Good point, good video. I'm an aspiring mma athlete who would love to compete on the big screen. I consume a lot of fighting videos as education, and would hope that people watching me are also trying to learn something.. but as you pointed out, most of the time that's not the case. My question to you is - why should someone refrain or avoid watching this entirely? Understanding martial arts has helped me look at combat without bloodlust, simply appreciating the 'art'. If we are afraid that our society is getting too violent, should we forbid the viewing of violence, or should we educate people about it? This comes back to your points about everyone learning to defend themselves - if we did, everyone would be able to 'responsibly' watch fights, and you wouldn't have to forbid it.
2 People whacking each other in the head and face is giving into a lower state of humanity. No matter how nice the dance its people beating each other up for a living. And the more spectacular the violence and more the crowd cheers, the more blood and guts the better a chance for a rematch. A human dog fight.
You haven't addressed the actual people getting hurt in the arena. Why not have them fight with soft headgear? Why not wear some light sparring gear for protection? That way, we can still be educated and can still enjoy the art of the martial art. What about when muscles are strained, ligaments are torn, and there is bleeding? Is there no responsibility to protect one's body? And where do you draw the line between how much physical pain and destruction is okay and how much is not? And how do you ensure that the players don't cross the line when they're in the ring? So let's address your main question: why should we refrain from watching MMA? If we don't watch it, they don't get money. If they don't get money, they stop hurting each other. Anyone serious about getting education will know that there are alternatives.
My 21 year old son just made that same connection with reality tv shows like American Idol. He said he watched it once, during the auditions and couldn't believe how people would encourage their loved ones, with no musical talent or ability, to put themselves in a international stage to be laughed at, mocked, for the entertainment of others. He said it was not much different than the gladiators. I've never liked "reality" tv but now I know why. Hurting others, physically or emotionally, for our own entertainment is disgusting and wrong.
As an accomplished martial artist of over 35 years and also a follower of Christ I thank you for your video!!! Well spoken, and so very true. God bless you.
I politely disagree here. I do not watch MMA. I am Catholic. What about boxing, judo and tae kwon do? All three are Olympic sports. Judo is a college Club Sport. For me the major difference is those who participate in these sports consent to it. In the days of the Roman Empire those that enter gladitorial combat were not necessarily willing participants. That to me is the major difference. We can argue if MMA is a proper sport. We may even question the wisdom of people who participate in it. But, like all sports it is voluntary not forced participation. That is an important distinction.
Does the Olympic authority superseded that of Christ? Heavenly Father hates violence. Know you not that you were bought with a price, the Blood of Jesus. These bodies don't belong to us to tear up. Thou shalt not temp the The Most High.
@@overcomernetwork202 have you read the Bible God doesn't hate violence he hates specifically MURDER that is killing an innocent person without any very good reason; this is to the exclusion of things like self defence or animals. Here are some examples in the Bible of permisable death: David and Goliath, Saul and the city, Battle of Jericho. Jesus himself said "I have not come to bring peace but the sword." Bad argument with a bunch of hogwash blended to form a semi-Biblical KJV/DRMs paragraph. Also citing the quote from first Corinthians "know ye not that ye were bought with a price" is a terrible argument since Paul was very clearly talking about sexual immorality exclusively, nothing else.
@@overcomernetwork202 I wouldn´t say that it´s violence in the general sense of the word if two people get into a ring willingly and have a fair contest of martial arts skills and physical prowess. People who fight love to train and improve at it, and people want to challenge themselves. Going into a fight, let´s say a MMA match, is the ultimate challenge for someone that loves to train. You have agreed upon rules and impartial people around to enforce them to make it fair and as safe as possible, and no one is forced to participate, an opponent of similar skill and experience is matched up. Most people who have a couple amateur MMA fights or something don´t get in there because they want to give someone a brain injury. They want to put the things they have trained for years to the test against another person who has also done that. Can you get hit and not get hit? Can you submit the other person with a choke or a joint lock without getting caught in one yourself? If you do get hit or put into a bad position or you get tired can you keep going or will you crumble under the pressure? Will you panic? Most people who fight in combat sports do it because it´s a challenge and they love to do it not because they enjoy injuring people all the time. The point is to win the contest not necessarily hurt the other person although that can often happen (which is why both participants must be willing and able), that´s why there´s a time limit and a winner is chosen even if neither person is badly hurt and both are able to continue. If it was just about hurting people fights wouldn´t have rounds, it would just go until one person is so hurt and exhausted that they´re incapable of continuing
Couldn't agree more. Having trained for over 25 years, I see the futility of fighting for someone else's gratification. It brings our whole society down. Fighting sucks, hurting another human being who is someone's child, brother, sister etc. is the lowest we can be.
