In today's episode, we take a look at Mental Toughness and how it applies to combat sports with a well-qualified guest, Stuart Wade, who has won 4 world titles in taekwondo and kickboxing. He's not someone to be messed with! He's also a clinical hypnotherapist and personal trainer. We chat about controlling your emotions and maintaining your composure after being hurt and despite being in pain. We discuss fatigue and the impact this can have on you as a fighter, mentally preparing for fights, intimidating your opponent, making the weight, and a whole lot more. Enjoy tuning in!

Key Takeaways include:

• Developing mental toughness can be taught.
• In a fight if you're hit hard and are hurt, as well as dealing with pain you've got to be able to control your emotions and maintain your composure.
• Mentally rehearsing difficult situations is important to fully prepare yourself.
• Good support can help you deal with fatigue and continue to challenge you.
• A mantra works well to help you focus on the present moment.
• Pre-fight mind games are an important part of trying to psyche your opponent out.
• Trying to make the weight can be difficult where the pressures can send your mood in a spin.

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Helpful Podcast Episodes

Podcast Ep033: Aly Dixon – Mental Toughness Lessons from a World Champion

Podcast Ep065 Amy Izycky - Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

Podcast Ep 071: James Lau - Mastering the Mental Side of Tennis

Podcast EP 072: Tom Jones - Mastering the Mental Side of Cricket

Podcast EP 076: Nathan Sherratt - Mastering the Mental Game of Refereeing

Podcast EP077: Danny Thomas - Before, During and After Professional Football

Other Useful Resources

Blog - Make Better Decisions to Help Your Sport Performance

Blog - Do you focus too much on your opponent before or during a boxing match?

Blog – 3 Tips for Playing with Confidence under Pressure