Athletes and Coaches That Stay Hungry for Knowledge Win Big
By Steve Fraser
July 27, 2010
After coaching wrestling at the international level for more than 15 years I can say that I have learned a lot. However, that said I realize that I still need to learn much more.
I believe coaching athletes requires a continuous growth in 'coaching tactics' and 'methods'. A growth that will allow us to reach our ever changing students. Kids, teens and adults evolve each year with different attitudes and motivations. Generations change and coaches need to understand those changes.
Over the years I have had to deal with a wide variety of athletes. I have learned that one style of coaching doesn't always work with the diverse new individuals that come up through the ranks each year. I have learned that a coach must be open minded and flexible in his or her coaching style while still holding firm with their personal principles that they believe are essential in helping athletes succeed.
A successful coach must be able to identify an athlete’s personal style and individual personality and then coach to that style. This can be very challenging.
Athletes need to continue to learn as well. And I don't mean just learn new techniques. They need to learn how to be great students and remain coachable as they advance in their careers. If there is one major thing I have summarized over the years as a coach it is this:
Athletes that are opening minded and coachable have the best chance of becoming their best.
Athletes that are hungry for knowledge and open to coaching seem to achieve at a higher level in my opinion. Athletes that are always searching for more! Searching for more technique, more strategy, more cunning, more strength, more conditioning, more flexibility, and more experience are the athletes that gain the most. Wrestlers that are never satisfied with the skills or knowledge that they currently have mastered seem to climb to the top more rapidly.
I can go down the list of our past Greco World and Olympic medalists to site examples of guys that were very coachable and hungry for knowledge each and everyday. Matt Ghaffari, Rulon Gardner, Dremiel Byers, Matt Lindland, Joe Warren and Adam Wheeler to name just a few.
These men were (and in some cases still are) truly on a quest to become world class wrestlers. They were/are in a constant search for knowledge from coaches, mentors, teammates and even opponents.
A threat that I sometimes see is when some wrestlers get a taste of success it then goes to their head. All of a sudden some athletes become un-coachable. The Prima Donna syndrome sets in. This usually is a death sentence for these athletes.
Years ago I asked Dan Gable what was one of the most important things he did to become so good. His comment to me was "I always tried to be a bit naive when someone was giving me advice". What I drew from this comment was that Gable listened to many people, digested the advice and took what he felt could make him better. Even the great Dan Gable with all his success understood the importance of remaining coachable.
The question all wrestlers, especially the wrestlers that start to achieve a degree of success, need to ask themselves is this:
1. Do I have it totally figured out now?
2. Can I limit or cut back all the tough grueling training, competitions and discipline that got me where I am today?
3. Do I have all the knowledge and technique that I will ever need?
4. Should I listen to only one coach when trying to succeed?
If you answer these questions with a resounding "no" then I can - without a doubt - say "see you at the top!"
Promotions
Sunday, August 8, 2010
UFC 117 post fight press conference
$60,000 fight-night bonuses:
- Fight of the Night: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen
- Submission of the Night: Anderson Silva
- Submission of the Night: Matt Hughes
- Knockout of the Night: Stefan Struve
Dana White - "I don't know if we'll do an immediate rematch [Silva vs. Sonnen]. Not sure if Vitor Belfort is next."
Dana White - "Thiago Alves doesn't belong at 170, he belongs at 185, that's where I'd like to see him at 185. I'm going to pressure him."
Chael Sonnen - "I’m devastated. My heart is broken. It hurts really bad. But look he [Anderson Silva] is a good fighter and he found a way to win, that's what champions do."
Anderson Silva - "A week and a half ago, I had a bad injury to my rib. The doctor told me not to fight but the show must go on. It's not an excuse."
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Jansen returns to WEC
Dave Jansen vs. Ricardo Lamas targeted for August's WEC 50 in Las Vegas
June 22, 2010 3:55 PM
John Morgan [kingofabuelos]
The fight card for August's WEC 50 event is quickly filling, and a pair of once-beaten lightweights are the latest competitors targeted for the event.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the event that Dave Jansen (14-1 MMA, 1-1 WEC) and Ricardo Lamas (8-1 MMA, 3-1 WEC) have verbally agreed to meet on the evening's preliminary card, and bout agreements are expected to be finalized shortly.
