Knowing when your time is up

Folks,

It is with a semi sad heart that I say that one of my fighting idols has passed his prime. The incomparable Fedor Emelianenko is officially passed his prime. He has lost for a second time in a row. Now, he did not lose to a scrub fighter. The fact is that he lost to a good one. But the IDEA of Fedor losing or even being in distress during a fight is mentionable.

There is no shame in losing. But will he walk away now? We dont know yet. I hope so. Out of all of the dozens of greats who have inspired us, only one two have walked away in their prime. The first is Marvin Hagler, the second is Barry Sanders. Marvin lost a HIGHLY controversial fight with Sugar Ray Leonard. After Leonard would not grant him a rematch, he left the sport for good. Barry Sanders was one season away from breaking the all-time rushing record. But he chose not to. His passion for the game had waned, so he walked away with his body and mind in tact. Good for them.

I hope that Fedor retires and lets us remember him as the greatest mixed martial artist of our era. So here is to you Fedor........

Even a layman can see it

Folks,

I had the most interesting conversation with my mother. Yes, I still speak to my mother. If YOU dont, shame on you. I was telling her about how someone I knew was still winning tournaments at a relatively advanced age. While most would be impressed by this, my mom gave me a very impressive answer.

Without hesitation she said to me, " That is because the skill level of martial arts is so low these days." My mom watched my father lay waste to many top level competitors back in the day. And while my mom has in no way kept up with the "scene", she has seen enough to know that it is not what it used to be. My mind was blown. She was correct and even she absolutely knew it.

This is what our beloved martial arts is becoming folks. It is like that commercial where it is no easy even a caveman can do it. But the martial arts level of skill is so low, even a layman notices. Shame on us. Now go get our respect back!

Gloating on the inside

Hey folks,

Just a quick one today. Anderson Silva knocked out the most credible threat to his title with a front thrust kick to the chin.......Yeah, I know, I feel the same way. Later gators!