SCRAPP! FIGHT MAGAZINE
June - 2015
29
MY GOALS = YOUR GOALS
MUTUAL WELFARE AND BENEFIT
ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS
Something I preach at my gym is that every-
body’s goals are just as important as the next
persons. We are all equal. When you realize
that, you will have greater success in the gym.
So you’re a professional fighter that wants to
make it to the UFC and you think your train-
ing is priority? Your training takes precedence
over the overweight mom that needs to shed
20 pounds? Maybe you don’t want to train with
the introverted nerd in the corner because they,
“don’t do anything to help y0u”. I’ve got news
for you, you’re no better than them. You have to
look at things from the perspective of the people
that surround you. Losing that 20 pounds Is the
UFC to that person. That standout in the corner
probably agonized all day about the thought of
stepping on the mat that night and finally did
it. Take a step back, remember, you’re only as
strong as the people around you. Building a co-
hesive training environment is a key ingredient
on the path to success.
It’s common place to see higher level students
try and bypass newer students in practice. It’s
usually because they think they have nothing to
gain from training with someone “not on their
level”. What they often forget is they were once
the new person. They didn’t come into the gym
knowing everything. I mean , if they new it all,
why did they need to come to the gym in the
first place? If nobody took the time to train with
them, they wouldn’t be at the level they are cur-
rently. I believe we can all learn from people of
all levels. What it really boils down to is mind-
set. When you, for example, roll with someone
of lesser ability than yourself you can use the
opportunity to try new techniques. While you
shouldn’t dominate the newer person with high
level technical wizardry, you can sure practice
that new sweep a time or 2. You could also let
the lower rank put you deep in a submission
and work your defense. Another path to take
in training with lower ranked people is to work
your patience and coaching. Help the new per-
son understand different aspects of the game.
At the end of the day this is an investment into
your training future. One day this person may
turn out to be your best training partner!
It’s very easy to get into a routine while train-
ing. You have to make the most of your train-
ing and try to improve every chance you get.
An example of a question you should ask is,
“am I hitting too hard?” It’s obviously hard for
some people to answer their own question, so
take cues from your partners. Are you landing
100% of your punches, takedowns or submis-
sions and your partner is just taking the brunt
of your wrath? Probably a good sign you’re not
being a good partner. Do you sub everybody no
matter size or gender in the room. . .with the
same technique. . .every. . .single. . .practice?
Another sign. You’re doing yourself no favors
either. You’ll never get any better by sticking
to the same thing over and over again. From
a striking point of view, if you or a classmate is
banging your brain at every given opportunity,
you’ll never feel confident enough to try that
new combo you’ve been taught. Conversely, if
all you care about is throwing hard strikes, you’ll
never learn the finer points of the game.
At the end of the day, we all want to be the best
we can be. Take the time, step back, and look at
the big picture when you’re training. Step into
each practice with an open mind and get ready
to take your game to the next level. Remember,
Daniel-son didn’t think “wax on, wax off” was
effective either. Train smarter, not harder and
remember discomfort is growth.
