The Hidden Psychology of Judo Mental Training: What Champions Know
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- Jan 14
- 18 min read
Judo mental training needs split-second psychological readiness that few people ever experience. Judokas must make critical decisions under extreme time pressure during competitions - often in just 100 to 200 milliseconds. Research from 721 judo athletes has shown interesting patterns that reveal how psychology affects performance on the mat.
The difference between champions and average competitors goes beyond physical technique. Our research shows that athletes facing defeat experience higher levels of tension, anger, anxiety, and nervousness. Athletes who perform better have fewer negative emotions and feel more motivated. A well-laid-out 6-week judo training program showed substantial improvements in psychological resilience scores. This proves that proper judo training techniques can boost mental strength. People often see judo as just a physical sport, but developing the right mindset could be the hidden key to creating true champions.
Understanding the Judo Mentality
Judo's psychological side goes way beyond physical techniques. Top judokas work in a mental space where emotions change quickly during matches. They just need to attack and defend while hiding their next move from opponents under intense pressure [1]. Many practitioners don't deal very well with this complex mental challenge that needs specialized preparation.
Why mindset matters in judo
You can't succeed in judo without being mentally ready - no matter your level. Competitors must make split-second decisions (100-200 milliseconds) while facing aggressive opponents [1]. Physical training alone won't help you overcome this unique mental challenge.
Jigoro Kano's two core philosophies are the foundations of judo psychology. "Maximum efficiency" (Seiryoku Zenyo) teaches students to use their mental and physical energy wisely, without wasting it on worry or anger. "Mutual welfare and benefit" (Jita Kyoei) puts community and respect at the heart of mental wellbeing [2].
Mental toughness sets exceptional judokas apart from average ones. Research shows elite judokas share these critical mental traits:
Resilience - Knowing how to push through hardships instead of giving up
Self-confidence - Believing in your abilities and tactical-technical knowledge
Attentional regulation - Your focus moves to what matters most each moment
Emotional regulation - You handle stress and emotions well during competition [3]
On top of that, successful judokas show optimism, self-denial, work discipline, and can handle fatigue and physical pain [3]. These qualities aren't natural gifts - they grow through structured training that builds self-discipline and emotional control.
The largest longitudinal study of previously inactive men proved these mental benefits. After just six weeks of judo training, they showed substantial improvement in psychological resilience, with a large effect size of 1.047 [2]. This proves how proper training methods boost mental toughness.
How mental state affects physical performance
Your mental state directly shapes how you perform on the mat. Successful competitors maintain what sports psychologists call an "iceberg profile" - they stay energetic while keeping negative emotions like tension, anger, fatigue, confusion, and depression in check [3].
The connection between mind and performance is remarkable. Research shows judokas' cortisol levels rise substantially on competition days compared to rest days [1]. Interestingly, pre-competition cortisol levels relate positively to how likely athletes think they'll win. This suggests that stress hormones, combined with motivation and self-confidence, create the right mental state to compete [3].
Athletes who handle anxiety better perform better too. Winners show lower cognitive anxiety levels and more self-confidence than those who lose [3]. They also use different strategies to manage anxiety. Winners score higher on positive re-evaluation while losers depend more on self-blame, wishful thinking, and social support [1].
Training brings psychological benefits as well. Judo practice demands intense focus - a wandering mind leads to being thrown. This builds executive functions like impulse control and attention regulation over time [2]. The belt system helps psychological growth by teaching goal-setting and self-discipline.
Among physically equal athletes, psychological factors often determine who wins. Losing competitors show much more tension, anger, anxiety, and nervousness. Winners experience fewer negative emotions and feel more motivated [3].
The judo mentality works as both foundation and catalyst for physical success. It turns technical knowledge into championship results through mental mastery rather than physical superiority alone.
Mood States and Their Role in Judo
A judoka's competitive experience often comes down to their mood swings. These changes can mean the difference between winning and losing. Studies have shown that successful judokas follow specific emotional patterns that help them perform better. These patterns affect their decision-making and physical performance.
The 'iceberg profile' and performance
The "iceberg profile" is the perfect mental state for athletes who want to curb their opponents. Athletes with this profile show high vigor (positive mood) and low negative emotions (tension, hostility, depression, fatigue, and confusion) [4]. The pattern looks like an iceberg when drawn on a graph. This mental profile helps predict how well athletes will do in judo competitions.
