The PreStart Phenomenon and Mobilization Readiness
Most martial artists have experienced the increased pulse rate and anxiety in the days immediately preceding a tournament. This is referred to as a "pre-start" condition, and is generally to be avoided, since undue amounts of energy are spent during such activity, detracting from ones performance commensurately.
Mobilization readiness refers to getting "psyched" at the right time—just prior to stepping on the mat. Of course, some stress (or anxiety) is inevitable and perhaps desirable in any sport endeavor. The trick is to control the dysfunctional aspects of stress and attenuate the functional aspects. One must strive to mobilize his or her mental forces at the appropriate point in time.
Long-term tension (weeks or months before the competition), pre-start tension (days before the competition), and start tension (immediately prior to competition) are all important in maximizing performance. Each is dealt with differently. However, the following guidelines help competitors prepare for a meet.
1) Be careful not to peak too soon.
2) Be wary of activation during the pre-start period.
3) Avoid emotional contagion from other athletes during the start period.
4) Be aware of one s emotional state after the meet is over, as this will have an effect on the next tournament performance.
Psyching refers to what is done in the start period, immediately preceding the match. Psyching an hour before, or even 15 minutes before, can be devastating for many martial artists. Tremendous tension builds to the point of escalating fatigue, and should be avoided at all costs. Perhaps the best way to avoid start tension is to remove oneself from the immediate competition site (perhaps go to a locker room, or step outside) and concentrate on visualization and strategies.
Immediately before the match (within the last two to five minutes), the martial artist must psyche him or herself maximally in readiness for the anticipated effort. Again, martial artists have individual approaches for this important matter. It is critically important to maximal performance that the appropriate amount of arousal is accessed.
For beginners who may have technique problems, too much arousal will be detrimental to performance, and "calming down" procedures may be advised during the start period. For advanced martial artists, technique should be well-ingrained, and technical errors should not be a problem. For these martial artists, total blind rage is the state of mind to be achieved! It is only though total abandon, or ultimate aggressiveness, that a maximal performance will be achieved.
Oxendine lists sports according to the amount of arousal necessary in each.61 He further states that "I have found that, among the truly great martial artists, the psyching technique of choice is almost always exemplified by outward calm. No jumping, face slapping, or growling is displayed. Inside, however, a raging storm is taking place. In the confines of the subconscious, trickles of primordial instinct become raging torrents, escaping into the conscious. So intense are the resulting emotions that there is no room for any other thoughts—surrounding noise, other people, and even pain are but mere shadows of reality, and the single-minded effort of movement prevails."
Before the Meet:
□ 1) Have you followed a rational periodization plan?
□ 2) Have you remained within prescribed bodyweight limits during the past several weeks?
□ 3) Have you used common sense in setting your competitive goals?
□ 4) Have you maintained a sound nutritional regimen?
□ 5) Have you prepared for a trip to the tournament?
□ 6) Have you maintained a reasonably consistent schedule (except for the items listed above) to your normal lifestyle? This is an important thing to do to assist in avoiding pre-competition anxiety).
Travelling to the Meet:
□ 1) Have you packed all your gear? Suggested items are:
□ a. safety gear, including gloves, boots, shin pads, mouthpiece, groin or breast
□ protection, tape and headgear (if applicable).
□ b. competition attire
□ c. meal replacement bars and plenty of water
□ d. a first aid kit, including instant ice pack
□ 2) Have you left in sufficient time to offset the effects of travel?
□ 3) Do you have necessary paperwork(association membership card, application forms, etc.) At the Meet:
□ 1) Recheck all needed gear and equipment before the tournament. You may of lost or forgotten something.
□ 2) Premeet diet should consist of very little sugar (i.e, roughage, fried foods of any kind, milk, eggs, or high protein foods. In short, eat easily digested foods composed primarily of low-glycemic index carbohydrates, within the preceding guidelines. Good examples are pancakes (without excessive syrup or butter), fruits low in fiber, fruit juices, vegetable juices, or potatoes. Avoid eating any foods that you are not familiar with, or foods that produce gas or acid in the stomach.
□ 3) Have an instructor or "second" that you can trust. This person should know beforehand exactly what you intend to do at the meet, and how you want it done. Spend a good period of time going over exact procedures for warming up, order of events, and so on. You are there to compete, period.
□ 4) Stick to your game plan, deviating only under predetermined conditions, should they arise.
□ 5) Stay to yourself, minimizing visits with other competitors.
Table 7-1: The Martial Artist Checklist
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