Building a Competitive Training Group: From Casual Rolling to Comp Prep

Whether you are preparing for local tournaments or major championships, having a dedicated training group can dramatically improve your results. Here is how to build and maintain an effective competition-focused training group.

Finding the Right People

What to Look For

Similar competition goals
Compatible training schedules
Complementary skill sets
Positive attitudes
Commitment to improvement

Where to Find Them

Your gym regular class attendees
Open mat regulars
Social media BJJ groups
Platforms like BJJMatch

Structuring Your Sessions

Weekly Schedule

A balanced competition prep schedule might include:

Monday/Wednesday: Technique + Drilling

30 min: Specific position work
45 min: Drilling sequences
15 min: Light positional sparring

Tuesday/Thursday: Sparring Focus

15 min: Warm-up rolls
45 min: Competition-style rounds
15 min: Specific situations

Saturday: Open Mat + Video Review

2 hours: Rolling with various partners
30 min: Video analysis of training/competitions

Session Structure

Warm-up (10 min)
Technical focus (30 min)
Positional sparring (20 min)
Full rounds (30-45 min)
Cool down and discussion (10 min)

Maintaining Group Chemistry

Communication

Create a group chat for scheduling
Share competition dates and goals
Discuss technical questions
Celebrate wins and support through losses

Managing Intensity

Agree on intensity levels before training
Rotate hard training days
Balance competition prep with injury prevention

Handling Conflict

Address issues directly and respectfully
Focus on solutions, not blame
Remove toxic members if necessary

Competition Day Support

A good training group extends beyond the mat:

Corner each other at competitions
Provide mental support
Help with weight cuts and nutrition
Analyze matches together afterward

Building for the Long Term

The best training groups evolve over time:

Start small with 3-5 committed members
Add new members carefully
Maintain standards and expectations
Adapt as goals and skills change

Building a training group takes effort, but the results are worth it. You will not only improve faster but also create lasting friendships with people who share your passion for jiu-jitsu.