Am I tough enough?

[Lucy]

Am I tough enough?

I’m having a dilemma at the moment about whether or not to compete in knock down again. Fitness wise not a problem! I love the training for tournaments too! My issue is my emotions during a fight. I’ve fought in 3 novice events now and its time to move up to open level. Technically I’m good enough but I seriously need to toughen up mentally! By the way I am female 26 yrs old.

Whenever I step out onto the mat I completely convince myself I shouldn’t be here, I can’t think of any combinations and rely completely on my coach, its awful and during the entire fight I just can’t wait for it to be over! I keep telling myself to give up although I’ve never lost a fight so I’m obviously capable and every one is excited about me fighting again.

I have trouble getting into that ‘zone’ I’ve been there once before and it was fantastic my opponent had no chance! My last event was for me my worst I felt I could have done so much better I was so annoyed with myself. Is it just a case needing more experience, overcoming my nerves or am I just not cut out for it?

[Azimuth]

Dear Lucy ,
If you really want to fight , just go for it . It's just a bit of stage fright
you have there i think . You felt good winning your previous fights , well hold on to that feeling. The more fights you will have on your account the more certain you will start to feel about yourself. Don't be afraid just go there and enjoy

Osu

[Lucy]

Osu Azimuth

Thankyou for your advice. I should have more faith in myself! Im always very critical of my performances. I think maybe because ive gone through the novice stages now its the big step up that worries me but my next tournament will be our regional tournament so i will only be fighting girls from my country/BKK no mad russians! Do you think it would be good to train with my national team? I have this opportunity and maybe this will give me good experience.

[Azimuth]

Don't hesitate with an opportunity like that
If they allow you to train with them do it and learn from them.
Believe in yourself and the rest will follow
Osu

[buckette]

Hi Lucy,
I find myself in a similar situation. I have competed in a few tournaments and have felt that "fire" before. Most recently i competed in Japan, and although i trained hard for it, i never felt the fire. I trained and trained and got my fitness up, and when i stepped onto the mat for my fight, i just went through the motions. I never really fired up, and i lost. I know i could have done much better on the mat, but i just wasn't in the "zone".

I also wonder whether i'm cut out for fighting, but people that i train with are always encouraging me. I haven't been training THAT long...3 years and I'm also 26. Next year i've decided to keep training, try to get better, and try to get the fire back. From speaking to people around the dojo, it seems pretty common to feel mixed emotions about fighting, but in the end they seem to keep coming back.

I don't really have advice for you, but just letting you know there are others in the same boat (even on the other side of the world!).

ps. Take the chance to train with the national team...it really helps to have the camaraderie of training within/as part of a team!

Good luck!

[Lucy]

Buckette

Thankyou for your response its good to know im not the only one! :) I will fight again although i always say never again! I guess i will overcome the emotions someday. I will train hard and concentrate on thinking about combinations when i fight its a battle of wills. Good luck to you too in your future fights!

[Billy no mates]

It sounds like your putting a lot of pressure on yourself to perform on the mat the same way you do in the dojo,what you do on the day will almost inevitably diminish from what you do in the dojo perhaps you need to lower you expectations slightly and it might stop the vicious circle of the pressure making you bind up and increasing the pressure and making you bind up....
I saw your final at palace and although it didnt feel like it to you it was probably the best thing for you such a hard fight will stand you in good stead if you do decide to step up as will attending squad training .

[kyofighter]

Lucy...I've been competing for over 10 years now and I still feel like that. The only difference now is that I know what competition does to you , how much better and stronger you become after each time you fight . I just had a competition one month ago , and now that I had time to rest it I feel great. There is a huge gap beetween karateka who compete and who doesn't ... I know , it should not be like that, but that's the truth... Those who compete will progress faster and become stronger then those who not. When you will have 10-15 years of competition you will have a good reputation as a kyokushin fighter and you can give good advice and teach others.
Osu

[Lucy]

Billy no mates

I didnt think of it in the respect that i had such a hard fight as being beneficial but it makes perfect sense! Its just such an emotional pressure i felt like i was always on the defense and i just couldnt get that break. I guess its good to have someone chase you like that for 8 minutes...well i think my fight was the longest of the day lol! I have alot of respect for a fighter who can sustain such an onslaught she didnt give an inch! I really admire that! Ican only learn from it ay

[Lucy]

kyofighter

The feeling a few weeks afterwards is good i agree. I feel ive achieved alot this year since taking up the knockdown aspect again ive fought in two tournys this year and i understand what you mean by saying it will make you stronger and progress quicker. Thinking now with that in mind 2005 was so different from 2006! I feel better now than i ever did. So i shall hold onto the thought of all the benefits you can gain from competing. You soon forget the emotions and the bruises heal...Its being able to say i did it that means the most!

[kyofighter]

that's exactly what I meant...
Osu

[Billy no mates]

Lucy

Easy lessons are soon forgotten,its the hard ones that stay with you,walkover victorys at novice level would only be giving you a false perspective and perhaps set you up for a fall when you did step up a level .
In my opinion that fight compared quite favourably with a lot of the action at national level,you are not as bad anymore than 'they' are as good as you perhaps imagine when your being down on yourself .

[Lucy]

Billy no mates

Yes ive learnt some hard lessons from my novice fights this year thats for sure! Neither of my finals were in anyway easy! At least ive learnt that physically i can get through it. So instead of telling myself i should'nt be doing it i should tell myself i can do it, i can get through it. I need to think more positively mentally and i guess the rest will follow.

Im not expecting anything from fighting open next year i will use my first tournament as a learning experience...testing the water if you like. There will not be any expectation or pressure on me to do well so i'll be more positive hopefully. I can cope with long fights. Just concentrate more on what the hell im doing n keeping my guard up i think! lol

[Billy no mates]

Lucy

Youve really answered the question you posed at the start of the thread if you can appreciate the inate good hard fights against obdurate opponents do you,that mentality will stand you in good stead .

[Lucy]

Yes i think i have answered that now, but personally how do you guys overcome that mixed emotion feeling yourselves? How and whats helps you concentrate on the fight any tips on how and what i should concentrate on or what works for you?

[Billy no mates]

By mixed emotion do you mean self doubt and self recrimination?if so ive never really overcome them only compartmentalised them for a while,i used to distract myself by going of and reading somewhere rather than sitting about by the mat and worrying myself sick or glazing over and becoming lethargic .

[Lucy]

I dont worry about a fight until the hajime! I think ive got over that hurdle ok. I manage to distract myself and keep busy. So i guess maybe its only human nature to go through the emotions while fighting? I mean any mentally stable person would question themselves while fighting why are they putting themselves through this, its not natural to enjoy getting battered! I guess fighting doesnt become enjoyable until you can feel your winning?

