Ocean County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu owner and Ricardo Almeida black belt, Tom DeBlass, is a fount of good advice. As an avid BJJ competitor and former MMA fighter, it should come as no surprise that the man who jokingly likes to refer to himself as “T-Bone” has plenty of excellent advice on competing.
His latest piece of advice concerns BJJ competitors who hate their opponents. According to DeBlass, this is silly. Why? Because “BJJ isn’t a street fight.”
Besides, if you hate your opponent that much, why would you want to roll with them?
You can read Professor Tom DeBlass’s post in its entirety below:
My advice to young competitors, don’t hate your opponents. It’s silly really. This is BJJ, this isn’t a street fight.
Before you train in class do you psych yourself up to dislike your training partners? So why do it in competition.
You will see the higher level you get it is impossible to intimidate someone, so don’t waste your energy trying.
I would much rather get along with my opponent, and if I really had a problem with them I wouldn’t be looking to grapple against them.
Competition is supposed to be fun. Hate is never fun.
You can find the original post here.
Your opponent is your teacher and your ego is your real enemy!