Kickboxing tips? help on nerves, psychology preperation>?

[shevbo]

Hey, i'm new here (as you can tell)

I have been doing kickboxing for about 7 months and my instructor feels i am ready to enter this tournament. Its above the waist kickboxing but the thing is i have been classed in the heavier end bordering adult class (80kg) but the good thing is that it will be in the lower belt class. (i don't do belts cos they cost to much in the UK).

I know this competition may not be serious but it is for me cos its my first one. I already train hard for it but feel its not enough. I sparr twice a week. Its kinda hard to fit all of this in cos of college.

What tips for nerves could you give? Or any psychological games that i could play to help me.

I could train like an animal then get to the event and forget everything cos of nerves.

TIPS, TRICKS, ANYTHING please

cheers

[Andrew Green]

First, sign your real name on all your posts as per forum rules ;)

Not a lot can be done for nerves...

You can try setting up "mock" tournaments withint your school to decrease the "newness" of it.

Visualization...

But basically it comes down to what is going on inside your head, if you don't make a big deal of it, it won't be a big deal.

[kmtsd]

Sounds like you're doing the right thing...and that is be prepared. You are going to be nervous, but the more you can do to be prepared, the less nervous you will feel.
Talk with your instructor/coach... have you seen a tournament? Go over little things like what to do when do you go into the ring... what will the referee say... have your instructor walk you through a mock fight so you know what to expect from the ref, judges, opponent. Know the rules of the tournament. Together, with your instructor decide on a strategy and practice it... have a back up plan.
Unexpected and unfair things also happen in fights... talk with other competitors so you won't be surprised- don't let them scare you with nightmare stories.
You are worried that you will be fighting big guys? What is your plan if you end up fighting a really big guy? a fast guy? someone with a hard kick or punch? keep it simple. If you have a plan you will feel less nervous.
The best thing to get rid of anxiety is to confront it and work to resolve it..that means be prepared. take a deep breath and kick a**.
Good luck :)

[black-gi]

if you train properly then you have nothing to worry about. I get nervous untill its go time and it will all go away. Don't sweat it, just go in do your stuff and have fun. The guy's you will be fighting are human too, they prolly feel the same way. Good luck and don't go buck wild right away. Keep cool. Make sure you are breathing and keep composure. Other then that. You got a job to do so go get it done.



Jason Bryant

[shevbo]

Thanks guys, this has honestly been a great help.

:D

[TheLucksta]

Nerves are not always a bad thing, it helps get the adrenaline pumping.

[Jeff Burger]

The first fight is always the worst.
"Present dangers could never compare to fearful imaginings" Mac Beth
Keep yourself busy so as not to think about it too much. Keep training and just put yourself in there. Once there is an exchange alot of fear usually goes out the window.
Go inside and just connect with your breath.
I even try to take a nap shortly before the event.
As I coach I try to stay with my newbies there first time out just keeping them entertained so their mind doesnt wander off to those fearful imaginings.

When its over you will probably enjoy the experience and be lookking forward to your next one.
Just see it as another day in the gym.

Jeff

[shevbo]

Yeah true, i better keep myself occupied otherwise i'm going to let my imagination run wild.

:D

[wab25]

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Just see it as another day in the gym.
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Take Jeff's advice. Its just another day training. If you go in worried about getting hurt, or losing, you will be in trouble. Your instructor saw that you were ready for this by watching what you do in class. So, be prepared to do the same in the ring. How do you prepare for your sparring days? Prepare the same way for your event. Its just another day sparring. Don't worry about winning or losing. Just go do your best. If you do your best and win, great. If you do your best and lose, great. If you don't do your best, you will kick yourself for the rest of your life over it, win or lose. Relax. You have sparred before. You spar twice a week. Maybe three times this week, no big deal.

[jakmak52]

When sparring I never look my opponent in the eyes, it gets personal then (business is business),I also think I'm going to win no matter who the opposition is, you're way better :up:

You'll win!!

[Good advisor]

Keep calm and concertrate best of luck!!!