IS THERE A PLACE FOR WEAPONS FIGHTERS IN THE WORLD OF THE  MMA?

Dear Guazabara Family and Fellow Warriors

I wish to share with you a thought that I have had for some time now and a question that I have often asked myself. Is there a place for weapons fighters in the world of the MMA?

 I think that it’s safe to say that everyone reading this has more the likely seen the movie “300”, I’ve seen it 3 times and that was before I purchased the DVD. This movie has captured the hearts of warriors from all over the world, most specifically martial artist. I find it fitting that I begin this letter with the image of those ancient warriors firmly placed in your minds. If you have not seen this movie then please stop reading this and go rent it, you will not be disappointed. The story line was good and although not altogether historically accurate it was without a doubt major testosterone dump and highly entertaining, especially to the martial artist. Every time that movie comes up in conversation warriors just cannot stop talking about those great fight scenes, the sword work…the spears, etc. So I think I can go on the record and say without question that the martial arts community enjoys a good fight! So that leads me to the topic of this letter, why are we NOT seeing weapons fighters out there showing their stuff?

Those that train in martial art systems that are weapons based understand that “to learn how to swim first you must get in the water”, and many have been doing that for years. These fighters have suffered broken bones, cuts, ugly bruises and injuries that would make “civilians” seriously wonder about the sanity of the fighter. They have fought in fight clubs and in schools that advocate that type of martial fighting, usually after regular class is over and the doors have been locked.

I guess much of it boils down to an ugly word that is spoken of in hushed voices around any training hall…LIABILITY. The high cost of insurance and state regulations prohibit this type of fighting and have preventing the weapons fighters from showing the world the deadly beauty of their systems. It’s because of liability that Guro Mark Denny (Dog Brothers Inc. Martial Arts) was turned down back in 1995 by W.O.W. Promotions when he attempted to bring “stick fighting” into the UFC. I believe that it was stated in the letter that this type of extreme fighting was ahead of its time, to see the actual letter that was written visit www.dogbrothers.com .

If it is believed that in 1995 the world was not yet ready for this level of sports combat. Are we any better in 2007? IS THERE A PLACE FOR WEAPONS FIGHTERS IN THE WORLD OF THE  MMA? I say that there is and I also say that now is the time. The popularity of organizations such as the UFC and the IFL have proven the world enjoys a certain level of gladiatorial combat, this has not changed in the last 4000 years and it will never change, it is basic human nature and part of a warrior culture that will never go away.  

As I continue to train in other martial systems and try to get a better understanding of their traditions and methods of combat I have learned to appreciate how much we, martial artist, have in common. One of those is a desire to train with weapons. I have worked with both weapons based systems and non-weapons systems. Those that normally do not train with weapons have expressed to me a desire to integrate that type of training into their curriculum, others that do train with them have expressed a strong desire to compete in events where the fight is not “watered down” by rules and regulations governed by liability.

Common ground must be found to allow weapons fighters to enter the ring and test themselves against other warriors. The world is ready, now is the time!

Stay safe, train hard and always follow the Way. OUS!

Maestro Edgardo Perez

Victory without Honor is no true Victory.