I think I'm going to vomit...

If I hear the "story" or the "fact" from a student of the martial arts of, or that, a 90lb anorexic either can or did beat up a 250lb bully I think I'm going to vomit - or loose my mind....or maybe both! Unless this behemoth stands still, doesn't fight back and has a glass jaw as fragile as thin crystal glass you're poor hero of the little people is getting crushed. Literally.

I can't stand to hear any person talk about how the martial arts can give super human abilities so that the invalid and extremely weak can beat up Goliath. My answer every time is "dude, seriously read the history of karate or jujitsu"...or whatever ever it is that they study. The old masters of karate, judo and jujitsu absolutely believed in physical training, strength and power in the martial arts. Have you ever seen pictures of these guys from the lat 19th and early 20th century? They were HUGE compared to the average Okinawan, Japanese or Korean BECAUSE they had tools for training strength and power as well as speed and technique. Why you might ask? They simply new the truth. You MUST have power behind your punches, kicks, throws, and whatever else you're trying to accomplish. Knowledge alone won't be the determine factor.

They trained their mind AND body for decades to be as strong and competent as they were. This fable retold by American martial artists (if I can even stomach to call them that) is just a justification for the "whimpifying" (yes I just made up a new word...what about it! :-) ) of training so that little Johnny doesn't either get his feelings hurt or a bruise in class. You want to be a warrior? Hit the damn gym for crying out loud! Don't "go" to karate, tae kwon do, jiu jitsu or whatever it is that you "do" twice a week between bowling or darts and then come home and sit on the couch expecting some miracle to occur in your body that will help you slay the giant. It doesn't work that way folks...sorry to burst your bubble. A warrior builds REAL ability through a lot of sweat, blood, vomit and bruises. Period. Take it or leave. You don't have to like the ending to this story, but don't go on deluding yourself that you're "just as combat effective as those guys in the ring" (and yes...thats a direct quote from someone).

Stay in your sport if you'd like. I think there are some really talented athletes (not warriors) there. But to hit the next level you've got to push your body, take some hits and bleed a little.