I've been told that martial arts are 80% mental,20% physical,what types of things can i do to get myself mentally fit,to one day be ready to join those who spar at tournaments

To be mentally fit to compete at a torn. you just need to relax. Just think of going to have fun. Have fun and that is how you can train your mind.

pity no1 has replied...i am really interested in the mental training aspect of shotokan karate as well...

 

n e wanna help us?

Disciplining your mind eh ? Basically, I think when they say its 80% mental they mean, never giving up and pushing yourself to them limit. Also maybe it's more of not saying "I can't do it" and more of "I have not yet learned how". To discipline it, i couldn't give you EXACT exercises, but work on the stuff mentioned above, having confidence, and a good attitude. Also, you could maybe start meditating, that might help to discipline your mind. my 2 cents anyways :\

To begin with the mental discipline go to class. Train consistently, miss a session only when you have no other choice. Accept your instructors critiquing of your techniques with good grace. Focus on what you are doing not about what went on before or after your session.

 

Accept that things happen in sparring. There is a physical toll that what you are doing takes on you. How you deal with that is where the mental aspect begins.

Sharpshooter - by mental training are you referring to the sort of thing these people have posted, or specific mind-over-matter techniques, like boiling hot/ice cold baths and holding Deep Horseriding stance?

For me, the mental is all about sticking through your goals...there are times in your training that you just want to give up because, let's face it, its difficult. But to have the drive, determination, and focus to stick it out and SUCCEED! THAT is true mental toughness.

I agree with u all but listen to this story, there was a test between two MA's about the most benefits from training the two men were given a test by pressing his finger on a board using strenght then another man did the same only he did not use force but thought in his mind he was getting stronger, the results: the man that pressed with force increase muscle strenght by about 50% but the other man increased muscle strenght by 25%, so what do u think now If we traing hard physically while continuing to challenge our minds then we should have a ruff 75% increase because of mental and physical harmony Thats just in numbers though so what will u do now GOODLUCK AD HAVE FUN TRAINING!

it depends on what kind of martial art that you are in. in tae kwon do, we don't meditate or anything so i dunna.i guess it is mental because you have yourself through the forms inside your head? i dunna!

Live by the number one rule of: No whining! Also never enderestimate the power of determination. It is good to set goals and once you obtain them, have new goals. Truely successful people have a reason to get out of bed. Good luck!