Discipline
What do poker & MMA have in common?
05/10/12 15:59 Filed in: Other | Martial Arts
What do Poker & Mixed Martial Arts have in common? At first, you would think absolutely nothing right?
Well it seems like they have quite a bit in common, both in people and strategies! GSP recently started playing poker (even in the 2012 World Series of Poker), Bruce Buffer has been known for quite a while to play poker and also Mike Swick, Forest Griffin, Randy Couture, Rampage Jackson and Heath Herring (who actually swapped Mixed Martial Arts for the poker circuit) are great Mixed Martial Arts fighters that also have been seen on different occasions in the poker world.
It’s not surprising that poker is often practiced in the Mixed Martial Arts world. Many fighters and fans like the fact that both practices are very strategic and the excitement that one good or bad move can make or break the competition is exciting. This also goes in both ways, people that love poker also enjoy following Mixed Martial Arts. You also have to learn the game and all strategies thoroughly, have many different aspects and require skill and good planning instead of only relying on talent. Both MMA and poker have emerged from the shadows over the last few years and have gained much more respect. It has become obvious that it is not a brainless activity, instead it takes practice, training and discipline.
Now the good news is that you don’t have to go Las Vegas anymore to practice your poker skills. There are good online platforms to do so and the benefit is that you can do it from home and there are no restrictions as to how many people can fit into one casino. If you are interested or want to check out some online poker platforms, check out PartyPoker UK to test your poker skills!
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'If you talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk' - Goals & Determination
19/04/12 12:48 Filed in: Other | Personal Training | Fitness | My experiences | Martial Arts | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu | Strength & Conditioning
When growing up, my parents had a certain saying: It’s better to get a B or C after trying really hard than getting an A without trying at all. That being said, I was a very good student but it showed the values that were important to them. I guess it’s in line with the saying ‘Hard Work Beats Talent’ and I couldn’t agree any more. If things go too easy for you, then you never learn determination, the satisfaction and rewards of hard work.
The point is, you have to work and you have to try hard. If you put a lot of effort and determination in something, good things will come your way. The road may not be always full of sunshine and there will be bumps in the road but nothing ever goes perfectly. This absolutely applies to training as well. If you train hard (and smart but that’s for another article), then you will see progress. If you don’t put 100% in, then don’t expect all your goals to come true.
Now that has absolutely nothing to do with performance. As a trainer, I never expect our clients to perform the same or compare them to each other. For example: I prefer much more that a person is giving a 100% lifting a 20lbs. kettle bell than the person next to him/her lifting a 50lbs. kettle bell without breaking a sweat. Everyone works at their level and gets the equipment suited for them. However, we do expect everyone to do their best and to give a 100% in their workouts, whatever their fitness level allows.
I believe in perseverance or as the saying says: ‘If you talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk’ (last saying I promise). Of course, if you don’t enjoy something it is likely that you will quit at some point which is fine! There is so much out there that enables you to choose what you really love to do. Also, you will fail at some goals in your life and that is normal. Everyone does but as long as you gave it a fair shot and put your energy into it, then there is nothing to feel bad about.
My family was always very motivating in every hobby I had but also very strict. I could not be any more appreciative for that. It taught me discipline and determination. At the same time, that is why I was able to reach my personal goals. If they didn’t bother putting rules in place and taking the time to enforce them, I would not have learned the lessons that I did. So find motivation in your training, no matter what it is, be confident and persistent. As your trainer, I will do my part as well as I can but I need to see the focus and determination in your eyes.
By Sander Vanacker, owner, head instructor and personal trainer of Define Defense Martial Arts & Personal Training.
Define Defense in Boulder, CO
- Modern Martial Arts
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA
- Self Defense Classes & Workshops
- Personal Training
- Cross Training / TRX Classes
1805 11th Street Suite B
Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 340 6254
Info@DefineDefense.com