[Billy no mates]

I dont about that have enjoyed fights ive lost when i know i have done my best but been completely underwhelmed when i have won a fight when the person fighting me has been to scared or injured to really fight,what i enjoy about fighting is the chance it offers us to excel however we define it and that doesnt necessarily mean winning .

[K1cker^]

Hey Lucy!

You certantly ain't the only one with that problem. I got the same feeling to when im entering the ring/mat.. and I can only agree with you; its a horrible feeling. I'm glad you sended this post because some usefull facts and advices came out of it. (:
- As Azimuth said, don't hesitate with joining the national team.. I joined the nationteam in spring'06 and i've learned a lot since; It was very good experience to fight in the world cup and so on... How ever i was so nervous the day before the world cup, so i tormented myself with a knife ..
But i hope it will go away as i grow ;'/

[Lucy]

Wow you fought in the world cup! Well done you! I guess nerves are increased 10 fold with a competition like that! To fight abroad would put the fear of god in me lol! I wanted to ask that question for a while so i guess now in my next fight i gotta remember my opponent is probably feeling just the way i am!

[K1cker^]

Yeah, thanx :D
heh you are right, Lucy, in my first match at the world cup, when i was entering the mat, i shook like hell. And when the judge said 'hajime' and i looked at my opponent, all my stratergies and comboes disappeared :O
- but somehow another rutine took over and i won the fight. And reached a silver medal at the end of the cup .
But i wont forget the night i hurted myself /:
hmm i wonder why i still am nervous during turnaments aften i won silver medal to the world cup .. hmm z':

- During my next fight, i will try to remember that the opponent maybe feel the same way as i do, to. (:

[Lucy]

Well done again! What division did you fight in?

As was said previously on this thread remember the winning feeling and believe in yourself because you know you can get through it physically....you proved that! I guess we will learn to deal with that feeling one day and maybe somehow learn how to overcome it....anyone who has achieved that TELL US YOUR SECRET! lol

[Aunty Ichigeki]

Lucy it's really really worth reading a book on sports psych. I can't stress enough! I've read a few (way too late for me) & there is a common theme that makes so much sense and that completely changed the way I feel about fighting. You have to forget the who is winning who is losing mentality & focus on the process of winning ie. not the result at all. Make yourself a game plan... ie. a list of combos you're good at and basic things you failed at in previous fights & want to be better at. Maybe it's moving around your opponent or punishing them with a retaliation each time they get a gedan mawashi. Very specific stuff. Practice those few things during sparring (personally I'd choose 1 major goal) and then go into the fight 100% focussed on nailing that 1 thing. This way you can focus on how well you're achieving your personal goal and reward yourself mentally throughout the fight (so it MUST be achievable). You'll find that the sense that you're achieving what you wanted is more likely to put you in the zone or flow state whatever you want to call it. If you can get into flow state it feels so good you'll probably feel positive even if you lose and you are WAY more likely to get the win!

There is an 'expression' mu-teki (forgive me if I have this slightly twisted) that I've seen translated as no enemy but the kanji actually represents someone being whipped! The concept is that you can be whipped and still 'win' by withstanding it therefore you have nothing to fear from your opponent (enemy) because regardless the result you will win in some sense. It's hard to explain but I apply this concept to everything now & it's a much cooler world! I think it's related to the old Samurai acceptance of death thing! ...and maybe the 4 year old saying "didn't hurt" and smirking when you smack them thing!!! It kind of renders the stronger person powerless! Hmmm... don't know if I can explain it but def' suggest it's worth getting a book! I recommend The Sports Psych Handbook by Shane Murphy. You don't need a degree to read it!

[kanku]

i agree with azimuth!+ maybe something that might help,if you are being "charged" just go round in a circle+maybe practice a technique nobody else has seen you do,your instructor,nobody!-don`t even use it in sparring and when you do land it, it gives you quite a buzz! this also gives you something else to think about in the back of your mind during a fight and might help you?

[Lucy]

Aunty Ichigeki

Thanks for your response very helpful indeed! I will follow up on your suggestions. Your advice makes alot of sense! Osu


Hasbeen

That is a good idea! Thinking up a special move...i like the sound of that! I managed one little combo i like to use when on the defense, breaking to the left or right and a swift mawashi across the stomach works well for me!

You guys are all a great help, very enlightening!

[World War Cheese]

Hiyo, I haven't even SEEN a knockdown tournament yet, let alone trained for or done one but I have the same feeling in my Judo competitions. I start to feel like "What am I DOING HERE" and "The other guy is so much better than me" when I've never even seen him fight before!

But like Aunty Ichigeki's recommendation (and a little experience) I learned to think less of specifics of the match and my emotions and more on a kind of "overplan" that is so generic nothing breaks it up. My judo sensei tells me "Choose three techniques that you know you can do in sparring in the dojo and number each one 1, 2, 3. No more no less. Then count in your head 123 during the match. That way you don't even have to think of the names. Then do one after the other regardless of how you feel or position and after you get through the first 3 then I'll let you think more during the match"

It's really helped. I concentrate on just three things (I guess 3 combos would be the equivilent here) and just focus on 1, 2, 3 or something like that and once I do all three I feel more relaxed (If I'm still fighting x.x ) and then to keep from being repetitive I do 3, 2, 1 or something like that. It helps with the heeby jeebies.

Oh, and I think your courage to step up and fight again is admirable and true spirit! Osu!

[Lucy]

Osu World War Cheese!

Thankyou for you reply. Ive been training recently and technically its all really coming along now, I love training for tourny's! Thats the whole thing now trying to get my mind focused and not to worry etc...Stopping that trail of thought. Im getting there. When i spar in the dojo i hate fighting some ppl but i purposely spar with them now.

Your right about the 1,2,3 idea i shall definately be focusing on an idea like that! Just to think of some killer combo's now....:rolleyes:

[Aunty Ichigeki]

Hey Lucy. Out of curiosity who is it you were avoiding? (Not names but reasons). Do you have a lot of girls to fight? Do you avoid any of them? There's a couple of guys in my club who scare the bejeebers out of me because I don't trust them not to do me serious damage.

[RASor]

Osu Lucy,

In my case I usually feel inadequate in Kumite best described as the "What do I do now?" feeling on the mat. There is also that creepy feeling of tension gripping you. I got over this after a year, it started with Blackbelt (fighters) would share their fight experiences and I got to realize I was not as bad as them.

Our strongest fighter Senpai James used to run away from his opponent because he would fear getting hurt - now he holds the most locat championships in full contact karate and he fights internationaly (Kuwait liberation, Malaysia, Singapore and soon 9th World Tournament).

Senpai Ramon would always get knocked out in the first round of his fights - now he is Champion against several kickboxers and karatekas, He is also organizing a club for Kyokushin at his College.

