Specifically how DO we "relax"?

[southpawed]

i've got a question i've been meaning to ask related to this topic. i'm looking for insight.

anyway, before my first bout i felt absolutely no jitters or butterflies. I'm very aware of the feeling, but it just felt like another sparring session to me. It was a different story when the bell rang though and he ran at me. I tensed up, forgot to breathe, and just tried to match his frenetic pace. I was gassed by the end of the second lol.

Anyways, my question being, do you guys think it is actually a negative thing for one to not have nerves before a bout? My thoughts after the bout was that pre-fight nerves are the bodies way of prepping you up for a scrap. So not having them before a fight could mean a rude awakening on your body when the bell rings and blows are exchanged? But at the same time if you let the nerves smolder, they'll drain you mentally and physically.

So what do you guys say about pre fight jitters? A bad thing? A necessary thing?

[El Kabong]

So what do you guys say about pre fight jitters? A bad thing? A necessary thing?

Depends on the fighter. Different people deal with things in different ways. Person A could absolutely love and seek out the butterflies in the stomach while person B might have his plans totally shot to hell by that kind of pressure. And also if Person A doesn't get nervous he may not go out there with a sense of urgency and may fight "flat" while Person B needs that calm to think and utilize his game plan.

A little advice for you, whatever works for you, do it until someone stops it

[Andre]

Smile within, it helps your brain tune in so you can enjoy yourself more.

[God.in.my.corner]

When I shadowbox, I have a playlist on my Ipod that's all classical music.