Modern arena matches exhibit the current perception of the “Warrior Class”. But there is a dramatic difference between this and the Soldier in Afghanistan. There is a difference in the Mindset and to an extent the Attitude, not so much in the training. This can be easily viewed by watching the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championship, or other exhibition fights.
Warrior: a man engaged or experienced in warfare; broadly: a person engaged in some struggle or conflict.
Soldier: one engaged in military service and especially in the armyb: an enlisted man or womanc: a skilled warrior.
Merriam Webster’s’ Dictionary is little help in understanding the difference between a warrior and a soldier. Society and pop culture interpretation also is of little assistance. It takes a deeper understanding and some analysis.
The modern Mixed Martial Arts practitioner goes into the ring to fight his opponent based on rules set by a governing body. They assign a referee to interact in the bout, and enforce the rulings of the judges. So called “fighting fair”.
The soldier is trained to kill, then sent away from judges and referee’s to enforce the dictum of his national leader. On the battlefield he must engage and defeat the enemy, as well as do his best to stay alive and keep his team mates alive.
Although both could be classified as warriors, one is trying to win an organized match: while the other is trying to defeat an enemy, and also stay alive. He is putting his life on the line, while the other is putting his health at risk.
The MMA practitioner receives excellent training in hand-to-hand combat, and receives some of the best physical conditioning from top notch trainers and medical people. He can indeed stop an attack, incapacitate an opponent, and even take a life. BUT he is trained not to.
He knows that he can “tap out” or surrender with only momentary shame. His team can throw in the towel, ending the match. A ringside Doctor can also call the fight if there is the threat of injury beyond the confines of the match. An unethical fighter could even feign a knockout and throw the fight for money or other reason.
The soldier can fight to the death or surrender. No other choice exists. Surrender does not guarantee fair treatment, medical help, or life. It could be a shortcut to torture and death. There is no referee or team to throw in the towel when things get hairy.
Although both the soldier and the MMA “warrior” strive to win, they strive for different things entirely. One fights for life, the other for glory.
Image courtesy of Toa55 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
What does this have to do with Self-Defense and Survival?
We must adapt the mindset and attitude to win like a soldier when confronted on the street. There is no referee, no judges, no doctor, and no team to throw in the towel. A ring match and a fight for your wallet, family member, or even your life is going to be on the same playing field as the soldier. This means the victor will have his life, not a trophy and bragging rights.
Although many of the MMA fighters receive excellent training, I have watched many “Tap out” when the going gets tough. We don’t have that choice when we are fighting to survive… regardless of the situation. You never give up for any reason.
MMA matches are a good motivator for the preparedness minded individual. You get to see fighters slugging it out, their top conditioning, strategies, and excellent fighting technique. It’s very good to watch, and heck, great entertainment. But it stops there.
Many MMA fighters go on to join the Armed Forces or Law Enforcement and advance their mindset. Some are even former soldiers who can participate in the match for the athletic competition. We just must be careful to not confuse the Soldier and the MMA “Warrior”. They are two completely different creatures with different mindsets. They both may have winning attitudes, but in reality only the living survivor truly has won.
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