Some really nice things are being said about me on the European Fight Network forum.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their kind words and their support.
I'll keep working to improve as this leg of my martial journey has only just begun.
Read comments on:
http://www.efnsports.com/forum/index.php?topic=8568.msg83280#msg83280
Friday, 5 February 2010
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Believe in yourself
This weekend I attended the IBJJF European Open Championships in Lisbon, Portugal.
The organisers said there were about 1500 Athletes fighting for medals.
I competed myself and whilst warming up got into a brief conversation with a fellow competitor about their belief in their chances of victory.
He had just recovered from an injury, so felt he hadn't done enough sparring at his Academy. Also he had only been promoted 6 months ago so felt he really stood no chance of winning anything.
I was taken aback by his admission; this is the Europeans - one of the most prestigious tournaments in the World. To fight here and do well isn't that everyone's goal ?
OK,it is normal to feel a little anxious - I know I did, but to achieve success you must believe that you can achieve it.
I took a moment out of my preparation to help this guy.
I won't share the details of our conversation, but what I'll say is what he needed maybe is something you too might need for success in your martial training.
You may ask, Steve what exactly do you mean ? Be more specific.
Firstly you must set a goal - be it get through the first round, or get a specific medal, pass your next grading, or simply face your fears.
Then have a plan on how you are going to achieve this goal.
Finally say the right things to yourself. By saying positive things, your mind will eventually start to believe it and help you find a way to action your plan and achieve our goal.
Once you have this you have a starting point to achieve success that you can apply not just to your training but your whole life.
Putting my words into action, my own belief helped me to win Gold on Friday.
I believe in you. Go make a start.
The organisers said there were about 1500 Athletes fighting for medals.
I competed myself and whilst warming up got into a brief conversation with a fellow competitor about their belief in their chances of victory.
He had just recovered from an injury, so felt he hadn't done enough sparring at his Academy. Also he had only been promoted 6 months ago so felt he really stood no chance of winning anything.
I was taken aback by his admission; this is the Europeans - one of the most prestigious tournaments in the World. To fight here and do well isn't that everyone's goal ?
OK,it is normal to feel a little anxious - I know I did, but to achieve success you must believe that you can achieve it.
I took a moment out of my preparation to help this guy.
I won't share the details of our conversation, but what I'll say is what he needed maybe is something you too might need for success in your martial training.
You may ask, Steve what exactly do you mean ? Be more specific.
Firstly you must set a goal - be it get through the first round, or get a specific medal, pass your next grading, or simply face your fears.
Then have a plan on how you are going to achieve this goal.
Finally say the right things to yourself. By saying positive things, your mind will eventually start to believe it and help you find a way to action your plan and achieve our goal.
Once you have this you have a starting point to achieve success that you can apply not just to your training but your whole life.
Putting my words into action, my own belief helped me to win Gold on Friday.
I believe in you. Go make a start.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Four approaches to sparring
My FMA teacher Guru Bob Breen sent me this link.
Here he is showing four sparring strategies (I also recognise his assistant) :
http://www.youtube.com/v/rVFVc5eyAak&hl=en_US&fs=1&
More can be viewed on youtube or www.bobbreen.com
Here he is showing four sparring strategies (I also recognise his assistant) :
http://www.youtube.com/v/rVFVc5eyAak&hl=en_US&fs=1&
More can be viewed on youtube or www.bobbreen.com
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself...
These were the words, uttered by US President Franklin D Roosevelt in his first inaugural address in 1932, but apply to all of us every day, especially us in the martial arts. Last week I graded my students and found that a few were really scared that the outcome would not be favourable for them. Some of the younger students were reduced to tears and initially were unable to 'showcase their skills'. It wasn't just the younger students who felt this fear; one of my older students for example, had a 'mental meltdown' during the sparring aspect of their grading.
It took the right words from me and their fellow students to help them all get over this F.E.A.R (False Evidence Appearing Real) and successfully pass their examinations.
At times we let our fear control us but there are many ways to help.
I know for myself as I used to get butterflies before I fought in competition. What I needed to learn was how to make my butterflies fly in formation.
Understanding that it is OK to be scared or nervous or concerned (whatever term you are comfortable using) is the 1st step.
Contact me on my email address for more details:
steve@trodai.co.uk
Monday, 26 October 2009
Finding the time to train
Life is funny...
...some times we are so busy living it we don't always get a chance to do the things we feel we should in our training.
Work/ studying keeps us busy; are relationships keep us busy too, so it is tough sometimes to find the motivation to go to training.
For years I have got around this by getting private tuition from a number of top class Instructors. This generally works well for me as I can train specific things at a time that convenient. Also I have someone else who will motivate me to get out and do it.
I now provide this same service to you; I'll motivate you to do what you need to, whilst giving you the top class training you require.
Contact me on my email address for more details: steve@trodai.co.uk
...some times we are so busy living it we don't always get a chance to do the things we feel we should in our training.
Work/ studying keeps us busy; are relationships keep us busy too, so it is tough sometimes to find the motivation to go to training.
For years I have got around this by getting private tuition from a number of top class Instructors. This generally works well for me as I can train specific things at a time that convenient. Also I have someone else who will motivate me to get out and do it.
I now provide this same service to you; I'll motivate you to do what you need to, whilst giving you the top class training you require.
Contact me on my email address for more details: steve@trodai.co.uk
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
BJJ Training
Trained in Brazilian Jiu Jutsu last night, just working my basics.
A hard session!!!
My Karate Instructor once told me 'the only way to get good is to develop good basics', so I will keep working.
A hard session!!!
My Karate Instructor once told me 'the only way to get good is to develop good basics', so I will keep working.
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