Case Example

Not too long ago, I was having a conversation with another fighter in the Wild Card gym. He was telling about his training regime, and how he was having great success with his particular nature of training. However, his trainer was telling him to stop doing certain things, as it didn’t follow the usual norms that he recommended to his fighter, despite the fact that it was working out for him. So, the fighter said he would secretly go against what his trainer advised, when the trainer wasn’t at the gym. The actual specifics of the situation is not important. However, since many fighters find themselves in this situation regularly, it is useful to ask, was he wrong? To some extent, yes. But was he also right? From one perspective, you could say he was.

Individuality

One of the most important attributes of any champion is having a distinctive character, and putting that unique identity on display. This individuality seeps through into every aspect of their lives, including in training, in the ring etc.  I cannot think of a legendary champion who you could look at and say he lacked this individuality. Whether it was being charismatic or even appearing to be ‘boring’, champions are very distinctive in whatever it is they were, and this is what sets them apart from everyone else.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

In addition to this, champions can adapt to situations whilst keeping their own character. In a good trainer, or mentor, should be the understanding that EVERYONE is different, and this essential if you plan to get the best out of your student. If everyone is treated the same, then how are the individual differences that turn a man into a champion going to be developed? So, if something works for a specific person, even if usually goes against conventional wisdom, then it makes little sense to stop it.

Take Muhammad Ali’s trainer Angelo Dundee for example, he was once said of Ali, “he loved fighting with his hands down, no other fighter fights like that against a puncher like that, so when he came back to the corner I told him to get his hands up! He went out the next round with his hands up, and he started getting tagged so I told him straight away, ‘put those hands back down!’ This is a good example. One of the things that make Muhammad Ali so great is the fact that he seemingly done everything against the textbook, in his technique, from a purely technical perspective. His style certainly wasn’t an example of conformity. But despite this, Ali earned the right to be called ‘The Greatest’.

Communication Is Key

However, in saying that, if you want to be a champion then it’s essential to have a good and honest relationship with your trainer. If you aim to get the best out of your individual differences, then you need to co-ordinate with your trainer, who has the same goal as you, to help you be the best you can be. If something isn’t working out for you, then you need to let s/he know, and if they’re a good coach then they should be able to adapt to the situation, as they would understand that everyone needs a different approach. And in the worst case scenario, you may not be well suited to each other, and if that’s the case then you want to know as soon as possible, rather than wasting time. If s/he cares for your success then they will support you no matter what.  A sporting career is relatively short, and you don’t want a couple years to go by and you realise that you could have used the limited time you have more wisely. At the end of the day, you only get one career, take care of it while you can. You are the most important person in your career and your desires are top priority.

Final Notes From Reemus – Are They Doing It?

Always remember, a champion does more than everyone else. A champion always assesses the best move that ensures success and makes moves immediately. On the other hand, everyone else wastes time making decisions and worrying about the resistance that comes from being honest. Don’t do what everyone is doing, you’re smarter than that.