when you're just getting bodied on a fundamental level, asking trivial questions about frame data or hitboxes won't help you — Brian Jeon (@bjUNCHAINED) May 13, 2015

Raptor: Ah so the idea is that people ultimately shift the blame to anything but their own faults?



BJ: Exactly. Another form is when the player refuses to give the opponent credit for their sick plays. Since they refuse to believe that they got read like a book, they will continue to get read in the exact same way.



It's really as easy as "that was really good, dude" for your mind to move past it and adapt your gameplay, but if you stay silent, brooding and blaming your curiously s***** execution, you're only going to continue to get bodied and drop combos.



Raptor: So you're saying a simple acknowledgement of an opponent's strong play can help you avoid the easy entrapment of your own pride? You also mentioned, via Twitter, that "when you're just getting bodied on a fundamental level, asking trivial questions about frame data or hitboxes won't help you." Is this a reference to the poor mentality we discussed earlier or something else entirely?



BJ: Yes, it might not make you take the very next set, but such acknowledgement encourages the belief that your own play must be made smarter to best your opponent's. The twitter post does refer to the same mentality- memorizing a number is much easier than recognizing your core weaknesses.



Raptor: Have you seen this within yourself? Was it something you had to overcome at some point? Or perhaps you are still combating it at times?



BJ: I can't say I haven't ever been frustrated at a dropped combo, or that I haven't vented my frustration at fellow players and friends.



But I can safely say that I have learned how to process such emotions and thoughts to acutely address the problems going into a match - I know I have trouble landing a certain combo under pressure, when I drop it again I know that it was my own fault from the beginning.



Raptor: Certainly you would agree there is a place for memorizing frame data, hit boxes and the like right?



BJ: Of course, in high level play such nuances will be required to best your opponent. However, becoming a great fighting game player is both a physical and mental journey. Combos, frame data, and hitboxes form the physical aspect, while the footsies, clutch, and yomi form the mental.



If you're only fixated on the physical numbers and data while neglecting your mental strength, You'll easily find yourself in a small cage, with white fur and mouse ears wondering, "Why am I a lab rat?"



Raptor: Ha, I like the metaphor. I certainly know a handful of players that seem to know everything about the game in terms of numbers, but can't seem to get a grasp on playing effectively. Is there anything else you'd like to add in regards to what we've discussed thus far?



BJ: Recognizing faults isn't limited to just getting better at fighting games. Apply it everywhere you can!



Raptor: Sage advice! Are we going to be seeing you at any tournaments anytime soon? CEO perhaps?



BJ: We goin' to CEO, SCR, and EVO!!!!



Raptor: Ha, well then I'll see you at all three. Thank you so much for your time and for contributing your ideas to the rest of the community. Hopefully this helps a gamer or two out in their quest to get better.



BJ: No problem. Thanks for letting me explore the idea further John!



