Know When to do Nothing

Greetings!


Today's topic is another concept to help you achieve Excellence in your Training! You must learn when it is important to "do nothing".

Often times in our Training, we equate "doing the right thing" to always "doing something." Sometimes in our boxing, we feel if we are not throwing punches, we are not getting the job done. This is true in Jiu Jitsu, as well. When we are in the bottom position (often in a positon where we can be attacked) we feel the need to keep moving body parts and force the escape.

The challenge here, is sometimes when you are constantly doing something, you aren't SEEING or FEELING enough of what is going on around you. You sometimes, unknowingly, walk into a trap. Therefore, it is paramount to know WHEN to chose to "do nothing". Experienced fighters in the ring normally take the beginning of the first round to "feel out" their opponent. Why is this? They need to see what their opponent knows and is capable of doing. They run through a series of movements to get reactions from their opponent to "test" what their opponent may try upon them. Once they get a good feel for their opponents skill level, they begin to open up and engage. Why then does the crowd normally boo? I feel it is because they also equate "doing something" to "doing well." They cannot see all of the sublte things the fighter is doing during that moment of "no action."

This is a very important reminder to us as we climb our way up the Martial Arts food chain. Sometimes taking a moment to assess the situation is the key to victory. If we rush into things too quicky, we risk making a big mistake that we can pay for dearly.

Can you see how our lives on the Mat reflect our lives as a whole? Are there times when it's better to do nothing in your personal life? Like when you are really, really angry? Do you make good decisions in that state of mind? Neither do I. Sometimes we need to know when to do nothing. Nothing at all. :)

I truly hope you gained some benefit from this today!


All the Best!
Coach