The twelve blogs of Christmas: Truth

   Hey guys, it was deifinately a long weekend. I watched some terrible refereeing

in which my fighter got fouled at least seven times in a fight and lost a split decision. Next time we're gonna send him in the ring with a folding chair to smash over his opponents head. It won't get called so we're not worried. Anyway, that's a blog for the future, this one continues the 12 blogs of Christmas series. Enjoy.
    On the second day of Christmas Muay Thai gave to me. Truth, and the truth is, you're tougher than you think you are. This is one of the most common revelations after spending enough time training and sparring and this confirms yet again that people love the safety of their own space. Most will never put themselves in a position that challenges the way they perceive themselves. It's unfortunate, but truth isn't for everyone. Hence the saying, "Ignorance is bliss". I suppose the reason for that is that sometimes the truth hurts. I've come to find out that the ones that think they are the baddest guy at the barbecue are really sheep in wolf's clothing. Either way, there will be a revelation. It might come after the first time you take a strong hook to the chin, for others it might come in the first two hour train as they push themselves beyond their perceived limitations. It has to happen because there is no place to hide from yourself when the fists are flying.
   From kicking a bag in a cardio class all the way to sparring with champions in two years is something that can't be taken away. It is a bi-product of realizing that we are all just men and women, no one better than the other and all just trying to find our way. Once you get that, sharing a punch, kick, or choke is the same as having a coffee together, just with more bruises. This one is definitely for Jorge, who has gone from quirky to cornerman duties in a of couple years. Finding his truth required a concentrated effort to slow him down in the ring. It was often like being on a merry go round sparring with Jorge. He circles better than anyone in the business..lol.. However, once he slowed down he actually proved to be able to trade punches and kicks with speed and accuracy. Jorge's problem was he didn't believe he could take it. It's a hard concept to accept that you are going to get hit and it's completely legal. After taking his first real power shot to the chin in a heavy sparring session, Jorge proclaimed, "Damn, I'm tougher than I thought I was". He put himself in a position to find the truth. That's Jorge's truth, what's yours?