Great comment. I've trained and coach for 18 years and I say the same. Not all martial arts are the same, but many are not so different from MMA in this aspect, that's for sure.
Think about it. Fighting is slave activiity. In the past the slaves were the ones who fought to the death or gave eachother brain damage for the kings and rich people to enjoy. It reminds me of that Chael Sonnen quote about how you shouldn't respect a man who goes into a metal cage and fights for others amusement
I was apprehensive about watching this video because I do appreciate the mma skill. But I 100% agree with you. I think its awful to enjoy watching someone else getting hurt
When I was a very young man I was a Golden Gloves level boxer; in those days I would have disagreed with this video. I knew how to really injure someone, enough to knock them off their feet, even perhaps render him unconscious, just with two fists. I didn't just hit hard, I hit very, very fast. Having gone into law enforcement and the military when I got a bit older, and through this having learned lessons about power relationships, seeing how people sought to dominate one another in all kinds of situations, and, most importantly, learning what real violence is, I also learned what violence is for. And it isn't for entertainment. Fighting with "rules" for other people's enjoyment is an abomination. Violence is for inflicting injury. In the real world, it's about life and death. Father, you are absolutely, 100 percent right.
@@PantheraOnca60 it means 911... “weapons of mass destruction?” Did you forget? Why is it that the younger generation knows these things? Along with the 3rd building. There were no weapons of mass destruction. This invasion was for oil as well as peddling weapons in the Middle East to certain factions that we may have or not created.
I noticed someone commented that people get hurt and die from other sports as well, like football, soccer, etc., yes, but the purpose of football and other sports is not to injure others, the injury is a secondary consequence of the main goal which is to score a touch down, field goal, etc., in MMA and UFC, the actual main purpose is to harm the other human being, and that is different, thank you.
That's not the point, the point is to make the opponent submit or lose. If you want to get rid of MMA then every other sport besides non-contact ones must be banned as well.
I'm not sure that's the point. Fr. Mike never said losing is the bad thing. Actually, I think he'd say losing is a good thing because it builds humility. Losing in a normal contact sport isn't the same as the domination he's talking about. In football you defend the ball from the opponent while getting a TD. One can safely be tackled or blocked. Granted these do result in injury some times. But the fact that football and virtually all contact sports rules are changing to make it more safe proves that they want to safely play the game. However, the point of MMA is to harm the opponent until they cannot fight or until they are unconscious. You can't safely punch someone in the face repeatedly. Losing in NLF or NBA or whatever usually doesn't result in serious lasting injury. Losing in MMA very likely could cause significant bodily harm. Domination =/= losing in the context of contact sports.
"To Harm other human being" - Incorrect. you can argue the same with Football, Boxing, Wrestling, Rugby, sheesh even Fencing. MMA isnt about harming another brother, MMA is the competition between two fighters to compete to show superior Strategy, Fighting IQ, Technique and Athleticism. There is a Ref, There are RULES, Gloves and Doctors there to PROTECT the competitor, and at the end of every fight nothing but Love, Respect and praise is shown to your opponent and to christian competitors the Glory of victory is given to the LORD. you people need to educate yourself in Combat sports before making bold statements and best believe this christian who strives to be righteous will continue competing in this life AND THE NEXT
Well said Father Mike. As a Muslim, I agree with the premise of your argument. Watching violence between two consenting adults can bring out the worst in us. Something some people struggle to control on a daily basis. Sex is, perhaps another activity that has trivialised & commercialised into banality. In the end though, we need to be aware that we are responsible for our own actions & how these impact on others. Peace to you!
