Naga ranked tournament.

[Giovanni]

As some of you know I'm already know, I'm currently training in brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing. I'm also starting up Muay Thai. Anyways to make a long story short. I've been rolling alot lately and getting better and better and now there's an event showing up in ottawa that NAGA ranked (north american grappling association) see site here (www.sportmmaonline.com)

I've only been doing BJJ for about 3-4 weeks... otherwise I have no experience in grappling... think I should bother? Anybody here with MA experience that could tell me how competent fighters are in those competitions? Or if it could play a major role in the destruction of my carreer in the sport if I should encounter defeat? O_

It's funny how something so stupid as an amateur competition can worry me.

[Baneblade]

If you are worried...you are not ready.

[Knightwyvern]

there is usually a very wide range of skill levels at NAGA events. I'm not talking strictly belt-level either;some of the black belts are surprisingly unskilled and do not deserve such a high rank. Then you get the yellow belts who are kicking ass. Honestly I would have to say that 3-4 weeks of experience is not enough to enter into a tournament. I've done jiu-jutsu for almost 2 years (although I'm out of practice) and I still wouldn't enter a tournament. It can be dangerous if it is not second nature to you.

However in the long run it just depends on whether or not you feel ready. I am always "worried" before any fight (to lesser and greater degrees, I admit) and I believe that a little fear is a good thing. It can keep you sharp, and helps you decide when you shouldn't fight at all.

[Mag-Mower]

If you are worried...you are not ready.

What Grasshopper said.

[Giovanni]

It would actually be my first competition... wich would be why I am worried...

I am currently training under the old assistant coach of the razorclaws (Ken Shamrock's team). He moved back to ottawa recently allowing our school to have a great coach. I'm actually rolling with him most of the time...

[Mag-Mower]

Offtopic - Whoa, you live in Ottawa? Sweet deal, Im probably going to be starting college there in January! (Business Administration - Marketing at Algonquin).

On Topic - Ask your coach what he thinks. Take his advice, unless he has a motive of some sort.

[Giovanni]

Well he told me to compete because it's the best way to learn. He keeps saying that he's happy to have a student that picks stuff up so easily but to not let it go to my head and just keep practicing.

And I live in gatineau but it's like a 5 minute ride from there. If you ever wanna hang I could show you some clubs in the region or we could just game haha.

But yeah... even if he says I should I just wanna make sure it doesn't potentially fuck up my carreer.

[Giovanni]

Alright fuck it. I'm doing it. I'll bring my shitty camera along! Woo!

[Knightwyvern]

Good luck at the tournament, I think you'll do fine. I wish I had done more tournaments while I was at my old dojo, so I'm going to live through you a little. Thusly, you must kick ass because I would have :lol:

[Mag-Mower]

Goodluck man, when is it?

[Giovanni]

September 15th. So I have two weeks to practice like a maniac. I'll stick to grappling this time and next time I'll do the MMA and grappling.

[Kyonye]

I say try Savate.... Or Krav Maga. those are some good martial arts.

Other than that, there is nothing you can lose in competing. Just make sure you don't go too far above your level of training. I have a friend who is a black belt in 3 different martial arts. He has fought 3 mma matches and won all 3. Do what you want. That is the best decision to make. Just make sure you put thought into your decision. If you have the confidence in yourself, go ahead. Sparring is just another form of training. You will only get better.

[l3lizz4rd]

there is usually a very wide range of skill levels at NAGA events. I'm not talking strictly belt-level either;some of the black belts are surprisingly unskilled and do not deserve such a high rank. Then you get the yellow belts who are kicking ass. Honestly I would have to say that 3-4 weeks of experience is not enough to enter into a tournament. I've done jiu-jutsu for almost 2 years (although I'm out of practice) and I still wouldn't enter a tournament. It can be dangerous if it is not second nature to you.

However in the long run it just depends on whether or not you feel ready. I am always "worried" before any fight (to lesser and greater degrees, I admit) and I believe that a little fear is a good thing. It can keep you sharp, and helps you decide when you shouldn't fight at all.
I've never read more horseshit in a single post in my entire life.

[Giovanni]

Weigh in is in about 2 hours.

I'll be back around 7pm or something. I'll bring back some pics. Woo!

[Giovanni]

I'll grab a picture or participation medal later...

Our photograph arrived late so there was no point... but I'm happy to have been there. Almost got my arm broken in my first fight. He had me in an armbar and I didn't feel it at the time... apparently my arm was bowing in the wrong way and everyone was screaming for me to tap or for the ref to stop the fight... the ref was a fucking moron and didn't move and I tapped after hearing a pop in my arm.

Two of the guys from my gym got belts and medals, I didn't get anything but that shitty participation medal... I'm really happy to have gone thought...

[l3lizz4rd]

Competition teaches you where the holes in your game are far faster than your training partners will. Congrats on busting your tourney cherry, and participate in as many as you want. Sometimes when you hit a plateau a tourney can show you what you should be focusing on.

Again, congrats.

[Giovanni]

Thanks. I learnt something out of it...

Tap if you know you won't be getting out. :lol:

I also missed the opportunity to take his back and went for a guillotine choke instead... wich he got out of after around 40 seconds of stuggling... when we went into my guard... I tried to make a sweep and I over extended my arm wich gave it to him for the armbar that in turn finished me. I know what I'll be working on and I know I'll just be pushing myself harder from now on.