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It's my birthday!!!
But it's more than just that, and despite the central theme of this title, it isn't all about me...not quite! When I was born, January 11th 1987, I became apart of a fraternity of men known as Kun. It's otherwise known as the warrior class of Ancient Cambodia. It's now a distant memory and have long been forgotten on our generation.
Well, my grandfather made damn sure I didn't forget it. He raised me. And his father and grandfathers before made damn sure he didn't forget where he comes from either.
So he taught me a few things. First thing he taught me was balance. But I was a fiery kid, "fuck balance" I thought, I want to learn how to fight. Teach me how to punch!
But I wanted to learn balance, I was THAT stubborn, so he never taught me the ancient Khmer fighting arts. When I'd bring it up, he would tell me that I wasn't worthy of such an honor. He'd say things like, "you're a wild fire, you'll destroy everything."
Wasn't that the point?
So, for 19 years of my life, I went on without giving it another thought. I still honored my heritage with etiquette. Bowing while passing elders, taking off my shoes before entering the house, never...eeeeeeeever touching an elder's head, respect.
But I still had a healthy respect for personal wellness. I played football (as you Euros know it as football) in middle school with all of the Mexicans. I was in my high school military program, out of respect and admiration for my grandfather who was also a military man, and fought against the brutal "communists" in our country. And for the next 3 years I ran sprints in track.
The fight sports and fighting arts were still high on my mind. I always put it away though, in favor of matters more immediate like studying and working.
And now, here I am, 26 years old and finally realizing what he meant and why he never taught me. The fighting arts is more than just fighting, it's the greatest lesson of balance in the universe. It teaches us the best about ourselves in the very practice of it. Also, it teaches us the worse about us, an uncomfortably visceral part of us that loves everything about fighting: blood, sweat, injury and the glory of it all.
This world is arguably built upon men who understand that in our nature, it is both things. We are the kind and the cruel, the good and the bad. We are unequivocally human and there is nothing like us.
In one way or another, you good folks here at Saddo have a special place in your hearts for the fighting arts as well. For boxing at the very least. So I would love to hear your story as well, what does boxing mean to you? What does fighting mean to you? How was it introduced in your life, and where do you keep it?
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. This isn't only a celebration of my birth, but also a celebration of the introduction of fighting arts in my life, I wouldn't be the same man without it.
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Originally Posted by 0james0
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