Studies that look at mood states in martial artists show that athletes with this profile consistently perform better than others who don't have it [4]. Judo athletes who show this optimal profile are mentally ready for competition and perform better physically.
The numbers tell an impressive story. Research shows that vigor alone boosts winning chances by 7.37% in male athletes. Tension improves winning probability by 8.86% across all matches [4]. This is a big deal as it means that when vigor, tension, fatigue, and depression are in perfect balance, athletes are 71.55% more likely to win their judo competitions [4].
Effect of fatigue, tension, and vigor
Each mood plays its own part in judo performance:
Tension is a mental state that makes muscles tight [5]. While people often think tension is bad, the right amount actually helps athletes prepare for combat. Winners showed higher pre-match tension levels than those who lost [4].
Physical and mental exhaustion show up as fatigue, which reduces how well athletes can perform [4]. Fatigue and depression often go hand in hand, making it hard to spot mental health issues in combat athletes [4].
Vigor is the only positive mood component, bringing energy, joy, and vitality [5]. Research shows that low vigor significantly reduces chances of winning [2]. High vigor levels are crucial for competitive success. The benefits of vigor go beyond just performance - it helps with injury recovery and psychological resilience too [5].
These moods work together in complex ways. Depression strongly connects with tension, hostility, and confusion, but works against vigor [4]. This connection explains why one bad mood can lead to bigger mental health problems.
Mood changes during weight cuts
Weight management often causes dramatic mood changes in judokas. Studies consistently show that quick weight loss increases negative moods (anger, confusion, tension, depression, and fatigue) and decreases vigor [2]. These effects get worse when athletes lose more than 5% of their body weight per week [6].
The mental toll follows clear patterns. During a week of restricted eating, judokas feel more tense, angry, tired, and confused. Their vigor drops significantly, even though they can still perform physically [4]. In 4-week weight loss programs, both male and female judokas become more confused and less energetic. Female athletes specifically feel more tension [4].
Female and male athletes respond differently to weight cutting. Female athletes usually handle the mental stress of weight loss better than males [2]. This suggests female judokas might have better ways to deal with weight management stress.
Mood disruptions follow a predictable timeline. Tension and confusion peak during weigh-in compared to before or after [7]. These mood changes can affect competition readiness and undo months of physical training through mental deterioration.
Judo mental training works only when coaches pay attention to these mood challenges. They should watch their athletes' mental state, especially during weight cuts. This helps them know when to step in and offer support. Athletes can learn techniques to stay mentally balanced even during stressful weight management, which helps them perform their best when it matters most.
Anxiety in Competition Settings
Competition anxiety looms over many judokas and often makes the difference between winning and losing. Research shows that anxiety works through different paths and affects both mind and body in ways that can change how athletes perform on the mat.
Cognitive vs. somatic anxiety
Anxiety shows up in judo through two different channels that affect performance in unique ways. Cognitive anxiety is all about what goes on in your head—negative thoughts, worries about performance, and self-doubt [8]. The physical side, somatic anxiety, covers bodily reactions like a racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, tense muscles, and shaky limbs [8].
These two types usually show up together but work on their own. Studies of judo competitions tell us that more worry leads to worse performance in a straight line [9]. But physical anxiety works differently—a little bit can help you perform better, while too much makes it hard to execute moves properly [9].
You can see this relationship in hormone studies. Scientists found that salivary cortisol (a stress hormone) lines up closely with both mental and physical anxiety during competitions, with correlation values from 0.62 to 0.90 [1]. This biological evidence proves that anxiety isn't just in your head—it's deeply connected to what's happening in your body.
State vs. trait anxiety explained
The timing and duration of anxiety create another key difference for judokas. State anxiety is a temporary feeling that comes up when you face threatening situations—like an upcoming match [3]. This type comes and goes based on what's happening around you.
Trait anxiety is different—it's part of who you are and how likely you are to see situations as threats [3]. This stays pretty much the same no matter where you are or what you're doing.
Here's something interesting: successful judo competitors tend to have higher trait anxiety along with "type A behavior"—being ambitious, time-conscious, and competitive [1]. But these same champions show less state anxiety right before and during competition [3]. This suggests that good mental training doesn't get rid of anxiety completely—it turns it into a competitive edge instead.
Anxiety follows certain patterns throughout competition day. Research on judokas' hormones shows cortisol levels jump much higher on competition days compared to normal days [1]. National tournaments also bring out more anxiety than local ones, which shows how the stakes affect psychological pressure [1].
