The Mindset of a Champion:
What does it mean to be a true champion? It means having an unwavering commitment and burning desire to win, no matter what obstacles stand in your way. This concept is encapsulated in the phrase “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”, which comes from Matthew 26:41 in the Bible. In this passage, Jesus spoke about his struggles with temptation and how he overcame them through prayer and faith.
The same idea applies to fight sports such as boxing, MMA, and Muay Thai. Becoming a champion in these disciplines requires more than physical strength; it also requires mental toughness and resilience. Fighters must have an unshakeable belief in themselves and their abilities, even when faced with adversity or pain. They must push past their physical limitations and stay focused on their goals.
One example of this mindset can be seen in the career of Muay Thai fighter Saenchai Sinbimuaythai. Despite being smaller than most opponents, Saenchai has achieved tremendous success by relying on his technical skill and mental fortitude rather than brute strength. He has said that he draws inspiration from Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:41, believing that if Jesus could overcome temptation, so can he.
In addition to drawing inspiration from biblical quotes like Matthew 26:41, fighters can also learn valuable lessons from Jesus’ strategies for maintaining focus and determination when facing challenges or temptations. For example, Jesus often prayed for strength during difficult times (Matthew 14:23). Similarly, fighters should take time each day to reflect on their goals and pray for guidance as they strive towards them.
Finally, there are countless stories of fighters who have exemplified this mindset throughout history—from Muhammad Ali’s famous quote, “I am the greatest”, to Mike Tyson’s refusal to give up despite overwhelming odds against him—these stories serve as a reminder that anything is possible with enough dedication and hard work.
At its core, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” speaks to our human nature—we all face temptations that can pull us away from our goals if we let them. But by developing a strong spirit through prayer and faith, we can overcome any challenge life throws at us—just like Jesus did—and become true champions in whatever field we choose to pursue.
TRUST | EMPOWER | TRANSFORM 