Featuring a bantamweight title fight between current champ Dominick Cruz and challenger Joseph Benavidez, "WEC 50: Cruz vs. Benavidez" takes place Aug. 18 at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort.
The main card airs live on Versus.
Jansen looks to bounce back from the first loss of his career after dropping a unanimous decision to Kamal Shalorus in January. Jansen stood toe-to-toe with the Iranian brute, but it was Shalorus who absorbed the shots, returned fire and walked away with the win.
Jansen debuted for the WEC in October 2009 with a win over Rich Crunkilton. The win was "The Fugitive's" 14th-straight victory to open his career, and eight of those wins cam via submission.
Lamas also opened his WEC career with a 1-1 mark after earning a March 2009 win Bart Palaszewski and falling victim to a Danny Castillo TKO in August 2009.
Lamas has since bounced back with a unanimous-decision win over James Krause and a devastating knockout of Bendy Casimir at WEC 47 in March.
For the latest on WEC 50 , stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.
"pain is merely weakness leaving the body"
June 22, 2010 3:55 PM
John Morgan [kingofabuelos]
The fight card for August's WEC 50 event is quickly filling, and a pair of once-beaten lightweights are the latest competitors targeted for the event.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the event that Dave Jansen (14-1 MMA, 1-1 WEC) and Ricardo Lamas (8-1 MMA, 3-1 WEC) have verbally agreed to meet on the evening's preliminary card, and bout agreements are expected to be finalized shortly.
Featuring a bantamweight title fight between current champ Dominick Cruz and challenger Joseph Benavidez, "WEC 50: Cruz vs. Benavidez" takes place Aug. 18 at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort.
The main card airs live on Versus.
Jansen looks to bounce back from the first loss of his career after dropping a unanimous decision to Kamal Shalorus in January. Jansen stood toe-to-toe with the Iranian brute, but it was Shalorus who absorbed the shots, returned fire and walked away with the win.
Jansen debuted for the WEC in October 2009 with a win over Rich Crunkilton. The win was "The Fugitive's" 14th-straight victory to open his career, and eight of those wins cam via submission.
Lamas also opened his WEC career with a 1-1 mark after earning a March 2009 win Bart Palaszewski and falling victim to a Danny Castillo TKO in August 2009.
Lamas has since bounced back with a unanimous-decision win over James Krause and a devastating knockout of Bendy Casimir at WEC 47 in March.
For the latest on WEC 50 , stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.
"pain is merely weakness leaving the body"
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Art of Sacrifice
The Art of Sacrifice – by Jim Gruenwald
The concept in the title is most times associated with Chess. The stereotypical image of two nerdy looking individuals intently studying a board or a couple of old-timers enjoying a casual game in the park may come to mind. Not that I have anything against chess, for I enjoy the game/competition and value the lessons it can teach many wrestlers. Furthermore, I have many times referred to wrestling as a chess match where one’s pulse is between 180 – 210 bpm. Strategy, tempo, anticipation, and more importantly, for this article, sacrifice is an immensely valuable concept that every wrestler needs as a part of his repertoire of skills.
With that said the idea of sacrifice is that at some point in the chess game a player sacrifices a piece for greater gain and potential victory of the match. What is the application to wrestling? The sacrifice of parts of our personal life for the potential of greater gain or possible Olympic Gold in our wrestling careers must be weighed. The question is what are you willing to sacrifice in your life to become a better wrestler? Please note, I said better wrestler. I am making no promises of greatness or victory. Sacrifice, like many other aspects of the sport, cannot guarantee greatness. Flexibility, strength, technique, conditioning, etc. can make you a better wrestler but will not make you a great wrestler.
