How Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol Stays Motivated And Injury-Free

Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol has been the most active mixed martial artist on ONE Championship’s roster in 2018.

The 30-year-old is preparing for her sixth bout of the year, which takes place this coming Saturday, 17 November.

She will face unbeaten Filipina Angelie “D Explorer” Sabanal at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM, which emanates from Stadium Istora in her native Jakarta, Indonesia.

“Thathie,” a national wushu champion and an SEA Games bronze medalist, is training for her atomweight clash at her longtime gym home Siam Training Camp under the guidance of her head coach Zuli Silawanto.

Before she steps inside the cage, Lumban Gaol reveals how she has remained so motivated and injury-free in her career.

Maintaining Daily Activity

After every single bout, Lumban Gaol takes a week off to recover and have some personal time.

She removes herself from her regular training environment and pursues activities outside of the gym, like visiting her family and spending time with friends.

However, seven days later, she returns to Siam Training Camp and gets back into her daily flow.

“I am always preparing everything, both technically and physically,” she says.

“In a normal day, I have three training schedules — morning, evening, and night.”

The Indonesian also maintains her health by eating properly, taking multivitamins, and regularly getting a good night’s sleep.

“At some points, I feel tired and lazy,” she admits.

“But I realize that my opponent will definitely train hard ahead of the bout, perhaps even harder than I am. So this idea has triggered me to train even harder for my fights.”

By maintaining her daily activity in the gym and developing healthy lifestyle habits, it has allowed “Thathie” to stay in top form.

Preventing Injuries

Lumban Gaol has amazingly remained injury-free all throughout her mixed martial arts career.

“Thathie” trains and teaches at the gym during the day, so the grind could affect her body and mind. However, she regularly takes preventive measures to ensure she stays in great health.

“When practicing, I am always focused and concentrating on what I do,” she explains.

“Sometimes, when my body is already aching, I undergo a traditional massage session to loosen up my muscles.

“Also, I do not want to force my power and contact when sparring. I am always using protectors to avoid injuries.”

A Constant Source Of Motivation

Lumban Gaol dreams of becoming the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion, and while that continues to be a driving force in her career, it is her mother and father who has always been a constant source of motivation.

The Indonesian’s parents originally wanted her to pursue a different career path years ago, so now she wants to prove to her loved ones that she made the right career choice by becoming the best martial artist possible.

“I want to make them proud, although I am doing it through my own path as an athlete,” she explains.

“They had wanted me to work in an office with regular working hours. I need to show them that success can be achieved in many fields, including becoming an athlete, as long as you work hard.”

If the atomweight continues to work hard, stay motivated, and maintain her health, then she could potentially fulfill her dream of becoming a ONE World Champion someday.