Letting Go (After A Loss)
A loss can either demoralize you or make you hungrier.
It’s important to not let yourself be defined by the loss. Try to look at it from an outside perspective.
Did you make any tactical mistakes?
Those are fixable. If you get caught by a submission, it doesn’t mean you’re not tough. Maybe you didn’t know how to defend the submission properly.
Also, double down on your weaknesses.
If you got submitted two fights in a row, it’s time to dive into jiu-jitsu. Take it seriously.
And remember, if the worst thing in your life right now is losing a fight, you’re living a pretty damn good life.
If you fight long enough, you’re gonna lose eventually.
I know it sucks to lose after sinking 6-8 weeks of your life into camp. And it might feel like it’s the end of the world.
But it’s not. Because the most important parts of your life are still fine. You’re healthy, your family’s healthy, etc.
It’s also good to practice focusing on the present. Try not to wake up every day and think about the fight. It’s over now.
Woulda, coulda, shoulda, doesn’t do anything for you.
Bring yourself in the moment. Stay present during practice or do meditation.
Just see how good you can get. See how far you can take your skills - jiu-jitsu, striking, wrestling, etc.
And see how good you can get at putting it all together.
Overthinking
It’s so easy to overthink in fighting and grappling matches.
Guys like Justin Gaethje, who go out there and brawl without thinking too much – it’s almost better for fighting.
Someone who likes to think into things too tactically can drive themselves nuts.
Because there are so many different things in a fight that can happen that’s completely out of your control.
So focus on what you can control. Let your previous training take over and trust your reactions.
The hardest part is in the locker room and the week of the fight. That’s when you start battling yourself with these mind games.
But when the cage door locks, you can let yourself go. Especially, if you’re training consistently and training the right way.
Bringing yourself into the present moment is powerful as fuck. Focus on your breathing, focus on your techniques, and focus on the right reactions.
Whatever’s gonna happen will happen.
Thorne
In the market for a new supp? Don’t overthink this one.
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If you’re in the market for some good supplements, Thorne is the brand I trust. You can feel safe and good about what you’re putting into your body with Thorne.
Use the link below and Throne will hook you up with an additional 15% discount on your order.
The Best Part Of My Gym
What I love most about my job is the community.
Everyone’s cool, everyone’s got a good sense of humor, and we fuck around a lot. Wrestling all the time and just having a good time.
We keep it competitive, but it’s a fun competitive vibe.
Sometimes it gets a little out of hand, but that’s gonna happen at any gym. You have alpha males full of testosterone and egos flaring.
But everyone at my gym wants to improve. Whether it’s their health or their skills. We’re all on the same journey of improvement. That’s the best thing.
So it’s just a good feeling when you walk in.
But still, we’re here to work. We’re keeping it playful and fun, but we’re also trying to compete at these tournaments and win these fights.
My job is to keep the energy good. But also keep it competitive and hard at the same time.
There’s always nerves with a hard practice. That’s just the way it is.
A lot of gyms are focused solely on making money and paying off loans and investors.
Sometimes the owners get so wrapped up on the business side, they forget about the people who bring the business.
The students. We’re here to make the students better, that’s our only job.
But when bills come along, people start panicking. They want to get as many students in as possible and they hire random instructors.
The focus changes.
So unfortunately, I don’t think all gyms are like the Red Hawk Academy. I think there are some out there.
A lot of them are just money-making machines.
I’m actually at the stage right now where I’m thinking about stuff like this.
This could be a huge thing that’s making a fucking lot of money. But again, is that what I want?
If I get a fuck load of money, what is that gonna change?
I probably wouldn’t do anything different. So I’d rather have a smaller, personable gym where I can get to know everyone.
And it’s tough because people come in every day wanting to sign up or if they’re just curious.
I’m seriously thinking about cutting memberships off at a certain point.
We’ll see. Gonna go with the flow for now, the decision doesn’t need to be made now.
But I do know that I don’t want a gym with 1500 people and not know anyone’s name.
Quick Hits From This Week
Red Hawk Recap Ep. 128
Henry Cejudo Fires His Coach
What an awkward situation. I’m not surprised. Henry’s the type of guy to do stuff like that.
Will We Ever See Suga Vs Henry?
Not sure if we’ll ever see this. Now that it’s after the fact, Henry is probably hanging it up.
Who Is More Believable?
Don’t be giving advice if you’re not doing the thing. If you’re fat, you shouldn’t be telling people how to get a six pack. Find people who are actually believable and can give you their perspective.
Not Trading Your Time For Money
Everyone trades their time for money at one point in their life. But the goal is to get equity in things like businesses and investments where you can make money in your sleep.
TimboSugarShow Ep. 273
Hernandez Vs Kopylov
We got into the arena right as Hernandez was choking Kopylov out. Kopylov took the fight on 2 week’s notice, but Hernandez looked good. Choked the dude out while smiling on camera, badass.
Did Henry Retire?
I’m not completely sure if this is real. But Henry did say he would retire if he lost. We saw him take off his gloves. But props to him for a great career, he did win two belts.
Ilia Vs Suga At 145
This is the biggest fight for the people. It’s a sick fight. After Sug takes out Chito, this is the fight that makes sense.
Ilia’s Confidence
Confidence is one of the most important traits of a fighter. When I saw Ilia, I just had a feeling that he was gonna win. The last time I saw something like that was TJ Dillashaw vs. Renan Barao.
Red Hawk Academy Patreon
Welcome to all the new Patreon members and shoutouts to all the OGs!
On Patreon, we’ve done a bunch of giveaways, podcasts, and vlogs.
We’ve been going 4 years strong with our Patreon. There are hundreds of videos on there, with new content going up all the time.
You can get exclusive access to technique videos, extra podcasts, and general healthy living videos.
We’re also doing a new show called the Confident Pod exclusive on Patreon every week. We get a little spicy on there and it’s a good time.
I reply to everyone on Patreon, so if you have any questions, hit me up there!
That ends it for this week’s Red Hawk Essentials.
Hope you enjoyed this one. Give me a like/comment/subscribe below.
If you’re new here, welcome to the fam! We’re dropping gems like this each week.
Luv ya, talk next week.
Tim
My name is David Mertens I am nineteen years old and to be honest with you I am stuck. Every morning I wake up to a life that I can’t stand. I go to a school that I can’t stand. I live with roommates that I can’t stand. Although I am great full for all of the blessings that god has given me in my life, I want more. I want to be a part of something bigger and something I am passionate about. I have been following Sean and Tim’s journey since the contender series and have been a fan since then. I love what you guys are doing with this whole new approach to MMA and the creativity your team displays. To put it simply I want in. I have trained jiu jitsu as a hobby since watching Sean’s first fight and although I’m getting better I know that it will not be a career for me. However I still want to be a part of that world. Currently I live in Buffalo NY the weather is cold and the days are short. I know your team is based out of Arizona and I want you to know that if either of you need a personal assistant I would fly west as soon as possible. Whether I’m picking up dry cleaning or cooking your steaks (I am a great cook) I would be passionate and as hard working as one could be. I am not asking for a hand out simply an opportunity. I promise you, you won’t regret it and if I am not the best personal assistant you have ever had in the first month then you don’t need to pay me a penny and I will return to Buffalo knowing that I truly tried my hardest. Thank you for reading my long ass message.
Sincerely,
David Mertens
Great read, being present is so important. Big news timbo - landed myself a summer internship in phoenix!! The atmosphere of your gym and the good shit you put out has changed my life and getting to AZ has been a goal of mine since 2022, been manifesting it in my notebook. Can't wait to get down there and train with everyone. I start mid May so ill see you soon brother!