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- Competition…? - November 2, 2023
How can we achieve exceptional results while remaining calm and doing the right thing?
Why is this important in one’s martial arts training?
Does it translate to more opportunities in life?
How many times, as coaches, athletes, and peers, have we had that conversation about having the confidence to step up and step out for whatever reason? Nervous in a competition is expected. It means you care. When you say I don’t care, it’s because you care. Feeling nervous during a competition is not a weakness but rather a sign that you genuinely care about the outcome. On the other hand, claiming that you don’t care is a weak excuse for not putting in the effort and commitment needed to succeed.
The word “competition” originated in the early 17th century from the late Latin word “competitio(n-),” meaning “rivalry,” which is derived from the Latin verb “competere,” meaning “to strive for.” Most people may not be aware of the origin of this word or the term “resilience,” which comes from the present participle form of the Latin verb “resilire,” meaning “to jump back” or “to recoil” (Den Hartigh et al., 2022). At their core, these two words are intertwined when assessing an athlete’s behavior, performance, and response to stress and motivation.
Training for. Up to. During. And after.
training for
It is important to remember that you will perform in a different way than you train. One must find out how external forces will impact internal processes and the resulting performance environment. If you can predict it, you can prevent it, and that is why one practices in different states of mental, emotional, and physical strain. Therefore, it is crucial to control your breath and emotions and maintain your stance. When preparing for your performance, focus on the quality rather than the quantity of your training hours. It is essential to pay attention to how you spend each minute of your practice to ensure optimal results. The number of minutes you practice is less important than how you spend them. I have shared these lessons, both physical and mental, with my students. I have learned that it is not enough to believe in my values. Instead, it is essential to embody them in every aspect of my life. This includes not only within the confines of the ring but also in how I interact with the world around me.
up to
It is crucial to consider which emotion you are nurturing while practicing – anxiety or excitement. It would be best if you decided on which emotion you want to focus on and stick with it. Just say it with conviction and do it, akin to practicing karate from the heart. Like for a good chess game, a fight in the ring, the combination of moves is prearranged in one’s mind three to four moves ahead. Bob Tewksbury, in Ninety Percent Mental: An All-Star Player Turned Mental Skills Coach Reveals the Hidden Game of Baseball, says that “having a set of anchor statements in mind, a player can (1) be aware of the thought, (2) delete it, (3) take a breath and (4) insert an anchor statement to merge back onto the positive path.” Your progress so far is not only attributed to the technicalities but also your mindset, and that’s why caring about it is vital.
A good practice to have up to the competition is as mental as it is physical.
during
As you take a deep breath, you can immerse yourself entirely in the present moment. Let go of all thoughts and allow yourself to experience the flow of the moment. It’s a state of complete engagement where you are entirely in tune with your surroundings. You may feel a hint of unease, especially if you’re an introvert, questioning whether you’re doing it right. But don’t worry.
Breathe, and embrace the moment.
The competition will become a distant memory faster than it took to get there.
Be awesome.
Have fun.
after
Did you have more fun than stress? What was the result? Has the bug been eradicated due to a lack of hope? If you had the right mindset, the joy of competition would remain, regardless of the day’s outcome. Even if it was just one day, did you win and learn something? Did you lose and learn something? These experiences should fuel your next step in the cycle of becoming a competitive martial arts athlete. Imagine a world where people are not just recognized for their achievements and failures but are instead celebrated for their unique qualities and perspectives. These questions have the power to create such a world where meaningful conversations and genuine friendships are formed. They allow us to see athletes as more than just their sport and to appreciate the complexities that make them who they are. They are the gateway to a deeper understanding of the world and the people who inhabit it.
As I continue to reflect on my life, I have come to a profound realization about the significance of living by my values. I have discovered that my values serve as the foundation for my character, and they guide my decisions and actions. By living my values both in and out of the ring, I am able to maintain a sense of integrity and purpose in all that I do. It is not always easy, but it is necessary if I want to achieve my goals and make a positive impact on those around me. Competitive sports offer an excellent opportunity to learn the importance of resilience. Even after a defeat, athletes can always get back up and try again, thanks to the strength of their spirit. Whether it’s the next game or the following season, the loss is never the end. Bouncing back is critical to getting back out there and competing again.
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