The difference being that the sacrifice requires you to lose some part of your personal life whereas the other qualities offer measurable or tangible benefits. If I stretch, I get more flexible and am less likely to become injured and will be stronger over a greater range of motion. If I lift weights, I become more powerful. If I train more intensely and push for longer periods of time, my conditioning improves. If I take what coaches demonstrate and make the technique my own, my skills improve. But again, none of this guarantees greatness. So why do it? The answer is obvious, because if I get better, and combine it with certain inner qualities such as an iron will, I have a chance at greatness – at that Olympic or World Gold - to be the best. Despite the loss rather than gain, the same is true for sacrifice.
At this point let me preface the remainder of the article by clarifying intent. It is not my intent to give a lesson in morality. This is a lesson in human physiology which includes understanding the body and the mind. After observing the habits and choices of many wrestlers over the last 30 years, I have noticed that more often than not what we do outside of training and competition inhibits or disqualifies our ability to maximize our potential. I am not about to list all sacrifices, negative effects, or positive replacements, part of getting better is self correcting, being a self-learner, and knowing your own body. So role the ugliness - What are you suggesting we give up?
Sacrifice #1: Junk Food. Refined sugars and processed foods are low in nutritive content, and high in empty calories. A few of the negative effects include a suppressed immune system, inhibited vitamin and mineral absorption, and a decreased ability to recover from training or competition. Each person is unique, so find high quality foods and beverages that will build your machine. Learn not only what to eat and drink, but when and how.
Sacrifice #2: Late night movies, gaming, or partying. Staying up late and suffering from sleep deprivation prevents recovery. Athletes require 8-10 for optimum body revitalization. Cheat sleep and you cheat your body's ability to recover. This can affect the way you think, your mood, and your ability to train at best levels. Poor sleep affects agility and coordination negatively. Poor sleep can also depress body's ability to fight and recover from sickness. Poor sleep habits also contribute to weight abnormalities. Get to bed early, just because you can operate on 6 hours or less of sleep does not mean you will be operating at your best.
Sacrifice #3: The Buzz or High. ‘Recreational’ drug use is illegal and drinking is illegal depending on your age. I am not opposed to a person sitting down and having a beer or glass of wine to relax, but as an athlete getting to the point of a buzz means you have replaced necessary fluids in your body with alcohol. This state inhibits your ability to recover, provides empty calories, and does not do much for other decision making processes. I am not going to provide a list of athletes who have self-destructed and wasted talent or missed opportunities, but I have observed this from high school to the Elite level.
Sacrifice #4: Bad Relationships. Who we associate with affects our outlook. Surround yourself with people who have an entitlement attitude, are negative, irresponsible, undisciplined, etc. and you will most likely adopt those same qualities to varying degrees. Surround yourself with self-correcting, motivated, responsible, disciplined individuals, etc and you will most likely develop those qualities. Evaluate all relationships, dating, family, friends, teammate, coaches, etc. to determine how they are influencing your attitude and career.
Granted, we have all heard the stories of the occasional superstar who has been able to win despite a less than disciplined training regimen or lifestyle choices. Most of them are freakishly gifted, and even they suffer the consequences at times. However, for most of us, we have to do everything as near to perfect as possible to achieve the ultimate goal. Most of us have to scratch and claw our way to the top, so trying to emulate a lifestyle that is adopted by a genetic superstar is counterproductive at best and is a first class ticket to failure at worst.
When I speak to groups I often encourage them to evaluate decisions on how it will affect them and those they represent. Ask the questions, Will it make me a better person, friend, son or daughter, employee, spouse, student, athlete? In the end the correct choice is ours to make. What is the value of an Olympic Gold Medal, or the value to even have a chance at one? What are you willing to sacrifice? In the end, is making any of the suggested changes a sacrifice at all or just a smart move?
A real sacrifice is leaving wife and kids, family and friends, missing class and having to make up work so you can travel for a tournament or training camp. A real sacrifice is going into debt or redoing a budget to pay for one more wrestling trip to get in extra competition. A real sacrifice is staying for the entire USAW training camp regime rather than leaving early or coming late to make extra money at other camps. Giving up junk, late nights, binges, and bad relationships is hardly a sacrifice. There is pain in sacrifice, but pain fades on the podium.
