02/01/2021
Had an interesting conversation....
A good friend and I had a discussion about our instinctual drive toward combat sports. Which brought up the question, why would someone intentionally put themselves in a position to get in a simulated fight?
So we started looking at the positives..
For one, the community and accountability of your teammates is a special thing. Knowing your teammates work long hours, have families, other obligations and STILL come in happy to see you, or wonder why you’re not there if you can’t make it. That tribal aspect alone feeds an instinctual desire to be apart of a strong group.
Second, the outlet for unused energy. Modern day life at the desk or doing monotonous tasks only to go home and not find some form of outside movement is a huge prerequisite for serious mental health issues. Personally, I find it hard to take days off of training or go a full day without doing dedicated rounds of shadowboxing. Not because I’m trying to be macho but because it truly keeps me level headed.
Finally, keeping up with any form of a combat sport builds such a great physical foundation that you will notice other unrelated daily tasks will seem a lot easier. When you ask Micky Ward what he misses most about being a fighter, it was being the kind of shape to box. It’s hard to replicate and it covers a lot of the physiological and psychological demands evolution has placed on us.
I really believe if you or even your kids are at a point of wanting to take on something new, something to get excited about, some form of training will be your answer.
