GoodHeadkick
White Belt
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2014
- Messages
- 25
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I originally came from an traditional martial arts background. And then later got into more MMA style.
I used to really be into the whole Zen mind thing when doing traditional martial arts. In particular I would notice this effectivesness when I would be doing Kendo. As it was all about keeping the mind "centred" rather than "focused". And having a sense of detachment from the outcome would give me optimal response to what I was going to do. When I would counterstrike it would feel like "it" did it rather than "me".
When I got into more MMA styles I found it harder to maintain the zen mind during sparring or grappling. Mainly because those styles are more physical. So my mind would be on how much my cardio is hurting. Or how my opponent gave me a good counterstrike and I would be worried about that. Or I would be "thinking" about what I want to do next rather than just being in the present in moving.
For years I realized I wanted to get that centered frame of mind back again and had trouble cultivating it.
Yesterday during kickboxing sparring was the first time I really felt that again. I was in a pretty good mood and had a carefree attitude. I didn't care about getting hit in the face. I didn't care about if I didn't perform up to my capacity. All I cared about was doing my best and being satisfied.
So going into sparring I pretty much just held my hands up high and got prepared to get hit. Holding a good foundation and relaxing myself like its no big deal. My opponents would throw some punches and I would just calmly block and absorb it and then counter strike. It was like being completely in the moment. I pretty much could have just stood there and got hit all day long like it was no big deal. That sense of detachment was crucial for performing optimally.
Anyone else have similar experience in their journey?
_____________________________________
Develop Explosive Power and Strength in Martial Arts in only 20-30 minutes per week at http://www.powerathlete.info
I used to really be into the whole Zen mind thing when doing traditional martial arts. In particular I would notice this effectivesness when I would be doing Kendo. As it was all about keeping the mind "centred" rather than "focused". And having a sense of detachment from the outcome would give me optimal response to what I was going to do. When I would counterstrike it would feel like "it" did it rather than "me".
When I got into more MMA styles I found it harder to maintain the zen mind during sparring or grappling. Mainly because those styles are more physical. So my mind would be on how much my cardio is hurting. Or how my opponent gave me a good counterstrike and I would be worried about that. Or I would be "thinking" about what I want to do next rather than just being in the present in moving.
For years I realized I wanted to get that centered frame of mind back again and had trouble cultivating it.
Yesterday during kickboxing sparring was the first time I really felt that again. I was in a pretty good mood and had a carefree attitude. I didn't care about getting hit in the face. I didn't care about if I didn't perform up to my capacity. All I cared about was doing my best and being satisfied.
So going into sparring I pretty much just held my hands up high and got prepared to get hit. Holding a good foundation and relaxing myself like its no big deal. My opponents would throw some punches and I would just calmly block and absorb it and then counter strike. It was like being completely in the moment. I pretty much could have just stood there and got hit all day long like it was no big deal. That sense of detachment was crucial for performing optimally.
Anyone else have similar experience in their journey?
_____________________________________
Develop Explosive Power and Strength in Martial Arts in only 20-30 minutes per week at http://www.powerathlete.info