When steady competition success doesn’t come – how deep does the issue might run?

Introduction

Nothing is more confusing than when training efforts do not translate into tournament results. The work required can be as simple as fixing a few bad habits learned in the early days of training. But it can also be as complex as rearranging the entire setting, both on and off the mat. One thing is certain: some work is needed. How much varies for everyone, as the underlying cause can be highly personal. Some are fortunate and only need a little technical or strategic work, whereas others will have to dig much deeper. To make the work involved easier to understand, below is a simplified model of the various depths from which the block may come.

1 – Skin deep – light self-work on the technical level

Often, the block comes from a lack of personalization or insufficient guidance during the early days of training. Clubs tend to present a general set of techniques, from which people can cherry-pick what suits them best to build their game. Not only do you have to select the appropriate techniques and transitions that fit your build and mental design, but you also have to adjust them to your individual case. For instance, closed guards and locks executed with the lower leg are inefficient if your ankle is thin or fragile. There is no point in going for them if you cannot close tight enough or long enough. In such cases, it does not matter if the technique is fundamental, it should not be your main guard.

Furthermore, the tournament game plan almost always contains a narrower set of techniques than your original favorits, because only a few of them are safe to execute under high pressure and considered competition-safe. Which means you need to further tailor your game specifically for tournaments. Understanding your own skills, body preferences, and mental design can lead to a more efficient game plan that finally starts to bring results. This is still relatively enjoyable work compared to other ones, as fighters often appreciate its strategizing and self-discovery aspects.

Note: Chapter 1 of the tournament preparation series is strongly focused on skill matching and tailoring your approach.

2 – Flesh deep – moderate self-work on the systematic level

If your game strategy is customized, but you’re still losing your edge in tournaments, there is likely a deeper mental block at play. Most fighters are aware of the impact of disruptive thought patterns and self-talk habits, and may attempt to modify or suppress them. It must be noted, however, that many of these are less like actual thoughts in their psychological nature and closer to verbalized feelings. They are commonly part of a deeper belief layer, with even distinct locations within the brain. As such, they are not suddenly produced on the spot, but rather bubble up from an underlying belief from time to time.

The often-given advice of “you just have to think positive” ignores the fact that these patterns were formed, and are still being adjusted, in response to the environment, whatever that environment may have been. Consequently, instead of being helpful, such advice often turns into toxic positivity and ends up blaming people for their misfortune.

Cracking these blockers is more difficult. Active self-improvement efforts are typically required to achieve the systematic change needed, using support materials and structured guidance. It is demanding work with inward reflection and the reevaluation of personal circumstances. While it can be highly rewarding, it also requires substantial emotional resources, meaning the work needs to be balanced with other life responsibilities.

Note: Chapter 2 of the tournament preparation series introduces the key concepts and mental processes of systematic adjustment.

3 – Bone deep – uncomfortable self-work on the deepest level

In some cases, the lack of tournament success is only the tip of the iceberg. It is a sign of ongoing, complex distress that affects all areas of life, including the competition journey. Processes commonly involved include discrepancies between the unconscious and the ego, long-term unmet needs, and past traumas that cause continuous internal conflict, among others. Addressing such deeply rooted topics usually requires a significant investment in self-development.

Competing with this kind of internal baggage is equivalent to walking against a 50 mph gale. It will make you slow, tired, and severely limit progress. Stepping onto the mat with these burdens may cost you more than a medal; it often generates additional internal friction as the loss of control can push you to engage in fights in ways that conflict with your principles or self-image.

On the upside, in many of these cases, martial arts and competition are not just a side hustle, but the main facilitator for change. Training often becomes linked to a personal purpose, helping channel emotional, mental, and physical resources into breaking through internal barriers. Tournaments can also serve as a reflection of internal progress and a strong source of motivation. Accordingly, the rewards extend far beyond the mat and into other areas of life. However, the work is undeniably uncomfortable. This is the kind of work almost no one describes as enjoyable or exciting, yet nearly everyone who has gone through it says it turned their life around. It is important to be aware that many life responsibilities may need to be temporarily set aside while this work is ongoing, as it is highly demanding.

Note: Chapter 3 provides a magnifying glass for the competition event, zooming in on the mechanisms of the deepest layer.

Summary

The goal of this simplified of the possible reasons behind unmanifested training efforts is to establish realistic expectations about the type and extent of internal work needed to break through. Winning can be achieved by any dedicated fighter who channels resources into the right areas and diversify their skill set. However, the depth of work required varies greatly and can be more or less enjoyable depending on where the block originates.