#43 - Managing Expectations - Rory Singer on playing the long game in developing Mixed Martial Artists.
Sep 29, 2023
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Rory Singer, a UFC Vet and lifelong martial artist, talks about managing expectations in developing mixed martial artists. They discuss gym culture, duty of care for fighters, and their philosophies of aliveness and ecological learning. They also emphasize the importance of building and maintaining a team culture, improving skills through consistency and practice, and managing expectations in the world of mixed martial arts.
Having realistic expectations and the right mindset when entering martial arts training is crucial.
Martial arts can empower individuals by providing self-defense skills and confidence in real-world situations.
Becoming a professional fighter in mixed martial arts requires years of dedicated practice and mental fortitude.
Creating a positive training environment is essential for fostering individual growth and improving martial arts skills.
Deep dives
The Importance of Realistic Expectations and Temperament in Martial Arts Training
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the importance of having realistic expectations and the right temperament when entering the world of martial arts training. He emphasizes that not everyone who trains in martial arts will become a professional fighter and that the progress and improvement in this field take time and dedication. The speaker discourages the glorification of violence and highlights the duty of care that coaches have towards their students, prioritizing their safety and well-being. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and nurturing training environment, where individuals can explore martial arts based on their own goals and aspirations.
The Role of Martial Arts in Self-Defense and Empowerment
The podcast episode delves into the role of martial arts as a means of self-defense and empowerment. The speaker explains that martial arts training can provide individuals with the skills and confidence to protect themselves in real-world situations. They highlight the value of learning realistic techniques and engaging in live training to develop effective self-defense skills. The speaker also debunks the idea that martial arts is solely about fighting or competing, stressing that martial arts can empower individuals, particularly women, by providing them with the means to defend themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
The Challenges and Realities of Pursuing a Career in Fighting
The podcast episode explores the challenges and realities of pursuing a career in fighting, particularly in mixed martial arts (MMA). The speaker shares personal experiences and insights, emphasizing that only a small percentage of individuals who train in martial arts will become professional fighters. They discuss the importance of tempering expectations and understanding that success in fighting takes years of dedicated practice and mental fortitude. The speaker also addresses the risks and potential consequences of participating in combat sports, highlighting the need for coaches to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students above all else.
Creating a Positive Training Environment and Fostering Growth
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of creating a positive training environment in martial arts. The speaker discusses the need for coaches to provide guidance, support, and realistic feedback to their students. They stress the importance of tempering the desire to fight with the recognition that not everyone may be suited for a career in fighting. Instead, they advocate for fostering individual growth and providing opportunities for students to improve their skills and develop as martial artists. The speaker highlights the role of maturity, control, and respect in creating a thriving martial arts community.
Importance of Managing Expectations in Training and Fighting
Getting punched in the face and training for fights can be a challenging experience. It is important for coaches and trainers to set clear expectations for their fighters, emphasizing the difference between sparring and fighting. The goal should always be to improve skills and be a good training partner, rather than engaging in unnecessary fights. Coaches should assess each fighter's ability to handle physical contact and determine if they are ready to spar with others. The focus should be on developing martial artists, ensuring their safety, and preparing them mentally and physically for fights.
Balancing Psychological and Physiological Training in Fighting
Psychological readiness is a crucial aspect in fighting. While some fighters may have a natural inclination to fight and possess a fearless mindset, others may need to develop their mental toughness through gradual exposure to intense training. It is important for coaches to create a training environment that helps fighters face their fears and build confidence. This can involve controlled and safe sparring sessions where fighters experience some level of physical contact and learn to handle it. However, it is crucial to strike a balance and avoid excessive and unnecessary physical punishment in training, as it can lead to long-term injuries and prematurely end a fighter's career.
The Complexity of Building Successful Fight Teams
Building a successful fight team requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of the sport. It involves numerous factors, such as coaching expertise, training environment, athlete development, and psychological support. Coaches need to consider the individual needs and goals of each fighter, whether they aspire to be professional fighters or simply want to develop self-defense skills. Developing martial artists rather than just fighters allows for a more well-rounded approach to training. It is essential to manage expectations and prioritize the health, safety, and personal growth of each fighter over the pursuit of immediate success. Additionally, the sport's complexity often makes it challenging to sustain success on a regional or global level, and only a small percentage of fighters reach the highest levels of the sport.
Today I talk with Coach Rory Singer. Rory is the younger brother of Coach Adam Singer and together they have run and coached MMA in Athens Georgia for several Decades.
In this convo we spoke about the expectations we have for new students entering the sport and particularly those who have the aspirations to fight at a high level.
We talk about gym culture, duty of care for fighter and of course our philosophies of aliveness and ecological learning.
