Super question.

As far as waivers and contracts are concerned, most sanctioned events, both amateur and professional, require fighters to sign “waivers” or event “liability agreements.” These are generally signed immediately following the weigh-ins and after the pre-fight medical doctor examinations. Fighters are therefore required to report any items in their health history that may adversely affect your ability to compete, or put yourself at unusual or unnecessary risk. In addition, expect mandatory post-event anti-doping controls (drug testing) to be in effect.

Regarding contracts, numbered members should arrange to speak directly to Curtis Lee about fighter contracts. All athletes who wish to compete in amateur and professional events should be under contract for the benefit of both parties. Contact Curtis Lee for details.

Preparation for a fight could literally fill volumes of books, and clearly to answer this question would take a lengthy blog. The first thing you must realize is that in combat sports the mental (psychological and emotive) aspect is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL. I cannot emphasize just how important it is.

I am not THE authority on sports psychology, however, in my own research I feel I have some concise and very valuable information I can lend to you. Understand that all training (physical and mental) should be tailored exactly to the individual and designed for that individual. Every athlete is different.

Here are some general points about combat sports psychology you should consider:

1. For optimal performance enhancement, you should consider building a psychological and self-esteem training program within your overall training regimen. Prioritize it to become just as important as your conditioning, fight skills, strength, flexibility, and nutritional aspects of your regimen. Contact myself for details, or invest in a consultation with a professional sports psychologist.

2. In general, you should look for a psychology program that involves a systematic approach to assessing and building your mental skills with a greater self-understanding and self-awareness. It should include, but not be limited to, developing:

-Goal setting
-Imagery and simulation
-Positive self-talk
-Concentration
-Focus
-”Flow” and flow control
-Relaxation
-Mental fortitude (toughness)
-Confidence (self-esteem)

All these psychological skills CAN be learned, practiced, and improved.

3. Meditate. Seek to know yourself. Trancendental meditation is excellent.

In summary, the mental aspect of fighting requires cognitive adaptation to a sport in which your opponent seeks to physically stop you from continuing and / or render you unconscious. Mental coolness in this situation is not easy. It takes a great deal of fortitude, and all fighters should approach it as a professional contest, not just a “bar fight.” Your physical preparation is obviously paramount, but the mental aspect should NEVER be left out.

To answer the other part of your question on how to prepare physically, consult with Curtis Lee. Private training sessions are the fastest way to get on the road to competition-level ability and conditioning. Watch here in the next few weeks for an upcoming series of posts on “What it Takes to be a Champion”

Till then train hard,

Yours for health and success,

Dr. Eric Backhouse, D.C.