The Illusion of Jockdom is an erroneous belief that muscle power is omnipotent within a self-defense, competitive or hostile engagement. A notion frequently held and promoted by naïve, self-absorbed, testosterone-laden, and clueless young guys devoid of any understanding of combat, battle or war, the Illusion of Jockdom commonly afflicts guys in their teens, twenties and thirties, however it can influence any individual of any age. Sadly, The Illusion of Jockdom can be a recipe for injury, even death.
History gushingly overflows with examples of big wars, battles, one-on-one clashes, and mano-a-mano confrontations in which a smaller, much less ostensible force or individual destroys a bigger, more seemingly effective one. The story of David and Goliath is often a good start for all those who believe otherwise. If additional research is required, the battles in the ancient warlord, Sun Tzu, the Roman defeat from the English within the Battle of Watling Street in 60AD, or the Greek Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC are worthy of study.
On a individual note, as possessing studied and taught martial arts professionally for decades, I can honestly say that an average individual who is well-trained, determined, and knowledgeable inside the fighting arts will defeat an individual suffering the pangs of Jockdom. Muscle power alone is no match for warrior power. Furthermore, to a well-trained martial artist, opponent size is no deterrent.
Fighting is an art and science. It engages the body, thoughts, and spirit and imbues the individual with the information of war, tactics, approaches. Fighting is much more mental than physical. In his renowned treatise The Art of War, Sun Tzu states: War is often a grave concern with the state; it must be thoroughly studied. Notice that Sun Tzu not basically says war has to be studied (a mental function) but it has to be thoroughly studied. If war had been only physical, why do nations have war colleges? Why does the United states have military academies of West Point, Annapolis, the Air Force and also the Coast Guard? Academies exist to teach the art of war, not the size of one's biceps.
True story. A middle-aged male was acting pretty strangely outside a nearby fitness center. The sole trainer within the health club was notified of the man's presence and to become cautious. When apprised in the circumstance, the trainer flexed his ideal bicep, then his left, and commented that if the man caused trouble his (the trainer's) biceps would shield absolutely everyone. Really? Are biceps bullet-proof? Can they cease knives, clubs or other weapons? Can they neutralize an individual with superior understanding of fighting? The trainer was approximately 6' 3", a college graduate, very good physique but still, regrettably, blinded by the malignant malady of Jockdom. Maybe he was unaware that just several weeks earlier a young strength and conditioning coach of a hockey team at a neighborhood high school was stabbed to death as the outcome of a fight. All his muscles did not help him. In reality, they may perhaps happen to be the outcome of him acquiring killed if he subscribed towards the Illusion of Jockdom, which basically says, "I'm tough, I am sturdy, I've got muscles. I can not be beaten." Such naiveté may well have been instrumental inside the cause of his demise. Muscles do not win wars. Brains do.
The moral from the story plus a word for the wise: do not fall into the egocentric trap of Jockdom-of thinking that muscles alone will save you or save the day. Such thought is immature, foolish and potentially lethal. Too, never ever underestimate the capacity of an opponent, regardless of size, age or gender. You might be an incredible jock, an outstanding athlete, an imposing figure, but if you're going to engage in battle-which is generally potentially damaging,how to get good eyesight, even lethal-you'd far better bring a lot more to the party than just your muscles.
No comments:
Post a Comment