100 to Zero: The Psychological Battle of Injuries

By Dave Camarillo

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I am sitting here right now frustrated. I am frustrated that I am less of a man than I was before I injured my arm. I cannot teach to the fullest, nor can I spar. Since I have been training my whole life much of my ability to stay sane has been wrapped up in my ability to physically vent my frustrations in a rolling (sparring) session. Now that option is no longer on the table.

When I get in a frustrated mood I get this feeling of invincibility. Seriously! I feel that I can smash anyone put in front of me. It is like a super power, and my kryptonite is injury. The first thought in my head during times of frustration is to spar. For me frustration creates an excess of energy that needs an outlet. If you take that outlet away it is not easy for me to find ulterior methods of ventilation, or focus.

Not being able to train with your favorite partners sucks! Looking at their face when you walk into the academy, all healthy and what not, makes it even worse. Then watching them train? Forget it!

People like me tend to rely on our ability to fight our way out of anything. The physical realm is easy for us. We welcome a fight, cherish the opportunity and relish in its glory. But once your opponent hasn’t taken the shape of something you can’t choke out or punch in the face it becomes difficult.

The fact that this feeling is not healthy is obvious. But many times logic takes a back seat to the emotion. Its like taking away a favorite toy from a child. And that’s exactly how I feel, like a spoiled brat. So what is the answer? The answer, for type A personalities (like me), is to define toughness, and apply it to the current situation. Essentially this means to think of parallels from what you are accustomed to, and apply that to your injury. So recovering from an injury becomes a fight. And a fight is what you are used to winning!

Toughness: strong enough to withstand adverse conditions

As I get older and smarter and listen to those who tell me to stop being a wimp I realize there are many ways to experience toughness. For me, at this moment, I need to stop whining and man up! My world is easy! My life is easy! I have it so good but I am allowing myself to lose sight of other peoples struggles. And how hard life can be.

So to my injury in my right arm I want you to know, I accept the challenge, I will cherish this learning experience and I thank you for the opportunity. I will relish in defeating you and your attempt to ruin my day. I will spar soon and will be overjoyed at how fast I recoup. I am looking forward to being stronger than I was, wiser and I cannot wait to once again, smash a physical opponent and take pleasure in my ability to inflict discomfort in others. Who is with me?

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