Dosen't look as good as I think it should.?

Question

I video tape my training, when I can. During class ( aikido, mma, bjj, kali) I seem to do well. When we work mma/bjj I generally do well. These guys are fighters and tend to be really good. But when I watch after class I sometimes really look like I don't know what I'm doing or look sloppy. Even in Aikido (which I have more xp than any other student in class) I sometimes look like I am unskilled. Do I just have an over active sense of what I should look like or could I just really suck? Even when I "win" a match I always find something that I shouldn't have done or pick on all my mistakes. Is this "normal" do you do this? One reason I like to video is so I can check out what I've learned and how I apply it. Anyone else really critical on yourself? I don't get this way with others, just myself. I always find a positive when I help someone else it's just myself I tend to not be able to please myself.

Answer 1

Every MMA fighter does this, since MMA matches are almost always filmed to sell DVD's. And believe me, my one cage match I nitpicked every little thing I did wrong, from not using a hip throw when I had the perfect setup, to not using enough roundhouse kicks. But you must realize, you're critiquing with your analytical brain, while you're fighting with your instinctual brain. Two seperate entities. Analytical brain can rewind, fast forward, has plenty of time to think about it's actions. Instinctual is split second, makes decisions and then forgets about them because it needs to be in the present, this fight, this attack, defending my health, etc.

Instead of critiquing, use the analysis to form a training regimen that tackles the problems you saw with your technique and fighting. Then train, train, train until those problems are wiped away by instinct. The next time you watch yourself, I can assure you that you'll still see problems, but they'll be with new weaknesses. Through training away those weaknesses in your instinct, though, you'll benefit in your ability and technique.

Answer 2

It's probably the fact that you know the camera is on that is causing you to look sloppy. I would bet that when you train or spar without a camera in the room you do a lot better because your concentration is 100% on the task at hand. Cameras are a distraction.

Just watch the things that ordinarily rational people will do whenever there is a camera around. Cameras have a strange effect on people's behavior and actions. It may even be a sub-conscious thing, but it is a phenomenon that cannot be denied.

People act for the camera.

Answer 3

While it's true that we are our own worse critic, it's also true that we are victims of our own imagination. Though looking good while performing a technique counts in a forms competition, if you're into full contact matches or just into self defense, looking good should be the least of your worries. Striking a picture perfect pose when throwing a punch or kick might impress onlookers, but if it doesn't scratch your opponent, then your gonna look even mighty worse when he finally beats the crap outta you. Sometimes watching too much choreographed KungFu movies can shift our focus from what's important to what looks good on film only, and while there's nothing wrong with having perfect form, just make sure that you look good without sacrificing the effectiveness of your technique. And yes I have done that in the past when I was still into the striking arts, I'd look at my reflection on the mirror or my shadow on the wall even while sparring(stupid thing to do I know) which is how I usually had my butt handed to me. Don't worry too much about it, in a real fight, no one's gonna care how you looked, just on how you fared against your opponent.

Answer 4

This is such a good method, and I use it myself. This is a common experience, not much different than hearing yourself on a recording for the first time. The actual varies from the interpreted. In the case of audio recording it has more to do with the distortion of your sensory perception. In regards to the visual it really has more to do with the mind/body connection, and your particular psychological archetype. As I said this is common, but certain archetypes have a more severe internal critic than others. We all study martial arts/ways for many reasons, some of these reasons are congnizant and others not. Obviously, "winning" on an existential level is an important pillar of martial arts...that's why warriors who have their lives on the line study this stuff. But, how you appear has an important relationship to that, and to other reasons. e.g. if your not doing what you think your doing that's a disconnect, and in some cases dangerous. Careful observation and review by video can assist in adjustments of these incongruencies. Not only that, but a more humble assessment of the self & ego can assist in personal growth and realization of a greater you. Don't fret, just accept and move forward....that's part of the journey and it comes with the territory.

Answer 5

We all tend to be our own worst critics - except for the meglomaniacs who can do no wrong. If you have a good relationship with your Sensei ask him for a detailed evaluation of your techniques and strategies.

Answer 6

it shouldn't matter how it looks during your matches. katas, yes. form is the most important thing. have someone else watch you and critique your technique. its good to self evaluate, i do it too. but over do it or you'll end up with an emo complex ^__^