How anxiety levels predict match outcomes
Scientists can predict judo match results pretty accurately by looking at anxiety levels. Winners usually show less cognitive anxiety and more self-confidence than those who lose [3]. This connection is so strong that in similar sports like karate and taekwondo, researchers can pick winners 62-79% of the time just by checking pre-match anxiety [8].
Winners and losers handle anxiety differently too. Champions are better at seeing the positive side of stressful situations, while losers tend to blame themselves, hope for the best, or look for support from others [1]. These different ways of dealing with stress likely explain why some physically equal athletes perform so differently.
The "catastrophe model" best explains how anxiety affects judo performance. Once a judoka's anxiety gets too high, their performance doesn't just dip—it falls off a cliff [3]. Korean World Cup judokas say it's very hard to bounce back from these high-anxiety states during competition, and one bad moment often leads to more [3].
Age and gender play a role in anxiety responses. Research shows that mental anxiety goes down as you get older and more experienced [3]. Female judokas report more anxiety than males in most studies [3], but they handle certain stresses like weight cutting better [3].
Mental training remains one of the most overlooked parts of judo preparation. Both science and psychology tell us that developing a proper judo mindset must include specific ways to manage both mental and physical anxiety to perform your best in competition.
Motivation: The Driving Force Behind Champions
Success in judo goes beyond physical strength and technique. Athletes need deep inner drive to push through tough training sessions and intense competitions. Research shows that judokas who are highly motivated have better mental efficiency and are less impulsive than others who lack motivation [10].
Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation
Self-Determination Theory shows how motivation affects performance in judo in different ways. Athletes who practice judo just because they enjoy it have intrinsic motivation. Others who participate because of outside rewards or pressure show extrinsic motivation [11].
Research to explore judokas' motivation reveals interesting patterns. People who do judo for fun often lack motivation, while competitive athletes feel more driven by the thrill of the sport [11]. Competition creates strong emotions that keep athletes committed to judo.
Judokas train mainly because they love the exciting feelings from sports and want to get better at difficult moves. External pressure isn't their main driver [11]. This matches broader research that shows self-driven motivation improves sports performance and helps people stay active [12].
Coach autonomy and athlete drive
Coaches play a key role in shaping how athletes stay motivated. Research clearly shows that when coaches support autonomy, young judokas become more self-motivated [10]. Athletes feel more driven when their coaches value their input and praise independent behavior [12].
A clear pattern emerges: coach support for autonomy connects to athletes' overall self-motivation in judo. This motivation then carries over to specific tournaments [13]. Coaches who lead democratically rather than like dictators help build more independent and self-driven athletes [14].
Good autonomy support includes:
Understanding athletes' thoughts and feelings
Letting athletes make choices
Reducing pressure and control [14]
In stark comparison to this common belief, motivation isn't just about getting inspired—it needs discipline and drive. Olympic Silver medalist Travis Stevens says his career got better when he moved from wanting medals to loving technique [15].
Peer and parental influence on motivation
Teammates play a big role in keeping motivation high, especially during tough times. One athlete puts it well: "I want to play every year not because of my coaches but because of my teammates... those relationships affect my drive and motivate me to stay" [16]. When peers create an environment focused on improvement, athletes stick with judo longer [13].
The biggest difference between athletes who stay and those who quit comes down to how they see their coaches and teammates' approach to training [13]. Peer relationships become extra important during teenage years when social connections really matter for staying in sports.
Parents also shape motivation in important ways. Research shows parents have three key roles: they provide support, help interpret experiences, and serve as role models [2]. Parents who balance high expectations with support help create the most successful athletes [2].
A judoka's motivation changes over time. Athletes who train longer often want to learn more about judo and find new techniques [11]. Good mental training needs to adapt to these changing needs throughout an athlete's journey to keep them committed and excellent.
Mental Toughness and Resilience in Elite Judokas
A champion judoka's success comes from more than just physical skill. Their mental strength builds the foundation that sets them apart. This mental toughness helps athletes use their training effectively when it matters most [4]. Even when technical skills match up, it's what separates the best from the rest.
What defines mental toughness in judo
Mental toughness in judo brings together many psychological traits that work as one. Research describes it as "the presence of some or the entire collection of experientially developed and inherent values, attitudes, emotions, cognitions and behaviors" that shape how people handle tough situations [4].
