Aggression - how do train it?

**MEGALEF** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 5:22am

My team and I have a problem in that we're not aggressive enough in competition. In regular class, we have a very relaxed atmosphere where the new guys learn early on to roll at a pace where they are able to focus on their technique.

However, as we attended a competition this weekend I realized that many of our guys have trouble getting into a competitive mindset. Giving away easy points without a fight and generally being okay with losing. Losing can be fine by me as long as you're doing your best but if you're not being aggressive and really trying to win, you're not doing your best.

Now I'm wondering what I could do as an instructor to bring out some good healthy aggression in my guys, and myself too. Does anyone know of any good drills that force you to be aggressive and become comfortable in that state, so that I know it's there to bring out when the need arises.

**erezb** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:35am

I found this before reading your thread, just the headline. This training you see are all about developing aggression in soldiers, no one actually expect them in the short time they have in training to become MAists. But they are nice kids from good homes and they need to develop aggression. Maybe you can try some of the stuff there.

Another angle can be "randorie" while the two guys are watched by the entire class. You call two at a time to the front and center and everybody sit and watch, after you all together analyze the bout, the good and the bad of each fighter. That will put strain, and hopefully some competitive edge to your guys. Winner can win something.

**Bezmond** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:47am

As someone entirely lacking in aggression, I can sympathise.

I found that when I was put into a team of 3, fighting another team of 3, with, as erezb said, the rest of the class watching, it made a load of difference. The fact that 2 other people are relying on you fighting well adds a bit of pressure and pride to what could otherwise be a win some / lose some mentality.

**Sang** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:47am

Maybe simulate 3 minute matches one a time in front of the class with a ref and count the scores like in a real match?

Our school has the opposite problem, we are all so focused on competition and winning that we often stick to our A-games in rolling.

**DKJr** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:02pm

Force aggression through negative reinforcement.

Basically if you lose you have to do burpees. For every point you give up 10 burpees. Shorten the time in rounds. Also just being aware and encouraging that mindset of never give up.

**RurikGreenwulf** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:21pm

Originally Posted by MEGALEF

My team and I have a problem in that we're not aggressive enough in competition. In regular class, we have a very relaxed atmosphere where the new guys learn early on to roll at a pace where they are able to focus on their technique.

However, as we attended a competition this weekend I realized that many of our guys have trouble getting into a competitive mindset. Giving away easy points without a fight and generally being okay with losing. Losing can be fine by me as long as you're doing your best but if you're not being aggressive and really trying to win, you're not doing your best.

Now I'm wondering what I could do as an instructor to bring out some good healthy aggression in my guys, and myself too. Does anyone know of any good drills that force you to be aggressive and become comfortable in that state, so that I know it's there to bring out when the need arises.

On question, how did they feel when they lost? as you wrote It seems they did not tried at all, as you put it "being ok with losing" no anger ? no sadness? they seem to very disciplined then

**goodlun** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:26pm

Do something to get them amped up, A Hakka, aggressive music, something.
Also plenty of mock tournaments with some form of reward or punishment or both.

**RurikGreenwulf** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:34pm

I'm against the reward punishment things, not to be a nutrider but maybe

some Kyokushin spirit like training, heavy sets of push ups and hard excercises do a lot of mock tourneys and compliment dudes who do good, dont sort of off punishment and rewards but rather try that all the class look forward to entoughen and such

Agressive and quick roll after roll for example put the less agressive in continuos rolls against fresh opponents and make them feel the pressure

**goodlun** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:50pm

Originally Posted by RurikGreenwulf

I'm against the reward punishment things, not to be a nutrider but maybe

Its about forming an emotional investment in winning. Randori/Rolling is about learning, they need to be put into a situation about winning.

**RurikGreenwulf** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:56pm

Originally Posted by goodlun

Its about forming an emotional investment in winning. Randori/Rolling is about learning, they need to be put into a situation about winning.

They should be motivated by their own pride and the coach's, I think talking to them and then taking a more proactive role when rolling would be much better

But yeah push ups some time for the entire class (not just the bad ones) would be good and push ups as in WE ARE EXHAUSTED SHOW MERCY