Dude, you mention nothing about Boxing (which has been in existence far longer than MMA). With boxing, those guys are forced to stand there and punch eachother. with MMA, you have options, you can grapple you can wrestle. Mixed Martial Arts isn't entertainment, for guys like me who has been doing a form of MMA for 3 years I can tell you the skill some of these men and women have is spectacular. These men and women are true professional athletes, they have nutritionists and strength and conditioning coaches. I do understand some of the fights look like a brawl, but i invite you to watch some MMA fights that are skillful such as the following: Lyoto Machida vs Randy Couture (you can find on youtube) Minotauro Nogeira vs Frank Mir (excellent display of technical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skill)
Yeah but there's no intellectual or spiritual depth to what they do. It's all about violence and intimidation. They don't embrace the Light. Just look at how they behave at weigh-ins. Contrast that with real martial arts. At a martial arts tournament, as opposed to an MMA tournament, you are not allowed to pump your arm "yes!". If you do, you're kicked out. You have to bow and be quiet and respectful.
@@neutrino78x MMA is "real martial arts", its martial arts that have been tried and tested in real combat. Not every fighter is a brute focused on violence and intimidation. There are many fighters that truly embody the principles of a martial artist, people like George St Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, or Valentina Shevchenko. Most fighters show the upmost respect to their opponents after the bout, often bowing and hugging each other once all is said and done. By the sound of it, you don't watch much of this sport. I encourage you to expose yourself before making quick judgements about the character of these men and women.
@@Snake_holiday No, a real martial art is for example Karate. It is effective fighting AND it offers spiritual and intellectual aspects. Without those aspects it is not "martial arts". It's just a "fighting system" or "combat sport". Western boxing and western wrestling, and MMA, are fighting systems but not "martial arts".
@@neutrino78x Wow talk about a reply that just shows you clearly don’t understand the sport of mma. MMA has a lot of intellectual aspects when it comes to technique and thinking. George St pier is a good example. He displays a lot of humbleness in his interviews all the time. Even saying that his affect on the world is very minuscule. Also not all martial arts focus on spiritual aspects. Some just focus on building ones body and fighting abilities not to mention that you can learn good character from mma and be taught how to be responsible with your abilities.
I dislike that what you say makes sense here. I have loved MMA, UFC style sports for years and will never be able to think of them in the same way. Thanks for apologizing at the end though, lol. And thanks for telling us what we need to hear, even if it's not what we want to hear.
Bob, so what about pornography? Should someone watch pornography because they love it even though Father says that it's bad? There's a reason that he says it's bad and it's a good reason.
Thank you for your advice, but as I stated, his words made sense as I listened to him. It's no different than a friend giving me advice. If it makes sense to me then why wouldn't I take the advice? If it doesn't make sense to me then I don't take the advice. That's just my way of thinking though, I also believe in to each their own. 😉
+Daisha Freeman Praise God someone took it the right way! I agree with you fully I'm not a MMA fan but my family watches WWE lol yh i no it's fake and all but I love what you said "I'm glad tht I'm hearing this even tho it's something I don't want to hear."
Jose Fredy M I eagerly await his next video decrying fighting in hockey. Or the immortality of drawing fouls (aka lying) in soccer and other sports. Or the immodesty of the uniforms for swimming, volleyball, and the like. But I won't hold my breath.
Wrestling is a "work" -- or "fake" in the eyes of others. The object is to draw money and crowds by putting on a show without the deliberate infliction of harm (that's the ideal, accidents happen). A different standard would be applied since it's more akin to theater or Hollywood, especially today.
Amateur or Olympic wrestling does not encompass violence. It is less a fight and more a competitive struggle where the object is to overpower an opponent but not inflict damage.
