Sai's Studio 2000 Muay Thai Alternative Fitness

The Making of a Champion
By Legend Lee Labrada

My dictionary contains three definitions for the word "champion." The first is "one who wins first place or first prize in a competition." Perhaps, in the broadest, most secular sense of the word, this is an accurate definition. But to limit the meaning of "champion" to these strict confines is to gut it of its essence. I disagree with this definition. To me this is the definition of "winner." Yes, to be a champion, you must achieve something of value. But the world is full of men and women, who have achieved fame and fortune, yet are bankrupt as human beings.

The second definition of champion is, "One that is clearly superior or has the attributes of a winner." I like this definition better. This one emphasizes the attributes of a winner. The third definition is, "An ardent defender or supporter of a cause or another person." In my book, a champion is that unusual human being who is an embodiment of these last two definitions.

*The champion is goal oriented. A champion has a carefully thought out, well defined, realistic goal that he works for, on a daily basis. A goal is to a champion, what a target is to a bullet. If you don't have a goal, how can you ever know when you have achieved it? A goal gives direction to the champion's efforts.

*The champion walks a path of never ending self improvement. A true champion always challenges himself to achieve more and more, and never rests on his laurels. A true champion doesn't get comfortable. He is always looking for ways to improve. He realizes that the road to oblivion is paved with the remains of those that got complacent. A champion realizes that to win externally in the outside world, he must first win internally, at the very core of his being.

*The champion perseveres. Perseverance is the relentless pursuit of a goal. It is the ability to endure hardship, the ability to walk away from distractions and temptations, the ability to maintain focus and doggedly pursue that which is desired. To persevere, the champion must desire his goal more than anything else. That's one reason true champions carefully assess their goals before committing to them.

*The champion is optimistic. The champion has internalized his goal and expects to achieve it. He has faith in himself and in his calling, allowing him to overcome all obstacles. The champion practices positive thinking, recognizing the irrefutable law that "as a man thinks, so shall he become." Positive thinking begets positive results. Think about it.

*The champion has humility. Those that don't, learn it the hard way. A champion realizes that winning or accomplishing doesn't make him "better" than anyone else. Although a champion has a healthy ego, he is never conceited. He respects the God-given intrinsic worth of every human being.

*The champion is a good sportsman. A champion is humble in victory, and gracious in defeat. He never talks about his competitors unless he has something positive to say.

*The champion is introspective. He gives himself credit not only for his successes, for even the basest men do that, but also takes responsibility for his failures. The champion doesn't blame others or factors outside himself for his shortcomings. Instead, he looks inside himself for ways to improve, learning from his failures and realizing that failures are only opportunities to improve.

*The champion is selfless. The champion gives back. He is friendly and helpful, and always looking for ways to improve the lot of others. He realizes that it is a privilege to be regarded as a champion and held in high esteem by others, and will act accordingly. The champion works not only to better himself, but to better the field in which he excels.

*The champion exercises the responsibility that his position carries. Like it or not, a champion is a role model for others, many times children and young people. A champion lives his life correctly, knowing that others will be watching and emulating him. The world is full of superstar athletes that live lives of debauchery and excess. They are not to be confused for champions. If it weren't for their God-given talent, they would be losers.

*The champion keeps it all in perspective. A champion realizes that he is a physical, mental, and spiritual being and keeps balance in his life. He realizes early on that the world does not revolve around him.