Amazing 13-Year-Old Boxing & MMA Prodigy

As anyone who has ever struggled through any sort of fitness regimen well knows, there were plenty of perfectly reasonable reasons. I was tired that day. I hadn’t eaten well. I was busy. My back was sore. Blah blah blah. But at the end of the day, those are all just excuses – white noise that gets in the way of pushing yourself and doing something that is both difficult and satisfying.

So last month, I decided to shut out that white noise – to admit it was all just excuse making and do what I really in my heart knew I wanted to do. Get back in there and train. And so I did, for the first time in nearly two years. My observations:

1. Muscle memory? That’s a real thing, don’t doubt it. I was shocked and how crisp my technique was after a two year layoff. That comes from having a good coach who had really worked precision of technique into us, but it was immediately there – the form on my strikes, the anticipation of the counter, the circling away. Just like riding a bike, which was very rewarding.
2. Also a thing? Bad cardio. And after not having much of a workout in two years, my cardio is bad. That’s not to say I am some sort of inert lump on the sofa, but I know I have not eaten all that well and have not gotten the exercise I need. And now past the midway point in my thirties, that cardio isn’t going to just come naturally, I have to work for it. This has always been a weakness for me, and clearly it was amplified. But I did not let that stop me, and pushed through – tough though it may have been.
3. Sparring? That was a bit harder. We have a new head trainer now, who is great, and likes to end every session with sparring. I like that quite a bit, but it’s tough when I am coming back. Stringing together combinations and just letting it all flow without jamming things up in my head is not there yet. It will be, I’m sure – but for now, it’s not natural.
4. The biggest thing I learned from this? I love Muay Thai and should have been back in there much earlier. If you’re reading this and on a break from your training, consider what’s keeping you away. Ask if it’s a legit reason (and sometimes it absolutely is) or just noise. If it’s noise, quiet it down, and get back in there. Your mind may resist, but your body will appreciate it.

Look for more from My Muay Thai training every week now. One of the best aspects of this blog in the past was the sharing of training experiences, so I hope we will keep that going – your feedback is welcome!

I train Muay Thai under Joshua Horsley at Conviction Martial Arts, 4430 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL. www.convictionfitness.com. If you are in the Chicago area, come join us, and be sure to say hello

This episode of PRODIGIES takes you inside the gritty, adrenaline-fueled world of youth boxing and martial arts. Meet Reshat Mati, known as the Albanian bear. At thirteen years old, Reshat is already a world champion kickboxer, muay thai fighter and grappler, and a United States National Silver Gloves boxing champion.

PRODIGIES is a bi-weekly series showcasing the youngest and brightest as they challenge themselves to reach new heights and the stories behind them.

Created and produced by @radical.media, THNKR gives you extraordinary access to the people, stories, places and thinking that will change your mind.

Source: Amazing 13-Year-Old Boxing & MMA Prodigy – YouTube