Senpai Allan is small built and usually stays away from the opponent by being defensive in his style - now he can take even strong punches and kicks he is now determined and offensive in style despite his small built.

Senpai Elcir used to give up whenever he would get hit hard on his body - now he absorbs the impact and takes the fight to the opponent usually releasing his deadly combinations.

All the fighters mentioned always carried that fear in their fights until they learned to block it out from their minds. focus on the opponent, and let your instincts make the best of every opportunity. This is the rationale for hard training, the body and its extensions react and do so instinctively to any strike delivered to you. Take a video of your fight you will be surprised how your fight looks different and at times surprises you with moves you never thought you could do. Just remember to trust your mind and let the body react to your opponents every move.

I hope I was of help.

Osu!

[Lucy]

Aunty ichigeki

Unfortunately i dont have many girls to fight with i dont mind fighting them at all. Yes i avoid the guys you know are gonna hurt you but there are a few that im quite evenly matched with. I spar more with them now because they are the ones who make me feel like i do on the mat lol!

[Lucy]

Osu Rasor

I think thats where we go wrong in our club. I didnt realise this before until mentioned how your guys 'talk' about their feelings. Physically and technically we are prepared but not mentally my instructor has never mentioned that we may have emotional issues to deal with! I shall talk to the people in my club who fight thats a great idea!

As for watching my fights my most recent one is on the dvd of the british open. I havent seen it yet. I really didnt want to! But the girl i fought in that fight told me and she has been very encouraging! (thanks jane). I shall get a copy at our kata comp next month and examine it! I can see my strengths and weaknesses i'll either cringe or be pleasantly surprised! Plus i can check out the girls from the open division who i will undoubtedly be facing!

Thanks again your advice is much apprieciated and very helpful :)

[RASor]

Osu Lucy-san,

Additional thoughts that may be useful.

Just remember hard training is the key to make your movement reactive/instinctive than just a simple physical motion.

Also trust your mind, it is that bridge between mental thought and spontaneous or immediate physical reaction. Last but not the least is Hard Training, the harder you train the more you gain in terms of strikes, kicks and combinations. Hard training involves both physical familiarization and mental absorbtion.

Hard Training -- Physical Familiarization + Mental Absorbtion

Hard and Harder training minimizes the gap between Physical Action and Mental Reaction. The objective is to remove the gap to make the movement swift. A spontaneous, natural and immediate reaction -- the goal.

Talk and discuss fight issues with your peers, knowing you are not alone will help you gain more trust with your fighting technique. Soon you will be a fighter that reacts more (instinct driven) than one lost in thought.

Best wishes always.

Osu!

[Lucy]

Osu!

Thankyou Rasor! Thats very useful! :)

[iceman]

great thread guys. I have a 20yr old just graded to 2kyu after 5 years, who has been competing full contact for a couple of years, he started off doing alright, won some fights then started getting beaten by bigger stronger more experienced fighters, ie open grade fighters, he seems to have become a little uncertain, he asked his Shihan to teach him how to fight, he replied that he was a good fighter but needed to strengthen his mind, does this happen with the repeated losses, as the only competition available is open grade or will he become disallusioned? I think what I am asking is how can I help him. OSU! RTR

[kakatootoshi]

Dear iceman,
In kyokushin if you want to make a name (any better way to rephrase it?) in kumite there is no way to avoid open grade/weight. It is pretty much like hunting or fishing, there is no way that you can tame a lion or net a shark by going to the local pet shop or aquarium. You have to risk your very own life to go to the most dangerous mountains and deepest seas to find your preys. Similarly it is going to take a lot of faith for your son to fight against those big boys but this is kyokushin. Your son, as a 2kyu grade, is eligible to fight in a world tournament if he is selected. My point is if he is so interested in fighting, he should not look back at his past successes as a junior kyu grade, and he should think about now how to change his fighting strategy (footwork, fitness, conditioning) to make him able to stay longer when he meet some of the meanest fighters in kumite.

OSU!

[iceman]

Hi kakatootoshi, thankyou for that advice. He is training very hard, includes boxing now as well, trying to improve his hand speed and foot work. I understand what you say, the next union world tourny has 75kg and above as the heavy weight div, 80kg verses over 100kg is very tuff. OSU! RTR

[kakatootoshi]

Dear iceman,
Your son is going to fight in the Rengokai Cup (and in the heaviest division)that's cool! He will be "coridially greeted" by Shimajiri (world champ), the new japanese champ (student of Shihan Hasegawa, sorry forgot the name) and many big names. Just sharing the same arena with them is a great honor by itself! Just let him know you are so proud of him and order your ticket to Okinawa fast. It is like at the Oscar Night, there are winners, contenders and bleachers and yes, sometimes winning is important but the whole training experience for this big, big tourney is already a great piece of memory for your son and the whole family! So "welcome to the jungle!". By the way weight gain (with control) may play an important role in your son's case and I am sure his Shihan will guide him through.

OSU!

[iceman]

Hi Kakatootoshi, thanks for the info, he has to do well at the NZ and Australian Nationals first to earn selection to compete in Okinawa, if not this 2008 world champs, he will be at the next. OSU! RTR

[Spirit]

Am I tough enough?

I’m having a dilemma at the moment about whether or not to compete in knock down again. Fitness wise not a problem! I love the training for tournaments too! My issue is my emotions during a fight. I’ve fought in 3 novice events now and its time to move up to open level. Technically I’m good enough but I seriously need to toughen up mentally! By the way I am female 26 yrs old.

Whenever I step out onto the mat I completely convince myself I shouldn’t be here, I can’t think of any combinations and rely completely on my coach, its awful and during the entire fight I just can’t wait for it to be over! I keep telling myself to give up although I’ve never lost a fight so I’m obviously capable and every one is excited about me fighting again.

I have trouble getting into that ‘zone’ I’ve been there once before and it was fantastic my opponent had no chance! My last event was for me my worst I felt I could have done so much better I was so annoyed with myself. Is it just a case needing more experience, overcoming my nerves or am I just not cut out for it?

Lucy,
Has anything change in the 4 months since you first posted this........ fill us in on things

[Lucy]

Osu Japman

Well in my dojo we have started again training for our next tournament (BKK Regional knockdown Championships) which is in 9 weeks. I have shared my concerns with my coach, although i vowed never to compete again at my last tournament! He has been alot more encouraging. We are working, as a club, on the mental aspects aswell as the physical which i am finding alot more reassuring! I lay out all my thoughts to fellow fighters and we are finding confidence in each other through this!

