Conditioning a valuable weapon

My cousin back home in New York just won his first MMA tournament. He is only 14 years old, and this was his first time competing. He is still learning and lacks knowledge of technique, BUT his condition is AMAZING!

He called me eight weeks ago for suggestions because he was concerned that he was going to lose because of lack of technique. I told him that he needed to also focus strongly on his conditioning so he can become a fighter who sticks to his opponents like a piece of gum on the sole of a shoe.

You can often defeat opponents who have superior techniques by wearing them out with a relentless pace. Trust me...there is nothing worse than an opponent who never stops attacking!

Conditioning is important to any sport. But many athletes avoid these training sessions.

Why? Because conditioning workouts are painful and extremely intense. In my experience many athletes begin with great commitment, but quit once the sessions gets tough. Very few athletes push themselves to the next level.

The secret to a good conditioning program (in my opinion) is not the equipment you use...an equipment will not change the equation...is the athlete...it's YOU!

Your success depends on your effort, and only YOU can decide what kind of effort you put forth.

It is tough to get to the mat, the gym, the jodo knowing that today is your conditioning drill. Your mind quickly suggests alternatives and tries to guarantee these alternatives will be equally effective...but deep down you know that your mind is just looking for an easier path.

Put some heart into your conditioning training, make fatigue your friend, learn to push through fatigue in the gym and make your condition the valuable weapon that it can be.

REMEMBER you don't need any fancy equipment...you don't need any fancy facility...

All you need is the decision you make daily, each time you enter the gym...

Accept the challenge, train hard and destroy your competition!!

Have a great week! and Congratulations to the Spencer High School Men's Soccer Team!

STATE CHAMPS!!!