Research shows mentally tough judokas share these key traits:
Self-confidence - Belief in one's abilities and tactical knowledge
Resilience - Knowing how to keep going when things get tough
Emotional regulation - Keeping negative emotions in check during matches
Self-motivation - Taking initiative and setting personal goals
Attentional regulation - Focusing on what matters at each moment
Work discipline - Getting things done to reach goals
Tolerance to fatigue and pain - Pushing through discomfort in training and competition [4]
The best judokas score much higher in mental toughness tests than others [10]. Olympic medalist Travis Stevens puts a fresh spin on mental toughness: "being present during discomfort and actively learning" instead of just dealing with physical pain [17]. This shows how much thinking matters in the sport.
Combativity and emotional regulation
Combativity stands out as a unique mental trait that defines judokas [10]. You can see it when athletes dominate their opponents with an aggressive, energetic fighting style that disrupts their opponent's game plan [10]. It's mental strength in action - a powerful fighting approach that stays tactically smart.
Top judokas know how to control their emotions and perform well no matter what happens. One Olympic champion said it best: "Within the winning athletes, world and Olympic champions, for some it's just another day at the office" [4]. They can push aside useless thoughts and negative feelings like anger, fear, and anxiety that might hurt their performance [4].
Research proves that practicing judo helps build emotional control. A six-week judo training program showed big improvements in psychological resilience with an effect size of 0.886 [18]. This means well-planned judo mental training naturally builds emotional strength.
Resilience as a buffer against stress
Psychological resilience lets judokas adapt and stay positive when facing tough times [19]. Athletes with stronger resilience handle negative emotions better. They see stressful situations as challenges they can overcome rather than threats [19].
Research shows that support from others helps young judo athletes build psychological resilience by easing depression symptoms [19]. Young judokas who feel supported show more confidence and bounce back better from training and competition challenges [19].
Judokas typically score high in resilience, reaching 33.08 points on the CD-RISC 10 scale [20]. Male judokas score higher (33.36 points) than females (32.53 points) [20]. Elite competitors show much more resilience than others, even when other factors are the same [20].
Age and experience help develop mental toughness. Researchers found that gender differences come from social expectations, while older athletes show more mental toughness thanks to maturity and training [10]. Studies also show that psychological resilience grows with age and years of practice [20]. This suggests mental strength builds up throughout a judoka's career.
The Psychological Impact of Weight Management
Weight management is one of the toughest mental challenges a judoka faces in competition. The quickest way to lose weight might help you make weight, but it takes a huge mental toll that can throw off even the most skilled athletes.
Emotional effects of rapid weight loss
Losing weight in judo triggers many negative psychological responses. Research shows that rapid weight loss (RWL) makes people more angry, confused, tense, depressed, and tired while reducing their energy levels [5]. These effects get worse especially when you have to cut more than 5% of your body weight in a week [5].
The psychological symptoms you experience during rapid weight loss are both wide-ranging and severe:
Reduced energy (91%) – This is the biggest problem athletes report [21]
Concentration problems/confusion – Most judokas mention this as their second biggest issue [21]
Irritability (57.14%) – This makes it hard to work with others [22]
Reduced motivation (40%) – This hurts your training quality [22]
Tension (38.57%) – This creates mental discomfort [22]
Judokas who go through rapid weight loss feel much more anxious, depressed, angry, and tired. They also struggle with attention and self-control [6]. This is a big deal as it means that these issues don't just make you uncomfortable—they hurt your thinking ability and can affect both your performance and overall health.
Gender differences in psychological response
Male and female judokas react differently to weight management mentally. Male judokas' Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score goes up a lot after they lose weight [7]. Female judokas, however, might feel less angry and depressed after weight reduction [7].
This difference comes from when the stress hits hardest. Female judokas usually feel anxious about losing weight before they start the process [7]. Male judokas feel the most stress during the actual weight loss [7].
Female athletes handle the mental stress of weight cuts better than males [10]. Their anger, confusion, depression, tension, and TMD scores often drop after weight reduction [7]. This suggests female athletes might be better equipped to handle the stress of cutting weight.
Mood disturbance and performance
Your mood changes during weight cuts can directly affect whether you win or lose. Athletes who lose their matches feel more tense, angry, anxious, and nervous, while those who perform better feel less negative and more motivated [10].
