The Fighting Brain

en en The Fighting Brain The Fighting Brain is the English-language extension of the successful German podcast Nervenstark. The content remains the same: a deep focus on brain-based training for martial artists and fighters with elite ambitions. The goal is to understand how performance really works under pressure not just physically, but mentally and neurologically. This podcast explores how the brain controls perception, decision-making, and movement in combat sports, and how these processes can be trained in a structured and practical way. It connects neuroscience, neuroathletics, and real fighting performance, translating complex ideas into usable insights for fighters and coaches. https://www.laraschwab.com/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:15:02 +0200 Lara Schwab yes https://lcdn.letscast.fm/media/podcast/fbcf0b66/artwork-3000x3000.png?t=1782904833 The Fighting Brain https://www.laraschwab.com/ Lara Schwab LetsCast.fm (https://letscast.fm) Brain-based training for martial artists with elite ambitions. Lara Schwab episodic

https://letscast.fm/podcasts/the-fighting-brain-1e216c4e/feed

Brain-based training, combat sports, neuroscience, functional neurology, martial artist, performance, brain Lara Schwab hallo@lara-schwab-nervenstark.de no no no Lara Schwab The Fighting Brain is the English-language extension of the successful German podcast Nervenstark. The content remains the same: a deep focus on brain-based training for martial artists and fighters with elite ambitions. The goal is to understand how performance really works under pressure not just physically, but mentally and neurologically. This podcast explores how the brain controls perception, decision-making, and movement in combat sports, and how these processes can be trained in a structured and practical way. It connects neuroscience, neuroathletics, and real fighting performance, translating complex ideas into usable insights for fighters and coaches. no no 01b0208633dc41e9b9c846d3fe90b4db #6: When Fighting Becomes Your Identity What happens when being a fighter becomes more than a sport – when it becomes part of your identity? In this episode, I explore how fighter identity can influence perception, behavior, pressure, injuries and setbacks, and what the nervous system has to do with it. Because a fighter is more than their performance. ]]> Sun, 30 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0200 What happens when being a fighter becomes more than a sport – when it becomes part of your identity? In this episode, I explore how fighter identity can influence perception, behavior, pressure, injuries and setbacks, and what the nervous system has to do with it. Because a fighter is more than their performance. ]]> https://www.laraschwab.com/ #6: When Fighting Becomes Your Identity 00:21:55 Lara Schwab 7 full What happens when being a fighter becomes more than a sport – when it becomes part of your identity? In this episode, I explore how fighter identity can influence perception, behavior, pressure, injuries and setbacks, and what the nervous system has to do with it. Because a fighter is more than their performance. ]]> combat sports, sports neuroscience, athletic performance, boxing performance, neuroscience, perception training, braintraining, nervous system, brain body connection, elite fighters, MMA training, MMA performance, brain-based training, applied neuroscience, awareness, combat sports performance no no no no 87f779b84f984c109ad7b1a7bedd6419 #5: Reflexive Stability: The Foundation of Movement Under Pressure What happens when your opponent suddenly pulls, pushes, or disrupts your balance?

In this episode, we explore reflexive stability — the nervous system’s ability to rapidly respond to unexpected changes and keep the body organized.

Why is this so important in combat sports? Because real fights are unpredictable. You need to stabilize, adapt, and move without having to consciously control every part of your body.

A closer look at the connection between sensory information, automatic postural responses, adaptability, and performance under pressure.

More Information and Website:
https://www.laraschwab.com/

]]> Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0200 What happens when your opponent suddenly pulls, pushes, or disrupts your balance?

In this episode, we explore reflexive stability — the nervous system’s ability to rapidly respond to unexpected changes and keep the body organized.

Why is this so important in combat sports? Because real fights are unpredictable. You need to stabilize, adapt, and move without having to consciously control every part of your body.

A closer look at the connection between sensory information, automatic postural responses, adaptability, and performance under pressure.

More Information and Website:
https://www.laraschwab.com/

]]> https://www.laraschwab.com/ #5: Reflexive Stability: The Foundation of Movement Under Pressure 00:23:20 Lara Schwab 6 full What happens when your opponent suddenly pulls, pushes, or disrupts your balance?

In this episode, we explore reflexive stability — the nervous system’s ability to rapidly respond to unexpected changes and keep the body organized.

Why is this so important in combat sports? Because real fights are unpredictable. You need to stabilize, adapt, and move without having to consciously control every part of your body.

A closer look at the connection between sensory information, automatic postural responses, adaptability, and performance under pressure.

