Martial Arts - The Critical Difference Between A Fighter And A Killer

Lately, here in Las Vegas, I've had the pleasure of meeting a number of Mixed Martial Arts competitors from the various "No Holds Barred" events like the UFC and Pride. For the most part these fighters were amazing physical specimens and tremendous competitors. Their skills in the arena are impressive and fun to watch. The other factor across the board is the fighters I met are very good natured guys.

At one of the events I was introduced by an MMA friend of mine to one of the top competitors and this fighter asked through his translator if I was a MMA competitor. Before I could answer, my friend (who had a couple of beers in him since he was not on this fight card) smiled and said, "Nah, this guy's a killer, he just likes to teach you how to stab people to death or beat their brains out with a tire iron. You'd like his course!"(Always great to have friends give this kinda PR "help")

Then the fighter asked if I taught how to "defend" against knives and guns. My friend once again "answered" for me saying "Oh yeah and more than one attacker, I mean, its prison riot training" (Again very "helpful"; I'm sure the translator loved me!) Then the fighter told of his cousin being assaulted and stabbed by 2 men in his home country. He said he felt bad because he truly couldn't give his cousin (who survived the attack) any "tips" on how to "fight" people with knives.

He then said: "Quite frankly for all my skills in the ring I doubt I could have done much better. I know how to kick someone's ass on the mat but on the street it's so different."He then had to leave and get ready for his match (which he easily won that night, absolutely wrecking his opponent). We exchanged info and he got the dates when I'd be in Europe this year.

This meeting got me thinking about the difference between a fighter and a killer: The fighter competes to better an opponent; the killer is solely focused on ending the other person. The fighter seeks to score points or get someone to submit; the killer seeks to shut down the other's brain. The fighter is good at kicking someone's ass; the killer knows how to irreparably injure vulnerable areas of the human body, permanently wrecking the function of that area.

The fighter relies on superior strength, speed and skill; the killer uses stealth and violence of action to get his results.The fighter's skills deteriorate after his competitive years are over; the killer's skills can last a lifetime.The fighter's skills work best in the controlled environment of the ring; the killer's skills work in any act of violence.

I could go on but you get the point. Now some of you may be pursuing competitive MMA careers and I wish you the best. After you hang up your gi or MMA trunks you may find the skills of a killer more useful.For the rest of you please ask yourself where do you see yourself applying your martial arts or combat sport training?

If it is in the chaotic world of real violence then you are hamstringing yourself with rules and skills that are only good for the young, fast, and strong. Not to mention whether or no the other guy plays by your rules; most murderers tend not to abide by any competition standards.

At least explore the world of the killer and see how despite the name, the skills are easily learned and last a lifetime. Also the byproduct of learning these skills is you get to live a far more relaxed and peaceful life. Strange but true. Remember there is a big difference between being a killer and a murderer. And if you face a murderer; then only the skills of a killer will properly prepare you for that situation.