Archive for July, 2009

Being able to retrieve information from the mind quickly during a game is of utmost importance for a grappler or combat athlete. This is the information that you developed during training and preparation, such as

• your game plan
• strategies and tactics
• moves and grappling or combat athletics techniques that you want to use

• visual imagery of the moves

Memory retrieval techniques: There are innumerable memory retrieval techniques available that are used in diverse fields like business, financial planning, military planning, education, and so on. The techniques given below have been chosen because of their relevance for grappling and combat athletics and have been adapted to suit grapplers and combat athletes. The two methods can be used in tandem for greater effectiveness, since they complement each other:

1) Image Cue Technique

Ideally a grappler or combat athlete should practice techniques innumerable times during practice and further rehearse them through visualization so that he/she develops an almost automatic retrieval process in his/her mind. But many athletes find it difficult to recall their moves. Memory retrieval of moves and techniques can be quite a quick process if you use certain cues. For instance, let’s say if you are about to perform a certain takedown and you planned and practiced to execute it in a particular way during training. At the spur of the moment, you have to be able to retrieve this information. The method that you can use to retrieve the information is to give yourself a cue- at that point. This is called a ‘context cue’ since it is relevant in that particular instance. The minute you decide to use the move, the cue should be activated in your mind, and this will retrieve your technique for you. You can activate the cue using images stored in your mind during visualization.

Activating the cue using images

Quite simply you have to make an association between your moves and certain mental images of those moves. These image cues can be created during your visualization process in the days preceding the game. You will basically link certain situations in the game to mental images of relevant moves that you want to use. Retrieving image cues is ideal for a sport like grappling or combat athletics where grapplers and combat athletes do much of their strategizing through imagery.

For instance, the image of the first step in a certain takedown move can serve as an image cue to retrieve the technique for you. You can also build fluidity into your image cues to take you from one step to the next in sequence as you action your move. To create these fluid image cues, the process of visualization has to be extremely vivid so that the images stored in your mind are as comprehensible as possible.

2) Structured Memory Technique

The structured memory technique allows you to store your game plan in a structured manner, and the retrieval pattern will be based on that structure. The structure is based on different stages in a grappling or combat athletics encounter and can be decided by you based on the game requirements.

An example of a broad list of areas into which your game plan can “be classified to make retrieval from memory structured is presented next.

Stages in game

Memory retrieval

• Just prior to start of match
• At the start of the match

• Mind-game

• Opponent going on the offensive

• Defense

• Submission moves

• Recall key points in your strategy

• Start moves: What moves will you begin with?

• What do you want to do as the game progresses?
• It’s time for your most powerful m6ves
• What do you have in your arsenal to counter your opponent?
• Recall the alternatives stored in your memory and quickly choose the most suitable one

The Structured Memory Technique stores and retrieves information relevant to different stages of the game, while the Image Cue Technique helps retrieve moves and styles precisely the way you want to execute them. The two techniques can be combined to make the process of memory retrieval complete.

Method to improve memory function and retrieval for grapplers or combat athletes:

The capacity to link what we view with images stored in the brain gives us the ability to recall information in our memory. The human brain has 10-12 billion cells known as neurons. These neurons carry out the brain functions through electrical impulses that move from one neuron to the next. It is through this process of transmission that learning and memory occurs.

The brain actually has two hemispheres, the right brain and the left-brain. According to researchers, each hemisphere in the brain has different functions. The right brain controls mental imagery, creativity, perception and appreciation of art. The left brain is specialized in logic, mathematical calculations, writing and languages.

There are breathing techniques in yoga therapy that can assist the right brain function and help a grappler or combat athlete recall stored mental images easily. Slow inhalation and even slower exhalation is taught in this technique and the process has to be followed over several cycles. It can be learned quite easily at a yoga center or through a yoga practitioner.

http://www.lloydirvin.com

Lloyd Irvin is a martial arts coach. He holds the rank of 7th degree black belt in Thai Jitsu, 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 1st degree black belt in judo. In 2002 he was named The United States Judo Federation International Coach of the year. Lloyd’s coaching experience includes having taught Secret Service, FBI & SWAT. Read more on: http://www.lloydirvin.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/martial-arts-articles/mental-discipline-memory-retrieval-1072495.html

Weight lifting was one of the key points of Bruce Lee’s workout methods. As is well known, Bruce had a very strong urge to be as physically fit as possible. He was always working out some body part or doing cardio work by running, skipping rope or riding an exercise bike. He was really way ahead of the times with some of the things he was doing that concerned obtaining functional strength or doing whole body workouts.

