At just 22 years old, Aymen Achnine has already achieved impressive success in the world of Taekwondo. With four national championships to his name, Aymen is currently ranked 33rd globally and is captain of the Dutch national team. As he sets his sights on the Olympics, Aymen shares how mental training and innovative tools like alphabeats have become integral to his preparation and performance. Let’s delve into his journey, the role of mental fitness in sports, and how alphabeats has helped him stay focused and calm under pressure.
Aymen, can you tell us a bit about your journey in Taekwondo?
Absolutely. I started practicing Taekwondo when I was just six years old. By the age of 15, I began competing internationally and then at 17 I joined the Dutch national team. Now, at 22, my focus is on reaching the Olympics.
That’s impressive! How did you get involved with alphabeats, and what has it done for your training?
I started using alphabeats in January of 2024. It measures my brainwaves and trains my mind to be more consistently in an alpha brainwave state. It’s been a game-changer. It hasn’t just helped me stay focused, even more importantly, it has helped me recognize when I’m distracted so I can get back on track quickly. It’s also been great for tracking my stress and fatigue levels, so I know when my performance or training might dip and why.
How does alphabeats fit into your daily training routine?
I use alphabeats at least once per day, before training and sparring sessions to get into the right mental state. I also use it in recovery mode before bedtime, though I admit that can be more challenging for me to incorporate. I am just so used to being in an active state that it can be hard to allow myself to relax. However, I do know how important it is to set the stage for restorative sleep so I am consciously working on that part.
Can you share more about the mental challenges you face in Taekwondo and how you address them?
Like most competitive sports, Taekwondo is both physically demanding and mentally challenging. You have to process a lot of information quickly, anticipate your opponent’s moves, and react accordingly. alphabeats has helped me stay focused and recognize distractions faster. Staying calm and focused, especially during competitions, is crucial. It’s about finding calm in the chaos.
We’ve heard a lot more in recent years about the intense pressures and impact on mental health of professional sports. What role does mental health play in your training and competitions?
Mental health is incredibly important. In sports, people often see emotions as a weakness, but they’re a fundamental part of competing at a high level. I’ve learned to manage my emotions better and recognize when I need to take a step back. Open discussions about mental health are vital, and I believe it should be supported among athletes.
You mentioned that you’ve had to overcome some significant challenges in your journey to where you are today. Can you elaborate on those?
Yes, competing at this level comes with a lot of pressure and expectations. Injuries can be a big setback, and dealing with losses is part of the journey. Over the last two years, I’ve won a lot, but it hasn’t always been easy. It’s important to have a strong support system and to be open about the challenges you’re facing. Sometimes it’s easy to hide what you’re going through, but that only makes things harder.
How has alphabeats specifically helped you in competitions?
alphabeats has helped me stay calm and composed during competitions. For example, in one of my recent fights, I started behind by 8 points. For some context there, in Taekwondo, you are considered too behind to win if you are behind by 12 points. In the past, I would have dealt with that point deficit a lot more emotionally. I would have been like a bull in a china shop trying to just earn and land points. But instead I was able to stay calm and cool and managed to strategically score my way back, winning 13-10 in the end. And in the next match, I won it with a clean 12-0. I credit my alphabeats training in helping me stay focused and not rush into emotions. Recognizing distractions and getting back to focus quickly has made a big difference.
What’s next for you in your Taekwondo journey?
My ultimate goal is to compete in the Olympics. I’m continuously working on improving both my physical and mental game. alphabeats will definitely remain a part of my training routine as I prepare for future competitions. I’m also looking forward to building more relationships with other athletes and advocating for mental health awareness in sports.
Any final thoughts or advice for other athletes?
In sports, you will lose more than you win. How you deal with those losses defines your career. Stay focused, manage your mental game as much as you do your physical, and don’t be afraid to show emotions. Support systems are crucial, and tools like alphabeats can make a significant difference. Embrace the mental aspect of training, and remember, true strength lies in the harmony of body and mind.