At Elite Training Center, we frequently talk about the importance of mental toughness in training in Krav Maga, Muay Thai kickboxing, MMA, Kali, or any martial art, but until last weekend’s promotion, it had been a while since it had come up. The promotion, which you can only get a momentary sense of it (2 minutes of the 3+ hrs) from the video posted with this post, was nonstop, and though we often joke, “At some point in the next few hours, you should question why you showed up to do this,” I’m sure it felt especially true during those three plus hours. But at the end, it was clear, no one stopped. No one gave up. And that is what it is about. Once you can harness your own mental strength, you realize that your body is capable of far more than you ever thought possible. That can be a daunting reality. It means trying things that seem impossible because, hey, you never know. It means taking that first step towards whatever goal you have, be it push-ups on your toes (1 or 100!), chin ups, sprawls, wheelbarrow push-ups, 100 kicks each side, your first advanced belt, or your black belt. All of these goals start with the first step, the first day you walk into elite, the first hour you spend on the mat. And none of them are possible unless you tell yourself that you can. Mental toughness in training is essential.
Each of us has a different “No, I can’t” point in our minds. Most of the world lets that stop them before ever deciding to train in martial arts, be it Krav, Muay Thai kickboxing, MMA mixed martial arts or anything else. For the students at Elite, we have made it past that moment to our first hour on the mat. Some people find it there, as they hear “10-10-10” (or the dreaded “30-30-30”!). Many of us find it in that first extreme or comfit class. Or in the class we come into despite having had a long day or week. Some of us thought we found it in that first extreme class only to realize we really found it in our first promotion. The reality is, the world, and training in martial arts, put many obstacles in front of us, many challenges, many points at which we say, “No, I can’t do it.” “That’s impossible!” “Sure, YOU can do that, but I can’t!” or, “I’m just too exhausted.” What matters isn’t that you have that moment of doubt, but that you then tell yourself, “well…. Let’s see…” This is where the mental toughness in training has to kick in. It is where you say, “I’m not quitting, not now, not today.” Although pushing through on the mat seems like a small accomplishment, it is what will translate into the will to survive that you will need should you ever need to use your krav skills. The refusal to stop until the threat is neutralized. Telling yourself, and your attacker, “I’m not going to die today.” Mental toughness is the key to survival, and it starts with the will to survive, and the first step. Once you just say yes, and embrace any challenge put in front of you, you are unstoppable.
Of course, it has to be said, although mental toughness in training and then in application is critical to success, and you should always push and challenge yourself, don’t be overly critical of yourself. Don’t let yourself quit if something doesn’t come easily, or even if you’re having an off day. Don’t compare yourself to others. The negative energy and negative thoughts will only slow you down. It is excess baggage literally weighing you down and stopping your progress. Everyone learns in their own way at their own pace, and everyone’s martial path is different. Do don’t get discouraged! Just focus on improving one thing every day and be proud of those improvements. And have fun!! If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick with it. But if you do, before you know it, everything will come together.
So remember, Kick a**, but don’t kick your own a**.
~Ashley Martabano
Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
