Madison Jiu-Jitsu
Most of the competitions attended in the Midwest are in the large urban centers of Milwaukee and Chicago. Those cities and events attract a large number of competitors not only from the area, but from the surrounding suburbs and environs. It is rare to find a Jiu-Jitsu competition near me.
For that reason it is exciting to have FUJI BJJ put on a local Madison-area competition that not only draws from local academies (Twisted Fitness/Alliance, Foundations/Brotherhood, StrongHold, Gracie Barra, Journey, Rise Up, Fight Prime, and others), but also from surrounding-area teams (Carlson Gracie, Fearless MMA, Tac Team, Veneration, and others).
It is exciting to see the rapid growth of Jiu-Jitsu in the Madison area with new academies popping up every year, and existing academies growing stronger day-by-day. A rising tide lifts all boats, and seeing the level of competition grow along with the volume of competitors is truly amazing.
FUJI BJJ
All of this was reflected at this years FUJI BJJ Wisconsin State Championships. It was clear from the outset that the event this year was much better attended than last year, with long lines for weigh-ins and people crowding around the mat area to prepare for their matches and/or support their teammates.
It was clear that this FUJI BJJ tournament was surprised by the large turnout. That being said, they handled everything very well and gave fair warning that it was going to be a long day. It is not an easy thing, running competitions. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work and logistics that competitors/coaches/spectators aren’t aware of. So hats-off to all of the organizers, refs, and score-keepers for keeping things running as smoothly and quickly as possible given the large turnout.
Sanctuary Jiu-Jitsu Competitors
This year we had eight people competing. Matthew Poster (Brown Belt), Ryan Lewis (Blue Belt), Karen Vieth (Blue Belt), Chaney Perkins (Blue Belt), Zach Bower (Gray Belt), Conner Poster (White Belt), Dave P.K. (White Belt), and Dan Genrich (White Belt) all stepped on the mats to showcase, test, and work towards improving their Jiu-Jitsu.
Everybody did very well, and we performed formidably as a new and small(er) team in Madison. However, not everybody got the results that they wanted. It has become a cliche to say that, but it’s the reality of competition. You cannot win every time you step on the competition mats. I’m not so sure that would even be enjoyable. It’s in our losses that the holes in our game are most viscerally exposed, and it’s in the very possibility of losing that makes competition exciting and worthwhile. If you took gold this time around, or if you didn’t win a single match, that could all change the next time you step on the mats. Keep that in perspective, and keep training and competing to improve!
First Timers
A huge shoutout to Dan Genrich, Dave P.K. and Conner Poster for stepping on the mats and competing for the first time! Just like taking your first Jiu-Jitsu class, it isn’t an easy first step to take. It might be intimidating and overwhelming, but you did it anyways!
Dan took first place in his gi division, and third place in no gi. Conner lost his only gi match but came back strong and got second place in his no gi division. Dave lost both of his matches in gi, but gained a lot of valuable experience and learned some things that he needs to improve upon to come back stronger next time.
Final Thoughts
Competition is a great way to expose the weaknesses and strengths in your Jiu-Jitsu. It is a powerful tool to motivate you to improve in a more methodical and focused manner. Competing is not essential to growth – or promotion – but more often than not it acts as an accelerator, pushing you beyond your comfort zone. That is where true growth and deep learning lies.
So win or lose, congrats to all of the competitors who stepped on the mats yesterday! I always say that competing should be a means to an end, not an end in itself; competition should serve as a means to improve your Jiu-Jitsu, not to prove your Jiu-Jitsu. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of you – and of our team at large – for competing, supporting, coaching, and being amazing training partners.