The Fight Before the Fight!

Sometimes preparation doesn't go as planned. Your body doesn't cooperate, or you're dealing with an injury. That's when true discipline and focus are tested.

As competition gets closer, the body might not feel 100%. Maybe the knee still hurts, recovery feels slow, and training has to be adjusted. But that's part of the journey. Strength work continues — pushing through maximum sets, building what can be built. Even if some training isn't directly applicable to the mats, every session makes the body stronger and the mind sharper.

Drilling lightly, rolling when possible, staying connected to the movement — or using this time to focus more on the details of your A-game. Maybe tightening your shoulder pressure so there's no space when attacking leg locks, or learning to pass with zero gaps. Think about what's missing in your game — this might be the moment to study and refine. It's all about doing what's possible, without forcing what's not.

Rarely does an athlete step on the mat in perfect condition. That's why mindset matters more than the body. On competition day, there's no need for excuses, no need to talk about injuries. Just step on the mat and give everything you have.

Also — you never know what's going on with your opponent. Maybe they're injured too, or dealing with their own struggles. Everyone has something to push through.

And yes, maybe you lose your first fight. But that's fine. You went through the hard times, and in that process, you got better. There will always be another competition — another chance to show what you've built.

The perfect preparation doesn't exist — but the right mentality makes all the difference. Stay calm, stay focused, and work with what you have. That's how real growth happens — in competition, and in life.

Oss Tine 🥋

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