Re: [Middlebridge] Fighting Not Sport Cousin???

> Finn's 2 cents:
>
> Fighting must be more than sport, for a sport is something that one
> does for it's own sake or for one's ammusement. Where as I do enjoy
> fighting, it is something I do for the honor and favor of those that
> inspire me. I play golf for my own ammusement. After all if this is
> just a sport shouldn't we just all get the lightest wieght modern
> equipment, add real ref's, and go looking for sponsorships/endorsement
> contracts. Call my agent.
>
> Finn Jarl
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> From: kgriggs@ix.netcom.com (Kevin Griggs)
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A game becomes a sport when it aquires a central bureaucracy to ensure everyone
plays by the same rules. Endorsements, Olympic status, etc. come from having a
savy P.R. person in a position of power within the bureaucracy (consider
"professional beach volleyball"!).

A sport can elevate itself to the status of the martial art -- though that term
has fallen into disrepute -- by focusing less on winning than on the mystique
and tradition of the art. The difference is the difference between sumo
wrestling and freestyle wrestling. Both essentially are unchanged from their
origins centuries ago, but one has retained the rituals that add a spiritual
aspect to an athletic contest.

SCA combat has a rich tradition of legendary heroes and a history that stretches
back through an unbroken line of dozens of kings. It's something to be savoured
by everyone who participates in it.

Saeric
(Who has been re-reading "The Book of Five Rings" after recommending it to a
beginning fighter.)

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From: "Traylor" <tray0003@gold.tc.umn.edu>
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Received on Wed Jun 14 00:19:58 1995