The Best of the Best with Miriam Nakamoto

The best of the best…what comes to mind when you hear that phrase? If you’re someone who is extremely confident and believes you're the best, then perhaps you are. Or maybe your well educated or at a place in your life where you can say, “I’m better at being me now than I was in the past." And maybe that makes you the best as a unique individual. For me personally, I've always been fascinated with people whom in my opinion seem like the “best of the best.” They may not necessarily know this but their skill level, experience, accomplishments etc… makes them. Or they may be in a place where I would like to be or they may inspire me to reset my goals. The point that I’m trying to make is last weekend I had a great opportunity to train with, in my opinion the “best of the best.” When it comes to female Muay Thai fighters, Miriam Nakamoto  has a fighting record of 15-0 with 6 KO's and several title belts. From watching her fights, I knew right away that she is very talented at what she does and her confidence shows her ability in the ring. She moves with grace, ease and rhythm, it’s her unique fighting style. Training with her and watching her teach me how to throw kicks, punches and knees correctly was awkward at times because I felt like I had two left arms and feet. But watching her perform the movements was very graceful and effortless. This was no surprise since she has been fighting for over a decade. Fighting is a violent sport but she does it with great skill, technique and the knowledge knowing that if she does not perform at her best she could get injured.

From my experience training with Miriam at Combat Sports Academy in Dublin CA, it was a very humbling experience but also motivating and inspiring. And to be honest there were times when I wanted to give up and there were times when I was sparring with Miriam when I became very intimidated  and distracted meaning I had to keep my mind focused on what she taught me and utilize those skills in the ring verses wanting to do a 50 mph dash out of the ring lol. Out of this whole experience, I couldn’t help but to think back to this past June when my family and I did our yearly trip up to Huntington Lake where I always try to challenge myself at doing something new. Whether it’s rock climbing, hiking at a high elevation, experiencing heights with no fear or going on solo hikes. For me as time passes, I’m gaining a greater understanding of what I’m capable of and what I’m not. . However, the "nots" shouldn't  be used as a block or telling myself, “you can’t achieve that.” It’s a time when I reflect back on people whom I know are achievers or in my eyes are the “best of the best.” And in my opinion the ones who are the “best of the best,” don’t make that claim. They just view themselves as doing the best they can do as individuals. 

In closing my thoughts are, everyone should try to be the “best of the best.” Meaning the best you can be and not set unrealistic goals but at the same time don’t limit yourself. In the end, you will be surprised what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it and allow others to inspire you.