If you’re new to competing, you might be wondering what to expect. Don’t worry. We’ve gotcha covered.

What to expect

Come prepared to have fun, learn lots, and meet new people! A tournament is an opportunity to test your game and to encounter new things. We all love to win but losing is pretty educational. Either way, come ready to have a good time.

As much as possible, in the days leading up to the tournament, try to practice with competition conditions. That means:

• wearing what you plan to wear (gi or no-gi, mouthguard, any other gear like kneepads)
• with high-energy opponents
• with a time limit
• with distractions such as people walking by or cheering

Also give yourself lots of time on the competition day. Weigh-ins will cut off at 10 am on Saturday. If you miss your weigh-in, you’re outta luck. Don’t end up in a traffic jam at 9:53 freaking out. Better to suck it up, get up early, and arrive with lots of time to relax and prepare.

When you arrive, don’t be shy about asking questions. We’re here to help, and to make your first competition as easy as possible.

If you’re new to competing, it might seem like everyone else is better than you, or more skilled, or more relaxed. We guarantee they’re peeing their pants with nervousness just like you are.

The competition process

1. First, you’ll weigh in, either on the Friday evening at MECCA, or on Saturday the 22nd from 8:30-10 am. See the schedule page for details.
2. Then, you’ll get dressed, have a little food if you can stomach it (don’t eat too much!), and get ready to rumble! Make sure you take out or tape up any piercings or flappy bits.
3. Officials will sort you into a weight category and announce the brackets. The tournament is double elimination, which means you will fight at least two matches.
4. Officials will go over the rules with the group. You should review them in advance, just so you’re not hearing it all for the first time while also trying to deal with the new environment.
5. Warm up the way you normally would: gentle mobility work, jogging, practicing your wicked sub, whatever. Try to stay warm while you wait. Rehearse and prepare — listen to your motivational music, meditate, visualize, whatever.
6. Pay attention to your match numbers, and stick around when it looks like your match will be called. (Yes, we know you need to go to the bathroom. Run.)
7. When your match number and name is called, you’re up. We’ll try to announce this as far in advance as possible.
8. When it’s your turn to fight, walk on to the mat. The referee may give you some instructions. Pay attention.
9. Shake hands with your opponent, and it’s on, baby!
10. If you travel too far outside the edge of the mat space, the referee may re-set you in one of the restart positions, which could include open guard restart, back mount restart, side mount restart, or standing.
11. If your coach is with you, listen to her instructions as best you can. If not, see if you can find a friendly upper belt to coach you. Again, we remember being scared white belts, so we’re happy to help if possible. A coach can help you see and navigate openings and techniques you might forget in the heat of the moment. Stay calm and keep your ears open.
12. Keep breathing. Your adrenaline will be pumping. Don’t panic or pass out!
13. Remember that matches are won on both points and submissions. Try to stay aware of where you are with points, and have someone call your time if possible so you know when you need to really haul ass.
14. Tap if you need to. Don’t be a hero. Live to fight another day — without a broken part.
15. When it’s over, shake hands and be a good winner or loser.

What to bring

Here’s a handy list.

• ID and cash. Don’t bring too much, but bring enough so that you can get yourself a cute new rashguard if you spot one at the vendors’ tables.
• Whatever gear you compete in: gi, shorts and rashguard, etc. If you can, bring extra clothes. You never know when you might need an extra shirt — maybe ’cause you busted out of the first one like the Incredible Hulk!
• A change of clothing for afterwards is also nice
• Any assistive gear you use: knee or ankle wraps, etc.
• Mouthguard and ear protectors, if you wear them
• Towel — this is sweaty work
• Deodorant — ditto
• Hair elastics
• Baby wipes come in handy for keeping you clean(ish) when you can’t get to a shower right away
• If possible, a cooler bag with your food for the day. Don’t expect that you’ll be able to run out for a bite during the competition. We try to run things smoothly, but competition is full of unexpected events, and you don’t want to be standing in line for pizza — or starving — when your division is called.
• Sandals for walking around the competition area
• Something to read while you’re waiting
• A small container to hold any of your body jewellery such as nose rings, bellybutton rings, etc.
• An iPod with your favourite kickass motivational (or calming) music
• You might want a hat or bandana for covering up the post-tournament hair
• Medical contact information and any other relevant medical info. Hey, shit happens. This ain’t a tea party.
• Surgical tape, a few bandaids, Tylenol or ibuprofen, and maybe an Ace bandage, just in case
• Toothbrush and toothpaste — after your first match you will have no spit in your mouth, yucko
• If there’s any danger of getting your period whatsoever, bring a few pads/tampons. We swear to god the damn thing knows when you’re wearing a white gi. By the way, Natracare is one of our sponsors!
• A digital camera to capture the special moment of your first armbar
• If you have a friend who can videotape you, that’s super-useful afterwards for the post-game analysis
• Your coach, if they’re free to join you
• Friends and family to cheer you on!
• A good attitude, including sportswomanlike behaviour. Nobody likes a sore loser, a cheater, or a bully.