Grapple Fight?

This is part 2 of my two part series on types of competition, following on from the last article, this one centers around that word "fight" and it's appropriateness...

Why is competing in grappling based sports like BJJ, Judo or Wrestling called a Match?

Why is competing in striking based sports like Boxing, Muay Thai or MMA called a Fight?

They are all sanctioned and regulated sports based on combative techniques. Yet there seems to be a reasonably constant opinion that some are matches and some fights, why is that?
My first thought is that it has something to do with striking, that the perception is that only combat involving striking can be considered a “fight”. Now, if that is the case then we should say “Tae Kwon Do Fight” as well. However we don’t, Tae Kwon Do competition is conducted in “matches” or “bouts”, so perhaps it has to be full contact? So, what about Kyokushin? That is full contact, but they have matches and bouts too. So even if it is a question that strikes are the prerequisite to define an event as a “fight”, why is that? Is it to do with the techniques perceived effectiveness or danger in a real combat scenario? If people believe that grappling isn’t dangerous or effective then they haven’t seen someone slammed by a strong wrestler (or Rugby player) outside a night club.

or Zangief for that matter....

So maybe it isn’t about striking, maybe it is about spectator vs participant focused competition? I mean striking based sports are usually called fights and are largely spectator focused whereas grappling based sports are more participant based. But if that rationale is right then, competing in events like Metamoris, Polaris or Boa Super 8 should be called “fighting” too as they are spectator based events, yet people still don’t use that term.

Hmmmm, what a pickle….

I have given this a lot of thought and have decided that since I can’t determine any rhyme or reason (or at least consistency in terms), I will define this myself.
My thought is that you can call a BJJ match a fight… and you can also call an MMA fight a match.
To me it is not about the actual event as it is about the competitor. Since we are using combative techniques then I think whether you are in a fight or match is all about approach and mindset. I believe that the people who have BJJ fights are those that go out there with tenacity and determination in order to dominate and finish their opponents, Marcelo, Roger and Xande spring to mind. Whereas the Mendes and Miyao Brothers who often go out strategically, looking for a points win are probably competing.

and if you find yourself across the mat from this guy you can damn well consider yourself in a fight...

Same is true in MMA, some competitors are there to knock out or submit their opponent while others choose to play the rules and look for a decision. Off the top of my head I would say that two names who stand out in the “fight” style of MMA are Rousimar Palhares and Demian Maia where as I think that Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch where more the competing types.

So there it is all combat sports are matches not fights, but you can either compete or fight in either depending on your style and mindset.


Have fun on the mat.

To perform under lights...

This post started out as being part of a series on an upcoming submission only event in Tasmania called “Caged Grappling”, however as with most of these things, it has gained momentum of its own. This is now the first post in a two part series on types of competition, in this post I will talk about participation vs entertainment based competition. In the second I will talk about whether competing in BJJ or grappling is “fighting” or “competing” and whether the same question can be asked of MMA.

So here is part 1.

When you are involved in Combat Sports it seems like everyone you know competes. Of course the reality is only a small percentage of people compete in any sport, let alone getting on the mat to do the whole “mano a mano” thing.

(the whole "mano a mano" thing)

It takes courage to compete, especially when the game is real like in BJJ, Judo or Wrestling, where your opponent is either trying to slam you down, choke you out or take your arm home. Not many people have that in them, and even though competing isn’t a huge part of my life, I am glad to say that I have done it.

However, if few people ever compete in Combat Sports, then a very small percentage take on the challenge of fighting on a show. They are two different things and are different for a number of reasons. Firstly when we look at grappling styles like BJJ, Judo and Wrestling the competitions are almost universally based on tournaments and more focused on the competitor than spectator. These are designed to compete in and try to win, they usually involve many competitors, sometimes hundreds or thousands in a day, but are only really ever spectated by people close to the sport. You could say that there is a level of anonymity in the large field of competitors that you sometimes find. With this most of the pressure in such competition comes from yourself, your commitment to compete isn’t necessarily public and is not contractual.

these are the sort of crowds I have usually competed in BJJ in front of.

There is a different kind of pressure that comes from fighting on a show where the focus is on entertainment. A fight show, whether it be Boxing, Muay Thai or MMA has few competitors and is often viewed by people without an in depth understanding of the sport solely for the excitement. As such deciding to fight on a show involves an agreement, often contractual as well as a hell of a time and life commitment. You agree, to put the work in to attain a certain weight, to be in shape, to fulfill public obligations and to fight one person…. A person that has agreed to fight you… A person that everyone knows about…. It is a different kind of pressure.

these are the sort of crowds I have never competed in MMA in front of.

Along with this pressure comes the expectation that you will be part of the show and try to make your entrance, match and even post fight interview entertaining. There is no doubt that a promoter wants a fighter with a personality, someone who can sell fights. I have personally never had a problem with the idea of entertainment, having been in rock bands for many years and been involved in various forms of public speaking. I like selling an idea to the crowd and enjoy planning ways to do it. The only problem is that I am allergic to getting punched in the head (…. don’t laugh, it is a legit condition) so I was never keen on trying out MMA. So in my case Caged Grappling gave me the chance to work on hype, plan an entrance and to perform under lights.

grappling and a show.....

Ultimately competition in any combat sport is a good thing and regardless of what sport or level you compete at it is a life changing experience. While “the show” might not be for everyone I am glad that various promotions like Boa Super 8 and All Styles Grappling are giving grapplers the chance to experience professional competition.

My next post will talk about “fighting in grappling” and “competing in MMA”.

A Great Historical Work

If you are remotely interested in the development of what we now refer to as BJJ and also MMA, I can't recommend this article (and the entire blog really) highly enough.

Do yourself a favour and check it out, it is meticulously researched and written.

https://mixedmartialartshistory.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/the-great-underground-ryu-ha-ha/