Josh Bridges, a former Navy SEAL and second-place finisher in the 2011 CrossFit Games, shares insights from his remarkable journey. He emphasizes how wrestling built his mental toughness, crucial for SEAL training. Josh discusses the importance of adaptability over rigid rules in training, fostering an understanding that transcends traditional methods. He also delves into the challenges athletes face while transitioning into CrossFit and shares strategies for effective remote coaching, highlighting the value of camaraderie and resilience.
Josh Bridges emphasizes that his background in wrestling was crucial in developing the mental toughness required for SEAL training.
The brutal nature of BUD/S training tests mental and physical limits, highlighting that resilience is often more important than sheer strength.
Transitioning from military service to competitive CrossFit allowed Bridges to apply his discipline and adaptability to new challenges and coaching.
Deep dives
Background and Military Experience
The speaker shares his journey from enlisting in the Navy to serving in SEAL Team 3, where he completed three deployments, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. After his military service, he transitioned to a high-performance coach, leveraging his experiences as both a SEAL and a competitive CrossFit athlete. His journey highlights the intense training and responsibilities faced by special operators, emphasizing the mental fortitude required to thrive in high-pressure environments. His involvement in competitive sports, particularly wrestling, laid a foundation for the resilience and discipline that would serve him throughout his military career.
The Role of Wrestling in Building Resilience
Wrestling is credited as a key factor in developing the speaker's mental toughness, which he found crucial during SEAL training, known as BUD/S. His high school wrestling coach instilled a strong work ethic and the ability to push through physical discomfort, both integral for success in the military. These demanding practices created a love-hate relationship with the sport, allowing him to reshape his perception of hardship. The speaker reflects on how the experience of grappling with opponents prepared him for the individual challenges faced in BUD/S, reinforcing the importance of self-reliance.
Lessons from BUD/S Selection
The speaker discusses the brutal nature of BUD/S, which is designed to test the mental and physical limits of candidates, often breaking down even the most physically fit individuals. A notable insight is that many candidates quit voluntarily due to the psychological pressure, highlighting that success depends significantly on mental resilience. Those who thrived were often individuals who had faced adversity prior to joining, as it built their ability to withstand the stressors of selection. Ultimately, it is the mindset of determination and relentless pursuit of goals that distinguishes successful candidates from those who falter.
Transitioning to Competitive CrossFit
After completing his military service, the speaker began competing in CrossFit, leveraging the skills and discipline acquired during his time in the Navy. His entry into competitive CrossFit was inspired by a workout regime that emphasized high-intensity, varied exercises akin to wrestling practices. He recounts achieving significant success, including placing second internationally, which opened opportunities for sponsorships and further competition. This transition underscores the importance of adaptability and using past experiences as a foundation for future endeavors in both athletic and life challenges.
Coaching Mindset and Principles
Now a coach, the speaker emphasizes the critical role mental resilience plays in preparing individuals for both physical and mental challenges, particularly for those pursuing military special operations. He notes that many trainees lack the ability to push themselves to their limits, often settling for less than their true potential. Through structured CrossFit-style workouts, he trains clients to embrace discomfort and strengthen their mental fortitude. The coaching approach not only focuses on physical training but also on fostering self-motivation and a deep understanding of the principles behind their training to ensure they are well-prepared for selection processes.