On the training side we have gone right back to basics starting with basic positioning and framing our body to develop a strong stance, working on footwork, attacking and evading etc. I have watched the film of the tournament and i can see all my strengths and weaknesses now; my stance made the fight a WHOLE lot harder for me!! Position is the foundation that i have found now as my main problem technically. Stamina training is on the up obviously. Im training 3/4 times a week in the dojo. Running on days when not training. I have started training with the GB squad....boy is that an experience! First time they completely picked me apart, but its coming together and i feel im becoming stronger mentally (i hope!). Its a whole new ball game training with these seasoned pro's! But im a fast learner and im training with the girls i will be competing against this year (not sure if thats a good thing).

Ive also taken to doing alot of observing during squad sessions and im fully aware now of how complicated the whole process of being a good fighter really is! Its all clicked upstairs now (in my head) just in the process of transferring that into practice now. The GB coach is an excellent role model im finding and training with him and these guys has given me the confidence that im not as bad as i think. Overall i have developed a different approach to fighting and training. Fingers crossed everything will fall into place in 9 weeks time!!

[rsobrien]

I'm sorry, whats GB?

[Lucy]

Osu rsobrien

Sorry got carried away rambling! GB = Great Britain :)

[Spirit]

Lucy,
sounds like the lightbulb over the head experiance has happened for you...
Keep it up and just do

[Lucy]

Osu Japman

Hopefully so! But i would also value your opinion...what would you advise to focus on mentally during a fight? What should i be thinking of or telling myself to help me concentrate?

[buckette]

Your son is going to fight in the Rengokai Cup (and in the heaviest division)that's cool! He will be "coridially greeted" by Shimajiri (world champ), the new japanese champ (student of Shihan Hasegawa, sorry forgot the name) and many big names.

The new all japan champ's name is Takuma Koketsu

[ryudo]

Am I tough enough?

I’m having a dilemma at the moment about whether or not to compete in knock down again. Fitness wise not a problem! I love the training for tournaments too! My issue is my emotions during a fight. I’ve fought in 3 novice events now and its time to move up to open level. Technically I’m good enough but I seriously need to toughen up mentally! By the way I am female 26 yrs old.

Whenever I step out onto the mat I completely convince myself I shouldn’t be here, I can’t think of any combinations and rely completely on my coach, its awful and during the entire fight I just can’t wait for it to be over! I keep telling myself to give up although I’ve never lost a fight so I’m obviously capable and every one is excited about me fighting again.

I have trouble getting into that ‘zone’ I’ve been there once before and it was fantastic my opponent had no chance! My last event was for me my worst I felt I could have done so much better I was so annoyed with myself. Is it just a case needing more experience, overcoming my nerves or am I just not cut out for it?

I think that what you're afraid of is loosing, I sugest you watch the movie throw down, even thought is about judo it will inspired you.
I don't figth to win, I fight to defeat my opponent, this is a complex statement, what I mean is the fight is really with myself, I got to push myself and defeat the guy in front of me no matter what.
Well yes it sound a little inflated, but I guess for me the only way to push myself is to think of the arena as a battlefield, is do or die...if you can come to accept this terms I really don't know how else you could do it, either I am thinking in UFC terms or something similar, or I am missing the whole concept.
But at least in judo when you fight or compete believe me is for keeps, too many guys love to brake your arm, dislocate your shoulder or shater your shins.

[ryudo]

Osu Japman

Hopefully so! But i would also value your opinion...what would you advise to focus on mentally during a fight? What should i be thinking of or telling myself to help me concentrate?

The spartan mothers used to say to their sons when they left for battle to come back to sparta with their shields or over them.
Meaning to come back victorious or dead...OSU!

[Lucy]

The spartan mothers used to say to their sons when they left for battle to come back to sparta with their shields or over them.
Meaning to come back victorious or dead...OSU!

Thankyou for that piece of advice ryudo...spartans, right i got it ! :)

[Spirit]

Osu Japman

Hopefully so! But i would also value your opinion...what would you advise to focus on mentally during a fight? What should i be thinking of or telling myself to help me concentrate?

nothing..........

Lucy,
My way of teaching is the mind is the weakest link in fighting; do to thoughts, fears etc taught to you by parents, teachers etc…
Anxieties taught to us as a young child are set in the subconscious mind where 95% of all thought comes from…

What I can say to you (without personally knowing you or train with you) is this…
It is often the instructor (unknowing) who makes a good fighter a poor one or a good one. How you ask, well many instructors can only teach to what they understand what they themselves have been taught and do well or think they do well (with no insult to anyone or anyone’s instructor(s)).

A couple ways
Example 1) I learn all the basic moves and really adapt to being a punch fighter, well just so happens (a mere coincidence) that my instructor is one to. I now grow in that frame of mind and as time goes by I tend to be a fighter then instructor with horse blinders seeing punch as the way to go. I guest what you see in AAU or WKF type fighting.

Example 2) your instructor is a kata person, though sparring is part of your training he/she focuses on kata mind you to will develop in that mind (usually when you are young 10-30 of age). ***Yes kata is a very important part of Karate and fighting, but those who put to much emphasis on kata or fighting or kihon and fail to be equal in all other areas are 1 dementional instructors.
There are several ways that can explain this example but I believe you (and everyone else reading get where I going).

Often Lucy, you get anxiety when you fight, as you explained earlier to a tee. And this is something you need coaching on from someone who focuses on this type of training. I can’t say one way or another about things in your dojo, though it can be something in or outside that is causing you to be this way?!?

You need to stop thinking and talking to yourself (shut off that little voice in your head too) just do. I know it is a very simple thing to ask and very hard to do. The best place to train yourself in this is during hard kihon training, as you get weak from all the kihons you get stressed, this is when you need to take the deep breath and let all anxiety energy go and just do you kihons harder and faster without thought about how weak/stressed etc you are. If you can do this under this stress you can then work it in to you sparring.
Another way is if your instructor would hit you (and all the students) with a stick each time you slow down or even just look like you are not focusing on doing and letting your body slow you down do to weakness or your mind giving up do to predetermined believes it can go any further. As you get weak in training take this mindset one more, then do that one more and again one more, repeat and then repeat again and again… You will then retrain the mind from what it was taught as a child and win the war of who you really are or can be from what was taught to you as a child.
As you can see this is really in-depth and is difficult to write about or teach in words or understand my writing too. I’m sure that I would talk or train you in a different manner in person, so try to read between the lines.
Open the mind to all ways, take in everything and at least try it , if it don’t work though it out (but keep the knowledge) and move on.
Find a partner to train with that you feel comfortable with both inside and out of the dojo, who has the same desirers as you and if possible is better than you. One learns best when train with those better than self.

OK this is getting to long, if you need more or have ? PM me.

This is truly a hands on training that takes weeks between a student teacher.