Thanks for the video Father Mike. I have to admit, watching the video, I wanted to retaliate at what you were saying. I grew up in a Filipino family where we came together to watch the Pac-Man fights. And I enjoyed them. But, there were times where I knew something felt wrong. So, thank you for bringing this spectrum of entertainment to light. I think this video calls us, as we should do always, to examine if our entertainment and recreation is under the Lordship of Jesus.
I love MMA, LOVE it! It's my favorite sport. And you make an excellent point. The point of Christianity is humility not dominance. The concept of physically dominating another human being through violence, whether there is bloodlust or not, strips human dignity. I've never been able to see this until now. Physical dominance through force and violence exalts pride, the ambition of self; the point of following Christ is to deny self, take up your cross, and following him. I love martial arts and any form there of; however, I realize that I must sacrifice this because that is what Christ has called us to do.
Yes! Keep practicing in the gym, make sure do not go full force in sparrings and it's good enough. If you can sacrifice this big part of your life, you are a good Christian. I'm trying to do that also now, after being a fan for 15 years. God bless you, brother ❤☦✝️🕊
@@Ricardo-mr3bg it’s not though, you can dominate someone for all 3 or 5 rounds without even punching them in the face, the the point is to see who has better skills and test yourself.
BROTHER MIKE, As a Catholic Christian and as a martial artist whom once wanted to be an mma fighter. i have mixed feelings about this. For example, as a trained martial artist and competitor. I enjoy the technique not the violence. I look at it as a chess match rather than a fight. On the other hand, aftet seeing the damage some fighters have to live with and how lityle they get paid I realized mma is not worth it. Some guys have over 15 comcussions and terrible trauma. On another point, I actually think the submition is a humane way to win. Let me give you an example, in grappling class. If i put somebody on a submition the person can give up without feeling pain or injury. On the other hand, if i box somebody or kick box somebody. If i beat him he will have a lot more trauma. I can literally put someone on a choke hold and not choke him but hold him. with punches and kicks. its harder to not hurt your opponent. anyway, I really enjoyed this video because I agree it is damaging to the body which thectemple of the Holy Spirit but as a young man i loved the adrenaline and thought of my self as a warrior. Now thst im older i realize how much damage this guys do to their bodies. I do watch mma but because I am a martial artist who watch it for the technique but I do see where you are coming from. Grappling is really not that bad though. You tap and go home to train again. A knock out, who knows if you will train again. Just my two cents. The peace of our Lord be with you.
@Kaiser Koba ""you're trying to do as much physical harm to your opponent as possible." " That's precisely the case. WINNING the fight is to do exacty it
MMA is just a contact sport, and statistics show it's relatively just as safe as most others. The problem is that for 40,000 years people have associated 'fighting' with 'violence'. But MMA is not violence.
I'm not a fan of MMA whatsoever, but I don't understand what the problem with it is. People in MMA aren't really "dominating" someone or "beating them into submission", since both people are agreeing to fight each other and know the consequences of their actions. In fact, I'm pretty sure that a lot of people who fight each other are friends. It's just a sport, just one with some extra physical injuries, it's no biggie.
Did the chidlren that god killed consent? Did the hundreds of thousands of people he killed in the floods consent. Your comment is nonsense. MMA is not morally wrong to say it is is stupid. To claim something is wrong means to pass judgement and casting judgement is a sin. Why exactly is pornography evil?
The children don't need to consent, they are his to do with as we all are. We can judge things as much as we like, otherwise how would we know to do the right thing? God teaches us not to judge people, as to call someone "good" or "evil" because we can't possibly know, but to say "that thing that person did is evil" is not casting judgment. Pornography is evil because it reduces people to sex objects and denies us, sex and God the proper grace and respect that they are due. Sex is about love and procreation. Pornography is about none of those things. It's about money and pleasure, opposed to God's will.
This is how you find stupid people, ask them if they're religious. "would christ be comfortable", hahahahaha, it's so pathetic I can't even fathom how one can dig so low on the IQ scale.
