Making progress in martial arts is more than just the physical aspects of training. Every successful fighter demonstrates a specific mentality that enabled them to succeed, but what makes this mentality, and what are the key elements?
All martial arts require different skills and levels of mental strength, which each individual draws upon when engaging in a fight. However, there are commonalities among all martial arts in terms of what constitutes a fighter’s mentality. These are the top 3 elements that create a fighter’s strong mentality.
1. Discipline
In martial arts, discipline is essential. It is a well-known characteristic that fighters possess whereby they maintain strict training, dietary, and mental habits.
Boxers, for example, are well-known for their rigorous training camps leading up to fights. Every aspect of their training must be precise and disciplined to achieve the desired results.
Heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson wrote a book outlining seven lessons that he used to achieve success throughout his career; one of these lessons was the importance of physical and mental discipline. This was the key to becoming “one of best to ever do it”.
For those who are just starting out in martial arts, discipline can take on a slightly different form. It mostly looks like showing up to each session with an open mind and a desire to learn.
Even if you do not see results right away, discipline is an opportunity for progress, and many fighters have expressed that these aspects of their training are the most difficult. This is especially true when the body becomes tired and the enjoyment of the sessions fades away.
It can be difficult to show up at times, which is why showing up on “off days” is an important part of what defines a fighter’s mentality.
2. Resilience
For martial artists, resilience is one of the most important characteristics. It is an innate aspect of your personality that grows.
On this journey resiliency enables a fighter to compartmentalise every performance, sparring match, and gym session, as an opportunity to learn and grow from what could otherwise feel like negative aspects of training. It enables fighters to maintain a high level of success on and off the mat.
This was apparent in the men’s 100kg Judo final at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Azerbaijani fighter Kotsoiev demonstrated exceptional resilience against the Georgian Sulamanidze. Kotsoiev was initially thrown for what appeared to be an ippon score, but he recovered and fought to demonstrate positive judo for the remainder of the contest.
While still trailing by a score and attempting to throw, his opponent dropped to the floor with no grips.
Sulamanidze, who was on two shidos (penalties) but had a score was only a few seconds away from winning the contest. He was awarded the third and final shido, handing Kotsoiev the victory.
He demonstrated incredible resilience throughout this fight. Being able to separate the feeling of being down a score on the biggest stage, but continuing to fight until the end demonstrates how important this trait is.
3. Self Belief
A commonality between most fighters is self-belief. It is something that good performances and coaches can assist with, but innately comes from the fighter.
Many have spoken about how in sports self-belief can take you further than skill, especially in competitive environments.
Self-belief is a trait that creates confidence in one’s ability to perform at no matter what level.
A lack of self-belief can encourage bad performances in fighters; therefore an element of self-belief preparation is required in training before a fighter can become competitive.
Many cite positive self-talk, podcasts, and mantras to remind themselves of how important self-belief is before a competition.
In the article “lets go champ“” by Boxing Science they explore this idea further of how powerful positive self-talk can be in becoming successful in boxing.
Self-belief gives fighters reassurance in their ability, and is a fundamental part of what a fighter’s mentality is comprised of.
There are many additional elements that make up the fighter’s mentality; work ethic, adaptability, emotional control, and many more.
The elements cited in this article are the top 3 commonalities across all martial arts for successful athletes.
