LWoodSports - Laura Wood - Sports Psychology and Mental Performance

When I competed as a karate athlete, one of the most important factors that contributed to my performance was related to mental training. The adults involved in my training all provided keys to control my emotions under pressure and utilise competitive anxiety in a positive way when faced with an opponent. The tools and strategies were refined with the help of a sports psychologist, who was able to provide an outside perspective and more alternatives to what seemed like impossible hurdles. To this day, I use the mental training techniques learned during my sports career to face the many challenges in everyday life.

This is what I want to pass on to other athletes. Having a positive impact and providing support, especially to the younger generation, is what guides my work as a Sports Psychology and Mental Performance Coach. My studies in Sports Psychology at the TECH Institute in Spain and in Pedagogy at the University of Helsinki in Finland have provided a solid theoretical and scientific foundation to my work. My studies in Positive Psychology and Mindfulness have also complemented my education. Having worked for years in an educational institution, first as a teacher, and later as an academic coordinator, I have been directly responsible for performance development.

Having a sports background as a karate athlete in kumite, I represented Finland at the World Championship level. I am a Youth World silver medallist, and a Nordic and Finnish Champion in the Senior and Youth categories. Winning several Grand Prix tournaments at the international level was a result of consistency and commitment, and throughout my sports career, I also worked as a karate coach for junior and senior athletes. After retiring from karate, I started training and competing in CrossFit, later finding a passion for surfing. These experiences give me a better understanding of how to support my athletes with their careers.

Finally, I have experience in working with people from different countries and cultures, as I have lived and worked in Finland, England, France, Australia, Nicaragua and Panama. With skills in English, Finnish, Spanish and French, I am happy to work with athletes from any national background.

Below you will find a summary of my achievements. I would be happy to provide further information on my credentials upon request.

About Me

Education

Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology – TECH Institute, Spain

Master’s Degree in Pedagogy – University of Helsinki, Finland

Positive Psychology Certification – University of Pennsylvania, United States

Mindfulness Certification - Rice University, United States

Work

Sports Psychology and Mental Performance Coach

Recruiter - Freelance

Academic Coordinator and Teacher – Panama City, Panama

Karate Coach for Children and Adults – Helsinki, Finland

Achievements in Karate

Representative of the Finnish National Team in various international tournaments as a kumite athlete in the +57 kg and

+60 kg heavyweight categories:

WKF Youth World Championship Silver Medallist

WKF Senior Nordic Champion

WKF Senior Finnish Champion

WKF Senior Grand Prix Champion

WKF Senior Estonian Cup Champion

Wado European Championship Team Bronze Medallist

Ranked #3 in the world in the Cadet +57 kg category (WKF).

Do you need help?