OUR PHILOSOPHY

The Elite Goalies philosophy is centered around our mission of improving goalies through the same historic teachings of the Martial Arts. By teaching goalies how to stay balanced psychologically, they are able to better control their environment and execute their technique on a more consistent basis. We stress the power of the mind in order to increase the power of the body.

THE MARTIAL ARTS PHILOSOPHY

The purpose of Martial Arts training is to improve a student’s ability to understand who they are, both internally and externally. At its core, Martial Arts teaches a student how to master their mind. When faced with a multitude of different situations and confrontations, students are taught to stay calm and make the best choice possible in order to better deal with adversity.

Through the continued practice of Martial Arts, students become more aware of what they think, and more importantly, why they think. Finally, Martial Arts stresses the importance of consistent effort over time, which is necessary to achieve greatness in anything.

MARTIAL ARTS AND ELITE GOALIES

What makes an athlete an Elite Goalie is the thousands of hours spent learning and understanding how to eliminate the unessential and unnecessary movement patterns within the position. An Elite Goalie has come to understand how to minimize over-thinking and simply play. The mind is clear. The technique is applied through muscle memory. Situations are analyzed with precision and execution is flawless due to a sound mind and body.

The connection between the Martial Arts and Elite Goalies student is found in the power of the mind. In order to master each skill, one must have a sound mind, body and soul. All elements need to work together in order to move and react correctly in all situations. Without mental clarity, the body will not react correctly and mistakes will be made, goals will be allowed and confidence will be lost.

An Elite Goalie student will learn to eliminate the unnecessary thoughts that hold them back from reacting in a natural and effective manner. In this regard, the Elite Goalies philosophy follows the same form and function of Martial Arts philosophy.

THE ART OF ELITE GOALIES

Goaltending is an art, and we are all unique artists. But this skill does not develop overnight. It takes years and years of practice, repetition and a strong work ethic. And since practice makes perfect, how you practice will become habit and that habit will develop consistent muscle memory. If you practice without purpose, the body is unable to perform precisely.

Practice with focus, however, and the correct movements and techniques becomes the norm, which leads to smooth execution on a consistent basis. Without practice, an artist can’t draw what they see in their mind. Without practice, a goalie cannot make the proper save selection that the mind wants to execute. As such, improving both aspects of goaltending and Martial Arts takes plenty of practice.

After a training session, Elite Goalies students are asked to visualize what was done by mentally performing and replaying the physical movements and technique. This helps them remember their exact movements while  also helping them develop the ability to visualize. Since students use their body to learn movements, particularly complex movements, their mind will develop as well. If only the mind is used, the body does not develop, and vice versa. That is why many trainers call martial arts “bodymind training.”

Learning new goaltending techniques, concepts and movements is not easy. Therefore the Elite Goalies coach will strive to fully engage the student’s mind in order to activate the body. Martial Arts methods like breathing, meditation and repetition will help students learn how to focus and slow down time. As time goes on, knowing the purpose or intent of the movement improves the student’s ability to focus, understand, and remember.

“Success is imminent if the student is willing to open their mind and strengthen their mental toughness”
~ Mike Valley

CONFIDENCE IN OUR SYSTEM

If you think you can, you are right. If you think you can’t, you are also right. Elite Goalies teaches students to challenge their previously held beliefs about their potential and their future.

It is important to realize that like a Martial Arts student, the Elite Goalies student should not compare themselves with others. They must display mental clarity and simply work on their own skills, recognizing that is what the practice is for. Our students are urged to let the practice be a way for them to break through their limitations and comfort zone. This allows them to create the opportunity to try new things and gain valuable experience that they wouldn’t get elsewhere. If you trust the system and put in the work success will be imminent. We look forward to working with you.