If you compete, how often and which ones?
I didn't start competing until I became a purple belt (big mistake). I've done 5 so far to make up for my late start. That was 3 Jiu Jitsu World Leagues, an IBJJF Open and an IBJJF World Master. This year I plan on IBJJF Master International N. America, American Nationals, and World Master. I'll probably throw in a JJWL somewhere to keep the engine warm and my body lean.
Part of me feels like I need to compete as often as my budget and my body allows before I reach black belt. I've looked up my future black belt division at https://jiujitsu.net/ and I don't know how I can even be competitive. Some people have been black belts for double the amount of time I've been training 😂
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From 2001 to 2013 I completed practically every weekend. I did all local comps, Naga, Grapplers Quests, IBJJF Opens, Gi Worlds Multiple Times, No-Gi Worlds, Abu Dhabi pro, ADCC Trials, No-Gi Pans, Masters Worlds, and more.
I've always competed to challenge myself and to keep myself focused on training. Good chance I'll do Masters Worlds this year.
I started competing probably two years in (I've only been training for about 7 years). From late white belt to early blue belt, I competed a lot with varied outcomes. Since getting my purple belt, I've had less enthusiasm to compete, some of that might be age as well. There aren't a lot of skinny dudes in their mid-40s at the tournaments I attend, seemingly even less at purple belt.
These days I try to stay as fit as I can and be a problem for my team mates that are preparing for tournaments.