Is there such a thing as a perfect body? I've had coaches ask me how tall I am, and from
there inform me what weight I need to be to fight. Most people believe a tall, lean body is
ideal (for martial arts as well the fashion industry). I hate to admit it but I started my martial
arts career wishing for a different body.
Then I met Darby Evans, one of the best coaches I've ever come into
contact with. He taught me how to use
angles and close distance, basically he taught me how to fight with my body at
any weight.
You can quote me on this, "Your disadvantages are only disadvantages until you learn to use them to
your advantage." (If you don’t believe me
check out Baxter Humby or Nick Newell.
Both of these guys are amazingly talented fighters who only have one
arm.) Having long limbs can present a
significant advantage for striking, but so does a low center of gravity, i.e.
my short thick legs, or having a good sense of timing, or great endurance. It’s about appreciating what you have and
learning to make the most of it. Often
your competitors will seek to exploit your obvious weaknesses, with that
knowledge you can develop your strategy.
It breaks my heart when I hear women say, “I wish I had a
body like Heidi Klum” when they’re built like Marilyn Monroe. All the diet and exercise in the world will
never make that happen. We must work
every day to be our best selves and love ourselves for the effort. If you are strong, be strong. If you are fast, be fast. If you are smart, be smart, and if you want
to be strong, work hard to be stronger.
If you want to be fast, work hard to be faster. Self-improvement will take you to your ultimate
potential, self-pity and self-loathing will hold you back.
Your body is already perfect, it’s just waiting for your
heart and mind to get on board.
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