Training alongside Monique for two years, the only thoughts I ever had were about how she was so confident and how she was so talented and fit and one of the best fighters I had ever seen, but in reality she had inner struggles and doubts the six months leading up to the competition that fellow fighters were not aware of, and was putting in so much effort outside of the gym that wasnt acknowledged. This goes to show that even champions who live and breathe their sports may not always be as calm as they may seem on the surface.
Integrated Combat Centre student Monique Henderson took home the National Champion title at the WAKO Kickboxing competition on the 26th of May, 2019. Although it was all laughs and smiles as photos were taken, Monique describes the mental and physical obstacles she faced leading up to the competition that were hidden from those who trained alongside her.
“I had been training 11 times a week, I would run 5km every morning or be training at the gym.”
– Monique Henderson
Monique had dropped two weight classes and lost seven kilos in six months due to the dieting and intense training she had gone through and had described it as a big challenge especially trying to stay motivated and keep and positive mindset when she was undergoing such drastic changes in her lifestyle. Monique had a nutritionist, was getting massages and was doing some form of exercise everyday whilst also trying to avoid injuries.
“I was looking at not getting injured but also getting in enough fuel for a good workout whilst also loosing the weight.”
Monique trains at the Integrated Combat Centre with instructors Mario San Giorgio and Ann-Maree Awad and described that sometimes even when she was training at their gym, it would take a toll on her mentally. When undergoing sparring sessions, she would often try to imagine herself in the competition but would be disheartened if she took too many hits thinking it would effect her when the competition day came.
“I would think that was the person I would be versing and when I would take too many hits and knew I was loosing in that environment, it was devastating for me, I would leave the gym crying.”
A month out was when the emotional and mental struggles kicked in and Monique struggled the most. During this time Monique focused on what needed improving at the time, putting herself through uncomfortable situations in order to ensure she would be in the best mental and physical state pre competition to be able to perform the best she could.
Ann-Maree Awad often trains with Monique at the gym and was very encouraging during the time Monique spent preparing for the competition. Ann-Maree understood the hardships and pressure Monique was under so she provided constant support whenever Monique needed it.
“I was able to witness the constant pressures and hardships she went through. At the same time, it was also very inspiring to see her push to new limits, set goals, and meet new expectations.”
– Ann-Maree Awad
“I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in her skills and confidence when teaching and fighting in class. She now pushes others to new limits and has a never give up attitude.”
Ann-Maree and Monique still train together today and have both improved drastically since training for the competition. Monique now assists in teaching others stills and assisting those who may not be as confident when fighting or even training and learning new skills. She has become a role model for the rest of the students at the gym and hopes to continue competing in the future.
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