what if people at school know you do muay thai and they want to fight you?

Question

i never told any one i did train muay thai but i think its because some of them have seen me running every day and i look like i am in shape i try not to pay attention to none of them
mostly the wrestlers and foot ball players

Answer 1

With all the athletics going on in a school I don't see how they would know you were practicing a martial art from just watching you run.

Also, keep in mind that those on the football or wrestling team could get kicked off the team for fighting. They can run their mouths all they want, but some of them are planning on a scholarship in those sports. They are not going to throw that away for nothing.

Its tough to remember high school and the "Lord of the Flies" mentality that still goes on. But, I think if you mind your own business and concentrate on your studies you will be just fine.

Answer 2

These are always tough situations to navigate, and no-one on here can really give you the "perfect" answer but, remember that your training in the martial arts shouldn't only be working your muscles. It should be working your brain also :-)

The skills we learn as we train should not be limited to beating and defeating an enemy. They should also be about de-escalting problems before they get to a physical defense point. This is probalby the most difficult skill of all for a martial artist to learn lol. Especially younger martial artists who have the pressures of peer groups and school to contend with.

Most people who try to pick fights like this will look for those they believe will a) not fight back, or b) will be an easy fight for them. One of the most positive things martial arts training should provide to youth and teenagers is a sense of self-accomplishment, self-knowledge, and self-worth. You know your skills and abilities. You know you work and train hard and within your training you are competent and skilled. Those who are trying to goad you are not confident. They are actually to be pitied for their lack of maturity and childish behavior.

Now, that doesn't resolve your problem, but it may put it into a different perspective that may allow you to walk away for the "dumb asses" more often than not. Obviously if they become physical you need to re-assess the situation and if absolutely necessary, defend yourself.

One of my teenage students in a similar situation told the bully that he was willing to fight them but legally he had to tell them that he was a martial artist and that he had fought successfully in more than a dozen state championships. He told them that they would have to sign a waiver absolving him from any culpability for death or injury, just as he has to when he competes in the tournaments. They laughed at him, and called him a coward - but they didn't offer to sign his paper and they basically left him alone after that.

That type of ingenious use of our most powerful weapon, our brain, impressed me greatly with this 15 year old. All situations are different, but I'd really encourage you to talk with your instructor/s about the situation for their guidance - or at a minimum to let them know what is happening.

Good luck

Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 3

Here's the rule that my old JKD instructor had when it came to being challenged to fight by bullies back in high school. Unless it was absolutely neccessary(meaning someone was jumping us) we were not allowed to use any of the techniques learned in his class without permission. If the other guys really insists on a fight, then we tell them we can only fight in our gym with safety gear on and with our instructor supervising the fight. If they really wanna fight and wanna call us out then that's the only way they get to try our skills. If they accept that condition, then we ask our instructor to arrange a match in the ring against whoever it is who wants to fight us. This way, we at least get to learn from the experience and minimize accidental injuries. This worked for us back then, because if anyone ever got past the intimidation factor of fighting in our gym in front of the instructor and the whole class, it served as a good way to analyze our skill level and showed whether we needed improvements, if we lost the fight, at least our instructor gets to see what we did wrong and can tweak our skills.

Answer 4

Well i wouldn't assume that you were practicing martial arts just because you are in shape. But you have two ways to handle it. Either ignore them, because it doesnt matter. Or two, find the one that the other kids respect the most as far as physically goes, and if he does say something, kick the s_it out of him. One way you get in a little trouble probably and have some fun, the other you don't get in any trouble and just have to shrug off a little bit of crap some nobody kid says.

Answer 5

Well they probably say some stuff to tease you! But if they fight you you'll bet them down! The chicks might be all over you and that will be cool! Don't fight only if you have too! Unless you want to be a dropout and just have a bad life because of some punk who got to you!

Answer 6

well people at school knew i practiced kung fu at PE so i just ignored them and whenever they seriously bothered me i just warned them to stop or ill do something.

i dont tell the coaches because they say come on and then the person continues so when they are near and no ones looking simply elbow them. though they will continue the other day, increase the lethalness until they finally stop.

Answer 7

as a martial artist you have a responsibility to be a good person and use your skill only when there are no other options. unless they physically threaten you, there is really no grounds for an altercation. come on, words are words and unless you let them, they do no real damage. but dude if they get physical and you got the tools then hurt them before they can hurt you. it sounds harsh, but thats reallity when fighting.

Answer 8

You know that you are to never use your skills in anything but self defence , your master will dissmiss you if you do.

As for these guys if they approch you try to defuse the situation without violince you would have been trained to do this. Other than that you know you must ignore them and rise above there petty ways.

Regadless of there stupidity you must respect them hopefully in turn you will ern there respect and they will leave you be.

Answer 9

Mostly with me, they try not to fight me becuase I do martial arts. I wouldn't worry but if they fight you kick their ***. I would woop them all so they stay away.

Goodluck, just tell them to leave you alone they are idiots anyhow especially if they are cocky sports jocks

Answer 10

sorry dude thats a tough spot your in. if i were you id challenge the meanest one to fight one on one - with gloves. if he wont, call him a pu55y everyday at school. he'll get embarassed and will probably fight. if you win, i bet youd shut the other guys up. if you lose, i bet youd earn their respect once they see your skills. you are skilled right? if not, then forget it. just ignore them.