Competition Advice with Prof Gerson Alef
“My advice is to take the competition habits for life and make it a lifestyle. “
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Meet new GB black belt and active competitor Prof Gerson Alef of GB Morgan Hill
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Prof Gerson shares his philosophy of competition and a few tips for GB competitors. The mindset of a competitor might be the most important factor in their success in tournament matches and Prof Gerson talks about how he prepares for high-level competition.
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GB: First of all can you tell the Gracie Barra readers how you got started in Jiu-jitsu. Where is your home Gracie Barra school?
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Prof Gerson: I started training jiu-jitsu through a co-worker who also trained and always invited me to take a class. In my trial class, I had a chance to do some light sparring and I could see how amazing it was so I said to myself, I need to learn this! I started training at Gracie Barra São Luís, Maranhao, Brazil.
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GB: You are an active competitor. What are your weight class and competition accolades/accomplishments?
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Prof Gerson: Actually I compete as lightweight, sometimes middleweight too. I won some tournaments in the last few years like:
F2W champion
IBJJF Austin Open Champion
IBJJF Boise Open Champion
Naga Champion
Jiu-Jitsu World League Champion
South American CBJJE Silver
Pan American CBJJE Silver
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GB: Many GB students ask about how to best prepare for an upcoming competition. What are the most important changes to make when you are getting ready to compete next month?
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Prof Gerson: I would say the mentality is number one, then training really hard and giving 100% on the mats. I believe it helps to increase the confidence and it makes the whole difference in the tournament. During training, I like counting the points because it gives me feedback right away, and I like to drill all my favorite techniques. Sometimes I need to change my nutrition depending on how my weight goes.
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GB: What are the most common mistakes that inexperienced competitors make? How can they avoid or correct these mistakes?
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Prof Gerson: Not understanding the rules and the scoring system are the most common mistakes I believe.
Some of the most important points to avoid mistakes:
– Make sure you are signing up in the right weight division, check your weight then choose the division.
– Study the rules and the scoring system, it will make you train and compete better and smarter.
– Look for a Professor/Coach who has experience with competitions, they know exactly what you are going to face so they will learn how to prepare you.
– Listen to your Professor/Coach
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GB: What advice would you most like to share with GB Red Shield competitors?
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Prof Gerson: My advice is to take the competition habits for life and make it a lifestyle. Competitors eat well, sleep well, take care of the body, take care of the mind and always want to be the first. I strongly believe that everyone should adopt this mindset because it also makes you a better human being.
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GB: Lastly, would you like to shout out to any coaches, training partners, or sponsors?
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Prof Gerson: I would like to say that I am very grateful to Professor Ivaldo Alves (GB São Luís, MA), he always motivated me to compete and he was fundamental for me to get where I am today.
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Thank you!
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See also on GB Blog: GB Inspiration: Prof. Flavio Almeida on overcoming struggles
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Writer: Mark Mullen, Gracie Barra Black Belt