"Fighting is 90% mental"

[DWx]

"Fighting is 90% mental"

Plenty of fighters have said this but how true is it?

[mushybees]

Consensual or self defence fighting?

If we were talking self defence I would definitely subscribe to that.

[Spartacus Maximus]

It rings true for both competition and self-defense. Everything in between as well. The outcome of a physical struggle depends a great deal on ones mental state. In a less than optimum state on mind, reactions, reflexes and evaluation of the situation will be more difficult which can lead to failures.

[sensei8]

True!!

Without the mind, nothing can be accomplished!! The physicality is a mere fraction of the MA. Without said knowledge and experience stored in the mind, the physicality is mute.

The mind learns, then memorize's, over time, regardless, even if what it has learned/is learning is effective or not.

[OneKickWonder]

Very true.

'It's not the size of the dog that's in the fight, it's the size of the fight that's in the dog'.

[sensei8]

The physicality is the exclamation point of the mind!! Nothing can be done...even the most basic of human needs, without the very thought; careful initiation as well as intent, author everything...the MA is not an exception. Moreover, no movement in the MA isn't birthed by happenstance, but on purpose!!

[Tempest]

"Fighting is 90% mental"

Plenty of fighters have said this but how true is it?

Very true. But not for the reasons people think.

A better saying might be: "The will to win is useless without the will to prepare."

How often have you skipped a practice or only did very little at practice because... any reason that wasn't an actual physical injury?

All of those add up. And the people who can make themselves continue to put in the effort day-in and day-out, for whatever reason, are the ones that, as they say, git gud.

They are also the ones that have the discipline to stick to a diet and make weight for competition.

It all adds up. It's not any one thing. But the combination of psychological factors that effect your preparation for fighting that add up to that 90% mark.

[bushido_man96]

I think its popular to throw out that 90% number, but I'm not sure how accurate that is, because being in good physical shape is important, as well. But, I do think that the larger portion of the fight is mental, as there are so many mental hurdles to get over in order to actually engage another human in combat.

[mushybees]

For self defence being able to turn on aggression without needing to psych yourself up and a general defiant attitude is very important.

If you're really feeble it's not going to do much but for the average person in mostly good health they can still be very effective at turning the tables and attacking the attacker.

For combat sports, physical fitness is obviously far more important. The minimal fitness is a given and the will to fight is already there.

Of course going in to a competitive fight with low self esteem or self doubt about your abilities is very counter productive so it would be wrong to say it's all about physical attributes.

[MatsuShinshii]

"Fighting is 90% mental"

Plenty of fighters have said this but how true is it?

Could not agree more.