Rapid weight loss increases the total mood disturbance in both senior and junior judokas [10]. While these mood changes often relate to worse performance, it's not always that simple. Athletes who cut weight more often actually show less anger and fatigue [6], which suggests you might get better at handling it over time.
The mental challenges don't stop after weigh-ins. About 65.71% of athletes binge eat after weigh-ins, and this happens more with bigger weight cuts [22]. On top of that, many athletes feel uncomfortable during competition because they eat too much (55.71%) or too little (41.43%) [22]. This shows how weight management affects more than just your physical state.
Judo mental training must tackle these weight-related psychological challenges head-on. The best training techniques should keep track of athletes' mental state during weight cuts to spot problems early. Until we develop specific strategies to help judokas handle the mental stress of weight management, many athletes will keep struggling with performance issues they could avoid.
Coach-Athlete Relationship and Psychological Safety
The psychological development in judo depends heavily on the bond between coaches and judokas. Studies show that the quality of coach-athlete relationships positively affects judokas' mental well-being through social support and psychological safety [23]. This dynamic connection shapes both performance and the athlete's mental health experience.
The 3+1Cs model of relationship quality
Three essential components define the coach-athlete relationship in the 3+1Cs model: Closeness, Commitment, and Complementarity [24]. The emotional bond of trust, respect, and appreciation makes up Closeness. An athlete's steadfast dedication to maintain the relationship becomes a key factor that drives long-term development. The quality of cooperation and shared goals between coaches and judokas represents Complementarity [25].
Athletes who rate their relationships positively show better sport performance, fewer injuries, higher perceived abilities, and greater happiness [25]. Poor coach-athlete relationships, however, lead to increased burnout symptoms, which shows how these relationships affect mental health outcomes.
How support systems affect mental well-being
Strong social support builds psychological resilience in judo athletes. Research shows that support from coaches, teammates, friends, and family helps judokas stay mentally resilient and balanced [19]. This support network acts as a protective buffer that eases stress-related effects on mental health.
Young judokas benefit from social support that boosts their psychological resilience by reducing depression symptoms [19]. Age plays a role in this dynamic, as support needs change through different developmental phases [19]. Younger athletes need more external support, which calls for age-specific mental health approaches.
Creating a psychologically safe training space
A psychologically safe environment lets judokas talk about mental health openly without fear of judgment or consequences. The British Judo Association outlines key principles to create this environment: empowerment, safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and cultural consideration [26].
Coaches who lead authentically play a crucial role in building psychological safety. Their human communication, balanced coaching, and sincere attitude encourage trust through consistent behavior [27]. This approach helps athletes embrace common goals and develop better self-management skills.
Research reveals that 34% of young elite athletes face emotionally harmful treatment from coaches or trainers [25]. This includes yelling, belittlement, degrading comments, and intimidation - problems more common in individual sports like judo than team sports. These abusive practices should never become normal in judo mental training. The link between coaching methods and athlete well-being remains clear, even among the mentally toughest competitors.
Age, Gender, and Experience: Psychological Variations
Judokas show distinct psychological profiles that change based on demographics. These differences create unique mental training needs for different groups of athletes. Coaches need to understand these variations to design better psychological interventions.
How age influences anxiety and confidence
Research shows that older judokas tend to feel less anxious than younger athletes [3]. Experienced jiu-jitsu competitors show much lower anxiety levels compared to newcomers [3]. This pattern appears common in combat sports, where older athletes usually have better emotional control.
Psychological resilience grows stronger as judokas age. Research data points to a strong link between age and higher resilience scores in judo athletes [9]. This makes sense because older athletes have faced more challenges in both their personal lives and sports careers [9].
Gender-based differences in mental toughness
Male judokas score higher in resilience tests (33.36 points) than female athletes (32.53 points) [9]. All the same, female athletes often handle specific pressures like weight cutting better [7]. Female competitors feel less angry and depressed after cutting weight, while male athletes often struggle more with mood swings [7].
Men and women experience psychological stress differently. Female judokas tend to worry before they start cutting weight, while male athletes feel more stressed during the actual process [7]. Young female competitors report higher anxiety levels than their male counterparts in multiple studies [3].
Experience level and psychological adaptation
Experience shapes psychological profiles more than age or gender. Athletes who spend more years practicing and competing in judo show better resilience scores [9]. Elite "TOP" judokas prove much more resilient than non-elite competitors [9].