More Information and Website:
https://www.laraschwab.com/

]]> combat sports, sports neuroscience, athletic performance, boxing performance, neuroscience, perception training, Perception, visual system, nervous system, braintraining, brain based training, breahting, breathwork, fighter no no no no 91ad380b6caf4b22a6764dde0a7bccdf #4: Why Hand Injuries Matter More Than You Think A hand injury doesn‘t just affect the tissue - it can also change how the brain senses, control and uses the hand. In this episode, wie explore the neuroscience behind hand injuries and why sensory input, motor control and neuroplasticity matter when fighters return to training and competition.

For more information about my work in brain-based performance training for combat sports, visit my website : www.laraschwab.com

]]> Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0200 A hand injury doesn‘t just affect the tissue - it can also change how the brain senses, control and uses the hand. In this episode, wie explore the neuroscience behind hand injuries and why sensory input, motor control and neuroplasticity matter when fighters return to training and competition.

For more information about my work in brain-based performance training for combat sports, visit my website : www.laraschwab.com

]]> https://www.laraschwab.com/ #4: Why Hand Injuries Matter More Than You Think 00:26:17 Lara Schwab 5 full A hand injury doesn‘t just affect the tissue - it can also change how the brain senses, control and uses the hand. In this episode, wie explore the neuroscience behind hand injuries and why sensory input, motor control and neuroplasticity matter when fighters return to training and competition.

For more information about my work in brain-based performance training for combat sports, visit my website : www.laraschwab.com

]]> visual system, nervous system, braintraining, sensorimotor training, perception training, neuroscience, boxing performance, athletic performance, sports neuroscience, combat sports, neuroathletics, neurological performance, fighter development, MMA training, grappling, fight IQ, elite fighters, pressure training, Perception, brain body connection no no no no b79fcd6d8a9a40908d5a8a810432a8a6 #3: Phorias explained: The hidden Eye Challenge behind visual Performance What if your vision is working harder than it should - without you even noticing?

In this episode of The Fighting Brain, we explore phorias, hidden eye misalignments that can influence how the brain processes visual information.

We discuss why binocular vision, eye coordination, and the connection between the eyes and the nervous system matter for combat athletes, especially when it comes to reaction speed, balance, decision-making, and performance under pressure.

Understanding the visual system is another important step toward optimizing performance and supporting the long-term health of fighters.

Official Website:
https://www.laraschwab.com/

E-Mail Contact:
schwablara@icloud.com

Website Contact:
https://www.laraschwab.com/english/contact/

]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0200 What if your vision is working harder than it should - without you even noticing?

In this episode of The Fighting Brain, we explore phorias, hidden eye misalignments that can influence how the brain processes visual information.

]]> https://www.laraschwab.com/ #3: Phorias explained: The hidden Eye Challenge behind visual Performance 00:19:23 Lara Schwab 4 full What if your vision is working harder than it should - without you even noticing?

In this episode of The Fighting Brain, we explore phorias, hidden eye misalignments that can influence how the brain processes visual information.

]]> Phoria, phorias, eye alignment, binocular vision, vision training, neuroathletics, neuro performance, applied neuroscience, combat sports performance, fighter performance, MMA performance, boxing performance, BJJ performance, visual system, nervous system, brain-based training, sports neuroscience, vision and performance, eye coordination, reaction time, decision making, balance, visual processing, perception training, combat sports training, high performance coaching, athletic performance, neurological performance, fighter development, concussion recovery, vestibular system, sensorimotor training, performance optimization, combat sports science, The Fighting Brain no no no no 7fcf416cc9de4b6e98ebd4399fda7d07 #2: Perception & Focus - Is your Brain fully present? Perception & Focus – Your Body Is Fighting. But Is Your Brain Fully Present?

Why do you lose focus even when your body feels ready? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of attention in combat sports. Learn how your brain filters sensory information, why stress changes your perception, and how vision and the nervous system influence decision-making under pressure. Discover why better performance starts with better perception and why brain-based training is a powerful complement to traditional training.

Website:
https://www.laraschwab.com/

Imprint:
https://www.laraschwab.com/imprint/

Contact:
https://www.laraschwab.com/english/contact/

]]> Sat, 18 Jul 2026 11:00:00 +0200 Perception & Focus – Your Body Is Fighting. But Is Your Brain Fully Present?

]]> https://www.laraschwab.com/ #2: Perception & Focus - Is your Brain fully present? 00:14:36 Lara Schwab 3 full Perception & Focus – Your Body Is Fighting. But Is Your Brain Fully Present?

