With the Battle on the Plains, and the advent of Jiu-Jitsu in the State Games approaching, I thought I'd say a few words about competing. Why do I compete? Not for the medals, I keep mine in a closet. Not for the accolades, because honestly, unless they are involved in the sport, no one cares. Not to win, because I have lost many times. Not because I like to fight...well, actually I DO like to fight, but that's not why I compete. I do it because it's a valuable learning tool, and because I hate it. That's right, I would rather stand naked in the street and have someone shoot paint balls at me than compete.The first time I competed I almost passed out from fear. The adrenaline rush of "fight or flight" was in full effect. To be able to overcome that, I have had to teach myself to remain calm in this "crisis" situation. This kind of learning is invaluable. For me, competition is really the only time that I am able to test my ability to use my training in times of stress. Nothing inside the dojo can approximate it. Every time that I compete, it gets a little easier. I remain more calm, and learn to overcome the involuntary physiological response of my body. Learning to do this now could make all the difference if I am ever confronted with a real self-defense situation.
I envy the people who can compete without fear, but they are few. Most people experience what I have described, at least to some degree. So, if you don't want to compete because you are afraid...that's okay, I understand. But the only way to overcome that, or any other fear, is to face it.
Gina Ethridge
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8 comments:
Nice post, Gina. I think it's important for new competitors to know they are not alone in how they feel.
I am a bit confused though. I heard that your nickname was, Gina "I would rather choke you out than breathe myself" Ethridge.
But now it sounds like you're changing it to, Gina "I would rather stand naked in the street and have someone shoot paint balls at me than compete" Ethridge.
How about Gina "I would rather stand naked in the street and have someone shoot paint balls at me than roll with Conan, unless I can somehow choke him out, which I would rather do than breathe." Ethridge.
I'm out.
gi for jiu jitsu training: $70.
price to compete in jiu jitsu tournament: $25.
watching Conan get caught in an awkward conversation: priceless.
"To beat Fear...you must become Fear itself"
Or something like that.
Yes, agree totally with your post, nice and succinctly put, as these are my thoughts about competing too.
Thank you Meerkatsu. I remember you saying that you were scared to compete at first because you were afraid you would get horribly injured :) I think the reasons people are afraid vary, but the feelings are the same.
I had never thought of it in the context of learning to control your emotions in time of crisis. It just didn't translate over, street fight emotions = competition emotions. Mastering one helps with the other. This was a excellent post, Gina.
Thank you Jason, I really appreciate knowing that I could help you look at it in a new way.
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