The Annual PKA National Tournament

Beat Fear. Come back from the future.

Fear does not exist in the present. It only comes about by thinking of the future – more specifically, thinking about a disastrous future. Thinking negative thoughts about a fight can be the start of the fear factor. When fear begins to take route, we can imagine our opponents to be bigger, stronger, faster and fitter than they really are, whilst imagining ourselves to be weaker, slower, and worse prepared than we really are. It is also common to worry about making mistakes and letting people down by losing the fight. All of these are projections into the future.

Tip 1.
Put your attention into the present. Focus on what is in front of you rather than letting your imagination run wild. So instead of thinking of the consequences of losing or worrying about a tough opponent, focus on your training and pre-fight routines, chat and share a joke with friends or your coach, listen to music or find some other distraction. By the time you come to a fight you have to accept that all your preparation is complete and all that you have to do is take one step at a time. It is important, therefore, not to think about winning or losing but, instead, focus on what you need to do at that moment and stay in the present.

Fighting Fit Magazine, Andy Barton, Mental Performance Coach.