Relaxing in shiai?

[JSchmidt]

I suspect probably everybody suffers from this to some extent, but it's really starting to bug me.
Despite feeling reasonably relaxed before and even during shiai, I always realise afterwards that I was moving around like a wooden dummy, signalling my every move 1/2 hour ahead...My whole body tightens up and footwork, etc goes out of the window. I get to general keiko after the comp and I'm back to my normal self. This time, it was even worse, as I wanted to win...badly...more than anything, to prove to myself that my jodan was ready for it (and it wasnt). I don't think I would have won anyway, even if I had been relaxed, but still my performance really annoys me.
I realise that one of the solutions is more competition experience, but I wont get that in this end of the world.
Anyone suffer from similar problems and/or have found solutions that helps? (I realise it's mainly mental and can be hard to change)

Jakob

[Old Warrior]

The subject of this thread is not exclusively within the province of Kendo (so I have a right to contribute). It is really about confrontation and competition in life, be it trying a case in court, European fencing or bowling.

For me, the worst time is before the moment they call my name. After 30 years of practicing law, I still fear I'll open my mouth and no words will come out (it's an absurd/irrational fear). With Kendo (and European fencing) my devil is the inability to relax and the use of too much energy in the bout. I have found that it is directly related to my confidence level. If I am comfortable with my skill and know I have put in the requisite time preparing, my performance is vastly superior. Even if I've trained less than I would like, but I know I've done my best, I perform better.

It is the fear of failure that inhibits ones best. Until you can shed that weight you can never do your best. At the end of the day all I ever expect from myself is to have done the best I can, I can't carry the weight of worrying about winning - it's too heavy for me.
I can't worry about losing - it's too debilitating. I'm just glad I'm out there "doing" and I try and learn something from the experience.

[Stan]

JSchmidt,

What do you do for warm up before the comp? I used to warm up very lightly so that I did not get tired out. One Sensei suggested that I warm up more so that my body is relaxed and the kendo can just sort of flow on its own. Two points here; First warm up more so you will be more relaxed and next, do not think. Try not to have that continuous conversation that goes on in your head. This will help you concentrate more. Usually when I am thinking that is when I get hit. These bits of advice have helped me...give it a try.

Stan

[Neil Gendzwill]

I find for competitions and gradings that being warm is the most important thing. It's really hard to time warmups for competitions.

[samurai999]

At a tourney I don't think "i gotta do my basics correctly" and I try not to panic. It's more like "whatever happens happens" and just use what you learned in the training. (sort of a yoda thing :D) Think of competitions as a battlefield and you are fighting for your clan/dojo/family.

We always warmup before competitions. It is essential especially if you play in the morning. It gets the butterflies out and it loosens you up. We usually warmup for like 15min. We also have a separate warmup period before the after lunch segment starts.

Tim

[JSchmidt]

I actually do think I've pinpointed what I've been doing wrong...I'm trying way too hard to get that 'extra' bit into my attacks, rushing in for opportunities that aren't quite there yet.
Now I only have to fix it :D...probably by slowing down a bit mentally.

Jakob