How do I cope with my anxiety attacks during a grappling tournament?

I am doing really well with grappling and jiu-jitsu...so well that at the new school Im at, my instructors are really pressuring me to get involved in upcoming tournaments. I hate being in the spotlight. Im fine with rolling with whoever and Im not scraed to fight or get hurt but my anxiety is killing me. I dont even want to do tournaments because Im affraid of getting sick, having an anxiety attack and in turn embarrasing myself and the school I would be representing. I dont know if anyone can relate to this but Id really appreciate some feedback...thanks.

How do I cope with my anxiety attacks during a grappling tournament?
anxiety is normal, and in stress situations it comes from adrenaline. realize that it is only your adrenaline creating anxiety and doubt. control your breathing, and stay positive. the adrenaline is trying to force you to take flight. well dont, you will take the fight option.





dont accept the anxiety telling you to stay in your comfort zone. if you feel you can do it, you can mate. positivity and confidence is the holy grail in a fight. experience will take you there.





experience will get you over this anxiety, but you have to jump in the deep end to start that ball rolling.





I was always sh!t scared before a bout, and it wasnt the fear or being hurt, but just being seen as a loser if I lost. well, neither guy (or girl) is. just stepping up to the challenge puts you ahead of everyone else that never has. you gain respect, and more so: self respect.





and once the bell goes, you forget the fear, and the intuition of your reflexes come in and you get into the zone.





there is truth to the saying "feel the fear and do it anyway".





after your first bout you will feel like a million dollars, and your whole life will change.





the more you jump in, the less you hesitate to jump in. an like a snowball, you will end up a very sharp and confident person.





now, we older guys just jump without hesitation. trial by fire they say...
Reply:Do some meditation before the match
Reply:It's natural to be a little nervous before your match. The best thing you can do is to relax, breathe and remind yourself that you can do this. Don't let your mind defeat you. If you lose in your mind, you will lose in your body. Think of the ring as yours, take control of it.
Reply:before u go to a tourament list to music,it may help u relax. or think of something that made u mad and take your anger out on the tourament. good luck
Reply:Scientists call it the "higher performance anxiety curve" and it is experienced by all sorts of people who perform at a higher level (i.e. surgeons, pilots, presidents, and athletes). The higher the performance, the higher the anxiety. The real issue I'm hearing though is your mind. You think you are a loser and you are ashamed of yourself. Stepping into the spotlight will force you to abandon those useless beliefs and start living a happy and confident life. That's what martial arts is for. The whole set up is designed for you to conquer your demons. The opponent represents your inner opponent, doubt and fear. Beat your demons by stepping into the ring. The amount of confidence you get will change your life. Go for it!
Reply:Don't cave in to pressure!





If you are uncomfortable being in the spotlight, just practice your martial art for self-improvement and don't enter tournaments.





If your instructors are at all concerned with YOUR well being and progress, a simple "no thank you" ought to be enough.





If their primary interest is publicity, trophies and school status, maybe it is time to find a different school.
Reply:I feel ya brother! I used to get the same way in tournaments. In the dojo, or on the street was a completely different story, but in front of a bunch of people (that you feel are all watching you), can be a little nerve racking. My advice would be just to trust in your ability, and try to enter into as many tournies as possible. The more you do it, the less apprehensive you'll be.
Reply:don't think about it ,just train hard,get to the ring,jump in do what you gotta do,go home.nothin' to worry about?
Reply:Do not listen to music like previously answerers suggested. Meditate and focus on what you are doing, not who/what is there. In the end it is just a tournament and not self-defense so dont worry. But do remember....





1. If you lose train harder





2. If you win train even harder