reminder that jiu-jitsu is a journey. You don’t simply take one tournament, make a few adjustments, and suddenly become unbeatable. There’s always room for improvement, and that’s what keeps the sport exciting. I learned that after every competition, it’s essential to reassess your entire game—not just the techniques you failed at but your overall approach to training and competition.

I’m excited to take these lessons forward in my training. While the results weren’t exactly what I wanted, the experience has given me valuable insights into areas of my jiu-jitsu that need improvement. Moving forward, my focus will be on enhancing my overall skill set, and I’m looking forward to putting in the work to see those improvements come to fruition.

For a deeper dive into my experience at the tournament, watch the video below. It goes into more detail about my matches, mindset, and the takeaways I’ll be focusing on in the months ahead.