How to Win at Attending a Competition
How to Win at Attending a Competition
Competitions are for showing what we have trained for, sweated for, and bleed for. It is an paramount and critical part of the Judoka's journey.
That said, there is a collection of skills needed to be successful at the competition, outside just the fight. We will be discussing what else needs to be done to Win.
Requirements
- Requester competition on hosts website
- (usually smoothcomp.com, but can be others)
- You must be member of USA Judo
- There are options for the other national organizations
- Proper Judo Gi and Belts
- Water and other sources of hydration
- Snacks and food
- Readiness to celebrate after!
Arrival
Night before
Most completions will have a night before weigh-in. it is recommended to arrive the night before to ensure you are well rested and ready for the competion. Great chance to make a small vacation out of it!
Day of
If you have not weighed in yet, arrive in the middle of the time range. For example, if weigh-ins are from 8-10am, arrive at 9:30am. plenty of time for error.
Even if you have already weighed in, make sure you are there an hour before competion starts. This will give you time to warm up, stretch, and get ready for the day. One of the worst parts of completions is the waiting. That said, you do not want to be rushing into a fight without warming up.
Sensei Story
I have arrived at competition right as they were calling my name. The coordinator had told us "Don't worry! Be there at noon!" So we arrived at 11:30am after a nice relaxing breakfast…
Went straight to fight, no warm up. very stressful. Thankfully i won, and used that fight to get ready for the rest of the day.
Uniform
You will need a proper fitting white judo gi, a white belt, and a blue belt.
Optionally, you can bring a blue judo gi, but you cannot fight in the "white" side with a blue gi.
The Judo Gi's sleeves must reach the end of your wrists when your arms are extended outwards. The pants must reach the end of your ankles. the skirt of the jacket must reach past your hips.
Wear flip-flops or saddles. Tennis shoes are just a pain.
Men - No Shirt on Jacket.
Women - White shirt (full shirt, not tank-top) under Jacket
See more here Club rules and Etiquette
Supplies
Make sure to bring the following (use this as your checklist):
- water bottle(s)
- hydration (coconut water, gatorade, etc)
- simple snakcs (bananas, nuts, granola bars)
- simple candies for quick sugar (jolly ranchers, skittles, jelly beans)
- white tap and k-tape (or ask sensei )
- towel
- change of clothes
Etiquette
Sportsmanship above all else. Fight to win. Fight for honor with honor. Respect your opponent, the referees, staff, and the rest of the people there.
If there are any issues, it will be Sensei's duty alone to handle it. Come to Sensei if there are any bad calls or any other issue.
Before Fight
When you are up (around 3 or 4 matches away) stay near the your mat's table. Do not wonder off. Have your Judo Gi on and the correct belt on. Either white or blue depending on which side of the table you are on.
Once Fight Starts
Remove saddles/flip-flops and bow onto the mat. Hint walk backwards with shoes pointing out. Makes getting off the mat much easier.
Wait for the referee to signal you up. When you reach the middle of the safety area, bow towards your opponent.
Step into the fight area. The referee will signal you. Bow again.
Listen for hajime!
After Fight
Stand on your respective corner (side). Fix your Judo GI and Belt. Wait for the result (win or lose).
Referee will signal to bow. Do so and walk backward out the area. You are not supposed to shake hands (even though some do). Do that after you leave the area.
Bow as you step off the mat into your shoes.
Celebrate and discuss with your Sensei and Team.