"pain is merely weakness leaving the body"
The concept in the title is most times associated with Chess. The stereotypical image of two nerdy looking individuals intently studying a board or a couple of old-timers enjoying a casual game in the park may come to mind. Not that I have anything against chess, for I enjoy the game/competition and value the lessons it can teach many wrestlers. Furthermore, I have many times referred to wrestling as a chess match where one’s pulse is between 180 – 210 bpm. Strategy, tempo, anticipation, and more importantly, for this article, sacrifice is an immensely valuable concept that every wrestler needs as a part of his repertoire of skills.
With that said the idea of sacrifice is that at some point in the chess game a player sacrifices a piece for greater gain and potential victory of the match. What is the application to wrestling? The sacrifice of parts of our personal life for the potential of greater gain or possible Olympic Gold in our wrestling careers must be weighed. The question is what are you willing to sacrifice in your life to become a better wrestler? Please note, I said better wrestler. I am making no promises of greatness or victory. Sacrifice, like many other aspects of the sport, cannot guarantee greatness. Flexibility, strength, technique, conditioning, etc. can make you a better wrestler but will not make you a great wrestler.
The difference being that the sacrifice requires you to lose some part of your personal life whereas the other qualities offer measurable or tangible benefits. If I stretch, I get more flexible and am less likely to become injured and will be stronger over a greater range of motion. If I lift weights, I become more powerful. If I train more intensely and push for longer periods of time, my conditioning improves. If I take what coaches demonstrate and make the technique my own, my skills improve. But again, none of this guarantees greatness. So why do it? The answer is obvious, because if I get better, and combine it with certain inner qualities such as an iron will, I have a chance at greatness – at that Olympic or World Gold - to be the best. Despite the loss rather than gain, the same is true for sacrifice.
At this point let me preface the remainder of the article by clarifying intent. It is not my intent to give a lesson in morality. This is a lesson in human physiology which includes understanding the body and the mind. After observing the habits and choices of many wrestlers over the last 30 years, I have noticed that more often than not what we do outside of training and competition inhibits or disqualifies our ability to maximize our potential. I am not about to list all sacrifices, negative effects, or positive replacements, part of getting better is self correcting, being a self-learner, and knowing your own body. So role the ugliness - What are you suggesting we give up?
Sacrifice #1: Junk Food. Refined sugars and processed foods are low in nutritive content, and high in empty calories. A few of the negative effects include a suppressed immune system, inhibited vitamin and mineral absorption, and a decreased ability to recover from training or competition. Each person is unique, so find high quality foods and beverages that will build your machine. Learn not only what to eat and drink, but when and how.
Sacrifice #2: Late night movies, gaming, or partying. Staying up late and suffering from sleep deprivation prevents recovery. Athletes require 8-10 for optimum body revitalization. Cheat sleep and you cheat your body's ability to recover. This can affect the way you think, your mood, and your ability to train at best levels. Poor sleep affects agility and coordination negatively. Poor sleep can also depress body's ability to fight and recover from sickness. Poor sleep habits also contribute to weight abnormalities. Get to bed early, just because you can operate on 6 hours or less of sleep does not mean you will be operating at your best.
Sacrifice #3: The Buzz or High. ‘Recreational’ drug use is illegal and drinking is illegal depending on your age. I am not opposed to a person sitting down and having a beer or glass of wine to relax, but as an athlete getting to the point of a buzz means you have replaced necessary fluids in your body with alcohol. This state inhibits your ability to recover, provides empty calories, and does not do much for other decision making processes. I am not going to provide a list of athletes who have self-destructed and wasted talent or missed opportunities, but I have observed this from high school to the Elite level.
Sacrifice #4: Bad Relationships. Who we associate with affects our outlook. Surround yourself with people who have an entitlement attitude, are negative, irresponsible, undisciplined, etc. and you will most likely adopt those same qualities to varying degrees. Surround yourself with self-correcting, motivated, responsible, disciplined individuals, etc and you will most likely develop those qualities. Evaluate all relationships, dating, family, friends, teammate, coaches, etc. to determine how they are influencing your attitude and career.