[Lucy]

Osu Japman

Thankyou for your insight a lot of what you have said i can relate to! Makes alot of sense! I shall learn from your advice. My instructor has taken our trainings to deeper depths which is great, he is a very capable karate-ka; as you say fighters become alot like their instructors everyone knows what dojo we come from without needing to ask! Also the national team squad and coach are obviously alot more capable than i am, but i manage to keep up with them an they really do push me! Horrible but extremely rewarding. The coach is also an around karate-ka, kata champion and knockdown champion couldnt really find any better in my country. Your advice on anxiety is spot on to me and rings bells very useful so thankyou again!

Osu

[Spirit]

Great Lucy,
sounds like you have a great rounded training.
You are the only one that can now change it, seek out others that will challange you in different ways since everyone knows who you are by your fighting style it is time to fight your style outside of the group. Our group (so many years ago) was made up of guys who trained hour & hours, year after year together. yet they all fought differnetly if you seen one you would not know the other was from the same team. we focused on helping each other improve on the area they felt best doing, and then challange them in their weak areas.

[ksan]

The spartan mothers used to say to their sons when they left for battle to come back to sparta with their shields or over them.
Meaning to come back victorious or dead...OSU!

Spartan wives said it to their husbands to... if the movie "300" serves history right.... ;)
Some native americans used the credo "Hoka Hey" (today is a good day to die) and the USMC use "Semper Fi, Do or Die" (i think).... every culture has its own adagium in that way... to the best of my knowledge we have "Osu no Seishin" http://www.ikka.ch/osu_no_seishin1.html.

Osu

[Spirit]

ksan good point...
if I may add a little to this, it was the Sioux Nation who used the saying hoka hey" or ho'ka hey, which you can see variously translated as...
Today is a good day to die. Welcome to the soul. Hold fast. There is more.
and "a good day to fight, a good day to die! Brave hearts." Made famous by Chief Sitting Bull (Tasunka witko ) during the war between the Soiux nation and the whites in 1870's America.
I have always admired the great Spirit of the native nations of north America.

[ryudo]

Thankyou for that piece of advice ryudo...spartans, right i got it ! :)

Well yes is over inflated and I miss the point completly. Here is a guy asking for serious advise because he's having a dilema whether to compete in full-contact or not and I given him some stupidity.
Nothing like the intelligence of a woman to point that out to me...Thanksss!!!! Look my excuse is that I usually don't engage the brain before I start the mouth or in this case the keyboard:D sorryyyy...

[ryudo]

Spartan wives said it to their husbands to... if the movie "300" serves history right.... ;)
Some native americans used the credo "Hoka Hey" (today is a good day to die) and the USMC use "Semper Fi, Do or Die" (i think).... every culture has its own adagium in that way... to the best of my knowledge we have "Osu no Seishin" http://www.ikka.ch/osu_no_seishin1.html.

Osu

I always look at the spirit of judo, fight and fight, if you get thrown down get up and fight, for inspiration I look at the movie throw down which was made in Hong Kong. Well actually what I like most about the movie is the title song which talks about a judo legend. Now I know this site is about karate and kyokushin at that but this is where my admiration for kyokushin starts for of all the karate styles out there this is the only style in my humble opinion that could take on a judoka and win.
Believe me when I say that is not and easy thing to take upon a judo man or woman for that matter, generally they are well trained and have and over all great physical fitness. The kyokushin practioners are so far the only ones in general that have the same physical development produce by a serious training regime.
All the other styles that I have seen or practice in, I have found inssuficient or lacking. Not Shotokan nor Wado-kai, maybe Go-ju, but over all Kyokushin is the only style which thru its training regime gets all its practioners in such great physical shape.
OSU!

[Lucy]

Well 2 weeks until my tournament now! Training is going very well. Im fitter than ive ever been and ive found a new strange feeling...I cant wait to fight!?! Im really getting excited about it which is a first for me! Im ready as i'll ever be. Bring it on! :D

I shall report back on my experience, I hope i have a good positive story to share!

Osu!!

[ichigeki31]

good luck lucy wish you all the best and go out there and show them your best osu!!!! ::D

[Spirit]

Well 2 weeks until my tournament now! Training is going very well. Im fitter than ive ever been and ive found a new strange feeling...I cant wait to fight!?! Im really getting excited about it which is a first for me! Im ready as i'll ever be. Bring it on! :D

I shall report back on my experience, I hope i have a good positive story to share!

Osu!!

Lucy, don't forget to sniff ammonia before each match, keep relaxed and just do it!!!!
Good Skill {since luck is for those who do not prepair for battle}

[Bloke]

Good Skill {since luck is for those who do not prepair for battle}

Japman

I really like that expression - its goes well with my new signature.

[Spirit]

Japman

I really like that expression - its goes well with my new signature.
I've always disliked the expression "good luck" I mean what does it mean when you are in a battle???
Bloke, use it if you wish we are all brothers & sisters in Kyokushin

[Repz]

I think you are like me when i was kickboxing. I never lost, an i would get nervous an want to quit fighting, mainly cause i didnt want to lose. I wanted to walk off an maintain my undefeated streak an know that my hard workouts paid off an never failed me.

Fast Foward to the present, i restarted Martial Arts, this time as Kyokushin, an i cant wait to compete an start training hardbody again. Id take a lose as a victory, cause only in defeat can you learn to succeed.

Id say train like the warrior mentality, read up some good books on the warrior as motiviation. Know that you are a fighter, you chose this, it wasnt forced on you, appreciate your victories an skills an dont let them down an degrade them by questioning them. The stronger fighter needs to have no weakness, an if your mind fails you, regardless of whatever outcome in any match, you lose an will continue to lose.

[blackshield]

Hi Lucy - a couple of things to add, hopefully they will help.
a) you are def not alone in these feelings (as is prob clear by now) - competing is an intimidating experience. What you must remember is that it is this intimidation that is the real challenge. Facing this intimidating scenario time and again is a way of facing your fears and developing as a person (not just a fighter.

b) try not to think about the fight as 'i have to beat them' scenario - try to put yourself into the frame of mind that the outcome doesn't interest you, only testing your abilities to the fullest does - win or lose. That way the opponent does not represent an obstacle to be overcome, but is simply a person who is allowing your the priveledge of testing yourself (the better they are the better).

c) Personally I do not try and distract myself before a fight - this may work for you, and thats cool - but for me to get my head into a more focussed state I use a lot of visualisation techniques before fighting (even days before). Try to Imagine yourself pulling off combinations that you have practiced. Imagine your shots landing harder and harder against your opponents - see yourself performing with speed and power. Try and do this with as much detail as possible (eg - the feel of the Gi, the feel of the mats, the sounds the smells... everything...) It may help (I may just be very odd ;) )

Also I thought someone mentioned seing you in Palace fighting - is this crystal palace, is this where you train? If so you may know Kenny Jarvis, he is a great guy and a phenomenal fighter (2xBristish Champ I believe), he should be able to help you with this if you speak to him.