]]> Perception, Focus, Brain-Based Training, Neuroscience, Combat Sports, MMA, Boxing, Martial Arts, Attention, Vision Training, Performance, Reaction Time, Decision Making, Nervous System, Sensory Processing, Athletic Performance, Sports Science, Cognitive Performance, Fight IQ no no no no 34191addca034cc88050ed5cda9737d2 #01: Visual Dominance - how to win fights with your eyes If you want to become a better fighter, you don’t just train your body, you train your perception.

In this first episode, we explore how vision truly shapes performance in combat sports - far beyond simply “seeing.” Your visual system is one of the most important sources of information for your brain, directly influencing reaction time, decision-making, balance, timing, and awareness.

We break down how elite fighters don’t just react faster, but process visual information more efficiently and predictively. You’ll learn how visual input is processed in the brain, why perception always comes before movement, and how this directly impacts every action in a fight.

Official Website:
https://www.laraschwab.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/laraschwab.brainathletics/

]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:00:00 +0200 If you want to become a better fighter, you don’t just train your body, you train your perception.

In this first episode, we explore how vision truly shapes performance in combat sports - far beyond simply “seeing.” Your visual system is one of the most important sources of information for your brain, directly influencing reaction time, decision-making, balance, timing, and awareness.

]]> https://www.laraschwab.com/ #01: Visual Dominance - how to win fights with your eyes 00:11:46 Lara Schwab 2 full If you want to become a better fighter, you don’t just train your body, you train your perception.

In this first episode, we explore how vision truly shapes performance in combat sports - far beyond simply “seeing.” Your visual system is one of the most important sources of information for your brain, directly influencing reaction time, decision-making, balance, timing, and awareness.

]]> Brain-based Training, visual training, fighter, combat sports, perception, braintraining, nervous system, movement, performance, neuroscience, braintraining, eyes, visual system, reaction, time, decision-making, timing, awareness no no no no 4ed4c4379b8c49c9819c906c6c0ba091 Trailer: Understanding the Fighting Brain In this first episode of The Fighting Brain, we break down the core idea behind this podcast: how performance in combat sports is actually created inside the brain.

Fighting is not random. It is not just physical skill or conditioning. Every reaction, every decision, and every movement starts with a simple internal process: input, interpretation, and output.

In this episode, I introduce this system and explain how the brain filters information, assigns meaning under pressure, and produces action in real time. Understanding this framework is the foundation for everything we will explore in future episodes.

This podcast is based on the same core concepts as my German podcast Nervenstark, which has already built a strong audience in the field of performance and mindset training.

For more information, additional content, and coaching resources, visit:
https://www.laraschwab.com/

Welcome to The Fighting Brain.

]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0200 In this first episode of The Fighting Brain, we break down the core idea behind this podcast: how performance in combat sports is actually created inside the brain.

Fighting is not random. It is not just physical skill or conditioning. Every reaction, every decision, and every movement starts with a simple internal process: input, interpretation, and output.

This podcast is based on the same core concepts as my German podcast Nervenstark, which has already built a strong audience in the field of performance and mindset training.

For more information, additional content, and coaching resources, visit:
https://www.laraschwab.com/

Welcome to The Fighting Brain.

]]> https://www.laraschwab.com/ Trailer: Understanding the Fighting Brain 00:08:27 Lara Schwab 1 full In this first episode of The Fighting Brain, we break down the core idea behind this podcast: how performance in combat sports is actually created inside the brain.

Fighting is not random. It is not just physical skill or conditioning. Every reaction, every decision, and every movement starts with a simple internal process: input, interpretation, and output.

This podcast is based on the same core concepts as my German podcast Nervenstark, which has already built a strong audience in the field of performance and mindset training.

For more information, additional content, and coaching resources, visit:
https://www.laraschwab.com/

Welcome to The Fighting Brain.

]]> neuroathletics, brain training, combat sports, martial arts podcast, fight science, sports neuroscience, performance training, fighting mindset, cognitive performance, athletic performance, MMA training, boxing performance, grappling, striking sports, fight IQ, reaction time training, fight preparation, combat performance, high level fighting, elite fighters, neuroscience, brain performance, perception training, decision making under pressure, motor learning, sensorimotor training, nervous system training, cognitive training, brain body connection, stress adaptation, elite performance, high performance training, pressure training, mental toughness, resilience training, decision speed, focus training, composure under pressure, performance psychology, peak performance, fighting brain, Nervenstark podcast, combat neuroscience, neuro combat training, fighter mindset podcast, brain based training, fight intelligence, athletic cognition no no no no