Mindset on the Mitts

Getting the most out of padwork takes a lot of mental focus. As trainers, our goal is to challenge you to a degree that pushes you a little outside your comfort zone while we’re generally focusing on a particular area of technique. However, especially as you gain more experience, some padwork will become an all-encompassing simulation of sparring, involving equal parts offense and defense.

No matter what the goal of the padwork is, make sure you’re picturing an opponent in front of you, not just targets. This requires much more from you mentally but makes a huge difference in transferring that technique to sparring and maintaining that connection to real combat or self-defense situations. One of the most immediate differences you should notice is that you’ll be much more alert and ready to defend.

This mindset is just as important when shadowboxing—stay active not just in your offense, but in your defense. Visualize your opponent’s movements and anticipate incoming strikes. By sharpening your mental approach, you elevate your overall fight game.