[Lucy]

Osu Blackshield,

Thankyou for your advice. Funny you should say about imagining things this has exactly been my way of thinking recently! Yes i know Kenny Jarvis we are both competing this saturday in our Regional tournament. I havent spoke to him before, but he is a very experienced and successful fighter...good advice! Crystal Palace was where i competed in my last tournament. I train on the south coast of England.

Im feeling pretty ok at the moment with regards to the tournament. Had an awesome training session last night which has helped me no ends.

All the advice from you guys here has settled me alot. I realise im not a wimp for feeling anxious whilst fighting...we are all in the same boat! 2days and we'll see if all this sound advice and encouragement has paid off ;)

[Lucy]

Osu Repz,

Thankyou for your thoughts. Although a lot of what you have said rings true for me too, i dont worry about the winning or losing. I'll be happy if i can feel i have achieved my best and tried my hardest mentally and physically no matter what the result!

[blackshield]

Hi Lucy,

Sounds like you have the right mentality! Enjoy the tournament, and let us know how it goes... if you speak to Kenny (he is a nice guy ... honestly! ;) ) say hi from Toby (he may not remember my name :( ) from Gavin Mulhollands Daigaku dojo - sparring with him was the reason I turned to kyokushin btw

[Lucy]

Toby,

Well i hope i have the right mentality. My main aim is to enjoy it and 'just do it' and not to become plagued with negative thoughts! When i speak Mr Jarvis i will send him your regards. I guess i still get pretty star struck when i see top fighters. Im the rookie who trains at the back of the class at squads lol! :D

[Bruce]

Good luck for this weekend Lucy - I expect to see you Monday night weighed down with trophies....no pressure!!!

[Lucy]

I AM tough enough!

Tournament was fantastic yesterday! I did exactly what i wanted to do. I kept my nerves at bay, focused on my opponent, kept my guard and position...everything fell into place!. Best thing was i was'nt scared. I didnt have the negative self talk battle with myself at all. I had a couple of points when i thought can i really do it, but i put that to the back of my mind and just got on with it!. I enjoyed every minute of it and did better than i realised i was capable of!

There was only one fight to be had in my category so it was me up against last years champion! She is a VERY experienced fighter who has fought all over the world for Great Britain for the last 5 years or so and did well in the world tournament. I didnt even think about any of that i just thought she's only human. Fight started well my techniques were strong and i felt really comfortable. 1st round draw. 2nd round draw. 3rd round i could'nt see a break coming anytime soon so i went on the back foot for a bit to save some energy. At this point she really wanted to finish it and i took everything she had but i still felt strong and controlled. That round ended 1 flag to her. 4th round i knew i was fit enough to go for it! Luckily i think she had her strongest round in the 3rd so i kept composed and gradually built up some pressure. Last 30 seconds i just went for it! Kept the pressure on and found a bit of aggression which is new to me and pushed her back. It felt awesome!

4 rounds, 8 minutes and all 4 flags to me! Could'nt have wished for anything better. Best fight of my life and now im the BKK Regional Open Lightweight champion too! Thats going to take a while to sink in.

I want to thank you guys who gave me sound advice! You had a part to play in my success! :D

[jane]

Lucy

You were great yesterday! a different fighter from october. You looked composed, controlled and determined. True Bukokai. Well done


Osu.

[kakatootoshi]

Dear Lucy,
This is a great day for K4L, first we have good news from Mustang in NZ and now you! You have overcome your confidence problem and that is most important.
This is only a beginning.
Congratulations!

OSU!

[ksan]

Osu Lucy,

congratulations :)

Osu

Ksan

[Bruce]

Way to go Lucy!!! So are we going to see any clips on you tube then???

[RASor]

Osu Lucy-san,

I am happy for your success. Indeed a great fighter.

Osu.

[nzproud]

Lucy good stuff! Osu!

[Spirit]

OSU !!! Lucy

Now focus on today's training............

[blackshield]

Well done Lucy! sounds like it was a great fight - great that you had a tough opponent too

[helenosch]

Congratulations Lucy!! That's so good to hear.
So I have to watch out for you, when you start fighting internationally:D

[Bloke]

Lucy

You were so relaxed in that fight and fully deserved the victory against an extremely experienced fighter. And it was nice to meet finally.

And lets not forget Jane who also won on saturday - talk about the very model of focus and determination. Well done.

And to the two Irish Boys - Dave and Alan - well done also - 3rd place for both and two more trophies for the cabinet.

The tournament itself was fantastic and we knew we were on for a great day when 19 seconds into the first fight we had the first KO of the day.

[Spirit]

Lucy,
How are you feeling today, sore & stiff or limber and energtic???

[blackshield]

don't want to hijack the post - just wondered if i could ask how kenny got on?

[Aunty Ichigeki]

Congratulations Lucy! and thanks for sharing the whole process with us... the K4L team will benefit I'm sure!

[Lucy]

don't want to hijack the post - just wondered if i could ask how kenny got on?

Osu Blackshield,

Kenny Jarvis was awesome! He won the mens heavyweight! Im trying to remember all the winners so i can post in the results :)

[Lucy]

Hey Guys!

Thanks for all you kind words and congratulations! Its great that we are all so supportive here! Means alot thankyou! :)

[Lucy]

Lucy,
How are you feeling today, sore & stiff or limber and energtic???

Osu Japman,

I left the tournament feeling very limber and energetic! I had plenty left in me. Bit sore from bruises and i hurt my foot thats was the only thing stopping me bouncing around ever since! Feeling very fresh

[Spirit]

Osu Japman,

I left the tournament feeling very limber and energetic! I had plenty left in me. Bit sore from bruises and i hurt my foot thats was the only thing stopping me bouncing around ever since! Feeling very fresh
Great to hear!!!!

Skill is your weapon, now go make it your life.

[Billy no mates]

It sounds like you've really grown since you first posted this,thats a real victory long may it continue .

[JensGae]

It sounds like you've really grown since you first posted this

Yes, that are my thoughts too. There is someone "climbing to the top of the mountain".

thats a real victory long may it continue

I´m interested in what your are feeling before the next fight. Maybe you can post some day.

[Lucy]

Osu JensGae,

I guess it has been like climbing a mountain! Well at the moment im still at the top of that mountain feelings wise. Started training hard again and attending national squad trainings. Im really looking forward to our next tournament which will be in October, the British Open at Crystal Palace. This will be my first 'biggy' i guess and there are some great fighters to meet there. Its a pretty daunting event for most competitors and im sure to meet some international fighters for the first time!

