Quote Originally Posted by bilbo
I have the greatest respect for jtrocks opinions and I'm sure the true lineage and history of martial arts is a long, interesting and rewarding one.

It seems to me though the MMA and the like represent the very antithesis of what pure martial arts training is actually about.

I must admit my knowledge of martial arts is limited pretty much to watching Enter the Dragon and The Karate Kid but I've always been led to believe that true martial arts were about self mastery, discipline and control rather than brawling for entertainment?

To me MMA has more in common with WWF Wrestling than with true martial arts. I'm also fairly certain the majority of guys involved are there, mainly because they are not good enough to excel at any other sport so resort to MMA to get fame, money and adulation.

You cannot tell me that Tank Abott is a serious athlete for example. To me he is a step down from Butterbean in terms of skill and ability.

Yes I've watched MMA and Ultimate fighting and enjoyed it, but never have I marvelled at any technical abilities or subtle skills that were on display.

For me it's always occupied the same kind of ground entertainment wise as watching World's Wildest Street Brawls, or Bumfights. Its just entertaining, largely mindless violence to sell a few dvds and fill a few minor arenas with fans who see their favourite fighters much the same way as they would see Hulk Hugan, The Rock, or The Undertaker.


However, as I am purely a boxing fan, don't take this personally jtrock

I'm sure if I turned up on the MMA forums and waxed lyrical about how much better boxing was than MMA I'd have a far worse reception than you have here,

Thanks for the respect Brotha!!!!! Everyone has the right to entertain themselves as they see fit...