Frustration and Training.

"Often we measure the path to greatness in successes and failures. We rejoice in the things we have accomplished and bury the things we have failed at. Can we succeed in failing?"


After a hearty chat about the positive aspects of failure.  Failure to perform a blow properly, loss in fights, etc...the conversation picked back up on the topic of frustration at our last training session.  My squire brother and I were practicing combination drills on the pel with varying degrees of success.  About half way through my second set I was getting very frustrated by the drill.  My knight took the time to point out that this wasn't a negative thing.  Getting to the point of frustration in a practice environment brings you up against your mental fortitude and provides the opportunity to work through the problem in an coach-able environment.

Last night at practice I realized that my lack of explosive power often comes from mind set rather than physical ability.  At practice I tend to think more about how I am performing rather than clicking into fighting mode right away.  To combat this I've decided to fight fewer fights over all.  I'll fight hard with each person about 5 times before clicking into training mode.  This way I can teach myself to trust my instincts more, think less and act more, and adapt to the flow of the fight rather than just think about it. 

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Picking up the Pace.

The combination race training and armored combat drills have had a dramatic effect on my fighting.  I can push the intensity of my fights and focus more on technique rather than worry about muscle fatigue and shortness of breath.  Without having to focus so much on physical limitations my mental game is free to adapt to different situations as they arise.  I found that my ferocity is greater but needs to be fashioned into more deliberate actions so I can take more control of the fight and shut down my opponent.

More as a note to myself, I need to be more aware of my opponents foot placement and the blow options that arise from them.  This includes positioning for offside set ups in particular and leg fakes....
I discussed at length with one of the Knights last night how to defend and retaliate against some of these situations, and have decided to practice throwing blows from a legged position to improve power and defensive postures.  Summary on these drills to follow after completion later this week. 

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The Count Down

Thirteen days until race day. 

The weather was excellent and the four of us, being sick of the gym, went out for a trail run.  Never minding the distance, we ran for two hours over hilly terrain, climbing piles of logs and navigating overgrown trails.  At one point we secured a thick rope and took turns practicing climbing techniques between bouts of push ups.  Over all an excellent workout and more satisfying than a treadmill could ever be.  I recommend it heartily.  

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