Article Translation:
400 Undefeated Fights! A Special Interview (Part 2) with legendary Martial Artist: Rickson Gracie!
- What has been Lost in the Current State of Martial Arts -
Rickson: For the spectators the fights would seem very exciting.
However, MMA's transformation into the ultimate sport has resulted in the loss of many artistic elements. Even if there are still elements of this left right now, this element is destined to fade away in the near future.
It's as though the Roman Gladiators have come back into existence in the 21st Century and as a result, given birth to one of the most stimulating and ultimate spectator sports. Things are certainly within legal limits, and I won't go as far as saying it's barbaric. However, I also feel it's extreme and radical nature might have cast a shadow over the artistic elements of martial arts.
I have no intention of concluding that this is a bad thing.
People who have sought out the ultimate form of entertainment will most certainly be entertained as a result of this paradigm shift in Mixed Martial Arts. Within this there exists a great deal of fascination that allures people in.
For example, most people would stand and watch if two cab drivers started arguing in the middle of the street. They may stop their cars or break from their work to observe the development and want to know the outcome. Many people are drawn to acts of reckless or dangerous violence.
The way fighters are, the beauty of Martial Arts, and the artistic nature of fighting has completely changed. There are very few fighters who were brought up on and continue to walk along a path I feel proud of.
Nowadays, as the risks of martial arts events have increased, fighters take on fights for prize money. The prize money has rapidly gone up. As spectator numbers swell, the content will become exceedingly extreme to fuel the people's excitement.
Up Next Part 2-C: "I would like people to learn Jiu-Jitsu, just as they would learn the piano or the violin."
Article Source:
400 Undefeated Fights! A Special Interview (Part 2) with legendary Martial Artist: Rickson Gracie!
- What has been Lost in the Current State of Martial Arts -
 |
| "There are very few fighters who were brought up on and continue to walk along a path I feel proud of." Photo by Takahiro Kohara |
However, MMA's transformation into the ultimate sport has resulted in the loss of many artistic elements. Even if there are still elements of this left right now, this element is destined to fade away in the near future.
It's as though the Roman Gladiators have come back into existence in the 21st Century and as a result, given birth to one of the most stimulating and ultimate spectator sports. Things are certainly within legal limits, and I won't go as far as saying it's barbaric. However, I also feel it's extreme and radical nature might have cast a shadow over the artistic elements of martial arts.
I have no intention of concluding that this is a bad thing.
People who have sought out the ultimate form of entertainment will most certainly be entertained as a result of this paradigm shift in Mixed Martial Arts. Within this there exists a great deal of fascination that allures people in.
For example, most people would stand and watch if two cab drivers started arguing in the middle of the street. They may stop their cars or break from their work to observe the development and want to know the outcome. Many people are drawn to acts of reckless or dangerous violence.
The way fighters are, the beauty of Martial Arts, and the artistic nature of fighting has completely changed. There are very few fighters who were brought up on and continue to walk along a path I feel proud of.
Nowadays, as the risks of martial arts events have increased, fighters take on fights for prize money. The prize money has rapidly gone up. As spectator numbers swell, the content will become exceedingly extreme to fuel the people's excitement.
Up Next Part 2-C: "I would like people to learn Jiu-Jitsu, just as they would learn the piano or the violin."
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9562?page=2
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
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