Watching a video of your fight, tells you about your mistakes. It works for me. A lesson with ExpertBoxing. Boxing is just as much about mental strength as it is about physical strength. It is constantly changing; also, as your technique improves, your perspectives change. Why should I be afraid – I'll just punch him like I punch everybody else! I was so confident that I just slammed shots into him. Do you want to fight? I didn't even care about holding my guard up, because I knew that as soon as I catch him, he's going to fall. ", My response was: "No, he's got two arms and two legs and one head – just like me. Learn how to get rid of nervous energy and build confidence for a fight. Compete with the best in your gym, or category and when you've improved, look outside and compare yourself to other fighters. Personally, I like to take a walk and clear my mind. And we love every minute of it! On my first kickboxing fight in Japan, I was sharing a dressing room with a fighter from England, who was set to fight the Japanese middleweight champ. Suddenly he just slammed out a wild punch and knocked me clean off my feet and out. Compete with the best in your gym, or category and when you've improved, look outside and compare yourself to other fighters. The opponent was not a high level fighter, so I just prepared to walk in and knock him out. So no matter who is in the ring or what rules you fight – you'll fight. I asked him why and he said: "Jerome is a monster! Method 1 of 3: Focusing Right Before a Game When I stepped into the ring, I smiled. However, there are some pitfalls in too much self-confidence. I remember taking one fight on 48-hour's notice against the Korean champion – on my birthday in 2003. I've accepted fear as a friend. Comparing yourself with other fighters determines your level. Don't get put off by his mental game – he is as scared as you are. Botha analyzed his opponent well. Let us help you figure out what to learn! Ready to get into the ring and enter the world of amateur boxing? I knew exactly what to expect, so my stress levels were lower than usual and my confidence was sky-high. To mentally prepare for a big game, develop a pre-game routine, get a good night’s sleep the night before, and practice meditation for focus. Kobus is a retired professional fighter and multiple title holder who competed at top international levels . I told my fighter (here's the lesson): "No matter who stands in front of you – that is the guy you'll break to pieces; no matter what rules, you'll fight and win." Currently, he's a business consultant but still puts on the gloves for a workout most weekends. When I prepared for my national title fight (kickboxing); I had a very strong opponent. How to Mentally Prepare for a Fight. He started running and I chased. You learn to acknowledge the way another fighter strikes and you compare yourself with other fighters continuously. One thing that I've been asked as a fighter over and over is how to prepare mentally for fights. Johnny from Expert Boxing offers a ton of helpful tips for getting your glove in the door! So, why are fighters too scared to fight? Steps. How to Mentally Prepare for a Fight. Whatever you do; whatever's your "thing," make sure you're in control. You're stronger because you know yourself. I said: "No problem, I'll fight anybody, anytime – I don't care who is in front of me." You don't have any lessons in your history.Just find something that looks interesting and start learning! with ExpertBoxing. It's a non-stop process. It's lengthy – but read it out to the end. All fights were going to be according to Japanese rules, which allowed elbow strikes. Treat yourself to some unlimited lifelong learning! Sorry, but this site requires javascript to operate properly. The MMA equivalent of the aforementioned fight was UFC 69. Know yourself and train your strengths so that you're confident in that punch or that takedown that you do best. I worked specifically on attacking his key weaknesses and defending against his strengths. This lesson is free for all Curious members. As a Muay Thai fighter, he was very good with elbows and knees and prepared to take this fighter down specifically with elbows. Fear releases adrenalin. Competitions are the best way to measure yourself. If you prepare mentally for training every time you train, you will learn how to prepare mentally for anything. All those shouting, scolding, antics and dancing are just a way to get you to a point where you lose control. Three hours before the fight, the organizers called me and changed the rules and the opponent. Well then, let's go! You say; "Okay, the front kick is fair, now I need to work the side kick," or "My guard is fine, I need to work on the half-guard". Competitions are the best way to measure yourself. He went down a couple of times and finally collapsed in the third round. Building your confidence and preparing well is essential – because you may take a fight on short notice. As a coach, I spend a lot of time preparing my fighters mentally. You feel and measure the technique in your body and mind. He also trained fighters for appearances in Pride, K-1 and other events. Studying their technique if you can is a good way to learn about how they fight. Thinking about the fight afterwards, you've learnt a lot about your mental state before, during and after the fight. In those early days, I've always tried to drive it away. When the bell rang, I stormed forward, swinging. Watch videos of him. Talk to yourself and say that it is going to happen. Now go and do it! I've been in situations where I would hand over my money or talk it down. Comparing yourself with other fighters determines your level. I've learnt to channel the fear correctly – using the adrenalin buildup in my aggression and my focus. Thinking about the fight afterwards, you've learnt a lot about your mental state before, during and after the fight. If you do it long enough and get good at it you can be prepared in an instant such as a self defense situation where your don't have 15 minutes or more to psyche yourself up to it. You're a fighter – it's your job. With every kick and every punch, there is a whole thought and realization process happening. Please click here for instructions on activating javascript. Look at other fighters. I like to work myself up to the fight. I'm not talking the day before; I'm talking throughout your preparation for a specific event.