The Weight Cut /// By: Vincent Inoncillo

Cutting weight for combat sports is a science. Athletes diet and train accordingly to their goals. Some athletes can cut a lot of weight over a short period of time and there are others who need a little bit longer. Many times, particularly in jiu-jitsu, there have been athletes who are looking to compete for their first time while also wanting to cut a lot of weight. Is cutting weight worth it? Let's check out the pros and cons.

The transformation of black belt world champion, Gabi Garcia. 

There are few reasons why jiu-jitsu athletes cut weight. One reason is when an athlete starts their journey, losing weight is an ongoing byproduct of training jiu-jitsu. Putting that constant shock on your body, if you've never done anything physical like this art before, will help you shed weight. Seeing those pounds melt away makes the process addicting. Another reason why, which is also the main purpose of this blog, is because the athlete sees that they are pretty close to the next weight class down and that they want to lose the extra pounds so that they can be the bigger athlete that dominates in that lower weight division. These are some of positive aspects of cutting weight for jiu-jitsu.

On the flipside there is a downside to cutting weight. On many occasions common in jiu-jitsu and other combat sports, athletes have abused their bodies during the weight cut process. This abuse comes from not fueling their bodies properly and minimizing their fluid intake. We all know that we need to eat food for energy throughout the day and for competition training you are going to need that fuel to supplement the frequency your training. Not feeding your body can result in dizziness, fatigue and dehydration, just to name a few. In some cases you could even be hospitalized if you malnourish your body during your competition prep.

Even when the route of minimal food and fluid intake is taken, the athlete can still achieve their desired weight for competition. Some athletes may have a pre-existing history and experience with crash dieting, but others may be doing this for the first time and though they make the weight, their performance in competition may be lackluster. Many jiu-jitsu practitioners suggest that if you're doing a competition for the first time that you just compete at whatever weight you're currently at because that is where you are comfortable at the moment. Ulysses Gomez, a brown belt who is a UFC veteran and seasoned grappler, says, "I think that it's pointless to cut weight unless money or sponsorship is involved. I understand why people do it at a higher level because it's necessary to compete with the worlds’ best, but at the novice level I think it's best to compete at a more natural weight class instead of cutting weight."

Athletes have their reasons to cut weight for competition. Is it worth it? If it's going to affect your health and well-being, then no. But if the stakes are high enough and you do it in a safe manner then by all means go for it. Everybody's body is different and will react differently to losing weight. You just have to find what is the best method for you.