Fwd: Mixed Martial Arts - The Story of a Meek Student

In class Leonardo is meek, a little shy and nice. It came as a
surprise when he invited me to watch him fight.  On stage he is a
massive animal, a ball of fury who looks like he could kill. His fight
lasts for less then a minute. The referee signals the fight is on and
he attacks. My student unleashes a series of punches and kicks as his
opponent grabs him and forces him to the ground. Leonardo clings on,
his arms trying to pull his adversary's neck off while his legs wrap
around him like two pythons squeezing him to death. His opponent never
had a chance.

Over three hundred people had come to watch. A DJ spun ACDC between
fights. Of the dozens of fighters who entered the ring not all stayed
conscious. At first the fights were all Muy Thai. Spin kicks to the
head and brutal body blows. One fellow collapses unconscious. Others
danced and pranced around just missing each other blow after blow.
Others constantly lock up like lovers parted for too long. The larger
fighters wear themselves out after the first few minutes. Their
previously lethal looking blows turning to little baby jabs as the
effort takes it's toll. The crowd boos.

Curitiba is Brazil's Muy Thai capital. Many of these fighters will go
on to win national and international fights. Curitiban fighters are
well known for there strength and style. Even though this was a bottom
level competition it feels like a hard core video game. Blood and spit
flying everywhere. A fight is stopped when blood became a hazard. The
lucky Muy Thai competitors wear padded foot and leg gear, chest
protectors, boxing gloves and head gear. I am not sure how much
protection any of it offers. One poor guy gets kicked so hard in the
chest he falls unconscious on his face. Another fellow gets kicked out
of the ring. Unluckily for him his head makes it through the ropes and
contacts a table. Another unconscious fighter.

Muy Thai looks like childs play compared to Mixed Martial Arts. My
student as a Mixed Martial Arts fighter wears only head gear. His
hands are wrapped in rough tape leaving his fingers free to grapple on
the ground. No bowing before fights just fierce looks and a desire to
kill. Outside as we leave a fighter is weeping on the steps, he is
being consoled by his coach and team. It can't be easy to train hard
every day for months on end and lose in under a minute.