Why compete?

[GJEC]

I was asked this earlier:

Q: Why did you fight/compete?

A: To find out what I was made of.

I didn't like what I found at first so stuck with it until I found a bit of backbone. Then all the blood and sweat was worthwhile.

I honestly believe if you quit before you find it - no matter how skilful you get - it's all been a waste of effort.

Why do/did YOU compete, or alternatively, what puts you off?

Gary

[meguro]

I voted fun. Granted, some aspects of competition are not fun ( the waiting, possible injury, etc.) but overall, some folks have a competitive streak which needs an outlet. But proving your mettle and technique are also good reasons for competing. Maybe some folks are content with the idea that they might be capable to do the business under pressure, while others need the proof of competition. You never know until you put yourself out there.

[Ros]

I competed because I didn't really want to; so thought I ought to, if that makes any sense at all!

I'm generally a fairly anxious person though, so I really hated all the pre-competition jitters and 'what-ifs' that I managed to conjure up. Of course it's great to win and even if you don't win, the feeling of relief that it's all over is only slightly tempered by disappointment at not winning (well, for a little while anyway).

[GJEC]

Great answer Ros.

"You must do the things you think you cannot do".
Eleanor Roosevelt

It's not about winning, losing, or beating someone up. It's about taking fear on and kneeing it in the face.

Gary

[Kurisu]

I hated the prep for tournaments. I think a lot people don't realize all the sacrifices that are required in order to perform well. My tournament experience helped me become a better instructor because I know what it feels like to prepare, get all the prefight jitters, the disappointment of losing and the thrill of winning.

My favorite part of tournament fighting was traveling. I got to go to cities that I wouldn't have ever been to had it not been for the tournaments. As a coach, we now get to travel throughout South East Asia and Japan. I'm considering fighting in 2016 in the old men's division if I can continue to drop weight.

Actually, now that I think about it - some of the after "sayonora" parties were pretty epic. My Canadian brethern are very good hosts. hahaha

[GJEC]

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammad Ali

I didn't hate every minute and I was no Muhammad Ali, but I'm glad I saw it through.

I've met so many over the years that regretted not having a go, or not pushing themselves harder to get a result. I advise any youngster - who asks - to front up and have a go at least once. If not, your reasons for not trying might become a regret once you're past your 'best before' date.

Gary

[Kurisu]

I agree, it's important that we encourage our students to try to experience these things while they're still young.

[wullie]

for me it's for fun, in saying that i find the whole experience of meeting old friends and making new ones regardless of how things go on the mat fun, battling the whole adrenaline fight or flight nerves is fun, traveling is fun, finding what your made of is fun, and having a good old stand up slugging match (without getting arrested) is fun