by SnowLeopard on Tue Nov 09, 2010 12:13 am
Judging by the posts of many posters in this forum, martial artists or not, it appears that people firmly see an "art" form in the UFC ring at work during their actual random brawls. So what exactly is that art that you observe there? Of course, if you are artistically inclined person, you are bound to see artistic beauty in anything you wish to perceive as beautiful, but even otherwise, why is this random exchange of uncommitted, clumsy and weak punches and kicks, and ludicrous rolling on the ground while hugging each other, perceived as a great art form by the posters (I won't use the term MAist) here? Thats just sports entertainment, nothing more.
These are the essential qualities a pugilist intends to develop for unarmed combat :-
1. Body conditioning (like in Muay Chaiya)
2. Basic strength (but without steroids)
3. Agility.
4. Flexibility.
5. Reflexes (state of mind).
Which among these are the MMAers adepts at? Body condition? None. Basic strength? Yeah, may by after working out in a gym (which is counter-productive towards other qualities). Agility? Don't make me laugh at those bulls who move no faster than random people. Flexibility? Kick with one leg above waist, and the knee of the other leg bends as a response. Leave aside flexibility, it appears that they are working hard to achieve stiffness. Reflexes? None whatsoever. Even the natural reflexes that humans seem to be greatly reduced, instead of being enhanced, in these sportsmen?
I did not mention techniques, because they are the last requirement for combat. In any case, "knowing" techniques is not enough. They should be ingrained in the body of the fighter and surface as and when required during real engagement in combat. MMAers know lots of techniques and you might even find them trying to apply them once in a while which are feasible in that condition, but do they really "possess skills"?
Considering the above points, how on Earth is MMA considered an art, let alone a true representation of a real fight?