Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Lawyer
I quit the week before. I was in killer shape to. I really busted my ass for about two months, lot's of sparring, cardio etc. I was feeling really great. I even had a really solid training session about 10 days before where I went about 6-8 three minute rounds with 3 different opponents.
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your point of view, I finally had some clarity in my life and realized I can't do MMA anymore. I have other responsibilities and a hobby like MMA consumes me too much with the competitve aspect.
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Damn dude, you don't have to drop the whole thing. Assuming you like the martial arts aspect and not just the fighting, you can still train and enjoy your hobby.
I quit Kenpo in my early 20s because I started to acquire responsibilities that kept me from being able to train 15 hours a week (and other stupid things). I didn't want any part of it if I couldn't be the best. I regret that decision to this day.
I found judo years later. I didn't really start competing until I was a brown belt (in judo, the divisions are below brown and brown + black, that's it). Every opponent I face has more experience and better technique than I do. This problem is compounded by the fact I only get to go to class once a week (if I'm not traveling), which isn't enough. I teach a Jap JJ class and mix in some occasional BJJ, but that's all I get for training.
I win some, and I lose some. Yeah, it's frustrating to lose to a 22 year old NCAA wrestler because I don't have time to condition like he does, but I'm happy just to be on the mat and still compete with the kids at 35. Schedule permitting, I may enter a NAGA tourney later this year if I can get some more mat work in.
It's all about managing expectations. My growth is limited by the constraints of adult life. That doesn't mean I can't enjoy the time I can spend.
Hopefully you can find some balance.
PS I also sold my MA library which really pisses me off today...especially since I have repurchased a few books I used to own.
Give it some thought. If you change your mind, I'll "buy" your library for $300, you keep the books, and we both get good feedback.