Fight camp, where all athletes competing in the cage get pushed to their absolute limits. 

What is the real experience like for a professional or amateur fighter grappling with the mental and physical challenges of fight camp, as they ready themselves to render another human being unconscious? It’s anything but a stroll in the park, I can assure you.

The headspace I’ve been in is incredibly unique and, well… would be very unpleasant for the average person or hobbyist who’s just wanting to learn martial arts for fun. If you want a small snippet of what it’s like, go check out my other article here: Inside The Cage: Navigating The Mental Struggles Of Martial Arts

Now, as per my statement, I’d like to clarify that I’m not a professional kickboxer or martial artist, and I’ve got loads to learn. I don’t aspire to be a professional martial artist, but by definition, I’m an amateur fighter now, whether I like it or not. I’ve already gone through two training camps, so today, I’m going to share the three main things that have been on my mind as I get closer to my second win in the game.

1. WITHOUT RISK, THERE’S NO REWARD.

A lot of uncertainties come into play when I step in the ring, but I’ve realised in this life it’s impossible to win big without risk involved. For the past 2-3 months, I’ve been preparing to cause absolute chaos for my opponent when he’s in the ring with me on Sunday, April 21st. You can get your tickets here: War & Redemption 4 As each day draws closer to fight night, I think about the hazards, and it gets me excited. Yes, it’s dangerous, but the feeling I’ll get once I win—there’s nothing like it.

It reminds me of a book I’m currently reading called “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” The author of the book, Robert T. Kiyosaki, says, “Often in the real world, it’s not the smart who get ahead, but the bold.” I couldn’t have explained it any better. I’m willing to be bold, brave, and succeed in all areas of my life, but being comfortable with risk is what separates the winners from the losers, and I’m a winner.

2. MAKING SOME MAD MEMORIES.

I believe life is just a collection of experiences that shape how you view the world. That’s why actively doing things is important because you gain experience and make good memories. That’s what this fight will offer me.

Sometimes I find myself pondering on what it’ll be like a week, a month, or a year after this fight. I did this with my first bout last year. It helps me remember that this experience will pass. Yes, right now I’m building up anticipation, but one day it’ll be a memory I share with my friends and family, which nobody can take away from me.

3. NOBODY ELSE CARES AS MUCH AS ME.

“You will never feel this level of happiness if you don’t go for something in your own life.” That was a quote said by Israel Adesanya when he regained the title of Middleweight Champion. At that very moment when he said that, I truly believe no one else cared about that achievement as much as him.

Don’t get me wrong, there were family members who were extremely happy for him, but in life, no one else cares as much as you do about your accomplishments, beside you. I’ve come to learn this during training for fight camp. Hopefully, I’ve done a good job explaining what it’s been like going through fight camp. It’s all or nothing from here, and I can’t wait to put on a good show!