Father, would you say you disagree with ALL MMA competitions, or just the ones where the guys can pound on each other until the other submits? For instance, are you against Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions?
jtphenom0811 As a Catholic Christian and as a martial artist whom once wanted to be an mma fighter. i have mixed feelings about this. For example, as a trained martial artist and competitor. I enjoy the technique not the violence. I look at it as a chess match rather than a fight. On the other hand, aftet seeing the damage some fighters have to live with and how lityle they get paid I realized mma is not worth it. Some guys have over 15 comcussions and terrible trauma. On another point, I actually think the submition is a humane way to win. Let me give you an example, in grappling class. If i put somebody on a submition the person can give up without feeling pain or injury. On the other hand, if i box somebody or kick box somebody. If i beat him he will have a lot more trauma. I can literally put someone on a choke hold and not choke him but hold him. with punches and kicks. its harder to not hurt your opponent. anyway, I really enjoyed this video because I agree it is damaging to the body which thectemple of the Holy Spirit but as a young man i loved the adrenaline and thought of my self as a warrior. Now thst im older i realize how much damage this guys do to their bodies. I do watch mma but because I am a martial artist who watch it for the technique but I do see where you are coming from. Grappling is really not that bad though. You tap and go home to train again. A knock out, who knows if you will train again. Just my two cents. The peace of our Lord be with you.
The problem with focusing on physical damage is that it is one giant gray area. No matter what type of sport or competition you take part in, physical or mental, you will always be inflicting some amount of stress, either physical or mental, upon your opponent. That is the very nature of sports/competitions. That's the difference between shooting basketball by yourself in the driveway and playing someone 1v1. You are creating an imaginary context for conflict in which there is tension and stress. So the issue here is not a matter of the physicality of the sport, but rather the intent. And any fighter who respects martial arts never enters a competition with the intent to leave their opponent with a physical or mental disability. An example of the moral opposite would be a bully. Bullies inflict physical stress, mental stress, or both upon other people. But they are doing so purely to cause harm and inflict damage purely for selfish satisfaction.
@@PONYBOYonline Physical damage that risks the life of the competitor is not a giant area. In basketball there's nothing in the rules that allow such kind of damages - in MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai and other martial arts (not all of them), yes. All fighters that engage in sports that allows victory by KOs definitely try to leave their opponent with a physical incapacity. It's definitely their intent. There's not much room for discussion here.
I am a boxer and an MMA fighter and a catholic Christian. I would have never been the man I am without this sport. It gave me discipline but most importantly it gave me the confidence to be able to face most of the human beings without any fear or hesitation as I am able to do bad things to them if I choose to but thats not the righteous thing to do as a christian. So I thank Jesus for making me a good person.
@@sampainter05 when people hear about martial arts they only think about kicking , punching and blood. Its not bad until you take it to the streets. People who do that are not fighters. If you enjoy this sport like I do. If it has made you a happier person. Don't let anyone stop you . now get out there and Train.
You should've posted this after the big Mayweather vs McGregor fight and Canelo vs GGG fight! Now my wife isn't going to let me watch!!! God bless Fr. Mike!
Go ahead and enjoy combat sports. there is NOTHING wrong with two brothers competing to show off superior strategy and technique. don't believe everything you see on the internet.
Marko St-Koulev You are exactly right. Half of the stuff that we see and is posted are lies anyway. Just look at half of the posted videos that do not speak on the titles. They never even mention that title so that is why we call it click bait. So yes you are correct. My own mother tells me that and she rarely is on the internet. #Good Day
just remind her that a group of people who actively hide pedophiles and do nothing but move the priest to another church when one is accused probably shouldn't be anyone's moral guide.
I disagree. According to your rationale, all sports would fall into this category. Since all sport is to show the dominace of one man/team over another. MMA is about highlighting discipline and combat. It does so in a way that shows both the grace of martial arts and the sportsmanship of sport. More often than not, the two fighters shake hands and hug after their fight. There aren't any hard feelings. They are simply testing their skill set against another man's skill set. It is no different than Boxing, football, baseball, or even Chess. Yes people get hurt. This is something Both fighters accept going into the fight. I generally like all of your videos. I have learned a lot from them. This one seems to have maybe a little bias to it though. Maybe I am wrong.