Thankyou for your comment!

Osu-EN1

[seienchin]

Lucy,
I have read this thread with great interest, and it has been great to see the chronicle of your growth in capacity and confidence. You have received some excellent advice, but I can see that you have actually also done a lot f internal learning.
Can I ask you to go back to the first question you posted. Read it as though it is another person (which it is - it is you, a lifetime journey ago)...and answer her, based on all the learnings you have pulled together. I can't wait to read your post!
OSU-EN2

[Lucy]

Osu Seienchin,

Good idea!

Well i would answer her by saying,

You are obviously eager to compete again or otherwise you would have 'hung up your gloves' after the first fight! You are at a battle with yourself more so than your prospective opponents! This is obviously an experience mentally that in your life you havent been challenged with before. The mental feelings of knockdown have come and hit you like a bus! Although it is scary, you are posing this question because you want to overcome this hurdle of self doubt.

Not knowing what to do and 'freezing up' so to say is because you are inexperienced and you feel it. Combinations only flow freely once they have become a reflex and listening to your coach is the best thing you can do until you learn to be comfortable within a fight. Learn some combinations you know work for you and PRACTICE them over and over in the dojo sparring. Hard, repetitive training is the only way it will become natural.

Make sure you are fit. This will give you an extra boost of confidence whilst on the mat if you feel your opponent is weakening and you still have plenty left in the tank. You know in yourself deep down you can do it and if everyone wants you to fight again then there is definately a fighter in you! You felt annoyed with yourself because you havent found your potential yet and realised your capabilities. This will all come over time.

Talk about your feelings. Ask other fighters, especially experienced/successful fighters, how they feel when they fight and how they deal with it mentally. You'll come to realise this is very common to be nervous and have doubts.

[seienchin]

OSU-EN2
If anyone ever wanted to see how Karate teaches you more than how to kick and punch, they should just read this thread. Congratulations Lucy. Your sensei must be extremely proud of your growth.

What you have just posted applies to just about any challenge in life. Having done what you have done, you will be able to apply this anywhere! Watch out world! OSU-EN2

[Lucy]

OSU-EN2
If anyone ever wanted to see how Karate teaches you more than how to kick and punch, they should just read this thread. Congratulations Lucy. Your sensei must be extremely proud of your growth.

What you have just posted applies to just about any challenge in life. Having done what you have done, you will be able to apply this anywhere! Watch out world! OSU-EN2

Hey i think you have hit the nail on the head there! I am totally overall more confident in all aspects in life. Any issues....dealt with :D instead of dwelling on things and burying my head in the sand! Ive turned myself into a head strong person and before i started karate i was the type of person who was very shy and avoided confrontation. Overcoming this has helped me realised who i really am, the person im meant to be. If a little lady like me can take on knockdown AND enjoy it... im more inclined to take everything else in my stride!!

OSU-EN2

[milwaukeecop2]

As a long time karate competitor, who is now a novice judo competitor, I always tell myself " Daimonds are MADE under pressure!" before I kumite/randori in a shai. Never question wether you are tough enuff!, if you are out there to compete, rest assured, you are far tougher than the timid souls that are content to sit and view safely on the sidelines.
I would love to be able to say that this attitude has won me many coveted championships, but, alas, I am a mediocre player.
However, while I may lack in ability, I have an overabundence of enthusiesm, and passion.

[vapor]

milwaukeecop2- thanks for the post!

Be sure to start a thread in the INTRODUCTIONS forum, and tell us a little bit about yourself.

vapor

[cecil667]

Lucy, think of yourself as an example of strength, not afraid and always willing to try.
You must try to conquer your fright. Remember that your drive is the only key to success. Ambition takes you far. OSU-EN1

[guty]

Lucy i think you should meditate more,or make some breathing exercises for 5 min before getting up and 5 min before sleep,no technical problems,no physical problems...its just that you are not meditating...so think about this, I'm sure this will help you free your mind from yourself ,read it feel it,meditate it :A Cup of Tea

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.

Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!"

"Like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

too much thinking,meditating will give you the calm but sharp mind you need to fight , meditate everyday you'll see the change,...

[Spirit]

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.

Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!"

"Like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

Funny I read a simular story, but is was about learning the sword and another simular story about learning Karate...
I believe this is one of those stories that is just that, story use to make you think!

[GJEC]

Osu! Lucy,

Obviously I'm new to the board so doing a lot of reading here to get up to speed. Your post reminded me of how I used to be when I was competing. I always felt a whole world of pressure, not least from the fact that Leicester dojo used to come down en masse to 'support' me, but in reality, the pressure to perform and not let anyone down was a pretty negative thing.

The key with me was training in Sweden with Brian Fitkin. It was extreeeeemely hard, so much so that on the day (1981) I wasn't worried about anyone and won easily. I also studied sports psychology to enable me to understand and control my fears. I suppose the moral is: We rarely rise to our expectations, but sink to the level of our training. I now train my fighters very hard in their build up, so much so that the event is probably less intimidating than the training! Another ploy is to focus their mind on winning the 'spirit prize' on the basis that the effort and guts required to put in a winning performance will usually sweep away the opposition in the process ....

(My student won the Spirit Prize at last years Sabaki Challenge)

I wish you well, you're obviously made of the right stuff!

Gary

[Lucy]

Thanks Gary. Thats a very useful insight. Well since you have brought this thread back to life im am having issues again :( Last year was a pretty good year for me until i ventured abroad to Holland. I have'nt had the luck of the draw at all. Ist fight was against the reigning 2 time champion and i went straight back to negative i was very annoyed with myself. I was lucky to continue in the tournament due to draw errors and my 2nd fight was not so bad. 3rd fight i was in full flow again and i left the tournament happy but somewhat fustrated. I fought in France last month and AGAIN 1st round i got the reigning champion i'd already decided i think in my heart it was pointless. She was far heavier than me and the fight ended quickly after my opponent scored.My sensei has said that he needs to work with me and 'break me down'? Not quite sure what this meant. I said i also need to work on the mental aspect too. Guess he has another way to build me back up and train in a different perspective. Im finding it pretty difficult right now. Training and sparring i just feel clueless. I guess im just disheartened from the tough draws ive faced.

[GJEC]

Osu! Lucy,

Sorry to hear you're feeling down, but remember that's very much part of the cyclical nature of training. We all move in and out of our peak physical state, and mentally we have highs and lows.

It's not for me to comment on what your Instructor has planned - that's for you and he to work out. You've obviously teamed up well in the past! With regards the draws, I remember Crystal Palace years ago. When I was 'Floor manager' I / we were constantly surrounded by fighters trying to read the draw and plan their tactics, so much so that we instituted the idea of posting the draw sheets on a side wall away from the tables so the timekeepers were not disturbed.

