Dominyka Obelenyte

Competing is a tricky thing.

Being successful at it is the result of multiple factors combined.

You need to be in top shape physically and you need to be very well trained with your game ready for whatever your opponents throw your way.

Perhaps, more than anything else, you need to have your mind in the right place.

Thinking of that, we have rounded up 10 valuable advices from 10 super-champions to help you be ready for the next time you step on the mat of a tournament.

Here you go.

1. “Champions seek tough training partners in the academy. They go for the challenge. The power of the will needs to be greater than the fear of losing or the vanity of being seen as a champion”- Carlos Gracie Jr

2. “Be aware of how the mind is the controlling factor for everything that happens. A lot of guys are great in the academy, but fall short at the championship. You need to be able to withstand the pressure of putting everything on the line in a tournament and show what you know.” – Rickson Gracie

3. “A champion cannot lose the positions he conquered in a match. A champion knows how to apply non-stop pressure when on top and also knows how to give no space when on the bottom. A champion knows how to maintain firm grips and hooks.” – Ronaldo Jacaré

Roger Gracie Photo by John Cooper

4. “Champions need to be patient. Like a drowning man, if you make wrong decisions and waste energy you will sink faster, but if you keep calm and follow a plan the chances of surviving increase.” – Roger Gracie

5. “If you want to be good at Jiu-Jitsu, train Jiu-Jitsu! You have to be able to do at the competition all you do at training.” – Marcelo Garcia

6. “Learn to start over. After a tough defeat, be at the academy the next day to work on your mistakes.” – Marcio Feitosa

7. “In training, ask yourself how would you win if you could roll against yourself. This way, you will find your weak points and draw a strategy to fill the holes in your own game.” – Leo Vieira

Marcelo Garcia vs. Kron Gracie at the 2009 ADCC, in Barcelona, Spain.

8. “Competition starts the moment you open your eyes in the morning. If you have that mindset, you’ll be closer to victory.” – Saulo Ribeiro

9. “In training, bring your body and mind to their limits. Competition will look easier the harder your training is.” – Braulio Estima

10. “Value progression. Secure positions and score your points. Then, look for the submission.” – Xande Ribeiro

Leandro Lo against Otavio Sousa in the World’s middleweight final. Photo: Ivan Trindade / GRACIEMAG

In 2014, Jiu-Jitsu shook the world. The star players of the gentle art flashed during the entire season, from January to December – both men and women. This Dec. 26, GRACIEMAG presents you with a technical retrospective of competitive Jiu-Jitsu with five of the most striking techniques of 2014.

And you, dear reader, remember another great movement or submission? Share it here.

1. Buchecha’s single-leg over Rodolfo Vieira in the World’s absolute final

2. “The sweeper spin” by Leandro Lo against Otavio Sousa in the World’s middleweight final

3. Bia Mesquita’s legdrag over Nicolini in the World’s absolute final

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvjzDeTtuNo

4. Felipe Pena’s sweep against André Galvão at the World’s heavyweight final

5. Michelle Nicolini’s armbar in the featherweight final at the Worlds 2014

The Brazil 021 team supporting their teammates at the 2013 IBJJF Houston Open / Photo: Erin Herle

Check out this video of GMA Brazil 021 under couple Andre Terencio and Hannette Staack as their competition team takes to the mat in multiple competitions so far. This winter has garnered some great tournaments and despite being located in Chicago with two affiliates in Houston, Texas and one in Jacksonville, North Carolina, the team has spread out all over the country to gather medals.

For more information regarding champions Andre Terencio, Hannette Staack and their Brazil 021 team, you can visit: www.Brazil021.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJJ_ZCsczx8