Answers from a BJJ Black Belt

Vicente Cavalcanti

Q. Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in Jiu-Jitsu?

A. My family, including my cousins and uncles, always encouraged me to start Jiu-Jitsu. Unfortunately, we didn’t have Jiu-Jitsu in my hometown, Uberaba, at the time. When Jiu-Jitsu finally came to town in 2000, I began training immediately under Professor Mauro Chueng. I haven’t stopped since. In 2004, Professor Chueng moved to Portugal, and I joined Alliance. In 2011, I was promoted to black belt under Master Alexandre Paiva, one of the founders of Alliance BJJ.

Advice for Beginners in Jiu-Jitsu

Q. What advice would you give to your younger self starting your Jiu-Jitsu journey? What advice should they ignore?

A. At the time, I believed that doing extensive warm-ups before rolling would benefit my Jiu-Jitsu. Today, I see things differently. I would focus more on drilling. Saving energy for specific training and sparring is far more beneficial for improvement.

Training Intensity and Its Impact

Q. In your experience, what intensity of training is best for learning? And how is this achieved?

A. I believe in hard work and discipline. However, it's important to apply that intensity at the right times of the year, especially when preparing for competitions. Without intensity, achieving results in competition is difficult. Training should have a balance of drills, specific training, light sparring, and hard sparring. This is based on my experience as an athlete. For hobbyists, the approach can be more relaxed and focused on enjoyment.

Continuous Learning in Jiu-Jitsu

Q. How often are you experimenting with new moves and positions versus working on existing techniques within your arsenal?

A. I constantly study and try new things. Jiu-Jitsu is an evolving art. You must keep updating your game to progress in your practice.

Importance of Recovery

Q. Do you have any advice on recovery and preservation for BJJ, or any practices you wish you implemented earlier?

A. I highly recommend sauna sessions, stretching, massages, and physiotherapy. Ice baths are effective too, though I don’t do them as much as I should. Recovery is just as essential as training.

Game Plans for Competitions

Q. Do you use strategies or game plans for upcoming matches or competitions? If so, can you provide an example?

A. I don’t change my game much for competitions. I stick to the techniques and strategies I’ve been consistently working on in the gym. I believe in trusting my preparation and staying true to my style.

Managing Pre-Competition Nerves

Q. Pre-competition nerves are something many people deal with. Do you have any advice or tips on how to manage them?

A. Everyone experiences nerves before competition. However, we can work around it. I usually set up a training schedule 8-12 weeks before the competition. I track my progress daily and check off each session in my spreadsheet. When I compete, I know I’ve completed all my preparation. This gives me confidence and fuel for the fight. I know I’ve done everything I can.

Strength and Conditioning Insights

Q. Strength and conditioning can be the deciding factor in a match with opponents of equal technical skill. Do you do any strength and conditioning? Can you give any insight into what that looks like?

A. Over the years, I’ve tried various types of strength and conditioning training. The one that has worked best for me is pure strength training, combined with circuit training closer to competitions. I usually work out 3-5 times a week, depending on my schedule.

My Training Routine for Competitions

Q. When preparing for a match or competition, what does your training look like?

A. I teach every day of the week and train during each session unless I’m injured. I typically include at least 30 minutes of sparring in every session. As competitions approach, I increase that to 45-60 minutes of sparring.

Personal Reflection on My Journey

Q. What’s something you now know that you wish you knew earlier in your Jiu-Jitsu journey?

A. I used to worry too much about what others thought of me. I fought for medals to prove something to them. Now, I fight for myself. My aim is to prove to myself that I can perform at my best. That is more than enough for me.

Additional Insights on Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu is a journey that requires patience and dedication. It teaches life lessons beyond physical skills. As you go through the process of training, you will likely face challenges. Embrace them. Each obstacle presents an opportunity for growth.

The Importance of Community

Building relationships with training partners is essential. They play a significant role in your development. You learn from one another, pushing each other to improve. Your journey becomes more enjoyable and rewarding when you share it with others who share your passion.

The Mental Game in Jiu-Jitsu

Mental strength is just as important as physical skill. It helps you stay focused during training and competitions. Visualization techniques can enhance your performance. Imagine yourself executing techniques successfully. This will build confidence and reinforce positive outcomes.

Embracing Failure

Understand that losing is a part of the process. Every match is a learning experience. Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement. This mindset will help you grow as a martial artist. Remember, every great athlete faced setbacks before achieving greatness.

In conclusion, Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport. It’s a lifelong journey filled with valuable lessons. So, immerse yourself in this incredible art and enjoy every moment of your growth.

For more insights, you can learn about the mental aspects of Jiu-Jitsu. Always remember: progress is a journey, not a destination!