#325 Competition HACKS for BJJ Coaches | How to Coach a Live Match
Jun 5, 2025
Explore key tactics for coaching during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. Discover how to creatively prepare athletes before tournaments and manage nerves effectively. Learn the art of live-match coaching, including clear communication and strategic cues. Uncover the importance of a supportive environment, synchronized warm-ups, and tracking match performance. Delve into post-match debriefs to maintain momentum and improve future outcomes. Equip your team to compete smarter, calmer, and ultimately, win more.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Focus on One Team Tournament
Schedule a single team tournament yearly for better focus and camaraderie.
Motivate competitors early to commit so they don't back out last-minute.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Point-Scenario Sparring
Train positional sparring with one person up on points to simulate real competition pressure.
Focus on critical positions like smashed half guard to improve match-winning skills.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Prepare Individuals Smartly
Manage competitors' nerves by addressing performance anxiety and watching opponent footage.
Help competitors choose healthy, realistic weight classes to optimize performance and safety.
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You can drill berimbolos ’til your hips explode, but if your corner can’t guide a match you’ll still walk home with participation pics.
In this episode of The I Suck at Jiu Jitsu Show, I(@thejoshmckinney) flip the camera to the coach’s side: how to build a battle-ready team, run chaos-free tournament days, and yell the right words when everything’s on the line.
Inside you’ll get:
Pre-tourney prep: rule-set hacks, positional sparring that actually matters, and the “Hail-Mary” plan every squad needs.
Individual dialing-in: managing nerves with ISAJJ breathing, stopping dumb weight cuts, and scouting that first opponent.
Game-day systems: team HQ setups, synchronized warm-ups, match-time tracking, and why assistant coaches are your secret weapon.
Live-match coaching: one-voice recognition, “next-fight” cueing (underhook, keep ’em flat!), time awareness, and a stealth code-word for stalling.
Post-match debriefs: 15-second fix-it notes between rounds and big-picture goals that keep momentum rolling long after the medals.
Whether you’re a seasoned professor or the blue belt who drew the short straw to coach Saturday, this blueprint will help your athletes compete calmer, smarter, and—most importantly—win more matches.
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