I was really struck during my recent tournament by the importance of the mental game in fight sports. Its important in any difficult athletic activity but a couple of factors make it particularly critical here.
First, fighting is compressed into a remarkably short time period. Most fights, even without a knockout are going to be done in 15 minutes, many in 10. This means that virtually everything is preparation. You have trained for months. You have waited for hours. You have probably warmed up for longer than you'll be in the ring. Your body has to be at a peak when you step in, but even more importantly you have to be in as close to an optimal mental state as you can manage. All while preparing for...
... the physical danger of confrontation one on one with another determined individual who enters the ring with the sole purpose of knocking you down. This is what we have been evolved to avoid, its foolishly high risk to confront an equally matched foe. Fight or flight should be flight if you aren't sure, but we choose to fight.
So there are all the normal distractions that cause you to shank a golf ball, the time pressure that makes a gymnast's hand sweat when they grab the bars, and all the fear of that ape-man getting ready to fight (plus pain when you do get hit). In that state, you have to find your flow and execute a strategy and all without letting your opponent see your pain or fear.
I have not paid enough attention to my mental game.
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