Читать книгу The Fighter Within. Everyone Has A Fight-Insights into the Minds and Souls of True Champions онлайн

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I had to watch as Sean trained with Thompson and as they started grappling after some warm-ups. I was amazed at how quick and explosive he was in real-time. I managed to train a little while down there and picked up a great takedown technique. The double leg with a small variation added to it, when you shoot in bring your back leg in once you grab the back of the knees and explode through them to take down your opponent. GSP used it in his fights, as it adds an explosive element to the takedown.

By then, my body was taking such a hard beating that it started to feel good. Not sure how that worked, but I think my body was adjusting to the heavy workload. It’s amazing how our bodies work, isn’t it? I was like a kid in a candy store between API (Fitness Solutions) and the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy.

I must admit, lying on the benches at the famed MMA institution, similarly to how Sean Sherk and Brock Lesnar spent their downtime, made me feel great. Living the life of a fighter for those few days was enough to make my blood flow faster. At the same time, I could see how unrewarding and stagnant that lifestyle could get for some. You put your body through hell day in and day out, you become mentally and physically exhausted, and then you wait until your body recuperates just enough before the next session to do it all over again, getting punched in the face while doing it. There are no cheerleaders or people applauding you along the way, and it is all done for such a minuscule amount of time in the spotlight: the cage.