Competing is optional—but when you're ready, our coaches help you prepare. Start here before you register or pay an entry fee.
Competing isn't required at Ares Peoria—but our coaching staff has deep IBJJF experience and encourages students to try it when the timing is right. Use this page as a practical checklist; your coach is the final word on division choice and readiness.
Talk to your coaches first
- Before you register, check in with Professor Livio or your regular coach about readiness, belt/age division, Gi vs No Gi, and which events fit your goals.
- Coaches can help with affiliation paperwork, weigh-in strategy, corner coverage, and whether a given bracket makes sense for your experience.
- Academy competition training on the weekly schedule is invite-only (blue belt+ with Professor Livio)—ask about access once you're training toward comps regularly.
Pick an event & register officially
- Most Ares competitors look at IBJJF and Jiu Jitsu World League (JJWL) calendars—dates, divisions, fees, and rules always come from the organizer, not from us.
- Read the event's registration page, uniform rules, and weigh-in policy before you pay. Cutoff weights and deadlines change event to event.
- IBJJF calendar: ibjjf.com/events/calendar · JJWL hub: jjworldleague.com
What to expect on tournament day
- Plan for a long day—brackets can run early or late depending on mat pace and how far you advance.
- You'll check in, may need to weigh in (Gi events often weigh in with the Gi), then wait in a staging area until your division is called.
- Matches are short, refereed rounds on a competition mat—not the same feel as a relaxed academy roll. Listen for the referee; tap early and reset cleanly.
- Win or lose, you'll shake hands, return to your coach or team area, and wait for your next bracket assignment or medal ceremony.
What to pack
- Competition Gi or No Gi kit that meets the organizer's uniform rules (plus a backup if you have one).
- Belt, photo ID if required, registration confirmation on your phone, and any affiliation documentation the event asks for.
- Water, light snacks, flip-flops or sandals for off the mat, a change of clothes, and a towel.
- Optional: mouthguard, athletic tape, nail clippers—follow the organizer's hygiene and equipment rules.
Day-of checklist
- Arrive earlier than you think you need to—lines at check-in and weigh-ins are common.
- Warm up with your coach or team; don't burn out rolling hard in the bullpen.
- Know where your mat is, when your division is scheduled, and who is in your corner if you've arranged coaching.
- Stay hydrated, keep ego in check, and treat opponents and staff with the same respect you show at the academy.
Mindset for your first comp
- Your first tournament is about experience—learning the flow, nerves, and pace of official matches.
- One clean rep or one lesson from a loss is a win if you leave smarter and safer.
- Debrief with your coach after— they'll help you turn the day into a training plan for the next one.
Official event calendars
Dates, divisions, fees, and rules always come from the organizer—confirm there before you register.
Still training toward your first class?
If you haven't stepped on our mats yet, start with your first class (free) and build a base before you think about brackets. Questions about competition training or which event fits? Contact us or talk to your coach after class.