Fashion in Fighting

(written after Lyoto Machida's win over Rashad Evans)

After three decision victories into the UFC, Lyoto Machida, began to establish his elusive style to the American audience by stopping 3 of his last 4 opponents. Some critics say his style is a complete bore, while others will perceive him as a complicated riddle waiting to be solved. He can be adjacent to the word, perfection, as his undefeated record has yet to be broken. (Un)traditional and (Un)modern may have a new meaning in combat sports. And whether his future bouts end in the same fashion or not, by decision or not, it is Lyoto's personal acclaim and media mongers alike, that MMA has encountered a new design in 'Machida' \kə-ˈrä-tē\.

In today's striking sports there are few that compare to traditional and modern Muay Thai. With the exercise of hands for boxing, shins for chopping, knees for traumatizing, and elbows for slicing, it is the art of eight limbs that has solidfied its tradition as one of the most effective arsenals in combat sports. Not many practical arts are as useful in close, mid and long range fighting. Although, with this appreciation in mind, I will be the first to admit that I do not come from an authentic Muay Thai academy or background. I was first introduced into kickboxing where our hybrid style would mimic the likes of Dennis Alexio, Toshio Fujiwara, and even Ramon Dekkers. We have never claimed or considered ourselves as Thai fighters in the very least for obvious reasons. The practice of Muay Thai concepts was certainly prominent, while the emphasis on leg kicks and knees would see less attention than your modern Nak Muays. As most would say, you can call it American Kickboxing with a strong point towards Western style boxing. But inspite of the label, our camps have never declined a fight in any style. Whether the bout offered K1 rules, Modified Muay Thai, American Kickboxing, or Full Muay Thai... at the end of the day, we showed up to fight. And what better way to segue into the idea of style versus style and the appreciation for the art, period.

As some martial artists will claim their style as superior, every style does have flaws on some levels as do the individuals who practice the art at hand. I can, and always will appreciate Muay Thai as a combat art for what it is. There is pure beauty in witnessing absolute technique of a round kick. The devastation of a Kao would put most in awe. The blow from an elbow can create complete madness. And in all this chaos comes hundreds of years of tradition, respect, and spirit. And on the other spectrum of the world, there are similar styles in American Kickboxing, Low-Kick Kickboxing of Japan, and the European Style Kickboxing of the Dutch. In their own right, they are all effective with a seamless blend of all limb weapons. So what are we questioning? Because at the end of the day a fight, is a fight. Where damage, speed, power, ring control, agression, intelligence, effectiveness, defense, and technique should all be calculated at the judges hands. And it is your responsibility to uphold to your style. To impose your style and the most effective method to become victorious, entertaining, and respectful to your opponent and otherwise. This is the absolute wonder and beauty in this fight game. But the Monday morning quarterbacks will always be just that. A spectator. A witness. A mere member of the audience. So I say, nevermind what the critics say. Ignore the snide remarks of 'he doesn't throw many knees' or 'he's more of a kicker', or he's more of a boxer,' or 'he doesn't fight in authentic Muay Thai fashion.' Whatever it may be, assert and stick to your style, progress with the sport, and appreciate individuality. And as styles do make fights, there is no one particular weapon or style (stand-up)that is superior to any other. Every person and every style can be defeated. In your own journey, application is key. Just imagine the fight game if we all danced to the same beat. I would be bored at prom night too.