GINGERMAN's blog
When is enough enough?
We fight. We seek to win. We take our time as with every move, every repositioning we seek to control. That is the conduct of a warrior. Finally, we achieve what we are working toward; submission. From the one who has tried to match the moves and the change of positions, but who as each moment passes becomes frustrated, whose breathing becomes more labored, whose limbs begin to give way to the superior strength acting upon them, a realization begins to set in: submission is becoming inevitable. In his mind, he is now fighting an additional battle wherein the thought begins to take hold and after a while, the tap comes. The stronger must be reassured, and he tells his foe, “Say I! Say submit! And, the beaten man says it, and he ceases all effort to fight back.
This is the scene we know. This is the moment that causes a surge in ones being. Victory. But, no, really it is much more than that. It is an assertion of self, of ones manhood. It is this that we seek as we step into the ring, on to the mat. It is a priceless reward that cannot be given but must be earned. And, at that very moment it is in our hand, and in our head, and in our sweating, muscle tried body. Can anything match it? I think not. It is even more significant to our being than the culmination that comes in coitus. But...
Is there ever more? Can the purity of the pugilist knocking out his opponent? Is there any more untainted moment than that of the wrestler who brings his opponent to a state of immobility that is accompanied by unbearable pain?
It is ironic that Charles Dickens, who had a relatively easy childhood, took it upon himself to describe the world of the street urchin, and whose main character was Oliver Twist. And, in that novel, he writes a scene is which Oliver approaches a figure of stern, uncaring nature, with his now empty dish whose contents had been a watery gruel, and asks, “Please, sir, can I have some more?”
The history of the American Federation of Labor is the story of the persistence in negotiating by one singular unionist, Samuel Gompers. There is a story of him bargaining from less than the strongest position with management of a major corporation. Hours had gone by. The room was without air conditioning and was filled with the smoke of cigars burning down to almost their well chewed end. Finally, the chief management guy, throws his hands up in disgust, and says, “Just what is it you want?” And, with one word, Gompers answered: “More!”
It is an common thing among men. Some call it greed. Others label it selfishness. And, there are fighters who come under that banner. Unfortunately. And, so when a tap is given, when a submission is called out, they don't relinquish their hold.
I suggest that this is a corruption of sport; this tarnishes the victory; this reduces the fighter to being less of a man.
BamaJDon41 (10 )
11/07/2021 4:52 AMVery eloquent expression of the ultimate existential goal. To win is to actualize one's purpose in life and winning must be enough.
SilverFoxFight (39)
11/07/2021 9:16 PMI wish more guys would appreciate your blogging. For me, the act of wrestling or boxing is pure enjoyment in itself; winning is a plus. There's no need to humiliate the loser or for the winner to jump around like an idiot in the ring!
PunchingBagWanted (5)
11/10/2021 11:47 AMTo some, humiliation is an intrical part of the match, primarily seen in an intense heel/jobber match.
As for when is enough, enough? That can depend on whether you are the type that see's a glass as half full, or half empty.
Diametrically opposed views would be interesting from say an empathetic pacifist vs a homicidal sociopath.
celtwrestle (47 )
11/11/2021 11:58 PMIt’s only fair that both fighters agree on post-match outcomes and whether or not a few minutes of humiliation is ok. But Holding onto a submission hold well after the tap or “give” is pretty shitty conduct - unless, of course, a sub has specifically requested this.
PunchingBagWanted (5)
11/12/2021 3:04 AM(In reply to this)
Anything else would be considered assault.
GINGERMAN (8)
11/12/2021 7:53 AMAll of you have helped to drive home the point that I was making. I suspect if I had given this blog a different title more would have read it by now, and some of those would disagree. I personally think there is potential for serious consequences arising from failure to defer to the person who is tapping. I have only heard of one person who succumbed in a match to a person who was a member. One could argue that given the vast number of matches, this is a pretty good record. However, I do not know if this is a complete accounting; there may be an under reporting. Thank you for your input, all of you. Mind you, I like anyone appreciate praise and compliments, but criticism can help correct a persons thoughts, words and actions. I am open to that and also grateful for those who take the time to offer their criticism.
PunchingBagWanted (5)
11/12/2021 8:48 AM(In reply to this)
While any death is indeed tragic, accidental or otherwise, each person who participates in a combat sport of any kind should know the risks and do your homework in knowing a person before you meet. Contact and talk to others who have met your opponent, get a feel for who they are. As for the risk, there are many in life. Death is something that each of us must come to grip with. If you are spiritual in your beliefs then you know that it's simply a process that all must go through to the next plain of existence. Do you want to be safe all your life and never take a risk, or do you want to experience all that life has to offer, good or bad. Heart disease runs in the male line of my family, should I sit around and worry about it, or get on with life and experience all it has to give? Each must weigh their options and consider their circumstances, family in particular.
Bottom line, know your health, know your opponent, know your options. You ultimately need to choose to meet or not.
SilverFoxFight (39)
11/12/2021 11:47 AMI had a friend who died from a heart attack while boxing (fortunately, not with me). I had restored an old boxing ring that was in the basement of a school where he was superintendent. The school was not in the best area of town and was so well secured, emergency crews had trouble getting in. He was a great man; it was very sad.