Bruce had always worked out with weights, but one period of his life he concentrated more on this. He normally believed in lifting heavy weight, but not to the point of over exertion. With the help of two body building friends, he worked out a three days a week program and used simple exercises like squats, dead lifts, curls and bench press. He used the other days to do workouts that were not overly strenuous. Using this program his body weight went from 130 pounds to about 160 pounds.

Having gained this extra body mass, Bruce felt it was too restricting to his style. It was too much bulk for the speed of movement that he needed, so eventually the weight came down. He continued working out with weights but changed his routine. He also used weights during his martial arts training. For example he would hold small weights in his hands while practicing punches. He could even be found using a dumb bell at any time, even while doing other things like watching T.V. or playing with his son Brandon.

Discover how Bruce Lee developed his amazing power and his philosophy at Bruce Lee Workout. Tim Archbold’s lifelong interests are fitness training and health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/martial-arts-articles/bruce-lee-workout-1070953.html

The idea for the “Tao of Jeet Kune Do” came about in 1970. Bruce Lee had injured his back and was instructed by doctors to refrain from any exercise and lay on his back for six months so he could recover. I could only imagine how Bruce must have hated this in light of his constant workouts and training that he loved so much.

It was during this time when he could only lie down, that he started to put his ideas and thoughts about his martial art style Jeet Kune Do on paper. These notes that he compiled while recovering were intended to be put together in a book at some point. Bruce Lee also had collected a lot of notes that he kept from his training, research and philosophy for his Jeet Kun Do. Bruce was somewhat hesitant to get a book published because he did not want his info used as a how-to book but more like conveying his way of thinking.

It was Bruces Lee’s thought to publish his book in 1971 using all these notes that he had accumulated. But his film making and the other projects he was involved in prevented him from completing it.

It was in 1975 that Bruce’s widow Linda went on to complete what Bruce had began and hired some editors to complete the book. They took all of Bruce Lee’s notes and put them into a logical sequence. The editors also used Linda and many of his former students to help them understand Bruce and Jeet Kune Do well enough to put together this book.

Discover how Bruce Lee developed his amazing power and his philosophy at Bruce Lee‘s Feats. Tim Archbold’s lifelong interests are fitness training and health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/martial-arts-articles/the-tao-of-jeet-kune-do-1069408.html

Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37KOs) is confident that he will be able to win against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (39, 25KOs) in their fight at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas on September 19.

Marquez is bigger and stronger as he put on more weight and working on his technique. He definitely hits harder now than he ever did before. Reports suggest that the five-time Mexican World champion is concentrating on body work. It is quite obvious that he intends to target Mayweather’s body, specifically his injured rib.

“I know where he’s been hurt and I’m going for it,” Marquez stated. “He is vulnerable now and I will take advantage of his weakness with a body attack that emphasizes two things-the right and the left.”

Mayweather had problems in facing body punchers. When he had faced Jose Castillo in their first fight out of two, many people felt that Mayweather should have lost. Mayweather won twice against Jose Luis Castillo, but it was obvious that he had a really hard time. Anyone could say that Mayweather has a weakness in taking body shots. And, Mayweather also seem to be less youthful now than two years before, because of this, Mayweather seemed to have also lost a little speed.

Marquez is focusing on strengthening his legs, arms and shoulders, and building up endurance by training in the mountains, 13,500 feet up. He has been running hills and lifting heavy rocks as part of his training.

“The mountain is a magic place and gives me the freedom to visualize the night of the fight and how I am going to beat him,” Marquez said.

Mayweather will probably use his sharp and accurate punches to win points and probably to make Marquez bleed. If Marquez will start to fight wildly, Mayweather will just probably try to avoid the clash by blocking and dodging. But knowing both fighters as incredible counter-punchers, I feel that both fighters will just try to keep their composure and wait for the right timing to throw their power shots.

Whoever wins this fight will have a chance to face Manny Pacquiao. If Mayweather wins, there could be a Pacquiao-Mayweather, otherwise there might be a Pacquiao-Marquez 3. Either of those possibilities will still be considered a mega fight.

To know more, visit: Boxing Sports News Portal

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/martial-arts-articles/a-confident-juan-manuel-marquez-1065028.html

We have all heard the adage “practice makes perfect.” This applies to mental skills training too. But the unique thing about training the mind is that, over a period of time the mind gets conditioned to think along particular lines, and mental preparation comes to you almost by rote, automatically without having to consciously put yourself in a mental practice mode. However, for your mind to reach a conditioned state, a significant amount of regular mental preparation and use of mind techniques is essential. In other words you can reach a level where mental skills become a part of your life, if you employ mental skills training regularly. If you resort to mental preparation just before a match, and not follow up regularly, its effect on you will be temporary in nature and also incomplete. Consistency is the key here.