There is, I think, a difference between competition and violence. One is cultivated and the other is not. It's like comparing a Ancient Greek discussion with two people beating themselves with baseball clubs for an opinion. Both is an "argument", but one of them is cultivated and competitive and dignified, the other is violent, barbaric and inhuman. I'd say.
This is the first time I think I'd disagree with you, Fr. Mike, but keep making videos, because you're a boss! I disagree with you only on the actual concept of the legitimacy of MMA (which I don't actually watch as a habit). I think that one DOES need to be careful of bloodlust, but I see no reason, inherently, that one couldn't enjoy a competition between two people who voluntarily enter a ring to have a competition - under controlled circumstances that are, for all intents and purposes, safe. I don't think it de facto MUST result in bloodlust (as opposed to gladiatorial games where people were compelled to fight, and which resulted in death). I view MMA as just a variation of "the sweet science" that is Boxing. So I think that there's more of a gray area here than you present. That's all. Keep up the great videos, and feel free to let me know if/why I'm incorrect :)
@@joelrwo5974 🤣 I don't think you understand what Jesus was doing in that moment, cuz he also says to call nobody master or teacher but we definitely use those words all the time, I'm sure you do, and so do people like Saint Paul. Plus Saint Stephen calls out as does Jesus referencing the Patriarchs and calling them titles like Father Abraham and father Isaac. And of course, St Paul even says he became a spiritual father, and we know that he himself was a celibate so he's not speaking in any way of begetting children in the natural sense.
Thank you. Direct and clear message. I appreciate a non "fortune cookie" answer from a cleric for once. I don't watch you're channel for good feelings. I watch it to discern truth and make me a better Catholic. Solid. It's about time we bring back muscular Catholicism. Keep it comming!
I watch Fr. Mike videos all the time, and I always see comments saying how much people love Fr. Mike and what he says; but, as soon as I saw the title of this one, I knew that this one was going to get people. I just knew it, because the unfortunate fact is, no matter how good people think they are, they don't like to be told they're wrong for doing something they completely and totally enjoy. Peace and all good.
I've been invited by friends to go and watch MMA games at bars and restaurants before and I just never could explain my distaste of it. It was more than simple preference, something just struck out against my conscience regarding it, and that was well before I converted to Catholicism. Thanks for putting it into words, Fr. Mike!
I respectfully disagree because I do not believe people generally watch MMA to see people get physically hurt and dominated but more to see a competition between two great athletes. You want to see who has trained harder, who is more mentally stronger and who is the better fighter. However, if you watch with intent to see someone get hurt then I would see why you would think like that. Just my honest opinion as a Christian MMA fan.
I'm 15 years old and i train mma. We don't fight for other people entertainment, we fight because we like it, enjoy it, and love it. I respect what you said in this video. I don't believe in any religion. In mma its to train fighters, fighting each other to see who is the better mix martial artist.
Ive been in combat sports and pro wrestling most of my life. Giving it all up. Submitting to christ. I agree that fighting or projecting violence for entertainment is wrong. I just want to be a loving person and good role model.
A very good video. I support your point of being able to defend yourself, It is no joke to be suddenly surprised by a bunch of mean people. I was just 19 years old when a mob of five attackers entered my residential study room. Karate and Ju Jitsu is what saved me from being seriously mobbed. I could fend them of. Later in the same year, someone broke in and waited for me in my private vehicle being parked in a dark temporary area. Next moment he learned forward in the dark back seat, got a rope around my neck and started joking me. Again martial arts helped me to remove the choking hands and rope and bent his fingers into awkward positions that made him flea the scene. A myriad of bullies tried to draw and force me into fist and kick mobbing's. Again, karate and Ju-Jitsu took care of it. This all happened in so-called safe areas - my advice is you must know some form of self defense.
