If I could go back in time and tell my younger self (from that period in particular) some things, one thing I would say is to be more mindful. Of everything. I was mostly oblivious, just going with the flow, living in the moment. It was great, dont get me wrong, but I was just kind of floating around. Fighting was like that. I didnt really give it any thought. Other guys fought, I was good enough to get in there, so I did. The reality of it didnt even hit me until I was stepping into the ring - and then complete terror! But it worked out fine, I won - handily, actually. But I never really stopped to consider anything that was going on around me in those days...
We had a UFC guy at our gym too. He was mostly a western boxer. I remember him and his coach wanting us to get some reps with him so he could get used to seeing our kicks. We kicked his ass for a little bit, but he sure caught on quickly!
u wna go do ya m8?
u wna go?