Sakuraba's Heart

# 25 May, 2013 14:47
TucoRamirez	I thought the video Daniele posted on his Twitter recently where Sakuraba gets his tail whipped by Smirnovas for 4 minutes to the point of being knocked out (or so it looked) and takes a direct vicious knee before turning the tide in an amazing win. The video has a great soundtrack by the Indie band the Veils which is emotionally moving as well. Seriously, it is easy to Rocky-ize fight sequences and make heroes out of men who are flesh but what struck me about Sakuraba's warrior ethic was 1) He didnt get greedy, he had just got beaten up and had to feel that pit in the stomach all men feel and wanted to knock out Smirnovas but instead he went for the arm bar to submit him. Was it exhaustion? Maybe. Then the humility and respect after the fight was palpable. Was it Japanese politeness and manners? Maybe, I saw something else. Heart. Not a prideful heart, just pure intention not to give up, not to fail and to manifest itself into the highest spirit. As good as that video is, when Saku fought Rampage and came back after getting power slammed multiple times before submiting him, I can't believe how he held it all together and didnt get concussed multiple times during that fight. I wonder if his pro wrestling experience and obvious terrific ukemi from the falls they take in that promotion saves him. I worry he wont have all his faculties when he's older and his recent losses are quite sad (sort of like Jens Pulver who is my size and whom I find inspiring as well) but when I go to boxing class in 1h, Saku's heart will inspire me. Is there any fighter who better espouses Daniele's warrior path? quote

# 25 May, 2013 14:47

I thought the video Daniele posted on his Twitter recently where Sakuraba gets his tail whipped by Smirnovas for 4 minutes to the point of being knocked out (or so it looked) and takes a direct vicious knee before turning the tide in an amazing win. The video has a great soundtrack by the Indie band the Veils which is emotionally moving as well. Seriously, it is easy to Rocky-ize fight sequences and make heroes out of men who are flesh but what struck me about Sakuraba's warrior ethic was 1) He didnt get greedy, he had just got beaten up and had to feel that pit in the stomach all men feel and wanted to knock out Smirnovas but instead he went for the arm bar to submit him. Was it exhaustion? Maybe. Then the humility and respect after the fight was palpable. Was it Japanese politeness and manners? Maybe, I saw something else. Heart. Not a prideful heart, just pure intention not to give up, not to fail and to manifest itself into the highest spirit.

As good as that video is, when Saku fought Rampage and came back after getting power slammed multiple times before submiting him, I can't believe how he held it all together and didnt get concussed multiple times during that fight. I wonder if his pro wrestling experience and obvious terrific ukemi from the falls they take in that promotion saves him.

I worry he wont have all his faculties when he's older and his recent losses are quite sad (sort of like Jens Pulver who is my size and whom I find inspiring as well) but when I go to boxing class in 1h, Saku's heart will inspire me.

Is there any fighter who better espouses Daniele's warrior path?

# 26 May, 2013 12:44
Harmen13	I don't follow fights or know much about them, but that sounds like a great fighter to me. My Thumbs are up. quote

# 28 May, 2013 06:47
Daniele	Saku is a god. have you checked out Enson Inoue's interview on Joe (Rogan)'s podcast? quote