Visualization is an important asset if you know how to use it. I remember reading one of Chuck Norris’ books and in it he talked about visualization. He stated that he always would sit and visualize what was going to happen in his next match. He would visualize what techniques he would use and try to visualize what his opponent would use and do during the match. He said that often times the match would go just like he visualized it.
In addition to doing karate I also love and participate in softball. I read Chuck Norris’ book will I was active playing softball and was having a bad batting slump. I had not had a hit in several games and you people that play or have play baseball or softball know that you start expecting not to hit the ball after a while. I closed my eyes for a few moments. I visualized the ball leaving the pitchers hand. I watched myself swing and hit a beautiful line drive just a few feet over the second baseman’s head. My turn to bat came up and it was almost like I had a premonition. The ball came in just like I visualized and I hit it just a few feet over the second baseman’s head, just like I had pictured in my mind. Talk about spooky.
I’ve learned that sometimes you need to believe that you can be number one. If you don’t think you can you won’t. I believe that you must first give yourself permission to win. You must tell yourself that you are the best. It’s easy to take second place and just be another face in the crowd but it’s different when you take the big trophy and everyone comes up and shakes your hand and everyone in the crowd is watching. #2 can just hide and walk off and go home. I once attended a sparring clinic held by a ranked point fighter. After the clinic he came over to me and asked if I competed and how I did. Well I was a rather new black belt and had never yet taken a first in fighting as a black belt. I told him that I had won some seconds but never a first as a black belt. He told me that I should win because I was very good. It was like he gave me permission to go ahead and win. Believe it or not the next day I went to a small tournament and there were only 3 in my division but one was the 6 foot 4 inch leader of my division. I was all pumped up with confidence and went straight in to sweep his foot and his foot was gone. I almost ate a hook kick but managed to duck it. I then realized I was in a real battle. The match came down to a 2 – 2 tie with time running out. Last point I quickly visualized what I wanted to do and exploded into action at the judges command and I won the exchange. My first 1st place in fighting as a black belt the day after I felt that someone had told me it was alright to win.
Mentally you must be comfortable with winning to be able to win. You must do your home work. You must work hard in class but not stop there, you must take it home and practice. When your instructor tells you to do it this way, take it home and practice immediately. You must believe you can win and then help yourself by visualizing the match, the win and even down to the judges announcing you the winner and the crowd clapping.
These things are all part of becoming a winner. You don’t have to compete to be a winner, it may just be all in your head. Visualize!
Written by: Shihan Perry Culver Chief Karate Instructor at Culver Karate Club in Connellsville, Pa
