By Grant Waterman
With SENSHI, Bulgaria is leading the way in saving Martial Arts from commercial corruption
Violence isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, that’s for sure. Some people are far more timid than others and some people are simply not physically built that way. So is being capable of violence towards others a bad thing? No, it’s not, but being undisciplined with it certainly is. As a man, especially one with a family, you surely have to be capable of protecting them to some level? Or does that sound like an outdated idea in this day and age of wrapping people in cotton wool and where people are harmed by words, but let’s not open that can of worms, shall we? I mean I don’t want to offend anyone!
Let me briefly tell you what qualifies me to discuss anything connected with violence, fighting, or Combat Sports. I grew up with no grandparents and my father died when I was 4 years old. Being beaten as a child was pretty normal back then. At school I had fights in the playground and the classroom and was extremely disruptive, spending most of the last year being excluded from lessons. All I wanted to do was sport, nothing else, just sport – and I didn’t really care which one. ADHD? No, just unlimited energy. I was basically told daily that I was an idiot and looking back, I simply had no discipline and no direction, like a little wild animal. Now although it took me a few years, discovering Martial Arts quite probably kept me out of prison and possibly saved me from an early grave. Maybe in future magazine articles, we can discuss my time in the UK Military, my 25 years as a nightclub doorman, and bodyguard for Arabs and billionaires, being a not-so-great boxer and kickboxer, my passion for big motorcycles or my 20 years as one of the world’s top MMA referees.
I helped create Cage Warriors and Cage Rage and worked with Pride FC and the UFC as well as hundreds of other organisations around the world. Just for the record, although I might sound like I’m trying to portray myself as some kind of action man, I’ve made more mistakes in life than I care to remember. It’s the mistakes that teach us the biggest lessons. I’ve had failed businesses, a ridiculous marriage, and a wonderful divorce. I’ve made a lot of money and lost it all a few times over, and even at 57 years old I still have to keep myself in check, instead of doing something crazy just for a few laughs. I also graduated with an Engineering Degree at 30 just before my son was born to set a positive example for him. Something must be right because I laugh every day, I sing while I drive and I feel extremely grateful for everything. And although, like many individuals, I’m capable of extreme violence, it’s very rarely my first choice to solve any situation. However, saying that, it’s great to know that it’s always an option.
So where am I going with all this? Well, in an era dominated by digital distractions, fast-paced lifestyles, and a distinct lack of masculine role models, martial arts stand out as a beacon of discipline, respect, and self-improvement for today’s youth. Far beyond its physical advantages, martial arts offer profound benefits that shape character and foster personal growth, making it an invaluable practice for young individuals.
One of the foremost benefits of martial arts is its capacity to reveal and enhance character. Training requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to continually strive for improvement. Young practitioners learn to set goals, work diligently towards them, and embrace the rigorous self-discipline that martial arts demands. This journey instills a strong sense of pride, teaching young people the value of hard work and persistence.
Respect is a cornerstone of all martial arts traditions. Starting from bowing to instructors and peers. Adhering to the rules of the dojo, young martial artists learn to show respect for others and for the art itself. This respect extends beyond the training mats, fostering a greater appreciation for authority figures, peers, and even opponents. Martial arts also teach humility: no matter how skilled one becomes, there is always more to learn. This recognition helps individuals stay grounded and respectful in their interactions with others.
The practice of martial arts requires immense concentration and mental clarity. Techniques and forms must be executed with precision, demanding that practitioners remain present and focused. For youths, this heightened focus can translate to improved academic performance and better attention spans. The mental fortitude developed through martial arts also equips them to handle stress and adversity with greater resilience.
Martial arts can empower anyone by teaching them how to protect themselves and others. While the physical skills acquired are important, the true essence lies in the confidence that comes with being capable of self-defence. This confidence reduces the likelihood of becoming a target of bullying and enhances the ability to stand up for oneself and others. Moreover, understanding the responsibility that comes with power encourages young martial artists to resolve conflicts peacefully and to use their skills judiciously.
Training in martial arts creates a sense of belonging and community. Youths engage with peers who share similar goals and values, building friendships and learning teamwork. The camaraderie and mutual support experienced in a martial arts setting, help foster social skills and a sense of connectedness, countering feelings of isolation that are increasingly common among today’s youth.
I’m certain that hard physical training from a young age would prevent all of the mental illnesses we see nowadays. Not just martial arts with all the above benefits, but some form of progressive goal-oriented training that an individual can see, feel and appreciate their progress in.
Now, I’m sure if you’ve read this far, you have watched some kind of combat sports on TV or online, boxing or MMA over the past few years. Now we must understand that it is a huge business nowadays, with UFC alone being valued at around 15 billion euros, and selling tickets and Pay-per-views is what it’s all about. Promoters know that it’s not the Fight Business, it’s the Entertainment Business. What has happened with all the discipline, respect, and honour that I’ve mentioned above? It seems that all the pre-fight hype, which is 99% sales tactics to create interest and grab people’s attention, is all based on insults and disrespect. It’s at a level now where I can almost predict what’s going to be said and who’s going to push who first. Tell me, shouldn’t these world-class athletes be setting an example? Do you want your kids looking up to guys like Connor McGregor or Tyson Fury’s father? I know it can be amusing, but really, act like men, sportsmen!
So, can we rescue Martial Arts and Combat Sports from the circus that those clever businessmen across the pond have created? Yes, we certainly can, and Bulgaria is leading the way in many respects. I now work with an event called SENSHI which has its 23rd edition on September 7, 2024. With world-class production and a mixture of fighting styles including Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA, all types of fans’ tastes are covered. With an unwavering demand for respect and sportsmanship, while still producing some incredible action in the ring, SENSHI is showing the world that you can be highly entertained with Combat Sports while maintaining the budo ethics of martial arts. Of course, it can get a bit spicy now and again at the face offs, but here we have rivalry not disrespect.
Ultimately, martial arts offer invaluable lessons and benefits, shaping today’s youth into well-rounded, capable individuals. Through discipline, respect, and community, martial arts can guide them toward a brighter future. Part of our mission here at SENSHI is to give athletes a platform where they can test themselves at the highest level and be rewarded for doing so, whilst taking on the responsibility of becoming a role model for the next generation, because their future is our future and remember, ‘it’s better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war’.
*The article is published in Bulgaria ON AIR THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE, issue 167 2024
