Feel the Fight Club Urge? Try MMA!

By Nick Bidanec

Disney's Martial Arts Festival in Olrando, Flo. on October 26-28, 2007 provided me, a complete novice, with great insight into various kinds of the martial arts. Especially Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) seriously intrigued me.

Photo by Astrid Bidanec
left to right: Joseph Clark, Magnus Virgin 

While I attended this event as a "supporting member" of the press, I  still followed my own agenda.  That roughly translates into: My wife did the interviews and took photos, while I carried the camera bag and chased our son around. Nonetheless, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself although I have little experience with martial arts.

My wife, who grew up in Europe practicing judo, gravitated towards the traditional martial arts.  I, like many Americans, find them to be a bit too artistic and subjective.  Perhaps that's due to our early indoctrination to recognize the beauty of a quarterback sack, slam dunk, or bench clearing brawl. 

Just like Burger King promises that you can have it your way, I did, indeed, find what I was looking for at Disney.  In the very corner of the gym, I saw a small group of men grappling on the floor while occasionally punching each other.  Yup, you guessed it, they were training Mixed Martial Arts, better known as MMA.

Somehow, watching this 'beating' really fascinated me. It occured to me that I might actually enjoy participating in such a leisure activity. Of course, I am not sure if it would be the right fit for me. However, I generally excell at each sport I participate in.  Even though I just turned 33 I consider myself to be in great physical shape. 
Photo By Astrid Bidanec
Joseph Clark (right) demonstrates a punch

Most importantly, MMA seems to be so much fun, it must be worth a shot. Besides, I’m working out really hard.  It’s almost as if I’m training for something… but for what?  Feeling good and staying healthy is great. But why am I spending so much time in the gym or on the treadmill? MMA could give me a purpose while adding a couple of degrees to the fun-o-meter!