A perennial favorite on the seminar circuit, Frank Shamrock is one of the few mixed martial artists who follow the traditional warrior ways. Photo by Robert W. Young

Viewing the Ultimate Fighting Championship and its clones sometimes leaves me feeling empty. As a lifelong martial artist, I enjoy all forms of fullcontact competition, especially its newest manifestation, noholdsbarred fighting. Now called "mixed martial arts," it's much closer to real combat than its predecessors. It's been instrumental in proving certain theories about combatespecially the idea that simple is better.

Gone are the head kicks and other showy techniques that are better suited for movies and television. In their stead are the simple basics of combat: jab, cross, hook, uppercut, elbows, knees and low kicks. In place of the refereecontrolled "clinch and break" is the more realistic grappling and ground game that shows the reality of combat, and that is as it should be. This is Darwinian evolution at work. It provides validity for the effectiveness of MMA training as opposed to singlediscipline, traditional systems. Matt Hughes proved this point convincingly against the man who started it all: Royce Gracie. Today, as in years past, the best in the martial sports tend to be the most versatile, proving that adaptability to the unpredictability of combat is a key component of victory.

But beyond the harsh realities of the cage, something's missing. Where's the budo (warrior ways) in MMA? Despite the glamour that TV coverage bestows, despite the marketing slogans and unapologetic hype, the values we grew up with are getting lost in the mix as MMA's priorities morph into those that govern pro wrestling. There's more punk attitude and less respect, the last bastion between organized competition and common street brawling.

Respect, honor, integrity and humility make the martial arts more than just a collection of fighting skills. Unfortunately, they seem to be in short supply with many of the athletes in MMA. There are exceptionsguys like Frank Shamrock, Rich Franklin and Hughes, who conduct themselves with honorbut there are many more who lack the budo spirit. Frequently we see real and contrived rivalries designed to stir up spectator passions and a thirst for violence or revengejust like in pro wrestling. MMA cards are adopting a predictable scenario: Two athletes promote their fight by proclaiming how they will demolish each other. Respect and honor are nowhere to be found. Only after the bout (usually with one fighter bruised and bloodied) do they express a modicum of respect. This spawns gangster martial artists whose objective isn't sportsmanship but a path to money, girls and glory that's traveled with no regrets and no regard for others.

This would be fine if MMA were only sports entertainment, but it's not. For many, it defines the martial arts today, and that's the problem. The martial arts are far more than what's seen in the cage or ring. To allow the arts to be defined by MMA alone is like saying all cars are the same. It simply isn't true.

My real question is, What message is this sport sending to people, especially children? Is it OK to taunt and curse a rival, telling him that you'll kill him in an event that's supposed to present fair competition? Is it acceptable to disrespect others if you can back it up with your fists? The behavior of these athletes teaches our children that respect is only begrudgingly earned after a bloody beating. Where are the values the arts were founded on? Don't we have some degree of responsibility to teach our children how to conduct themselves in sport as well as in life?

I know that the promoters are simply running their businesses. I know that the people in charge of these events hold them for profit and that, intentionally or otherwise, they're just following what worked for their predecessors. It's also true that combat sports have a long history of public rivalry, the whole good guy/bad guy thing. These realities I can live with. But nobody seems to be making an effort to inject values into the game. In some ways, the public is responsible. People in business market what sells, and obviously there's a demand for the gangster attitude coupled with blood and violence.

I know it's possible to practice and teach real martial arts while retaining traditional values. NHB fighting doesn't need to come with bad behavior. Some of its best teachers impart much more than lessons in how to beat someone up. I've met numerous instructors around the world who make sure that integrity, respect and honor are part of the martial arts experience. Maybe someday these qualities will be paid more than lip service by the organizations that profit from the action and excitement of earnest competition. Maybe someday they'll require honorable behavior in their rivalries. Muhammad Ali enjoyed a career that spanned decades, and he always exhibited the utmost class. I hope that as MMA grows in popularity, we don't forget the values that make the martial arts more than just a way of fighting.

About the author. Richard Ryan is the founder of the Dynamic Combat Method and co-founder of Integrated Combative Arts Training. For more information, visit http://www.blackbeltmag.com and click on Community, then Black Belt Authors.

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