Competition
Getting Ready For The IBJJF Long Beach Open
On September 14, our competition team steps onto the mats at the IBJJF Long Beach Open. Here's how we're getting them ready — and how you can be there to support.
Every September, the IBJJF Long Beach Open turns one of Southern California's biggest venues into a wall-to-wall mat room of white, blue, purple, brown and black belts, all chasing the same feeling: stepping off the mat knowing they left everything out there. This year, a group of our students are making that walk — and we've spent the last two months getting them ready.
If you've never trained toward a tournament, "getting ready" looks a lot less dramatic than it sounds. It isn't about one heroic training camp — it's a series of small, boring, repeatable decisions made consistently for weeks. Here's what that actually looks like inside our academy.
The Training Block, Week By Week
Competition prep isn't just "training harder." It's structured, and it changes shape as the date gets closer:
| Timeline | Focus |
|---|---|
| 8–6 weeks out | Base building — live rounds, positional sparring, conditioning volume goes up |
| 5–3 weeks out | Game-planning — drilling each competitor's A-game and most likely matchups |
| 2 weeks out | Weight class confirmation and taper begins — intensity drops, sharpness goes up |
| Fight week | Light technical work only, hydration and sleep become the priority |
| Competition day | Warm-up, weigh-in, bracket — coach corner for every match |
Right now the team is in the game-planning phase — drilling each competitor's strongest sequences until they're automatic, and running positional sparring against training partners who mimic what they're likely to see in their bracket.
It's Mental, Not Just Physical
The technical side of competition prep gets most of the attention, but the mental side is what actually decides close matches. In the weeks leading up to Long Beach, we talk as much about breathing under pressure and staying calm in bad positions as we do about takedowns and passes. Competitors who panic when a match doesn't go to plan lose matches they were physically ready to win.
This is also why we push every competitor to run their game plan against training partners of different sizes and styles in the weeks before an event — the goal isn't to win every round in the gym, it's to feel calm and prepared for whatever shows up on the day.
Fight Week: Less Training, More Recovery
One of the hardest habits to teach a competitor is knowing when to back off. In the final week before an event, we cut training volume and intensity way down. Sleep, hydration and simple, light technical review matter far more at this point than one more hard round. Showing up to the mats fresh beats showing up exhausted but "one more session ahead," every time.
Come Support The Team
The IBJJF Long Beach Open takes place on September 14, 2026, in Long Beach, CA, and it's open to spectators — you don't need to train with us to come cheer the team on. If you've been considering starting BJJ yourself, watching a live tournament is one of the best ways to see the sport up close, feel the energy of the room, and meet the community before you ever step on the mats.
Check our Events page for updates as the date gets closer, or follow along on our social channels for match schedules and results from the day.
Want to train toward your own first competition?
Our competition team is open to students at any belt who want structured tournament prep. Book a free trial class or call (949) 400-7108 to talk to Professor Bob about the next training cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the IBJJF Long Beach Open?
September 14, 2026, in Long Beach, CA. Mission Jiu Jitsu Academy's competition team will be competing throughout the day.
Can I come watch even if I don't train at Mission JJ?
Yes — IBJJF opens are open to spectators. Supporters, family and friends are welcome to come cheer on the team.
Do I need competition experience to join the competition team?
No. Our competition team is open to any student, from any belt, who wants structured training toward tournament goals. Talk to Professor Bob about joining a prep cycle for the next event.
How do I find out about future competitions?
Check our Events page for the full calendar, or ask at the front desk — we announce upcoming IBJJF opens and in-house tournaments well in advance so students have time to prepare.
