step out of your safe zone

There's a world of difference between training inside the security and comfort zone of a martial arts academy, surrounded by friends and familiar faces, and a real world fight outside.
The academy is a supportive area, like a place you would go to for therapy. You’re surrounded by your coaches, friends, and nice people all around you. It's easy to be tough under such circumstances.
This is why I believe competition is such a great way to get yourself mentally ready for a real fight. It forces you out of your comfort zone, and the other person in front of you actually wants to beat you.
Competition in that sense is one of the closest sensations you can get to an actual fight.
Train smart,
Sharir R, ICCS Head instructor