The Ultimate Fighting Championship and the Martial Arts really do not have a lot in common. In fact, one eliminates the spiritual, and the code of ethics of a Martial Artist, and one does not derive the true essence of Martial Arts. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is devoid of many things that true Martial Arts stands for. There are significant differences that will be explored, so the general public can see another viewpoint, and make their own conclusions on the matter.
Unfortunately, UFC is quite the rave these days. The media has taken this arena warrior mentality to a whole new level. Since it is being viewed by millions of viewers, many potential Martial Arts practitioners are getting a skewed viewpoint of what is the truth about the Martial Arts. They think UFC is what it is all about. In the process it is changing the Martial Arts into something that is not respectable.
The Martial Arts is a special activity as long as it maintains its true essence. When that diminishes, it degrades into something that can no longer be considered a Martial Art. Martial Arts is a spiritual activity that is intended for self-defense purposes to help keep the peace (protecting oneself, others, and a community). It is a lifestyle that includes obtaining knowledge to improve ones life, ability, health, longevity, awareness, and codes of honor, ethics, and responsibility.
The UFC has become a collection of men who have tremendous egos. They are all out to try to prove who is the King of the Mountain. I have seen many bouts, and I see very little skill being applied. It just becomes two men brawling and punishing each other physically till someone cannot take it any more. I do not see Martial Artists from each discipline (system of Martial Art) fighting with skill, countering techniques, making adjustments, using good strategy, using intelligence, and being disciplined fighters. It just looks like a bunch of gladiators trying to survive and be the last one standing.
These UFC bouts are absolutely devastating and damaging to the body. Theres no ethical compass as to whats enough punishment to a body. Some of these men are really conditioned and are specimens to behold, but what is rational about damaging ones body and anothers just for glory. Arthritis and being maimed can be a final result for some of these men. When the glory fades, and ones body is broken up, what does one truly get from having done UFC? How does it help others to really know and understand what the true essence of Martial Arts is?
It has become a show. It is a circus to the degree that there are people eager to watch fighters beat the living day lights out of each other. These are not the days of gladiators or the Christians getting eaten by lions. But yet we have a public that cannot be satiated enough. They need more and want more, and they cant get enough of it. I do not and cannot view UFC a Martial Art or a Martial Art activity because it is missing too many of the things that make the Martial Arts a viable enduring truthful activity.
Sifu Villanuevateaches in Vallejo and can be reached at 552-7598
0 responses so far ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment