Intent. This simple expression can mean the difference between a good fighter and an exceptional fighter. It can inspire you while simultaneously instilling doubt in your opponent. It can push you to a higher standard in your abilities and make you want to strive for more. And it all starts with the eyes. What is intent? For this article, I will define intent as the generation of presence and focus in the mind, as if dealing with a stressful, real life situation. It is a psychological state of mind that must be developed so that it becomes second nature when under stressful situations. Why is that important? Going through the motions when training will never prepare you for a real life encounter. Even in friendly “tests of skill”, intent can train you to bring out your best rather than to settle for less.

What does it have to do with the eyes? Well this is primarily from whence your outward expression of intent will emanate.
For me, it all started when I used to be part of the tournament scene and I would train for fights. I was a timid, shy person by nature and even though I liked martial arts, I used to feel intimidated by fights. It wasn’t because I didn’t think I was good, but because I would get scared of the older teens. They would stare at me with such ferocity that I would panic. I could not understand what made them “hate” me so much that they could stare at me with such angry expressions. After one such encounter with a person, I realized that they didn’t hate me at all. They simply had trained themselves to outwardly express their intent towards me. I realized that I too needed to train intent. Not just to outwardly express it, but to feel it on the inside as well.

I started by staring at myself in the mirror, furrowing my eyebrows trying to “intimidate” myself. It was funny at first, but with time, it became comfortable. I started to train with the same look I developed in the mirror and I found myself pushing harder and performing better. Finally, I started fighting with that “look” of intent and I began to notice my opponents became unsteady and nervous. I could actually see their facial expression become fearful at times. I didn’t feel any real anger towards anyone, nor hate, nor an uncontrollable want to hurt. I just felt more confidence in my ability. I also felt that even if my ability was less than that of my opponent, I had the intent to push myself to higher standards.

Intent distinguishes you from the rest of the pack. Once developed, people can actually “see” your intent and be effected by it psychologically. Try it out for a week. Look in a mirror and, in your mind, place yourself in a stressful situation. Watch your facial expression change. That “look” that you see will be your “face of intent.” Train with it, fight with it, and write us back to let us know if you feel any benefits. I guarantee that if given a chance, you’ll feel a change for the better in yourself, and a change in the expressions of your opponents.

That’s my rave and I am outta here.