Grappling with Grappling: 2025 Done!

My competitive grappling year ended with a trip to compete at the always excellent BJJ 247 Brighton Open at the weekend. I’ve had days where I’ve been smashed at this event. I’ve also had days where I’ve caught my positions and won.

At Masters 6 Brown Belt, it’s often hard to get opponents, so I ended up in Masters 4 Brown Belt. I lost the opening fight by a solitary point, then won the bronze medal match 10-6. Whatever the results in competing at martial arts, the takehomes and the very frequent loss-learnings are invaluable.

The plus points at this event were that I fought from the off to get my position. I then fought for submissions and escapes when I faced adversity. I also finally used cradle in my competitive game and the weights training showed. I feel I found something in terms of mindset, too.

The negative points were that I relied on my closed guard too much. And I didn't chain attacks or sweeps together well enough from this position until it was too late.

Anyway, it all begins again next year. And there will be chances to put that right. I'll never be a great competitor. But I will be an improving one. And that's OK.