paulg wrote:So here is a totally imaginary and impossible program that might help reduce some of the frantic feelings engendered by the chemical cocktail: start out doing hard sparring or actually fighting with people much smaller than yourself. Do it many times, until you feel super relaxed and confident. Then move up a notch to a slightly bigger, but still much smaller than you, person and repeat. Do this in graduated increments until you are fighting people as big or bigger than you are, and do it many times. Just kidding; much better to JUST TRY TO STAY OUT OF FIGHTS.
Trying to stay out of fights is always the best bet even if provoked because win or loose you pay a horrible price...but martial artists seem to be conditioned to get into fights so they can prove to themselves that they finally found that 'missing manhood' ...same as a farthing drunk will threaten to 'drink you under the table' ....or maybe a few more katas will add a couple inches to their pecker...we have seen those guys over the years.
We have also seen some of them on my forum now and then.
But physical engagement with a question mark as to how it might end for you is still a basic way to develop some fortitude.
Take for example the All American Tournament at Madison Square Garden we fought in the 60's...
In the heavyweight division there was Ed Daniels[ the King Kong of karate at 6' 7" - 280 lbs] who always fought you full contact regardless of the rules.
Knowing that anyone of us in that division could draw him in the ring, took some courage in just signing the entry application. Many people just dropped out and went home.