Learning to Lose in Combat Sports

First, losing gives competitors the chance to reflect on what went wrong. When an athlete loses a game, fight, or competition, they can reflect on what went wrong and what they can do better in the future. This self-reflection is a vital step in the learning process since it enables athletes to pinpoint their areas of weakness and make the required improvements.

Second, and VERY important; losing can teach athletes humility and perseverance. In combat sports, there will always be someone out there who is better. Losing can be a humbling experience, but it can also be a motivator to work harder and improve. It takes perseverance to keep going after a loss (or losses), but the athletes who are able to do so are the ones who ultimately succeed. Personally, I never won a gold medal until I was a purple belt. Then something changed and I became the competitor I was striving to be the whole time.

Also, the act of coompetiting at all gives opportunities for athletes to gain experience. Every match or fight is a learning opportunity, regardless of the outcome. Athletes can gain valuable experience by competing against opponents of all skill levels.

Finally, losing can help athletes develop mental fortitude. Combat sports are as much about stick-to-it-iveness as it is about physical strength. The ability to bounce back from a loss can build a resilience and mental toughness that can’t be attained other ways.

While losing can be tough, it’s important for athletes to view it as a learning opportunity. As a coach, I encourage my athletes to live in their losses and use them as motivation to improve. By learning from their mistakes, developing humility and perseverance, gaining experience, and building mental toughness, athletes can ultimately become better competitors and achieve their goals.

Written by: Professor Alex Henley