It became obvious that many of the elite fighters never really bothered with the draw. They were, I believe, so confident in their ability and tactics that no last minute strategy alterations were required. Here's the key: If you fully believe in your ability, you go out on the mat and concentrate on what YOU are going to do. If you have doubts, you focus on what THEY might do and plan accordingly. The worst place is in the middle, where you have no faith in your ability to either catch them or handle what they throw at you. That's an unpleasant place to be and fighters that find themselves there often just look for a way out without losing too much face!

There's lots of ways to describe the right mindset, one being 'predatory', but whatever you describe it as, it's quite liberating as it focusses the mind. (If you imagine driving a familiar car in an unfamiliar place you can perhaps see the point; your CONCIOUS mind decides the route and must be switched on to where YOU want to go, while your UNCONCIOUS mind deals with avoiding other road users ....) This is termed 'process' orientation rather than 'result' orientation.

The key is in the preparation. Your fitness must be A1 so no worries there, and your key weapons must be honed to the point that you are 100% confident that every time you connect you are taking energy and spirit from your opponent. Defensively you must be sound to the point you block & counter smoothly, with the mindset that 'blocks' are in effect 'set-ups' for your counter and never a last resort. Most important: Remember that alongside physical damage you are seeking to remove their intent, where they are solely focussed on dealing with what YOU are doing to THEM and lose faith in their ability to hurt you.

I could go on, but no point as I'm sure you know all this already! Worth writing it though for any young fighters reading the board. I wish I'd had access to this sort of information in my fighting career, as I was often miserable in my own world of doubts, where a little mental re-adjustment would have helped no end! I have met up with loads of ex-fighters since though who all felt fear and doubt at some stage. Some handle it, others fade away.

For me, once I removed the worry about letting others down (remembering they were in the safety of the seating area) and realised that whatever happened on the mat I wouldn't be getting either shot or pregnant, I found my fighting and general self-belief improved no end.

Gary

[Lucy]

Thanks! A very worthwhile read and again useful! Knockdown fighting has been by far the hardest aspect of my karate life. Kihon and kata i feel very at home with now, but as kyokfighter said way back in this thread. Those who compete also progress faster/better in their basics, which i have definately found to be true!I will persevere with the kumite... I won't be happy until i know i have done my best :DGuess thats the spirit ;)

[seienchin]

Osu Seienchin,

Good idea!

Well i would answer her by saying,

You are obviously eager to compete again or otherwise you would have 'hung up your gloves' after the first fight! You are at a battle with yourself more so than your prospective opponents! This is obviously an experience mentally that in your life you havent been challenged with before. The mental feelings of knockdown have come and hit you like a bus! Although it is scary, you are posing this question because you want to overcome this hurdle of self doubt.

Not knowing what to do and 'freezing up' so to say is because you are inexperienced and you feel it. Combinations only flow freely once they have become a reflex and listening to your coach is the best thing you can do until you learn to be comfortable within a fight. Learn some combinations you know work for you and PRACTICE them over and over in the dojo sparring. Hard, repetitive training is the only way it will become natural.

Make sure you are fit. This will give you an extra boost of confidence whilst on the mat if you feel your opponent is weakening and you still have plenty left in the tank. You know in yourself deep down you can do it and if everyone wants you to fight again then there is definately a fighter in you! You felt annoyed with yourself because you havent found your potential yet and realised your capabilities. This will all come over time.

Talk about your feelings. Ask other fighters, especially experienced/successful fighters, how they feel when they fight and how they deal with it mentally. You'll come to realise this is very common to be nervous and have doubts.


Well Lucy - I think you said it all...months ago. I am aware that some other things that can undermine confidence have happened in your life, and it is true, that we are not machines -we are living, breathing passionate and vulnerable beings...but maybe it is time to get out the Lucky Ducky again?

OSU-EN2

[richard haines]

osu! hi lucy you can cut it i seen you fight in holland in oyama cup last year techincally you are good and your fitness looked pretty good your combinations will come when you fight with more experience more pad work will help and more fightin in your dojo helps try and fight all the best fighters in your dojo and dont for get lucy fightin in 3 novice tournaments then fightin in open and regional tournament its a big step up fightin people with 5 or 10 years knock down experience its a big jump as for nerves if you can get over yours tell me how you do it i`ve always got nerves be for i fight

[Lucy]

Osu seienchin, your right i need to restore the faith again!Osu Richard, thankyou for you comments. I enjoyed my last fight in Holland and that was the best ive ever felt mentally in my 3rd fight. Im just searching for that mindset again and getting a bit disheartened i guess. Get back into it and stop worrying i should tell myself. :D

[DKKC]

Welcome to the club Lucy - I think more than 95% of my first round fights were against a champion of some kind. I am very unlucky with my draws but somehow I got used to it. You will have to find out what gives you strenght mentally before a fight, for me, it's thinking that I will either win or take them down with me!! A bit extreme, granted, but it seems to do the trick.

[amokbel]

OSU Lucy,

I won't pretend that I'm an expert in sport/fighter psychology, but it seems that you have a small mental block... or maybe it's the fear of the unknown. You don't know how good your opponent is and your mind plays tricks on you and you start doubting yourself.

I remember saying to myself that my opponent is as concerned as I am and that gives me a confidence boost. Also, TRUST YOUR TRAINING and if you can, tape your fights and watch them often. Not to criticize, but to perfect and also, to see it with an objective eye on how good/bad that particular fight was for you.

In my first tournaments, I used to listen to music that pumped me up and I did ok. But the last tournament I did, I took a completely different approach. First, I surrounded myself with my support fans (my coach, friends and girlfriend), then, I spent a lot of time walking around, talking to people, etc. For me, in my mind, the first place was mine and the fights were a mere technicality I had to go through to get the trophee. That's it.

Work on your mindset and your own limiting beliefs about your abilities. All else equal, the one with the strongest mindset will win. Remember that.

OSU and good luck

Al

[Nix]

Thread-necromancy! :)

Original post was 2½ years ago, and as I understand, Lucy has performed very well since. So. Mission acomplished?

Osu!

[Lucy]

Thanks Al :)

Osu Nix, thankyou for your comment. I still have up and down emotions about fighting, but hey doesn't everyone?! I didn't realise it was that long since i started this!

British in 2 weeks.... to be honest i can't wait! Im really looking forward to it, really excited! I know what i have to do now i think and i feel pretty chilled out before i fight so nerves and negativity don't really bother me now. Theres so much more to worry about :D

[Gheorgei]

hi Lucy, youre good enough alright, i think you need to be more agressive, i mean whats the worst that can happen? be ruthless mate, you can take em all, if you get beat you get beat, no big deal! maybe youve got weighed down with you own success? Be strong;)