With the countless boxing and MMA events we have seen in recent light like the Mayweather vs McGregor boxing event, it truly allows people to gather to enjoy and inspires many to take up the sport. However, we must wonder, what truly allows people to take up Martial Arts. Some may say, it is due to the situations we grow up in, some say it allows children to become disciplined, and even allows adults to get back into shape.

Whatever the reason, when a sport like Martial Arts becomes a part of our lives, we must wonder why is special about it. When we think of ourselves and what defines us, we may think of certain characteristics, habits, our activities, and even our personal preferences to define ourselves. For myself a big part of who I am, revolves around the sport of Martial Arts. At the age of 7 my parents put me in Tae Kwon Do, and I continued to participate in the sport till the age of 13. I had to put my martial arts to bed as my school/ dojo had relocated, thus it meant taking an undesired break.

Martial Arts kept me grounded. It allowed me to become an individual who is disciplined and it allowed me to develop as an individual. However, once I stopped, it felt that everything that I had developed via this sport was lost to me. I lost my connection with the sport, thus it meant losing a part of my own identity.I went from doing something everyday to not doing it at all for a good 6 years. Despite keeping myself occupied through part of middle school and high school through various activities, I always felt like something was missing.

However, in 2015, I joined a local Martial Arts studio. Something that would allow me to reconnect with my past. Although this time I decided to participate in a different discipline. I joined a Mixed Martial Arts studio, where I would be learning a faster sport that would truly allow me to pick up my self defensive skills yet again. This allowed me to redevelop my identity. One that had been diminished years before.

That feeling of being lost was no longer there. I was able to truly do better in school and even find a new focus in my life. Martial Arts yet again became a part of my life and continues to hold a great significance in my daily life.

In the past two years, I have dealt with injuries that have pushed me behind my new goals within the sport, but it seems these moments have not stopped me from bouncing back after making a recovery. Although I have much to work on with my technique with the sport, and even with my health, I continue driving myself to improve any way I can.

Today, I, with great enthusiasm, watch multiple Boxing and UFC events. My love for the support has allowed me to become a fan of the sport yet again.

So, like myself, everyone must ask themselves, what are the factors that you identify yourself with? And are these factors that are established in your life on a regular basis?