Act Like a Champion

Chrissie Wellington is a four time World Iron Man Champion. But in her opinion, you don't actually become a champion. You act like one.

What does being a champion mean to you? Is it crossing a finish line of a big race? Is it setting a personal record? Or is it earning a label given to only the select few that win a renowned event like the Superbowl?

Chrissie says, "True champions demonstrate the behaviors and habits of a champion daily. It's the manner in which they try to achieve their potential that defines them as champions, rather than their race outcomes."

Here are her 10 Rules for Acting Like a Champion and how you can relate it to your Martial Arts training. Read her full article here.

1. Champions remember that success is a decision, not a gift.

They decide what they want and, even more importantly, why they want it. You might be worried about failing, but face your fears. We should all have a vision that inspires and excites us, and we should also be realistic in what we can achieve.

True champions have a desire to be the best. They are dedicated to their goals. And they have the discipline needed to achieve their goals. 

Desire. Dedication. Discipline. 

2. Champions document and communicate their goals.

Make goals and keep them. One way is to share your goals with your friends, or make notes for yourself and post them where you will see them. Be sure to set smaller goals along the way and celebrate when you achieve your goals. 

Is your goal to earn your Black Belt? Great goal! But reaching that goal will take years and may seem out of reach if you do not set smaller goals that are more easily achieved. Set smaller goals that include earning your orange belt, learning a specific technique, competing in your first tournament, or trying something you haven't tried before. As you reach your smaller goals, you will come closer to reaching your main goal!

3. Champions make choices.

"Mediocrity is a choice. Excellence is a choice. Seeking excellence in every part of your life is a conscious decision -- so I would urge you all to do your best at whatever you do, whether it's walking the dog, loading the dishwasher, running or listening to a friend in need."

I was recently teaching a class and a student was practicing a grappling technique. I made a correction because he was doing it incorrectly and he said, "I know how to do it right, I just didn't want to." This is not the kind of attitude you ever want to have. When you do something, you do it right and you do it your best every time. If you practice it wrong or at only 50% effort, than when it comes time to use it, you will not be performing at your best. That is why we say 

"Black Belt Excellence. Every Day. Every Way."

4. Champions have a plan.

Reaching your goals requires a focused, detailed strategy. As a martial artist, you should always have a plan and arm yourself with information -- about different training methods, nutrition, new techniques. This includes being prepared for whatever may be thrown at you on any given day. We train just for those reasons. For every class, pre-test, test, tournament or seminar you should come prepared and have a plan for whatever the day may bring.

Train Strong to Remain Strong.

5. Champions tackle their weaknesses and strengths.

They view training holistically; Kaju/CrossPIT/MMA classes are not more or less important than your nutrition, strength training, flexibility, cardio, relaxation and family time. We all love our Kaju classes, but we will not become a well-rounded martial artist without working on our cardio, running (even when we don't want to), eating well-balanced and healthy meals, and at the same time allowing our bodies and minds to rest and recover.

Mind. Body. Spirit. As One.

6. Champions lean on others.

The word "competitor" is taken from a Latin root meaning to "seek together". Being a champion takes support and help from many. We could not be great martial artists without our instructors, sparring partners, ukis, and other students to help us through the rough patches in our training. The emotional support from others is where we find the strength to dig deep and find the last bit of energy we need to make it through a self defense circle or finish those last few techniques when we think we just can't go any longer. 

At the same time, we also allow others to lean on us. We lift them up when they are having a bad day. We cheer them on when they need to hear encouraging words.

I have self-discipline. I will help others be their best. 

7. Champions accept change.

Most of us like to feel like we have control over our lives, but let's face it, life is full of change. But being a Martial Artist is about being the best you can be. That means being able to assess, adapt, evolve and sometimes even taking calculated risks. This might include working with a new training partner, learning something from a new instructor, or learning a new technique. It is true that sometimes the old traditional way of doing things is the best way, but it is important to look at change and see exciting possibilities. 

8. Champions prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

In a perfect world, everything goes as planned. In a self defense situation, our attacker grabs us exactly like he is supposed to. We do our technique just like we planned and we escape unharmed. But in a real life situation, we don't know what is going to happen. There may be multiple attackers. We may get injured and have to defend ourselves at less than 100%. That is why when we train, we practice the same technique over and over and practice it in less than perfect situations, with partners of all different sizes. We practice when we are tired. We might even practice with an arm tied behind our back our blindfolded. 

Live Clean. Fight Dirty.

9. Champions keep things in perspective.

White belt, Black belt. 1st place, last place. These things do not define you as a person. 

The journey in martial arts is what is truly important. Your worth as a person is not determined by the color of your belt or the outcome of a sparring match. If you have devoted yourself to your training and given 100%, than you have already won. You are already a champion.

10. Champions stay positive.

There are occasions when even the most cup-overflowing individuals get down in the dumps -- but an ability to trade "I can't," for "I can," to believe in yourself and all that you are is what makes true champions.

I am positive. I will take care of my body and mind.
  
Whether you currently train at Kajukenbo Arizona or want to, ACTING like a champion can and will improve all areas of your life. Train Strong to Remain Strong!