“Process > Outcome”
The Real Reward is Found in the Process

Two weeks ago, I had the honor of coaching three of our KruFit fighters at the Thai Boxing Association (TBA-SA) Classic- Muay Thai World Expo in Des Moines, Iowa- which is the largest Muay Thai tournament in North America with more than 1,000 fighters participating.

Each of our fighters fought with incredible heart and skill, facing off against highly skilled opponents. They each had the goal of winning a National Champion title belt, however, we came up short on the scorecards this year. The outcomes of our matches reminded me of a profound truth: who we become in the process is far more important than the outcome.

The Desire to Win

We all want to win. It’s a natural desire, a testament to our hard work, dedication, and passion. Wins are earned through literal blood, sweat and tears in fighting. And every win is a testament to countless hours of training, the sacrifices made, and the unwavering commitment to improvement. It is a reward that reflects the fighter’s journey, embodying the hard work, perseverance, and resilience that cannot be substituted or purchased. Being crowned a National Champion certainly validates our efforts and cements our status among the best in the country.

However, when the final bell rings and the decision is announced, not everyone can walk away as the winner. Losses can be tough to swallow, but they often hold the most valuable lessons and help to propel us forward in our journey. 

The Process of Becoming

What’s truly important is who we become through the process of preparing for and participating in competition. Training for a Muay Thai fight demands discipline, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. It requires hours of grueling workouts, pushing through fatigue and doubt, and constantly striving to refine and improve our skills.

In the months leading up to the TBA Classic, I saw our fighters grow not just as athletes but as individuals. They were disciplined and committed both in and out of the gym! They became the best versions of themselves and this transformation is the real victory.

The True Reward

The real reward of any Muay Thai journey is the person you become along the way. Training Muay Thai is about developing a warrior’s mindset- one that embraces the difficult and views it as an opportunity for growth. It’s about building character, finding a balance between confidence and humility and learning to rise above any adversity.

While winning is deemed important for status & recognition within the sport, it’s not everything. The process of committing to a goal, training diligently with that goal in mind and giving it everything we have in the effort of achieving it is where the magic of growth happens- Let’s not forget that!

Win or lose…Let’s get back to training and transforming into our best selves. 💪🏼🥊

I’ll see you in the gym!

Coach Jamie