Student Snapshot of Training for the Nationals

Getting ready for nationals

What are THE Sanda Nationals?

The Sanda Nationals are the premier Sanda Kickboxing competition in the UK, a stage where athletes from across the country come together to showcase their striking and wrestling skills. It’s not just about national titles; the Nationals also serve as a key selection event for those aiming to represent the UK in international competitions.

That’s why, at Sanda Kickboxing Academy London, we take preparation for the Nationals very seriously. Our fight camp is designed to equip students both mentally and physically, giving them the tools they need to perform at their best when it counts.

Fight Camp Overview

Fight camp is a focused period of preparation leading up to a competition, usually lasting between 6 to 12 weeks. It's designed to get our athletes ready for the physical and mental demands of combat. During fight camp, we build strength and conditioning, sharpen technical skills, and shift athletes into "fight mode."

Each athlete follows a tailored training program to ensure they are physically fit to compete. But preparation isn’t just physical, fighting is mentally intense, and part of our job as coaches is to help athletes overcome any psychological barriers they may face. Our goal is to make sure they’re in peak physical condition and a strong mental state, so they can perform at their absolute best on fight day.

Physical Preparation

As coaches, we understand how crucial physical preparation is for competition. That’s why each athlete competing in this year’s Sanda Nationals receives an individualised strength and conditioning plan. Our goal, both as coaches and as a club, is to develop the best fighters we can, and that starts with tailored coaching. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work at this level and individual attention is essential for progress.

Alongside physical preparation, we work closely with fighters to refine their technique, improve their fight IQ, and build on the skills they already have. As the competition approaches, training intensity increases to develop the explosiveness, endurance, and technical precision needed to perform under pressure.

We also recognise that fight camp is physically demanding, so we carefully balance training intensity with the demands of each athlete’s lifestyle. For those who work full time, we ensure there’s adequate time for rest and recovery, not just to reduce the risk of injury, but to allow the body to adapt and grow stronger throughout camp.

Mental Preparation

Getting through fight camp takes mental grit and that’s by design. Fighting isn’t easy, and the challenges of camp are meant to build the confidence and resilience athletes will need on fight day. The mental strength gained during this process is just as important as the physical gains.

A key part of preparation is training a positive mindset. Helping athletes shift their perspective, from seeing a fight as something to fear, to seeing it as a challenge to overcome. This is essential. We also use tools like visualisation and breathing techniques to help athletes stay calm under pressure and mentally rehearse success. These are all critical elements in building a bulletproof mindset.

Finally, there's the power of the team. Although you step into the ring alone, you train alongside others with each person facing their own battles, pushing their limits, and supporting one another. That shared experience creates a strong sense of camaraderie, and the team becomes a key pillar in helping each athlete rise to the occasion.

Physical and mental toughness

Coach’s Role and Guidance

Our role as coaches is to guide and support the athlete every step of the way. That means making sure they’re training effectively, getting enough rest, and staying on track, both physically and mentally. We’re there to check in, provide structure, and offer space for athletes to talk through any doubts or challenges they’re facing. Mental wobbles are normal, and part of our job is to help them navigate those moments with confidence.

On fight day, our support continues. We help athletes get mentally focused, physically warmed up, and emotionally ready to step into the ring. We’re there in their corner, not just giving technical advice, but backing them with belief and presence. From the first week of fight camp to the final bell, we’re with them, making sure they’re never alone in the process.

Why It Matters (Win or Lose)

At our gym, we have a saying: “Win or lose, we are here to fight.” This speaks to our core mindset that once we’ve done everything we can to prepare, the outcome isn’t the only thing that defines us. What truly matters is showing up ready to perform, to test ourselves, and to give it everything we’ve got.

In any competition, there will be wins and losses. But for us, success is measured by the courage to step into the ring, the commitment to the process, and the growth that comes from the journey. When fighting becomes part of who we are, when we train, compete, and carry ourselves with the mindset of a warrior, that’s when we evolve into true martial artists and combat sports athletes.

See you on the matt!