NAGA Hawaii Packing List: Parent's Survival Guide for Radford High School

So, you did it. You signed your **keiki** up for their first **NAGA Hawaii** tournament. Congratulations! You are about to spend a full Saturday in a loud, crowded, and incredibly hot high school gym, all for a few minutes of watching your child wrestle another kid in pajamas. It’s a wild ride, and honestly, seeing them step onto those mats is one of the most rewarding moments in **youth athletics**. But let’s be real: juggling work, school drop-offs, and trying to get dinner on the table is hard enough. Figuring out what to pack for a full-day **Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tournament** can feel impossible. This is especially true here on **Oahu**, where a tournament day at the **Radford High School gym** comes with its own unique set of challenges (namely, the heat). As a parent and coach who has navigated the chaos of **local keiki sports**, I’ve got your back. Here is the no-nonsense checklist to help you survive the day without losing your mind—or your wallet. ## The Absolute Essentials: Do Not Leave Home Without These Think of this as your non-negotiable list. Forgetting one of these items can cause major stress or even prevent your child from competing in the **youth grappling divisions**. * **A Backup Gi or No-Gi Set:** This sounds like overkill, but it’s not. Kids get sweaty in the humid Hawaii weather. Sometimes they have a match, weigh in, and wait hours for the next one. Having a dry, clean uniform is a game-changer. Plus, if there’s a wardrobe malfunction (it happens!), you’re covered. * **Rash Guard Under the Gi:** This is a must for hygiene. With hundreds of competitors rolling on the same mats, a rash guard is the first line of defense against skin funk like ringworm or staph. Make sure your child wears one. * **Smoothcomp Login Ready:** You’ll check in at the front desk to get your physical registration card. Have your **Smoothcomp** login and confirmation email ready on your phone. Screenshot it before you leave the house—cell service inside the gym can be spotty. * **The Clear Bag Rule (Crucial for Radford):** This is a strict rule at **Radford High School**. You typically cannot bring regular opaque backpacks or duffel bags into the gym as a spectator. You need a see-through bag. You can find them at local sporting goods stores or online. It’s an annoying extra purchase, but getting turned away at the door is worse. ## The Hidden Opponent: Managing Heat and Hygiene Your child’s biggest challenge might not be their opponent; it might be the environment. The gym is a breeding ground for germs and heat exhaustion. This is where a proactive parent makes the difference. * **Defense Wipes / Alcohol Wipes:** If you pack one thing, make it this. After *every single match*, wipe your child down immediately—arms, legs, neck, and face. This simple step is the #1 way to prevent skin infections that keep kids off the mats. * **The "No AC" Water Strategy:** Radford's gym does not have air conditioning. **It gets incredibly hot.** A single water bottle won't cut it. Bring a gallon jug or several large insulated flasks. You will have to constantly remind your keiki to drink. * **Electrolytes:** In that heat, water isn't enough. Toss a Liquid IV or Pedialyte packet into their water to replace what they sweat out. This is key for energy recovery between rounds. * **Portable Fan & Misters:** A small battery-powered fan or a spray bottle is worth its weight in gold. When your child comes off the mat flushed and exhausted, actively cooling them down helps them recover fast. * **Dry Clothes for the Ride Home:** Pack at least two changes of light, loose clothes. Do not let them sit in a wet, sweaty gi after they are done competing. ## The Snack Strategy: Fueling Your Keiki (and Saving Money) **Youth sports tournaments** are long, and a hungry kid is a grumpy kid. While there are outside food vendors, the venue is strict about "no outside food" to encourage sales. However, vendor food is expensive and often too heavy for a nervous stomach. Most local parents use a strategic approach. The clear bag rule makes hiding snacks tricky, but not impossible: * **Pack Smart:** Focus on bananas, granola bars, rice cakes, or honey sticks for quick energy. * **Pack Discreetly:** Wrap snacks in a dark towel or bury them under the backup Gi at the bottom of the bag. * **Eat Light:** Avoid anything greasy or heavy. Stick to foods you know your child’s stomach can handle under stress. ## The Parent Survival Kit This day is a marathon for you, too. If you aren't prepared, you can't be the calm rock your kid needs. * **Portable Battery Bank:** You’ll be recording videos, taking photos, and distracting siblings with iPads. Your phone will die. Bring a fully charged power bank. * **Cash is King:** Parking at local high schools is often cash-only. Spectator passes usually run around $20 per adult (paid at the door). Plus, your child *will* want that NAGA t-shirt from the merch booth. * **Headphones for Your Keiki:** The downtime between matches can be long and anxiety-inducing. The gym is loud. Noise-canceling headphones with a favorite playlist can help your child tune out the chaos and manage those pre-match jitters. * **Parent Fuel:** Don’t forget yourself! You are cheering and sweating right alongside them. Pack your own water and snacks so your patience doesn't wear thin. ## The Bottom Line A **NAGA Hawaii tournament** is a massive commitment. It’s a long, hot, and expensive Saturday. But when you see your keiki face their fears, shake hands, and leave it all on the mat, every drop of sweat is worth it. Going in with a plan and the right gear makes all the difference. Pack for the heat, be smart about snacks, and remember to breathe. You’ve got this, Mom and Dad.