JRE #662 – Vinny Shoreman

6/18/2015

Podcast Topics

This podcast features Vinny Shoreman, a mind coach and commentator for kickboxing and Muay Thai. He discusses his experiences with hypnosis and mental coaching, particularly in the context of combat sports. Shoreman reveals the psychology behind fighters’ mental states, the importance of overcoming self-sabotage, and the power of mental training to improve performance.

Hypnosis and Mental Coaching in Combat Sports

• Hypnosis: A Real and Effective Tool: Shoreman emphasizes the legitimacy of hypnosis, highlighting its ability to induce altered states of consciousness. He describes the experience as a “weird dream state” where the mind drifts and focus intensifies. Shoreman emphasizes that hypnosis is not about control, but rather about guiding individuals into a state of heightened awareness and focus.
• The Role of Mental Coaching: Shoreman argues that mental coaching is crucial for fighters, not just as a way to overcome anxiety and fear, but also as a means to optimize performance. He believes that a fighter’s mental state significantly impacts their ability to execute techniques and maximize their potential.
• Overcoming Self-Sabotage: Shoreman highlights the common issue of fighters undermining their own success through self-doubt and negative thinking. He describes these internal struggles as “extra weights” that impede performance and can lead to anxiety attacks, particularly in high-pressure situations.
• Mental Coaching as a Life Skill: Shoreman extends the benefits of mental coaching beyond combat sports, suggesting it’s applicable to any challenging endeavor in life. He believes that by improving mental resilience and self-awareness, individuals can achieve greater success and overcome obstacles.

The Mental Game in Fighting

• The Importance of Mental Toughness: Shoreman emphasizes the grueling mental demands of fighting, comparing it to being a soldier. He notes that fighting requires not only physical prowess but also the ability to manage fear, pressure, and self-doubt. He believes that mental toughness is a key factor in a fighter’s success.
• The Mental Impact of Bullying: Shoreman acknowledges that bullying often plays a role in motivating fighters to excel. He suggests that fighters who have faced adversity are often driven to prove themselves and overcome their past experiences, which can fuel their success.
• The Mental State of Champions: Shoreman contrasts the mental states of fighters who struggle with anxiety and those who embrace the challenge of fighting. He highlights the importance of finding a flow state, similar to that experienced by legendary boxers like Muhammad Ali.
• The Importance of a Positive Mindset: Shoreman emphasizes the power of a positive mindset, arguing that it’s crucial for fighters to focus on their strengths and goals rather than dwell on past failures or negative thoughts. He believes that a positive mental attitude can significantly enhance performance.

Mind Coaching Techniques

• Hypnosis for Specific Issues: Shoreman explains that hypnosis is often used to address specific challenges, such as reducing fear of injury, enhancing focus, or building confidence. He uses the example of working with Joe Schilling, where he used hypnosis to help him visualize a protective armor and overcome his fear of getting hurt.
• The Importance of Individualized Approach: Shoreman emphasizes that every individual is different and requires a tailored approach. He believes that effective mind coaching requires understanding an individual’s unique motivations, fears, and weaknesses. This individualized approach allows for more effective strategies and better results.
• The Role of Language and Thought Patterns: Shoreman highlights the importance of language and thought patterns in mind coaching. He explains how negative self-talk can sabotage performance, and how positive affirmations and visualizations can enhance confidence and motivation. He uses techniques like Harklau, a self-induced hypnosis method, to help individuals shift their focus and perspective.
• The Importance of Self-Awareness and Self-Improvement: Shoreman stresses that mental coaching is not about control, but about empowering individuals to take control of their own minds and achieve their full potential. He believes that the process involves self-discovery, self-awareness, and continuous self-improvement.

The Mental Side of Training and Coaching

• The Importance of a Strong Trainer-Fighter Relationship: Shoreman believes that a positive and supportive relationship between a trainer and fighter is essential for success. He emphasizes that a good trainer should be a mentor, providing not only technical guidance but also emotional support and encouragement.
• The Impact of Contentious Trainer-Fighter Relationships: Shoreman highlights the negative impact of contentious relationships between trainers and fighters. He suggests that these strained dynamics can create mental distractions and sabotage performance. He believes that fighters need a sense of trust and security within their training environment.
• The Role of Passion and Commitment: Shoreman emphasizes the importance of passion and commitment in both coaching and fighting. He believes that a good coach must genuinely care about their fighters’ well-being and be invested in their success. This genuine interest fuels the motivation to help fighters achieve their goals.
• The Evolution of Mental Coaching in Combat Sports: Shoreman reflects on the evolution of mental coaching in combat sports, noting that it has become increasingly recognized as a crucial component of success. He believes that mental training will become a standard element of fighter training camps in the future.

Other Provocative Topics

• Weight Cutting in Boxing and MMA: Shoreman discusses the dangers of weight cutting, particularly in boxing, highlighting the risk of dehydration and head trauma. He suggests that the extreme weight cuts that some fighters endure can significantly impair their performance and increase the risk of serious injuries.
• Performance Enhancing Drugs in MMA: Shoreman acknowledges that performance-enhancing drugs are prevalent in MMA due to the demanding nature of the sport. He explains that the need to excel in multiple disciplines, such as striking, grappling, and conditioning, puts immense pressure on fighters, leading some to seek a performance edge through illegal substances.
• The Psychology of Cults: Shoreman explores the psychology of cults, highlighting the methods used to control and manipulate individuals. He discusses the documentary “Going Clear,” which exposes the practices of Scientology and raises questions about the ethical implications of such belief systems.
• The Placebo Effect and Deception: Shoreman discusses the placebo effect and the challenges of discerning genuine healing from deception. He expresses his concern about individuals who exploit people’s vulnerabilities and anxieties for financial gain, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices in mind coaching and other healing modalities.

5 Memorable Quotes

• “Hypnosis is real. It definitely works. You definitely go under.” – Shoreman emphasizes the reality of hypnosis and its ability to induce altered states of consciousness.
• “The reason why I was gonna bring that up because I think that fighting in particular is probably the most difficult of all chosen endeavors outside of being a soldier.” – Shoreman emphasizes the mental and physical demands of fighting, comparing it to the intense experiences of soldiers.
• “Fight someone in the changing rooms sometimes. Thanks a lot at a time, you know.” – Shoreman humorously describes the intense mental battles fighters face, even before stepping into the ring.
• “They define themselves with their past failures, even though they’ve learned from those mistakes.” – Shoreman highlights the common human tendency to allow past failures to define their identity, even when they have learned and grown from those experiences.
• “It’s the art of hitting and not getting hit. Who the fuck is better?” – Shoreman expresses his admiration for Floyd Mayweather’s boxing technique, recognizing him as one of the best defensive fighters of all time.