Information about "conditioning"

Hi, i've been involved in the martial arts for about 5 years (started with boxing then dabbled with muay thai, BJJ and "self defence). I used to ask the more conditioned members of the classes i attended how long it took to develop their level of skill/pain tollerance, conditioning etc and was almost always told they were "born with it" or they never had to work at it.

Heres what i'm asking, when i get hit in the eyes/nose my eyes water and this is seen as weak by the other members of the class. How long does it take to be able to take punishment to the eyes/nose/jaw without showing these signs? It's not that i'm perticularly hurt it just seems like my bodys natural responce. I'd appreciate any advice

Although i don't know and don't think you can stop your eyes from watering when you get hit in the nose or in the eye.

I beleive the main point is to practice ignoring the pain when you experience it and letting the feeling flow instead of thinking "I can take this, I can take this"

But it seems you are saying that you arent hurt?

Loki wrote:

Although i don't know and don't think you can stop your eyes from watering when you get hit in the nose or in the eye.

I beleive the main point is to practice ignoring the pain when you experience it and letting the feeling flow instead of thinking "I can take this, I can take this"

But it seems you are saying that you arent hurt?

yeah it's not that the sensation is overpowering, it's just i can't seem to stop my eyes from watering, i havn't ever seen the pros eyes watering.

Just blink it out and hit him back..

It might not be that your eyes water that makes you look weak to your classmates as much as you are over responding to it, ignore it.

Your eyes dont water as a physiological response to getting hit in the mouth, thats a bit weird.

If a boxing pro was sat on a couch watching tv with a beer and you jumped up behind him and twatted him on the nose, his eyes would water.

You cant condition you eyes/nose/jaw thats why even pro's still get knocked out, have bendy noses from where they have been smashed and can still get dislodged retinas form heavy blows.

In terms of the subjective experience of "pain"... not the physical injury but the signals to your neurology about that injury... much of that comes down to the meaning you ascribe to it. If you are a fighter, or have aspirations of being one, you will learn to associate physical pain with progress in your training, which is a psychological pleasure.

How many times are you getting hit so square on your nose your eyes water? How frequently per training session? Work on your defence mate and stay pretty.

This is basically the same as Richard said but I feel I need to get a post on the forum so here goes.

I don't believe in the idea of pain tolerance I believe it's more pain acceptance.

Just accept that you've been hit and it hurt and get on with the job in hand when you get home you can then complain to your wife/girlfriend.

Nobody is going to care if your eyes are watering as long as you are hitting them. Obviously don't hit everyone in close proximity only the guy your banging with.

Personally I mostly ignore the pain just like Richard said. But sometimes in training and in life in general I put myself into the pain and play with the feelings. I have found it helps me to accept it. Plus I get some sort of pleasure out of it on occasion. Not quite sure if that's normal or not though.

Same as you would if you had say arthritis most days you will ignore it and some days you will accept it and others days you will say why me.

Oh by the way how do you KNOW you are seen as weak by the other guys when your eyes are watering?

Why does that bother you?

Do you think people are weak if you see there eyes watering or is it there reaction to their eyes watering? E.g. stepping back and wiping them and taking there mind off the matter in hand.

I say fuck "other people" you know who you are so why worry what they think you are. Yes this does take self confidence/belief but thats what it's all about. OOOOh okey cokey cokey hands up knees bent raa raa raa.......Sorry. I'll go now.

Jim

It's nothing to do with pain tolerance, its just a reflex. Some get it, some don't. Just like some scream when a pressure point hold is applied, while others feel only mild irritation. A quick way to get over this, get your nose broke, according to blokes I have worked with, this does the trick. Other than that, just time. Repeated blows will deaden nerve receptivity. Just ask a diabetic whether or not they still feel the needle in an area where they stick frequently.
Aside from that, any idiot who calls you weak for this, either has some big insecurities of their own, or they are trying to psyche you, and potentially those witnessing this, out. Boxing is a big head game after all.

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Your eyes dont water as a physiological response to getting hit in the mouth, thats a bit weird.

Very wierd. Getting hit in the eyeballs is going create physiological responsenes and there is no way to change that. So what if you look "weak" to others? Why care what they think about you and more importanly is, "why" does the opinion of others matter to you and overcoming this. Don't answer this question, it's just something you may want to think about.

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If a boxing pro was sat on a couch watching tv with a beer and you jumped up behind him and twatted him on the nose, his eyes would water.

No doubt mate.

To the other poster about pain tolerance/acceptance, pain is not going to stop anyone with any determination in a fight. It's got to be structural damage or a KO to stop them.

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pain is not going to stop anyone with any determination in a fight. It's got to be structural damage or a KO to stop them.

you seen the new beta-8 dvd yet?

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you seen the new beta-8 dvd yet?

No I have not but it looks good.