Humanist Sides Behind The Hard Exercise Of Mixed Self-Defense Arts

Mixed martial arts or MMA. (Photo: Twitter/@onepride_mma)

JAKARTA - Mixed martial arts or MMA are now increasingly being loved. The emergence of UFC makes the base of sports fans this one even bigger.

MMA is known for its tough fights. The fighters must have extraordinary mentality.

For martial arts athletes, fear is nothing foreign, although countless times they have been slammed and slammed, then swept an endless dip from their bodies.

Competing in the ring in front of hundreds of pairs of eyes, competing with physical and mental skills to be enjoyed as a sport and entertainment, turns out to be not just an effort to win the title of champion for martial arts athletes who is often called a fighter a fighter, a fighter.

The time of approximately 20 minutes above the ring, for Frans Lincoln, is a short and magical moment to turn fear and pain into coal of courage.

In a fraction of a second interval, that feeling of nervousness and doubt was transformed into a force to conquer the opponent in front of him and the fear within him.

Everyone, even the MMA world champion, has ever felt scared. No matter how great he is, he must have felt it. However, when it's inside (the ring), we just get off," said Frans, as reported by Antara, Monday, February 13.

Frans, a fighter from Siantar, has liked MMA since he was young and started wrestling and pursued it professionally. Unlike the action film acts, his journey was not very smooth. He had been behind bars until his residence was burned down by the crowd.

The proof, arguably, is a familiar thing for everyone - considering that everyone is a fighter - dares to face the obstacles to life every day.

Another Indonesian fighter, Rheza Arianto, also has the desire to prove his abilities to many people, and of course, himself.

Rheza, who is 22 years old, grew up in a fairly religious environment. He received education from junior high to high school at a boarding school. Six years behind Islamic school, he is expected by his parents to become an ustaz.

However, his love for martial arts remains his big capital to achieve his goals as a professional fighter.

"That choice (to become a fighter) is very opposed to my parents, but I gave proof," said Rheza.

For Rheza and Frans, the various defeats to the challenges that occur in their lives are the strengths and beliefs to compete in front of millions of eyes. The small steps and the decision not to give up are their ammunition to face the world.

The art of martial arts is often seen as extreme sports because it is closely related to strong and continuous physical contact. The MMA event was broadcast on television above 10 pm, in the hope of keeping the audience away, especially children, from violent scenes.

It's quite interesting, because like other sports, interest has emerged since childhood. For Yoga Prabowo, an elementary school teacher from Boyolali who is also an MMA fighter, said he was open if his students asked about this.

When asked what he would do as a teacher if he saw his students fighting, laughing deeply, Yoga said he "will prepare the ring and be the referee".

"I told you to just keep fighting, I was refereeing. But, yes of course, they have to be directed, given time for them to make up again," said Yoga.

The 25-year-old professional fighter said, at school, he had the duty to be a friend to his students. For him, a teacher is a friend of a story and compass for his students in the academic space.

Being a teacher and a fighter also opened Yoga's heart even wider. The two professions taught him not to forget to be human -- that every individual needs empathy, affection, and can lead each other to goodness -- at the same time being able to be strong: stand for himself and others.

Talking about standing up for the crowd, it's nothing foreign to Rendi Anjar Kusuma, a fighter who is an active member of the Indonesian Navy Special Forces.

Rendi admitted that he had been interested in MMA sports for a long time, but economic limitations prevented him. He then became acquainted with self-defense again after joining the TNI.

"I don't give up. I come from the background of people who don't have one. So, if I give up, I won't get to my destination," said the man from Bengkulu.

"However, however, I am (a member) of the TNI. Whatever I do (such as a professional MMA career), my duties (TNI) are number one. If I am summoned, of course I will prioritize it," he added.

The long and rocky journey that MMA fighters have gone through, such as Frans, Rheza, Yoga, and Rendi, leads to the same hope, namely attention and support from the government to the people of Indonesia.

The four agreed that proper coaching at a young age is the main key. Hard training accompanied by fighting, consistency, and support from various parties is the perfect formula for athletes of any sport, including MMA, so that it can develop further in the international arena.

"Why is it not given more attention? Instead of seeing students fighting, it is better to be given a platform, directed better with clear techniques, safety, and rules," said Yoga.

The MMA Indonesia world was recently moved by Jeka Saragih who was officially elected as the first Indonesian fighter to be contracted by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Besar di One Pride MMA, kini Jeka Saragih menjadi orang pertama yang mendapatkan kontrak UFC!#OneprideMMA #KOBI #UFC pic.twitter.com/ES5njuKwyU

— One Pride MMA (@onepride_mma) February 9, 2023

In addition, as many as 12 Indonesian fighters have left for the United States to undergo more intensive training in order to compete in the world arena.

"Hopefully, don't be given attention after it's up. All athletes have given their best, train hard every day. Attention needs to be given from below," said Randi.

Because, in the end, all athletes from all sports have the same hope, namely bringing Indonesia to the world's highest stage.

And, like heroic stories in action films, it would be more beautiful if that hope continued to live with the love that was born in us, from the country.