Why I Like Combat Sports & Stuff (warning: verbose) It’s kind of ironic. Many assume that if you enjoy fighting/martial arts – either participating or spectating – then you automatically advocate or condone violence. I’m sorry, but I’m gonna have to call horseshit on that. In regards to spectating, it’s a bit hypocritical: Football fans are not usually accused of glorifying mayhem and injury. Neither are hockey fans. And fishermen are not normally accused of animal cruelty (Japanese dolphin murderers are one of the few exceptions I can think of, but I digress). Admittedly combat sports aren’t for everyone, and it is difficult to explain why it’s enjoyable to watch to those who don’t care to. I personally hope that both fighters are safe whenever I watch a bout. And fundamentally, I hate to see either of them lose – because I know (first hand) how very brutal it is in there. Your real nemesis in that cage or ring is injury. In regards to participating: I started my journey with self-defense as the goal. I wanted to be safe, and I wanted to help others be safe as well. Now here’s where it gets confusing for many: I ended-up enjoying it. I know for most people it’s outside normal experience to find something like fighting fun – nobody was more surprised than I was to be honest with you. All too often the conclusion is drawn that if it’s fun, then you must be some kind of sick sadist/masochist who enjoys inflicting and receiving pain. WRONG. I don’t enjoy getting hurt, and neither is my intention to overtly harm my opponent ~ even though it’s understood that what we are doing can be exceedingly hazardous for one’s health. It’s an odd paradox, but it’s there. I’m sure many athletes in other tough sports can somewhat appreciate this paradox. For me it’s the visceral honesty of the experience – you cannot lie to yourself in a fight. That can be catastrophic. Also, it can be a very harrowing type of intimacy. One that I find very appealing. And finally, I enjoy the fusion of athleticism and strategy: it’s like chess but far less boring. I’ve found that fighters can be some of the most level-headed, actualized, and peaceful people you can meet. Because they have to be. Let’s be clear: once you really get to know yourself in the gym, proving your machismo out in the real world suddenly seems absurd and petty. It sounds counter-intuitive but: learning how to fight has made me the best pacifist I could possibly be. It taught me how to turn the other cheek WITHOUT being a victim. If you don’t pick your battles, someone or something else will pick them for you. And finally: I don’t look for trouble. But damn….it feels good to know that if trouble comes: I’ll be ready.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 03:38:22 +0000
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