Granted, we have all heard the stories of the occasional superstar who has been able to win despite a less than disciplined training regimen or lifestyle choices. Most of them are freakishly gifted, and even they suffer the consequences at times. However, for most of us, we have to do everything as near to perfect as possible to achieve the ultimate goal. Most of us have to scratch and claw our way to the top, so trying to emulate a lifestyle that is adopted by a genetic superstar is counterproductive at best and is a first class ticket to failure at worst.
When I speak to groups I often encourage them to evaluate decisions on how it will affect them and those they represent. Ask the questions, Will it make me a better person, friend, son or daughter, employee, spouse, student, athlete? In the end the correct choice is ours to make. What is the value of an Olympic Gold Medal, or the value to even have a chance at one? What are you willing to sacrifice? In the end, is making any of the suggested changes a sacrifice at all or just a smart move?
A real sacrifice is leaving wife and kids, family and friends, missing class and having to make up work so you can travel for a tournament or training camp. A real sacrifice is going into debt or redoing a budget to pay for one more wrestling trip to get in extra competition. A real sacrifice is staying for the entire USAW training camp regime rather than leaving early or coming late to make extra money at other camps. Giving up junk, late nights, binges, and bad relationships is hardly a sacrifice. There is pain in sacrifice, but pain fades on the podium.
"pain is merely weakness leaving the body"
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Valhalla Gala, submission grand prix
The Valhalla Gala is a submission wrestling tournament with an edgy, funky, twist. It is a submission wrestling tournament wrapped up inside a party. A professional announcer will introduce the fighters, who will meet on a mat in the center of the room. With the house lights dimmed down and the crowd surrounding the mat cheering on the action, it’s sure to be like a scene from a movie. Fighters will have incentives to push the action, with prizes for fastest submission and flying submissions. 100% of the profit is being donated to the JUDO JON FUND -a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting MMA coaches and athletes during a serious illness.
The Valhalla Gala is a grand prix format. Eight teams will compete at off site locations for the two top spots. These two teams meet at the main event called the “Valhalla Gala”. The house lights will be dimmed with spot lights on the mat. The ring announcer will begin by introducing the weight class and the fighters. Matches will be 5 minutes, with penalties for stalling or fleeing the mat to avoid a takedown or submission. A competitor can win his match via submission or points. Points are based on the official IBJJF rules and are given for takedowns, sweep/reversals, mount, passing guard, and back mount with hooks. The winners hand will be raised at the end of each fight. Music will resume between each match until the next competitors are ready to be announced.
Once all the weight classes have competed, the two teams will be brought out to the mat. The awards will be announced for fastest submission, flying submissions, and the winning team. The Winning team will receive the Viking Battle Ax and any sponsor prizes.
At the conclusion of the submission event, the after party begins. The mat gets rolled up to clear the floor. Music resumes with UFC fighters and celebrities meeting the guests. Sponsor tables will be selling merchandise and donated prizes will be raffled off.
The Valhalla Gala is a grand prix format. Eight teams will compete at off site locations for the two top spots. These two teams meet at the main event called the “Valhalla Gala”. The house lights will be dimmed with spot lights on the mat. The ring announcer will begin by introducing the weight class and the fighters. Matches will be 5 minutes, with penalties for stalling or fleeing the mat to avoid a takedown or submission. A competitor can win his match via submission or points. Points are based on the official IBJJF rules and are given for takedowns, sweep/reversals, mount, passing guard, and back mount with hooks. The winners hand will be raised at the end of each fight. Music will resume between each match until the next competitors are ready to be announced.
Once all the weight classes have competed, the two teams will be brought out to the mat. The awards will be announced for fastest submission, flying submissions, and the winning team. The Winning team will receive the Viking Battle Ax and any sponsor prizes.
At the conclusion of the submission event, the after party begins. The mat gets rolled up to clear the floor. Music resumes with UFC fighters and celebrities meeting the guests. Sponsor tables will be selling merchandise and donated prizes will be raffled off.
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