Should I Cut Weight for a Jiu-Jitsu Competition? A Guide for First-Timers
Prof. Kalil competed at the IBJJF Sydney International Open in April 2023.
If you are competing for the first time, you may be wondering whether or not you should cut weight for your upcoming competition.
After all, if you can compete in a division lower than your usual weight,
you’re at an advantage, right?
Weight cutting is a common practice among combat sports athletes, but it's not without risks. In this article, we'll help you decide if weight-cutting is worth it for your first Jiu-Jitsu competition.
What is weight cutting?
Weight cutting is the practice of losing weight in order to compete in a lower weight class. It's commonly used in combat sports like mixed martial arts, boxing, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu. Athletes may cut weight by dehydrating themselves, restricting their food intake, or using other extreme methods.
Why do athletes cut weight?
There are a few reasons why athletes cut weight. The main reason is to compete in a lower weight class. By competing at a lower weight, athletes may have a size and strength advantage over their opponents. Additionally, some athletes believe that cutting weight can improve their performance by increasing their agility and speed.
So, should you cut weight for your first Jiu-Jitsu competition?
The decision to cut weight is a personal one that should be based on a number of factors. Here are a few things to consider:
Your health and safety: Cutting weight can be dangerous, especially if it's done improperly. Dehydrating yourself or restricting your food intake can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and other health issues. If you're not sure if you can safely cut weight, it's best to err on the side of caution and compete at your natural weight.
Your experience level: If you're new to Jiu-Jitsu, you may not have the experience or knowledge to safely cut weight. It's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially if you're not familiar with the weight-cutting process.
Your competition goals: If your goal is to win your first competition, cutting weight may give you a size and strength advantage over your opponents. However, if your goal is simply to gain experience and have fun, cutting weight may not be necessary.
Your body type: Some people naturally carry more muscle or fat than others, which can make it difficult to cut weight. If you're already close to the weight limit for your desired weight class, it may not be worth it to cut weight.
If you do decide to cut weight, it's important to do so safely and with the guidance of a coach or nutritionist. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Give yourself enough time: Don't try to lose a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time. Aim to lose no more than 1-2 pounds per week.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can be dangerous, especially when you're training hard. Drink plenty of water and avoid diuretics like caffeine and alcohol.
Eat a balanced diet: Restricting your food intake too much can lead to nutrient deficiencies and decreased performance. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Monitor your weight: Keep track of your weight throughout the weight-cutting process to make sure you're on track to make weight safely.
In conclusion, whether or not to cut weight for a Jiu Jitsu competition is a personal decision that should be made carefully. While cutting weight can give you a competitive advantage, it also comes with risks and may not be suitable for everyone, especially first-time competitors.
If you do decide to cut weight, make sure to do it safely and gradually with the guidance of a coach or nutritionist. Remember to prioritise your health and well-being over short-term gains.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to focus on improving your Jiu Jitsu skills and enjoying the competition experience, regardless of your weight. Train hard, stay dedicated, and trust in your abilities.
Feel free to talk to Professor Alex and Professor Kalil about this if you’re unsure. Both professors have been training, competing and refereeing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 25 years respectively. They have a wealth of knowledge about competition and weight cutting.