This article is part of a far larger effort by MixedMartialArts.com, to understand what really works in martial arts. The process is to focus not on what happens in the arena, but rather what happens on the streets, or in this case, a park. If you enjoyed it, check out the BEST OF on:
•Martial Arts on The Street
•Informal Fights
•Mutual Combat
The shorter, shaved-headed ‘weekend warrior’ seen here shows no discernible technique, and no sign he has spent any time in a fight gym. And he shows no quit against a vastly more skilled adversary. California-based, amateur MMA fighter Branden Tupou, lays a butt-whooping on him the likes of which is rarely seen.
Astonishingly, the challenger doesn’t seem to mind a bit, even after going out. In fact, the untrained slugger in this barnburner continues to come back for more after enduring a devastating assortment of attacks that range from rapid-fire combinations, spinning strikes, and flying knees, to double leg takedowns, and even a hurricane kick for good measure. All the more astonishing, the majority hit the mark.
The Weekend Warrior is knocked down repeatedly but gets back up to his feet every time. The video closes with the trained fighter raining down blows on his grounded opponent.
Maybe the fight is still going on.
The Lesson
Resilience and tenacity can come straight from the heart. While training helps one acquire skill and conditioning, and can build heart over time, the drive to move forward while being battered is in no small part innate. And the bald man has it.
However, continuing to remain engaged in a fight with such a disparity in skill is unwise, considering the vast potential for injury. While this contest was instructive and entertaining, it’s not worth engaging in MMA bouts, or any contest potentially intended to cause a knockout, outside the gym or arena. The health and legal issues make it not worth it.
Therefore, MixedMartialArts.com does not condone participating in unsanctioned fights of any kind. Don’t fight outside the gym or arena unless you are forced to defend yourself or your family and friends from imminent harm. And at the same time, we salute unnamed baldie – you got heart, sir.
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