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Team mates and preparation
14 Nov 2008 9:39PM
Over the last four weeks or so as a team we have been preparing for the Amateur fight league’s second round in Nottingham. Several of the new guys have been gearing up for their first experience of competitive MMA and it’s been interesting to watch and contribute to. Essentially (as you may well have gathered from previous entries) since I pulled out of ‘the fight’ last month I’ve had a slightly refreshed view on training and what I want from it. A big part of this has been due to the other lads going through a similar, if slightly diluted, version of my own previous fight preparation. We’ve put them through various pressure drills and ‘man in the middle’ sparring sessions of 5 minutes each. It’s been quite telling seeing them go through this and it has also induced some peculiar emotions in me. I’ll explain.
There is absolutely no doubt that the imminence of competing has changed the way some of my team mates have performed recently. In some it has resulted in new found confidence, in others it has resulted in unnecessary levels of personal pressure and expectation. In one or two it appears to have completely freaked them out. There have been the inevitable injuries as well (sorry ‘bout that ankle Anu). Gladly the three remaining competitors who are entering tomorrow appear to be ready and keen to test themselves. This is of course not any sort of slight on the lads who have pulled out and/or chosen not to take part. From a personal point of view I have really enjoyed being able to contribute to the sessions and the opportunity to see things from a different angle. It has also made me realise how much of the sessions the others have handed over to my preparation. Me, me and me alone – it seems so selfish! I’m sure the others have benefited and learned from pounding me one after the other, but they pay their money and there must have at times been an element of frustration at me hogging everyone’s time and attention. This alone should show how much of a team sport MMA really is.
For the vast majority of my MMA life I have been fortunate enough to be something of the centre of attention. I have for some time been the fight team (this is something of an in-joke as for a long while I was the only person on the team actually fighting). It has given me quite an insight into Pep and Matt’s psychology in terms of how they present the sessions to the ‘fighters’ and gradually built week on week the basics they’ll need to compete. It has made me realise that I’ve been incredibly impatient in the past and haven’t always fully trusted their judgement in getting me ready. What I’ve wanted to know/learn/drill hasn’t always matched up with what I needed. The other guy’s preparation has also helped me appreciate what I can contribute to their development. My technical knowledge is limited and despite teaching sport as a job I’m aware that coaching adults is a very different role. What I am though is a very seasoned competitor. There are very few sports I haven’t tried out at some point and I have played in various leagues and competitions at all sorts of levels. Oh… I’ve had a few fights as well, which is probably the most relevant thing in this case. Only four, but that’s better than none! There is no replacement for experience.
I’m fortunate in that I don’t perceive myself to get that nervous before a fight. I can keep things in perspective and despite some familiar (and expected) anxieties in my four fights I think I’ve handled the build up better and better each time and perhaps better than some younger less weathered fighters. I’ve had the odd word with some of the lads over the last two weeks and tried to allay any concerns or lapses in confidence they may have had. I’ve also tried to drop in (what I consider) worthwhile tips and hints. If just one comments or tips has helped I’d be happy. I take and (often) leave other’s advice; I hope they have done the same with mine!
I’m excited about tomorrow. Not for any other reason than I hope each of the guys fighting performs as well as I know they can. So, Michael, Dan and Ian… all the very best of luck! WAR GRINDHOUSE!
Photos and event report to follow.
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