The age when athletes start training or their weekly practice hours don't seem to affect psychological resilience [9]. This suggests that real competition experience, not just training time, builds mental toughness. Athletes develop their championship mindset through these competitive challenges.
Conclusion
The hidden psychology of judo shows why mental strength sets champions apart from average competitors. Many see judo as just physical, but elite judokas know better. Mental mastery often decides who wins when athletes are physically matched. Winners show the "iceberg profile" with high vigor and fewer negative emotions. Losers struggle with tension, anger, and anxiety.
Champions need years to build their psychological edge. They show remarkable self-confidence, resilience, and emotional control that help them make split-second decisions under pressure. These qualities come from well-laid-out training that builds self-discipline and emotional strength.
Winners handle anxiety differently than others. They see stress as a challenge to overcome, while losers blame themselves and hope for the best. Their motivation comes from within, focused on mastering techniques rather than chasing medals.
Making weight is the biggest mental challenge judokas face. Quick weight loss can trigger negative thoughts that throw off even skilled athletes. Female competitors adapt better to weight cutting than males. Coaches should understand these gender differences.
A strong bond between coach and athlete shapes mental growth. Good relationships lead to better performance, fewer injuries, and happier athletes. Athletes need to feel safe enough to talk about mental struggles without judgment.
Experience makes athletes mentally tougher. Older judokas stay calmer and control their emotions better than younger ones. This mental growth comes from quality competition time, not just hours of training.
Mental training remains overlooked in judo despite its vital role. Athletes who work on their mental game along with physical skills build a foundation for success. When two equally skilled judokas meet on the mat, the one with stronger mental fortitude usually wins.
Key Takeaways on Judo Mental Training
Elite judokas understand that psychological mastery often determines victory when physical skills are equal. Mental training isn't optional—it's the hidden foundation that separates champions from average competitors.
• Mental state directly impacts physical performance: Winners maintain the "iceberg profile" with high vigor and low negative emotions, while losers experience increased tension, anger, and anxiety during competition.
• Anxiety management separates champions from competitors: Successful judokas use positive re-evaluation strategies when facing stress, while losers rely on self-blame and wishful thinking.
• Weight cutting creates severe psychological challenges: Rapid weight loss triggers cascading negative mood changes that can derail performance, with females showing better psychological adaptation than males.
• Coach-athlete relationships fundamentally shape mental development: Positive coaching relationships correlate with improved performance, lower injury rates, and better mental health outcomes.
• Experience builds psychological resilience over time: Older, more experienced judokas display significantly lower anxiety and greater emotional regulation than younger competitors.
The research reveals that proper judo mental training must address mood management, anxiety regulation, and psychological safety to unlock championship potential. When technical skills are comparable, the judoka with superior mental fortitude almost always prevails on the mat.
References
[1] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3772577/[2] - https://ijersc.org/index.php/go/article/download/217/213/1583[3] - https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/4/2093[4] - https://www.redalyc.org/journal/2270/227068106006/html/[5] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S116290882300066X[6] - https://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2025/vol12issue4/PartF/12-4-58-551.pdf[7] - http://www.bath.ac.uk/sports/judoresearch/Full texts/gender differences.pdf[8] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10525228/[9] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11321973/[10] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8871700/[11] - https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/16/6567[12] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3737975/[13] - https://www.milsport.one/site/Secrets-of-Judo-Psychology-fr-17487-2.html[14] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S146902920600118X[15] - https://judofanatics.com/blogs/news/motivation-to-application-with-travis-stevens?srsltid=AfmBOoqyRVuOAM3Z82KC2c54-s3KNOkSViCW9V57b41HpUAVkOJydmoC[16] - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311886.2024.2392023[17] - https://judofanatics.com/blogs/news/the-mental-game-with-travis-stevens?srsltid=AfmBOor04i1tZw7G8dibfc1YEFTlgTW0pSHXzQ3q3rwZrWbYioqmb1ch[18] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12305810/[19] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12457420/[20] - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1440412/full[21] - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15502783.2022.2099231[22] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41470908/[23] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40185177/[24] - https://www.ovid.com/journals/psyse/fulltext/10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102909~25-years-of-relationship-research-in-sport-the-quality-of[25] - https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/10.1024/2674-0052/a000071[26] - https://www.britishjudo.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Trauma-Informed-Coaching-and-Clubs-1.pdf[27] - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17479541231190036