Fighter’s Mindset: Fight Week & Day

You’re almost there and your nerves are at an all-time high. The key with fight week, especially the day of the fight, is not to get lost in comparisons (e.g. your opponent’s age, appearance, fight record) and expectations (e.g. coach, classmates, friends, family—note that a good coach will just want you to be safe first while doing your best 😊). Your job is to convert your feelings of doubt and fear into things that matter: what you can and will do in the ring.

MINDSET REFRAMES

✅ My abilities matter more than my appearance

❌ My opponent is bigger/taller/leaner than me

✅ I don't need an audience to compete

❌ My opponent has more people cheering for them/No one is here to support me

✅ My worth is not my result

❌ I need to win

✅ I need to be present

❌ I have to impress my instructors and classmates

✅ I earned my spot because I worked hard for this

❌ I don't belong here

✅ I care about using my skills

❌ I'm anxious/nervous

✅ I know what I'm going to do

❌ I need to know if I can do this

✅ My opponent has weapons and so do I

❌ I am invincible

✅ I can still attack first, intercept, counter, exit and/or defend

❌ I got hit, it's over

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After the fight, regardless of the result, balance between holding yourself accountable and giving yourself grace. The most productive thing you can do is pinpoint what is within your control and focus on that. After the adrenaline and emotions have died down, and you are clear-minded, reflect as objectively as possible:

• What did I do well (e.g. offense, defense, footwork, balance, composure, ring control)?

• What do I need to improve?

  • What should I change in my training/preparation to improve (e.g. schedule, focus, recovery, nutrition, mindset)?

• What did I learn about myself today?

After your self-reflection, make time to meet with your instructor to discuss next steps if you would like to compete again. And even if the fight was a one-time experience, it still contains valuable lessons to unpack that can benefit not just your training but life outside of it too.