The Illusion of Jockdom is an faulty perception that muscle energy is all-powerful in a self-protection, aggressive or hostile engagement. An idea typically held and promoted by naïve, self-absorbed, testosterone-laden, and clueless younger males devoid of any understanding of fight, battle or warfare, the Illusion of Jockdom normally afflicts males of their teenagers, twenties and thirties, however it may have an effect on anybody of any age. Sadly, The Illusion of Jockdom is a recipe for damage, even demise.
Historical past gushingly overflows with examples of main wars, battles, one-on-one clashes, and mano-a-mano confrontations during which a smaller, much less ostensible power or individual destroys a bigger, extra seemingly highly effective one. The story of David and Goliath is an efficient begin for those that suppose in any other case. If extra analysis is required, the battles of the traditional warlord, Solar Tzu, the Roman defeat of the English within the Battle of Watling Avenue in 60AD, or the Greek Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC are worthy of research.
On a private observe, as having studied and taught martial arts professionally for a long time, I can truthfully say that a median particular person who’s properly-educated, decided, and educated within the preventing arts will defeat a person struggling the pangs of Jockdom. Muscle energy alone isn’t any match for warrior energy. Moreover, to a properly-educated martial artist, opponent measurement isn’t any deterrent.
Combating is an artwork and science. It engages the physique, thoughts, and spirit and imbues the person with the data of warfare, ways, methods. Combating is extra psychological than bodily. In his well-known treatise The Artwork of Struggle, Solar Tzu states: Struggle is a grave concern of the state; it should be totally studied. Discover that Solar Tzu not merely says warfare should be studied (a psychological operate) nevertheless it should be totally studied. If warfare had been solely bodily, why do nations have warfare faculties? Why does the USA have navy academies of West Level, Annapolis, the Air Drive and the Coast Guard? Academies exist to show the artwork of warfare, not the dimensions of one’s biceps.
True story. A center-aged male was appearing very surprisingly outdoors an area fitness center. The sole coach within the fitness center was notified of the person’s presence and to be cautious. When apprised of the scenario, the coach flexed his proper bicep, then his left, and commented that if the person prompted bother his (the coach’s) biceps would defend everybody. Actually? Are biceps bullet-proof? Can they cease knives, golf equipment or different weapons? Can they neutralize a person with superior data of preventing? The coach was roughly 6′ 3″, a university graduate, good physique however nonetheless, sadly, blinded by the malignant illness of Jockdom. Maybe he was unaware that just some weeks earlier a younger energy and conditioning coach of a hockey group at an area highschool was stabbed to demise because the consequence of a battle. All his muscle mass did not assist him. In actual fact, they could have been the consequence of him getting killed if he subscribed to the Illusion of Jockdom, which mainly says, “I am robust, I am sturdy, I’ve received muscle mass. I am unable to be crushed.” Such naiveté might properly have been instrumental within the trigger of his demise. Muscle tissues do not win wars. Brains do.
The ethical of the story and a phrase to the clever: do not fall into the selfish entice of Jockdom-of considering that muscle mass alone will prevent or save the day. Such thought is immature, silly and probably deadly. Too, by no means underestimate the flexibility of an opponent, regardless of measurement, age or gender. You could be an important jock, an impressive athlete, an imposing determine, but when you are going to interact in battle-which is at all times probably damaging, even deadly-you’d higher carry extra to the occasion than simply your muscle mass.
