Fighting Decisions, Decisions, No Contest, Refs and Judges

I just got back from some fights in NY with one of our guys fighting for a title in the semi-main event. In the fight his opponent gets hit, moves back, twists or hyperextends his knee, falls and can no longer continue. I assume that my guy wins that title and the referee calls the match a No-contest. A No-contest usually results when something beyond the control of the fighters stops the match. In the case of a fighting moving and falling and not being able to continue, I don't think that constitutes a No-contest. Having torn ACLs in matches, I hoped back up and continued to fight. If I couldn't have continued, then the other other fighter should be awarded the victory. I don't think it should be declared a No-contest.

In looking at decisions determined by officials (refs, judges, etc.), I think that they should do all in their power to let the fighters determine the outcome. I would rather extensions rounds be added in the case of a draw. Depending on the sport, rulings should be based on the basic definition of the sport. For example in combat sports, the objective is dominate one's opponent with the most efficient techniques for that sport. In a boxing match, we know a right cross hits harder than a jab. So, if it boils down which wins between the two, the right cross should win as opposed to looking at it as both landed a punch.

It would be great if all officiating had competitive experience or training in what they are judging (believe or not, many times it is neither), we could see better decisions. As professional as commissions and organizations want to be, they main area the fail in is getting credible experienced people to officiate.

Self Defense, Realty Defense and Combat Sports

Even though Reality Self Defense claims to be different and superior to Traditional Martial Arts, in some cases they are alike. The argument is theory versus practical application. My thoughts are that you have to get experience applying it yourself. As a combat athlete, I've been fortunate to experience hand to hand combat to the fullest (striking and grappling in individual and mixed formats). From a reality perspective, I know what it's like to have bullets fly past and I have seen first hand the results of knife and gun violence. The first thing I will tell you is that awareness is the most important skill you can have. Reading body language is second. Controlling your emotions is next (appearing aggressive, passive, oblivious, etc.). All of these must be present before you can apply the physical or tactical skills. Combat sports will teach how to control emotion, pressure, stress, pain, and give you psychological aptitude that will help in a situation.