Respect Your Opponent: Exercise of Life (Part 1)

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned these past couple of months is the importance of always valuing and respecting the gift of LIFE. One minute I found myself grieving over a friend’s death. Next I was back in Seattle having the time of my life with great friends. Then out of nowhere I lost all hearing in my left ear and other strange health issues when I returned to Los Angeles (I’m ok now btw). It’s rollercoaster occurrences like these that has allowed me to have a respect for life in order to work through highs and lows to find some form of clarity for learning and growing in the process.

Being a writer in the BJJ/MMA community and a participant  myself I tend to always have a sense of appreciation for everything around me. From the people I have meet to the experiences I’ve undergone it has definitely given me a level up in fearless, strength, humility and other attributes in my personal building to becoming better.

Even in an uncomfortable and hostile territory of competing rewards like these can be gained as one goes head to head against an individual commonly referred to as an OPPONENT.

In the world of combat sports where emotions run high and physical beatings are administrated depending upon an individual’s background, outlook , and personality various descriptions can be made as to what an OPPONENT truly is.  Even as I type this blog it’s somewhat a challenge even for me to fully describe a person I don’t know or had prior quarrels with whose job is to beat my ass for his own motives and based on that permission consent when I signed that damn health waiver so I can’t sue his ass afterwards. –haha-

So allow me to take a crack as I paint my own interpretation on what this person is.

As contenders or person of life in general we are bound by the sole commitment toward having goals and perfecting ourselves to reach a level of contentment (check out the contentment blog btw). Unfortunately during this process things aren’t always peaches and cream as we are guarantee to encounter some roadblocks which may lead to dangerous altercations causing damage to us through our progression.

 In the competitive environment that we participate in the opponent is THAT roadblock. This roadblock can poses a great threat to us in reaching the top of the medal podium or implanting emotional discouragement within ourselves as he slaps his teammates high five in approval and smile graciously in his moment of prosperity while we wallow away in misery. In the moment of the threats I previously mentioned and physical damage accumulated on the battle mat an opponent can quickly be perceived as the ENEMY.

By definition an ENEMY is someone you have hatred for based on a series of events which leads to a serious conclusion where the results showcases one’s complete demises  which are bound by no rules or fair play during the dispute. 

I see a lot of quotes from people as they prepare to fight that enemy. I’m gonna kick his ass, time to break some limbs, and even (no offense) bible verses to support ones reasoning for violence it apparent self-centered values toward ones goals is needed  to amp one mental state in preparation for the enemy. However unlike battles between US/Foreign Countries, Crip/Bloods, or Rap Beefs which have ended thousands of lives and changed generations for the worse gratefully the only thing we have to worry about in this “war” is a temporary bruised ego and maybe some sore body parts.

Now by definition an OPPONENT is merely an individual on the opposite side of the game we are playing. In the confines of rules and regulations it simply a contest between two people in the same field of interest.

In a world where martial arts give us the opportunity to test ourselves and evolve on many fronts that individual we so cold-heartedly call the enemy is actually a person on the same path goal you are on. This meeting of interest leads in aiding each other under extreme conditions in that aspiring pursuit that teaches us pros and cons about ourselves in preparation for the tough road ahead.

In other words without an opponent one will never unlock their full potential to reaching their perceived dream of contentment... which it why is essential to Respect your Opponent.

Let these ideas sink into your brain for now....In part 2 I will talk about my experience in dealing with an opponent !!! stay tuned !!