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Entering your first Jiu-Jitsu tournament can be a very daunting task. If you train at a good gym you shouldn't have to do it on your own though. Competing against other competitors is key to building your game. It helps you find out what works for you, what doesn't work, what you're good at, and what you need to improve on.

Game Plan: Have a game plan that you work on prior to going. Know what your strengths and weaknesses are. You should have an idea of what you are going to do once you get on the mat. Are you going to try to wrestle them down for those initial points, or are you going to try and pull guard right away? What position are you most comfortable in? What are realistic finishing submissions you could land in actual competition? If you are not sure on how to setup a game plan, ask your instructor to help you.

Weight: Know the weight class you are going to compete in. The first time you compete, you should probably not attempt to cut weight if you have no experience in doing so. Know when you are going to weigh in and if it is with your Gi on or without it. There are a lot of specifics that will depend on the tournament you are entering, so make sure to check the rules.

Rules: Know the rules for the tournament you are going to compete in. There will be specific rules that the tournament follows. Every organization has their own little intricacies that make them differ slightly from other ones. If it is your first tournament, you are most likely a white belt. Check and see what moves are allowed for white belts. There will be a list of submissions you are typically not allowed to do (such as leg locks, for example).

Things to Bring: Good things to bring to the tournament will be your Gi, an extra Gi (if you have one), water, snacks, camera, video camera, cell phone, and your friends! Tournaments can take a long time too and often are held in gymnasium type areas with uncomfortable bench seats. Some sort of blanket or pillow can be good too because you may be waiting a while.

Win or Learn: Be realistic with yourself. 50% of the people who compete in the first Jiu-Jitsu match lose. It happens. You learn just as much, if not more, by losing than winning. Jiu-Jitsu is more than just about winning, it is about the journey. Competing in a tournament will really help you grow as a Jiu-Jitsu student and martial artist. You will learn what you seem to be good at and what you need to work on.

Overall, there are a lot of things to think of before you enter your first Jiu-Jitsu tournament. Talk to other students and the instructors at your gym. Get advice from them on what they did during their first tournament. They should be able to give you good insight into the good things they did and the mistakes they made. Make sure when you get there, have fun! It's all about the journey.