- Joined
- Apr 19, 2009
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High level sports are for the young and occasionally for the gifted somewhat old guy. When a fighter is young the outlook is generally positive, but there is a reason so many fighters end up bitter a short while after their career is done. As a young man, in their mind's eye, they think fighting is the end all be all. Fighting is a large part of their identity. It has to be if they are to succeed. Overall, good health is mostly taken for granted. A lack of money is tolerable. You can see this in any busy grappling gym. The tribes form. The ink flows. Belts are the status symbols in the rank and file. Sparring is hard. Life is good. Later in youth, age kicks that fucking door down. In come the injuries, maybe a wife, maybe a couple kids. Being broke all the time weighs heavy. They have spent every waking second trying to be the best at fighting only to realize fighting doesn't love them, it never did. Nobody outside the gym gives a fuck about that belt or all the hard sparring sessions. Don't be a fighter, use your brain, unless you are undeniably excellent. This applies to musicians, artists, athletes within all sports, etc.
I care, but I don't really care.
I care, but I don't really care.