Dojo Discernments
Hi all! Here is this week's iteration of Dojo Discernments where I share ideas earned in the mats! First tournament free weekend in the past 5 weeks and coming off of ADCC Nationals gold, so we are feeling good and ready for the weekend.
Biggest Flex
What I consider to be the biggest flex, especially in high stress scenarios, is being the most relaxed.
Don't force it. Don't revert first to anger.
True skill is comfort with cause and effect
"You do this, I do that"
No more, no less. Relaxation, Result.
Favorite Moment
Consistently one of my most cherished moments is sitting at the warm up mats to watch the top athletes warm up. You can see the hours and hours of dedicated practice in an unlimited display in a way that is limited when the matches start by their opponents and other constraints.
This week it was watching a Hawaiin family warm up. The father wearing board shorts and a tank top, the son kakhi jeans and a t shirt, the daughter full no gi set. The nonchalantness and angles of the frames, recoveries, and attacks show that they've been in these positions daily for years.
That work, that work of art, is always appreciated.
What I See
ADCC events are always massive. Thousands of competitors, children and their parents, highest level, slams and going out of bounds are encouraged at the expert adult levels.
When I walked into the event arena this past weekend, a thought came to mind, "Be still and enjoy each moment as flowing water in a river gorge."
I tried to make each moment as small as a drop of water, despite the tenaciousness of the energy in the air and I carried that expression into my matches.
Mental Training
"This too shall pass"
Mental Training – "This Too Shall Pass"
Anytime a difficult task feels overwhelming, break it into manageable pieces. You can always push for just five more seconds, just five more steps.
I learned this in the Basic Reconnaissance Course, where pain, suffering, and misery were always companions. Quitting was the omnipresent option for relief. You had to trick your mind to forget that option existed.. Tell yourself: one more distance, one more rep.
I shared this with a student in the ice bath this week. They wanted out immediately. Instead, I coached them into “just five more seconds.” They, counted to five, over and over, and made it to their goal without even realizing it.
On the mats, in the cold, or in life, everything hard is temporary. Push just a little longer. This too shall pass.
What I'm Listening to
Always puts me into a state of deep hyperfocus, whether for competition or daily life. May you find some enjoyment out of it as well!
Stand by for some projects to be released soon and let me know in the comments if there is anything you want covered! God Bless!
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