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This isn't your typical schoolyard brawl, and it's really not a challenge, but more of a polite -somewhat mature gentlemanly agreement - with a guy at work. I don't think there's any pride involved on my part - I just feel the need to demonstrate the effectiveness of MMA in general, and BJJ in particular:
There's a fellow I take my lunch breaks with who occasionally watches the UFC programing on Spike TV. He's a huge pro-wrestling fan, and I assume that's where he first saw the MMA shows - after TNA wrestling. He's always running down the effectiveness of MMA training, and says that a "pro-wrestler could beat a UFC fighter anyday." His smart-ass know-it-all remarks are endless. I've tried to politely explain how wrong he is, but he always cuts me off mid-sentence. I've invited him to train many times, and he always smirks and says, "you guys are all pussies. I'd kick your asses." This includes BJJ and boxing. And yes, he's totaly serious.
Today, I finally had enough and I said, "How would you like to test your theory?" I suggested that we put on the MMA gloves, mouthguards and cups and find out who's right. We both agreed on a place, a referee, and the rules. However, I had such a cocky (overconfident?) attitude at this point, I told him I would consider not throwing punches, but kicks, knees and elbows - as well as grappling and subs are fair play. There would be no rounds, no time limit. He said he'd think about it. Here's the details on us:
I'm 36. 5'11", 180 lbs. I trained 3 years in TKD back in high school. At 27, I was introduced to boxing, Muay Thai and BJJ when I studied Jeet Kune Do for about a year. I went on to BJJ only at a Gracie training chapter for another year. Nothing for about 7 years. Got back into BJJ and boxing about 6 months ago. I've started playing around with MMA sparring with some guys (who seriously train MMA) at my BJJ club, and I think I can hold my own for what little experience I have. I feel more comfortable/natural with grappling, but I have some pretty good strikes.
My opponent: He's 30. about 5' 11" and he weighs about 250. He seriously looks like he swallowed a basketball. I know for a fact his cardio sucks ass. As far as training, he wrestled in high school for a couple of years. His current physical activity consists of sitting on his ass all day in a bulldozer and walking to his car at the end of the day. His only obvious advantage I see is his weight and perhaps takedowns/ground control.
What strategies would you suggest for me? I have several in mind, but I'll keep them to myself until I hear from a few people on this. If he only agrees to fight with me not punching, should I do it? Or should I trade punches for no kicks/knees/elbows? Or should I insist on all techniques? My takedowns are my only real weak point, but my sprawl has stopped several former wrestlers that I've sparred with. I'd eventually like to finish with a RNC, but getting to that point might be harder than I predict...
There is a pretty good chance this will happen, so I could use some serious advice.
There's a fellow I take my lunch breaks with who occasionally watches the UFC programing on Spike TV. He's a huge pro-wrestling fan, and I assume that's where he first saw the MMA shows - after TNA wrestling. He's always running down the effectiveness of MMA training, and says that a "pro-wrestler could beat a UFC fighter anyday." His smart-ass know-it-all remarks are endless. I've tried to politely explain how wrong he is, but he always cuts me off mid-sentence. I've invited him to train many times, and he always smirks and says, "you guys are all pussies. I'd kick your asses." This includes BJJ and boxing. And yes, he's totaly serious.
Today, I finally had enough and I said, "How would you like to test your theory?" I suggested that we put on the MMA gloves, mouthguards and cups and find out who's right. We both agreed on a place, a referee, and the rules. However, I had such a cocky (overconfident?) attitude at this point, I told him I would consider not throwing punches, but kicks, knees and elbows - as well as grappling and subs are fair play. There would be no rounds, no time limit. He said he'd think about it. Here's the details on us:
I'm 36. 5'11", 180 lbs. I trained 3 years in TKD back in high school. At 27, I was introduced to boxing, Muay Thai and BJJ when I studied Jeet Kune Do for about a year. I went on to BJJ only at a Gracie training chapter for another year. Nothing for about 7 years. Got back into BJJ and boxing about 6 months ago. I've started playing around with MMA sparring with some guys (who seriously train MMA) at my BJJ club, and I think I can hold my own for what little experience I have. I feel more comfortable/natural with grappling, but I have some pretty good strikes.
My opponent: He's 30. about 5' 11" and he weighs about 250. He seriously looks like he swallowed a basketball. I know for a fact his cardio sucks ass. As far as training, he wrestled in high school for a couple of years. His current physical activity consists of sitting on his ass all day in a bulldozer and walking to his car at the end of the day. His only obvious advantage I see is his weight and perhaps takedowns/ground control.
What strategies would you suggest for me? I have several in mind, but I'll keep them to myself until I hear from a few people on this. If he only agrees to fight with me not punching, should I do it? Or should I trade punches for no kicks/knees/elbows? Or should I insist on all techniques? My takedowns are my only real weak point, but my sprawl has stopped several former wrestlers that I've sparred with. I'd eventually like to finish with a RNC, but getting to that point might be harder than I predict...
There is a pretty good chance this will happen, so I could use some serious advice.
). I was laughing/smiling when I made the offer to him, as well as the co-workers who were listening in - although they all knew I was 100% serious. I'm a very humble quiet person, and I never brag about my current training in BJJ and boxing.
