You’re on the mat sparring, and BAM! The tide turns from your dominant position to one of an ever-increasing downward performance spiral. Your breathing starts to ramp up as your posture breaks down and down and down… Things look grim, but what your opponent doesn’t know is that you’ve spent…
Posture
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Posture Is Everything.
Picture a confident martial artist entering the dojo, the arena, or even on the street. They walk with a purpose, shoulders back, head held high (slightly tucked chin to protect it), and a steady gaze forward. Their posture exudes self-assuredness. Conversely, imagine someone lacking confidence, hunched over, avoiding eye contact, and…
Mindset
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Uncomfortable? Good: Embrace Discomfort to Build Strength and Resilience
Sometimes, the worst conditions can provide the best learning experiences if you’re willing to let go and open yourself up to the opportunity. My first experience with newaza, ground grappling, epitomized this lesson. A black belt pulled me aside, instructed me to lie on my back, and without further guidance,…