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GOLDSEA |
YOUR TRUE STORIES
[NOTE TO READERS: This page is closed to new input. You can post new true stories and continue discussions at the new improved Instant Polls & Comments area. --Ed.]
Lesson from Encounter with Harassive Frat Boys
s a kid growing up in NYC, I got into a lot of fight in the street with asian gangs. I studied praying mantis, long fist style kung fu. It was fun and a rush to get into fights.
When I went to college I studied under a TaeKwonDo master who was the '88 USA Olypmic bronze medalist bantam weight in TKD, Master Han Kwon Lee. He probably saw that I was like him during his youth, always getting into fights. He introduced me to Olympic competive TKD and I enrolled in his school. He wasn't like my Kung Fu master because his focus was to get his students into the olympics, so we trained to spar all the time.
Broken bones and other injuries were common during training and competition.
One night after 4 years of not getting into trouble on the streets. A group of 8 frat boys were harassing my girlfriend. I ran up to the leader of the group. He asked me if I wanted to fight. I quickly replied "no" and round house kicked him (right foot) in the stomach and back kicked the person next to him in the chest (left foot). By that point the other six lost the will to fight and dragged the other two away.
However, there was no rush for me when I was fighting in the street. The oppenent I choose were not my equal, there was no challenge. The incident did not even last 3 minutes, more like 10 seconds. I didn't need to analyze my oppenents and come up with a strategy to win.
My girlfriend appreciated what I did that night. The people on the street cheered for me and shook my hand. But personally I was down. All that training and competing made one of the things that defined me a joke now.
That night all the things my Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do masters started to make sense why to avoid fights. Avoid unnessary injuries: I always came back bruised and sore from major competions, but, at least I come back with a prize (trophy, leather jacket, or gift certificates) or at the very least a lesson to make me a better fighter. I didn't break a sweat on those jerks, but I didn't get a prize either nor learn how to be a better competitor, it was an empty victory. Like kicking a puppy.
Competive/Professional fighters enjoy the challenge of a well trained opponent. I realised that night that fighting anything else is just not fulfilling and just taking an unecessary risk of getting injured for no reason.
AC dropout
Friday, November 09, 2001 at 16:11:51 (PST)
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GOLDSEA |
YOUR TRUE STORIES
[NOTE TO READERS: This page is closed to new input. You can post new true stories and continue discussions at the new improved Instant Polls & Comments area. --Ed.]
READER COMMENTS
While indeed, you were very lucky you did not get shot, I must also agree with Valley Chinese Dude.
You defended the honor of your woman. In Chinese tradition, that is one of the most honorable things to do. I, too, would have shook your hand in the streets.
Quite frankly, you should feel very proud of yourself, as I--a fellow Asian American--am of you.
Chinese Law Student
Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 18:50:22 (PST)
Hey AC Dropout,
It wasn't for nothing. You defended the honor of your girlfriend and yourself. You stood up to your opponent and did not flinch. Isn't that enough for you?
That's what we need. More Asian-Americans who will stand up for themselves and each other and i'm not just talking about the streets. I mean, in general. In school, at work, etc.
Valley Chinese Dude
Monday, November 12, 2001 at 21:20:59 (PST)
You were really lucky those jerks didn't have a gun. As effective as martial arts can be, anyone with a gun and a little distance or the element of surprise could have popped a cap in your ass and you'd be dead. Another reason why you should try to resolve fights as peacfully as possible.
Martial Artist who lost a kidney due to a gunshot wound and a hot head.
Monday, November 12, 2001 at 13:23:10 (PST)
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