Wrestling tough : dominate mentally on the mat

258 Pages·2019·19.889 MB·English

by  Mike Chapman

WRESTLING
TOUGH
Second Edition
Mike Chapman
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Chapman, Mike, 1943- author.
Title: Wrestling tough / Mike Chapman.
Description: Second Edition. | Champaign, Illinois : Human Kinetics, [2019] |
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018028451 (print) | LCCN 2018029266 (ebook) | ISBN
9781492587200 (ebook) | ISBN 9781492567912 (print)
Subjects:LCSH: Wrestling.

Classification: LCC GV1195 (ebook) | LCC GV1195 .C47 2018 (print) | DDC
796.812--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018028451
ISBN: 978-1-4925-6791-2 (print)
Copyright © 2019, 2005 by Mike Chapman
All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any
form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including
xerography, photocopying, and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is
forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.
The web addresses cited in this text were current as of September 2018, unless otherwise noted.
Senior Managing Editor: Amy Stahl
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Proofreader: Leigh Keylock
Indexer: Rebecca L. McCorkle
Permissions Manager: Martha Gullo
Graphic Designer: Denise Lowry
Cover Designer: Keri Evans
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Photograph (cover): Tony Rotundo/WrestlersAreWarriors.com
Photographs (interior): © Human Kinetics, unless otherwise noted
Photo Asset Manager: Laura Fitch
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Printer: Sheridan Books
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E7331
WRESTLING
TOUGH
CONTENTS
Foreword vii
Introduction ix
Part I The Path to Wrestling Tough 1
Chapter 1 Choosing to Wrestle 3
Chapter 2 Understanding Toughness 13
Chapter 3 Building Confidence 21
Chapter 4 Dedicating and Committing to Goals 31
Chapter 5 Gaining Desire and Discipline 45
Chapter 6 Adding Intensity and Effort 53
Chapter 7 Achieving the Right Mind-Set 65
Chapter 8 Searching for The Zone 71
Chapter 9 Paying the Price 83
Chapter 10 Dealing With Adversity 93
iv
Part II Essentials for Wrestling Tough 109
Chapter 11 Mind–Body Link 111
Chapter 12 Art of Preparation 125
Chapter 13 Sense of Fun 139
Chapter 14 Spirit for Competition 155
Chapter 15 Overcoming Obstacles 163
Chapter 16 Will to Win 169
Chapter 17 Power of Heart 179
Chapter 18 Attacking Mind-Set 189
Chapter 19 Mental Wrestling Mastery 205
Chapter 20 Life–Wrestling Balance 213
Chapter 21 Enduring Lessons of Wrestling 221
Epilogue 229
Bibliography 233
Index 237
About the Author 243
v
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FOREWORD
I am honored to be asked to write the foreword to the powerful new book
Wrestling Tough, Second Edition, by Mike Chapman, who is a dear friend
and a true student of the wrestling game. I have known and worked with
Mike for over two decades; over these years, he has been an inspiration to
me in many ways, especially in the area of writing.
In January of 2002, Mike asked me to become a columnist for W.I.N. Mag-
azine. Having had little experience as a writer, I was somewhat reluctant.
Mike’s belief in me helped me overcome those initial doubts and, thanks to
his encouragement through the years, I will soon be writing my 200th W.I.N.
Magazine column.
Mike also inspired me to write my book, Victory! Being Mentally Tough
On and Off the Mat. I love wrestling and all aspects of it, but my strongest
passion regarding the sport involves the mental game. Mental toughness is
a huge part of the equation when it comes to winning in the grueling sport
of wrestling.
That is why I am so excited about this new edition of Wrestling Tough.
I cannot recommend this book enough. A copy should be in the library of
every coach and aspiring wrestler.
The book explores the vast topic of toughness and answers many questions
about what toughness really means in mankind’s oldest sport. It delves into
the following questions:
• What is toughness?
• What does toughness look like?
• How does one get tough?
• When does one need to be tough?
• How can one practice being tough?
• Why is toughness crucial in attaining success?
I have spent almost my entire career researching, studying, learning, and
mastering toughness, and then teaching young athletes to become tough and
resilient. Age, strength, and talent are much less important in determining
a wrestler’s success than his or her will.
And here’s why: Your future is much more dependent on the daily deci-
sions you make than on your genetic makeup. The level of toughness that
you acquire through reading this book can be the most powerful force in
your athletic career and in your personal life as well.
Mike Chapman is a respected writer who has closely covered wrestling, its
competitors, and its coaches for 50 years. He has devoted a great deal of time
vii
viii Foreword
and effort to studying the stuff of which champions are made in this most
demanding of all sports. This book will take you into the mind-set of some
of the greatest wrestlers of all time and teach you what it takes to become a
true warrior of the sport. By reading this book, you will feel the true spirit
of what it takes to reach the pinnacle in wrestling championships, and you
will also realize and learn what it takes to reach the top step in life.
Wrestling Tough, Second Edition, is more than a book about wrestling
toughness—it’s a book about being ready to deal with the inevitable set-
backs in life and to excel. Our sport is very hard. Life is hard. Wrestling and
wrestling tough will help prepare you for the challenge.
Steve Fraser
1984 Olympic Champion
Coach of the 2007 World Team Champions
Former National/Olympic Coach (19 years) for USA Wrestling
Chief of Donor and Alumni Relations for USA Wrestling