By Marc R. Keller, Copy Editor

 

photographs by David Loew

Do you remember your first time? Or, are you still a virgin? We’re talking about in the fighting arts, now. Get your mind out of the gutter and your ass off that couch. Take a bold step into a new world that promises excitement, as well as a sense of achievement.

When you walk into a boxing ring or step onto the unfamiliar mat at a dojo, what questions come to mind? Do you worry that your fellow fighters-in-training will mock your thin or obese form, or any noticeable physical imperfections (i.e., scars, freckles, pimples, et cetera)? Do you often wonder if you’ll get a competent mentor who knows what he or she is doing? Or, do you dread the cuts, bruises, or broken bones you might receive while in action with your teachers and peers? Fret not; these are profound concerns that we face when we first enter such an environment.

I’ve occasionally been at the opposite ends of the fighting arts spectrum as both fighter and victim. As a child, I was menaced because of my never-ending pursuit of knowledge. And that’s what this column is about: Knowledge and new experience in the fighting arts.

The First Person focuses upon the introduction to training in the fighting arts. Whether a novice to the sport, first-time amateur, or budding pro, it’s a story well worth telling. In this column, we’ll explore real-life experiences from the “I” perspective on first tournaments or exhibitions; finding a dojo, trainer, or gym; or even learning the fighting arts in military boot camp or the police academy.

This column will follow the progress of one writer over several issues and on our Website. Or, from time to time, we will give you a capsule “one-shot” view of a newcomer’s first-hand experience with a specific fighting arts-related situation. Either way, it’s a chance to view the initiation of “rookies” through a fresh set of eyes.

Chicago Fighting Arts Magazine wants to hear from you about your first-time fighting arts experiences. If you are starting out in boxing or martial arts, talk to us about sharing it with our readers. Don’t worry if you aren’t a writer; we’ll work with you to get your story down and in our pages. Contact our Managing Editor, Bryan Bushemi, at editor@chicagoboxing.com or Editor-in-Chief, David Loew, at david@chicagoboxing.com and tell us about your introduction to the fighting arts.