Mario Reis Reveals The Special Energy That Will Make Meregali Absolute Champion
Mario Reis spoke to us about the energy and mindset that he believes will make Nicholas Meregali into the next absolute world champion.
The Alliance Porto Alegre coach revealed how he has guided and helped shape the young black belt into a world champion, and how only getting bronze at the 2018 Worlds has only made him even more motivated.
Go inside the gym and see Meregali train, see his best moments from the 2019 Brazilian Nationals, hear from Mario Reis and more in this video.
"Internally Nicholas always had an absurd energy he couldn't direct, so for many years we worked together on his spirituality. He sought that for many years. It solidified his soul in such a way that he found his best version, or his light in a way he could shine during years at Worlds.
"However, a switch happened after 2018 Worlds. when he lost it aroused a rebellion in his mind because he really possesses a very special energy. When he got all of that rebellion of being third in the absolute and channeled it to his dream, I believe that's the way of life.
"Because when you channel your rebel nature to your dream, to something you seek, with confidence because you found out who your are in those moments and learned how to drive / direct it you are ready to face the worst and you are ready for every situation on the mat or in life.
"I believe Nicholas current phase is the apex of his career and he will rise higher. Because it is not just about him paying the price, he pays more than what I require him to pay.
"His willpower and his power through everything he sought over those years, I believe he will be the next absolute champion 2019.
"I believe when we talk about a human being's best version is a human being with plenitude, completeness, peace of mind, learning to manage their emotions, and Nicholas always had the genius to deal with all of that.
"I believe the human being Nicholas is a very special being and the athlete Nicholas, not that it is a duality but when we are fighting, and many misinterpret, you will never be something you don't believe you are.
"So you will never be the guy, you will never be the champion if before you don't think you are inside your head. You have to think you are best, and there is nothing wrong with that. But it is a little bit aggressive for people who do not understand it, and sound arrogant and maybe superior in a way. But thats confidence, it's not personal with other athletes, has to do with believing in yourself 100%.
"So Nicholas becomes a warrior who uses all of his hunger and his greed to get where he wants. It is not possible for someone to become champion without using the anger, in a good way, it is not possible. Many are not aware but use it. Nicholas already learned how to do it.
"Hyper focus in union with this hunger makes him get where he wants. Everybody feels fear at the competition, but the only thing that makes you overcome this fear that comes as anxiety is having the consciousness that you are ready for anything.
"Because if you are not ready to face the worst you will never overcome fear at the competition because it involves adrenaline, and that load is only managed by someone who actually knows how to do it with excellence, and that person is Nicholas."