The Right Attitude
Having the right attitude is a key element to becoming a champion. Without it you will not get far.
As a young player in the younger age categories (under 18), a player can rely on talent to bring the Gold. However, once reaching the seniors, they hit a wall as they still rely on talent and have not adjusted their attitude towards their training and as a result, in competition.
It all starts and ends with the attitude. Here are some elements that contribute to having the right attitude: arrive on time, be prepared, train with intent and focus, be motivated, and believing and perseverance.
Arrive on time
Judo is all about discipline. When parents bring their children at a young age to Judo, one of the elements they would like their children to learn is discipline. When you arrive late to practice, you show that this is not really important, that you’re not missing anything by being late – only warm up. Sure, everyone is late once in a while, but most of the time you’re on time.
Be prepared
Being prepared is about having your Gi and belt in order, a bottle of water, taping and anything you might need during your practice. Just as you won’t go for a run and realise you forgot your shoes at home, or went to work but forgot your laptop, the same applies to Judo. Being prepared makes you serious about what you do.
Train with intent and focus
Every practice has a goal – to learn and improve – be it for competition, for fitness or to lose weight. The only thing no one wants when practicing Judo is to get injured. If you chat while doing Uchi-Komi or Randori, you’re increasing your chances of injury, in addition to the chances of not learning and improving. No need to be on the mat to chat – there are better places to do that.
Be motivated
Motivation is great catalyzer. Knowing that you are able to become a champion, if you put in the work is the best feeling one can have. But here lies the catch – you have to put in the work. Losing after working hard is disappointing, but should be a motivator to work smart and hard to win next time.
Believing and Perseverance
Confidence comes from knowing that what you’re doing is right. No fears about doing one thing over the other. This confidence comes from believing that you can win no matter what are your chances. Training hard will have its fruits.
Final words
All Judo players were once kids that lost. Some kept losing until they reached seniors. This only proves that with the right attitude you can become better. It is easier to succumb to excuses why not to train. However, if you’re able to find one good reason to train, you’re already on the right path.
There are many players that in every level of competition. Once you’ve reached a national and international level, every bit of advantage will help you win. Your attitude is your edge.
One recent example of the right attitude is Ilias Iliadis, Olympic Champion and 2-times World Champion. Enjoy!
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