So it's been quite a few months since my last post and much has occurred since then.
This past August of 2008 marked my first Muay Thai bout in over 7 years. To say the least, it was a reviving and fun experience. And at 32 years old, I've proved to many, and more so to myself, that I still have a little bit of 'fight' left in this youthful, yet aging and sore body of mine.
There wasn't much of a game plan or strategical preparation coming into this bout. But I knew for certain that World Team USA produces some of the finer Muay Thai athletes in today's competitive circuit. I could trust that my boxing would be superior against most traditional Thai fighters, as it would eventually prove during my second homecoming to the four-sided circle. The first round saw a punishment of jabs and toxic hooks handed to my opponents dome. But he was quick to respond with a return of low kicks that were less damaging than what they appeared to be. I was caught off balance a few times and kicked in the process. I'm sure the judges saw these exchanges in my opponent's favor. The second, was even or very close, in my eyes. But the 3rd and 4th is where I felt I became stronger while initiating the attack and clearly landing the bigger and more efficient blows. In short, I would suffer my very first loss to a hometown favorite. An obvious sense of frustration and disappointment were prevalent after the winner was announced. But the praises that I received in the aftermath, were certainly assuring that I had fought hard and fair to the last sound of the bell.
Even after nearly 8 months, I am still allured to the idea that I won that fight. And amongst particular circumstances, the 'fight in the dog' becomes much more significant that the win itself. In hindsight, I suppose that without a game plan, and considering my 7 year hiatus, a great performance would supersede on any given day.
Three months later, the so called 'plan' for the coming bout in December of 08 was to display patience and composure. In this instance, the expectation may have been carried out a little too far as my Team Voodoo counterpart was hesitant to engage for the entire fight. I still committed to a patient and composed performance, but lacked the 'fight' as in my previous bout. In the end, mission accomplished; got the 'W' and executed at will.
There is, without a doubt, much to take from each bout you pursue. And in that, a loss brings forth an equal value as does a win. How so? Simply, the fight game is a constant evolution and test of your physical conditioning, emotional stability, gameness, desire, technique, and knowledge. You will not always win in the same fashion, and you won't always win, period. As your opponent's evolve, so will you. Well, at least for those who genuinely plan to succeed. In my recent scenarios it was all bout the 'fight' as in my first return to the ring. The following bout daunted the task of showing poise. There, I won. It was by far not the most exciting fight to witness. But I stuck to the plan.
For my next bout in June, there will be a beautiful bridal of 'fight' and 'poise.' Always evolving, adapting, and adopting a pre-bout 'plan.' Win or lose.
