Demian Maia: I don’t like to hurt people
If Demian Maia were ever involved in world war, he’d probably advise his fellow soldiers to ditch their weapons and…
If Demian Maia were ever involved in world war, he’d probably advise his fellow soldiers to ditch their weapons and finish the dispute with Brazilian jiu-jitsu rather than bloodshed. He’d armbar the opposing Lieutenant, triangle choke the Colonel and then settle the quarrel while positioned in an inescapable full-mount. Carnage would be minimal and civilians would go unharmed, chanting the name of their merciful saviour.
In hypothetical battle, Maia would be known as the peaceful warrior.
Through 11 professional mixed martial arts battles, Maia has forged a similar reputation inside the cage. Renowned as a lethal jiu-jitsu practitioner – one of the best exponents the sport has ever seen – Maia is a killer with a quirk. Whisper it quietly. He doesn’t like hurting people.
A lot of jiu-jitsu is based around the idea of not hurting people, explains the Brazilian middleweight contender. Jiu-jitsu gives people an option to tap or submit. The intention is not to hurt or punish the opponent. They are given a choice to stop that. That’s what I try and do in my fights. I try and represent jiu-jitsu to the best of my ability and to show the philosophy of the art. I don’t like to hurt people.
Despite the violent nature of his occupation, if Maia went to the movies he’d look for a Woody Allen comedy over any Quentin Tarantino offering. Maia’s immense fighting reputation is based purely on technique, skills and brain over brawn. He’s not the biggest, he doesn’t possess the most bulging muscles and his staredowns and intimidation tactics induce sympathy rather than terror.
While other competitors can attain victory by simply being the bigger, stronger, more powerful and scarier guy, Maia cuts through opponents with undiluted technique. He defeats opponents in a silent, calculated and knowing manner, overwhelming them like a turbulent sea washing over the shore.
A modern day Brazilian jiu-jitsu master, some have even gone as far as to say Maia channels the legendary Gracie family in his demonstrations of the ‘peaceful art’.
