5 Concepts of Competition Every Parent Should Understand

The GB Kids Program is a great way for young people to experience sport competition outside of school, get fit, learn how to work with others, and build self confidence. Professor Felipe Guedes from San Clemente, California is passionate about running his GB Kids Program and has advice to share with Parents and Kids BJJ Tournaments.

1. Competition is a Tool

Prof. Felipe explains...

"With the right mindset it is a tool that helps our students to get better and reach their full potential. It has to be constructive not destructive. The parents have to have the growth mindset and never forget they are kids. We are in the business of building strong adults."

We must understand first and foremost that "competition is a tool for development and improvement." A key part of the experience is the child’s process of evolving and learning through training and competing. 

2. Be Prepared

Professor Felipe recommends taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth tournament day. 

Know the Division

1. Check your child's weight
2. Make sure your child is in the correct age, rank & weight division
3. Know the cutoff date to change division

Pack the Right Gear

1. Backpack: Clean Uniform, Clean Clothes
2. Lunch Bag: Healthy Snacks & Water

Know the Time

1. Check the schedule and arrive a minimum of 1.5 hrs before start time for the division
2. Give them at least 30 minutes to warm up before their division starts

At the end of the day Professor Felipe reminds us that...

“There are many things that are outside our control in a tournament... Be prepared for the tournament to be late, the organization or set up not to be ideal... Enjoy the imperfections and take it as a positive learning experience to find peace and an opportunity to practice to navigate through confusing situations and carry on with calm and control.” 

3. Embrace Empathy 

"Enjoy the possibility to watch your kid win and also watch your kid lose. More important than the result is how they react afterward. When they win we want them to not do backflips, over celebrations borderline on being disrespectful to their opponents, and also when they lose, there is no need to crumble on the ground in tears as if it was the end of the world. Guide them and let them find out how to deal with those emotions and carry on this emotional maturity to other areas of their lives."

Tournaments can be an overwhelming and exciting environment for both you and your child. “Respect the child's behavior before and after the tournament... Some of them like to stay quiet, and some like to talk… Emotions may surge and that is healthy, remind them to take a deep breath and recover their composure.” Prof. Felipe reminds us to, "Have empathy… appreciate your kid's courage to compete." 

It can be easy for even yourself to get caught up in the excitement and overreact. "Cheering.. in a controlled positive way is good, over yelling from the sidelines shows that you are overreacting… The more you yell, the more you are telling them the win is the most important thing, not their efforts and courage..."

4. Let the Coach, Coach

Too many voices screaming at once can be confusing and overwhelming. Most importantly, Prof. Felipe advises, "Leave the comments about their technical performances to the coaches. Your job is to give them love, tell them that you are proud."

A special insight that Prof. Felipe shares: 

"The number one thing the child wants is to make their parents proud, secondly their coaches... Please pay attention to the exact moment where their arm does not get raised in victory. Your facial expressions communicate if you are proud or frustrated. This will cause a huge impact on how they see tournaments."

5. Encourage Reflection

Reinforce the teachable moments and keep the experience positive...

"The goal of attending tournaments is ultimately to get better, to improve. So after the tournament ask your child to write behind their medals "what did you learn? " The answer can be something related to technique, emotions, strategy, preparation, etc…”

Prof Felipe sums it up by saying, "The number one job you have as a parent is to make your child want to sign up again for the next tournament, and continue their Jiu-Jitsu journey to the black belt."

GB CompNet Tournaments offer a friendly and safe environment. Competing with other Gracie Barra members, stimulating the competitive environment and allowing your child to grow and get better together. 

Stay tuned for upcoming CompNet Tournaments in your region. 

Blog Written by Mark Mullen - Gracie Barra Black Belt