Part 4 – Stepping into the cage, the calm before the storm
It takes a certain type person to step into the cage to fight. But even then some people step in with the wrong mindset and end up getting a huge shock when things don’t happen as they expected. Remember this is MMA, anything can and will happen when you step into the arena.
I have fought on many different shows and in many types of combat sports, seeing fighters from novice level (some who shouldn’t even be stepping near a hamster cage never mind and MMA cage) all the way up to elite top level athletes just before they step into arena and show the world (or local piss heads) what they have to offer.
Something I have noticed is that everyone prepares differently just before the fight, some have a specialised warm up, some have no warm up at all like Robbie Lawler, some go through a personal ritual that sets them in the right mood, and some panic and start trying to learn a shit load of submissions to save them before they get thrown to the slaughter.
Personally I am very calm before a fight and for those who know me well and have seen me just before a fight, you will know I like to joke around and don’t take all the build up too seriously. I never feel that nervous before a fight just an anxious feeling that I want to get in there and start moving around. For me the worst part is just before I walk out to the cage, it is not a bad feeling just like when you are sat at the dentist waiting to go in. But as soon as I step foot in that cage I feel totally relaxed and as calm as a Hindu cow. The only difference is at that point I am mentally switched on and focused on the task ahead.
Now not all people are like me, some people fight better with a bit of anger inside them and that’s fine but you have to be in control of your emotions because if you cant control them then how the fuck are you going to control you body?
For a beginner who has never been in competition it’s hard, but trust me it gets easier. Remember if you have done all the work in the gym then you can be confident, as you know that there’s nothing more you can do to prepare yourself. It’s a good idea to have a good warm up and then just run through your game plan with a co-operative partner so you can refresh your memory on the movements you need to be making.
My main piece of advice is to not let the whole thing get on top of you. This is what you have trained for, this is what you came to do, this is your time. I always say this to my guys when they walk out to fight. Its ok to be nervous and sometimes this can help you fight, but if you are sat in a corner shitting yourself thinking ‘why God did I agree to this’ then maybe its time you bought a snooker cue or a dart board.
Find your comfort zone before a fight, this will improve each time and fighting will become almost second nature to you as it has with me. Finally make sure you surround yourself with the right people before a fight. No negative thoughts and no idiots telling you what they think you should do. This is a good time to find out whether you have the right coach or not too. If your coach is going crazier than you then maybe a switch of gyms is in order.
If its your first time to step into the cage then the months before the fight you can work some mental imagery and just find a quiet place to relax on your own, close your eyes and image warming up, them calling your name to fight, walking to the arena, hear the crowd shouting, walk out to the cage with your entrance tune on and step into the cage. If you run this through your head enough then actually stepping in for real becomes a lot easier.
I hope this helps some of you to deal with those pre fight worries and I’ll see you in the cage. Till next time. Peace.
Cool as a cucumber
Although i have not felt the rush of fighting in the cage, i have competed at a high level of judo so i too understand the “calm before the storm”. I see people at judo tournaments pacing up and down, head banging to their tunes, trying to stare out opponents, and i chuckle! I too have been there, i have tried the angry it just does not work for me. I am also a very calm person, i tend to have a laugh and joke before i fight, this does not mean that i am not ready!! I am always ready the hours done in the gym make me ready. If you take my typical week, i train 2 hours a day 4 days a week, for a 5 min fight!!
I still have the butterflies i am only human but as soon as i step onto the mat, i make my bow, the ref waves me on, i visualise exactly what i am going to throw this fellow warrior with and how the fight should go, i get to the edge of the mat i look at my opponent does he show fear, sure he does, does he see it in my eyes, no definitely not, because i am ready, the ref calls us in we bow, “HAJIME” my butterflies are gone, i have trained for this moment, i am going to unleash hell and nobody can save you now!! i finish the fight bow to the fallen warrior shake hands, even a little hug, off the mat, ready for the next fight. I do not have time to be nervous or scared of what or who i have to fight next. I know for a fact the next fighter does not want to fight me because i am me not some ranting lunatic ready to kill at any moment. My heart, skills and confidence will always win through in the end!
I have fought some of the best fighters in the world of judo and do i see them worried that they are fighting me, no!! They look forward to fighting you, i have kept this as my philosophy, i cannot wait to show the adoring crowd what i have trained for. Their is no better feeling than throwing another fighter.
So all in all, stay focused on the job in hand, do not let things get on top of you, don’t think what can i do, think what am i going to do and then relax and do your stuff!
The ramblings of a mad man.
Awesome comments there from Johnsy! Take note people!