22 Jan 3 Types of Fighters
How do you approach your job or favorite hobby? Is there a specific way you relate to it? One of my coaches from Team Quest, Bryan Harper, always said that in essence there were only 3 types of fighters and that which type would determine how they needed to prepare, train and what their strengths and weaknesses would be. For the purpose of this article we will discuss fighters, but I feel like this idea has universal application.
INTELLECTUAL
Think first, then understand, then implement. Intellectual fighters use a “thinking man’s” game. These are fighters that know their own game inside and out and very easily can diagnose opponents patterns and weaknesses. If you have ever heard Dominic Cruz break down opponents he is a perfect example. He always sees how his game fits against an opponent and then uses the fight to test theories, find success and build off his successes.
INSTINCTUAL
Let your body be your guide. These fighters are normally more kinetically based learners and they always go with what feels good. Instinctual fighters attempt to clear the barrier between the mind and the body so that their actions flow very purely. Marcelo Garcia is a great example of this. He is able to explain what he is doing after the fact when he breaks it down, but the development of new parts of his game always comes first from feel. In many cases high level competitors cannot ever articulate what they are really doing in a given situation and it is up to coaches to break this down after the fact and show the world a la BJJ Scout.
EMOTIONAL
Whether it is fighting angry, happy, or laser focused these fighters have the most variation. When the emotional factors line up in their favor, they connect so deeply to that emotion that they can reach heights others can not normally touch. When these factors are off they can all of a sudden have a very flat performance. This is why you will so often see fighters try to manufacture bad blood with an opponent in order to provide themselves with the correct stimulus. In order to be successful at the highest level you must blend all three of these elements. Start by finding your true nature and nurture it further. Use your heightened natural abilities in one area to increase the other two. When you can mentally diagnose yourself and other, execute clearly thought strategies with no barrier between thought and action, and ride the emotional wave to produce higher level performance you will truly be a force to be reckoned with.