You can bring focus to your game through the following aspects of mental discipline:

• make good use of practice sessions to develop both technique and mental skills
• follow the principles in mental skills training consistently
• improve memory retrieval to efficiently apply the mental skills techniques

Making Good Use of Training Sessions

1. Prior to starting your practice, spend a few minutes thinking about what you would like to do, learn, and improve. Clearly outline issues that you want to deal with, like styles, moves, concentration, intensity, alertness, and so on.

2. During the session try to be aware of what exactly is happening-How do you feel? What’s going on in your mind? What thought processes were effective? What thoughts or distractions drove down your performance? Were you able to give yourself the right cues at the right moment? Were you alert enough to execute perfect timing?-and so on. Being aware of all these finer points makes for a sharp focus that can add to your learning and bring about breakthroughs while practicing tough styles. The finer points also include details, such as the rush of adrenaline and surge in aggression, the rush of blood into your muscles, the process of calming down to get out of a hold, precise shifts and turns, etc.

3. Employ persistence and patience in learning difficult moves – persist until you perfect the technique.

4. For young athletes who are just embarking on their grappling or combat athletics careers, there will be a lot to learn and an extensive list of styles and moves to practice. Break down your learning objectives into manageable sections and spread out the training over a realistic period of time. Attempting too much, too soon may reduce the effectiveness of your training. Ensure that you’ve learned one set of techniques thoroughly before moving onto another. Your performance quality can be maintained at high levels when you’re learning progress at a realistic pace.

5. Display proactiveness and drive during training and treat it like a real game.

6. Exercise control over your thought processes during training in much the same way that you would have to do in a match.

7. After the practice session, spend a few minutes reflecting on what you learned and what you can follow up on in your spare time.

Enter your practice with an open mind and walk out with a commitment to rehearse your learning using mental skills.

Here’s an interesting look at grappler Daniel lgali’s practice and training regimen and the reason for his success today (based on an article published in Reader’s Digest):

“In 1994, at age 20, Daniel came to Canada from Nigeria. In 1995 Daniel started practicing with the Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club. Coach Dave McKay found Daniel to be lightning fast and powerful, but lacking in stamina and consistency. Grapplers had to train four hours each day six days a week, but because of his night job Daniel often missed practice. During matches, Daniel was easily fatigued and his expression gave away his tiredness to his opponent. Coach McKay felt Daniel had to master his emotions as well as his game.

Daniel’s embarrassing defeat to Steiner in 1996 changed his attitude completely. Daniel started regularly attended practice sessions and worked hard and spent long hours in practice. He saved for a video camera and then studied his bouts thoroughly. Over two years, he also lifted weights and ran. Coach McKay, constantly pushed Daniel one step further until his confidence and determination grew.”

Daniel made his mark in 1988 when he was placed second at the World Cup. In 2000, he won the gold for Canada at the Sydney Olympics. Consistency in training and hard work certainly pays off, and Daniel’s case is testimony that grapplers and combat athletes benefit from a regular and consistent training regimen.

A Performance Monitor is a kind of diary or record to regularly track your training program and your skill improvement. You can either use a paper-based diary or record on audiocassettes. This performance monitor must be used after every training session to record different aspects of the session.

• What did you learn? – Styles, techniques, moves, submission, defense strategies, and so
• Your mental framework during the session – Rate yourself-poor, average, good, excellent – on each of the following factors.

• Your ability to handle distractions
• Your calmness: Were you relaxed or not?
• Your confidence
• Your alertness
• Your attentiveness

• What mistakes or slip ups did you make?
• What do you want to learn in your next session? Make a list of learning objectives and a list of mistakes that you want to avoid

As your training progresses, the aim should be to minimize your slip-ups and advance your rating on mental skills issues to either good or excellent.

The performance monitor is a simple daily assessment method that has the dual advantage of taking into account your training on grappling or combat athletics techniques as well as mental skills preparation. You will be assessing yourself, and must be as objective and as tough on yourself as you possibly can to benefit the exercise.

Advantage of maintaining a performance monitor:

• You always have on record a benchmark of your previous session on which to build and improve in a new training session.
• You start out with a set of objectives for each new session, which makes the training sessions a lot more useful.
• Mistakes don’t get swept under the rug. You address them in your next session.
• You can monitor your progress over a period especially when you rate yourself on mental skills.

http://www.lloydirvin.com

Lloyd Irvin is a martial arts coach. He holds the rank of 7th degree black belt in Thai Jitsu, 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 1st degree black belt in judo. In 2002 he was named The United States Judo Federation International Coach of the year. Lloyd’s coaching experience includes having taught Secret Service, FBI & SWAT. Read more on: http://www.lloydirvin.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/martial-arts-articles/mental-discipline-1062442.html