Thank you father Mike. I am a Christian and a BJJ practitioner and you are on spot about MMA/ UFC. One thing to add though is martial arts including BJJ can be quite addicting...if Christians aren’t careful martial arts can become an idol.
Maaan you don't even relise how deep experience is being in a fight. First of all you need to tame your aggression to be a fighter, because in rage, you have no chance to win. When your opponent is trying to beat you, choke you out, you really need to stay aware, you need to stay calm, you need to stay courageous, time is slowing down, for many fighters it's almost spiritual thing. It's a bit like our life sometimes trying to choke us out, beat us down, but we need to stay calm, stay strong, and fight till our spirit breaks and you give up, body can't take it anymore, or "referee" decide to stop "the fight". It's about that moment when you face... yourself. :) Peace!
Im not here to discuss, because there is nothing to discuss about. You have no idea what are you talking about, because you did not experience that. I was drug addict, I still am, and this extreme sport saved my life.
Every extreme sport is a bit like a drug, because of chemistry of our brain. Yes, Im addicted to extreme sports, and it cures my depression, - not like drugs :)
I’m not a believer of any God. That being said. After reading the comments I think many people missed his point of what it he is saying. He feels that to sit and watch one human beat on another one just for the sake of entertainment. Where does it stop? I think is what he is saying. To abuse or beat another person for entertainment can be viewed as a total disregard for life and for what reason. So you are not bored? Like I said it’s not about what God thinks to me. I say whatever floats your boat but for those of you that are religious. Picking and choosing what “rules” you will follow based on your faith and life style seems a bit fair weathered. I don’t believe Christianity is meant to be a half in half out way of life. It’s intended to be a complete way of life and not just on Sunday. That’s a lot of the issues that nonbelievers have with Christians. Not always but often it seems that people are Christians when it works best for them. All I’m saying is practice what you preach. As Father Mike was pointing out. Christians should care for other humans. Beating one another up for entertainment does not stay within bounds of a Christian life.
This might be way off tangent, but would you say this dominating of another would apply for sports games or even video game competitions? Or is the basis for this the glorification of violence for Entertainment?
Hello father, I love the message of this video and lots of it makes sense. However, I am a member of the Military and my unit teaches mixed martial to our soldiers as a means of self defense. One of the ways to test our knowledge of close combat is to hold tournaments. Which is a big event that families and friends of the competitors come to watch. This is where the line between spectator sport and training for self defense is blurred. A tournament helps expose soldiers to different combat situations and it is the closest thing you can get to train for a real fight because there are only some much repetitive drills can do. I can understand that MMA being an industry to sell violence as entertainment is sinful but is watching a your coworker fight in a tournament the same way? Especially after the end of a match the fighters laugh it off and congratulate each other in true sportsmanship fashion. If there is an opportunity we can speak or you can send me a message I would love it. It would help me become a better Catholic Soldier. God Bless you Father and all that you do.
Peace be to you Fr.Mike! I am a new subscriber! This is an AMAZING message that people need to hear! I was almost ADDICTED to watching MMA. I even wanted train for it when UFC started in early 90s. I came from a collegiate wrestling and karate background. What I found with watching MMA, UFC, boxing, and even "Professional" wrestling/WWF, is that along with the glorification of violence, there is also a GREAT deal of overt sexuality (e.g. bikini-clad "ring girls", scantily-clad "wrestling divas", even the mens' teeny-tiny spandex, fighting briefs,etc.😳). This portrayal of women (and men ) is the exact OPPOSITE of what God teaches us about how believing men and women should appear around eachother. Also, there is the encouragement of the most profane language in the name of being a great showman (e.g. "I'm gonna -blank- that guy up when we get in the -blankety blank- ring/octagon!" "*#⚡☠ YOU!"😲). This is truly the Devil's language!😈 I also noticed the encouragement of glorification of alcohol drinking! Another thing against which the Lord has warned! As much as I liked MMA, UFC, WWF (yeah I know WWF's not in the same category, but still).I had to make myself, stop watching it (or at least SEVERELY curb it)! AMAZINGLY, I've been able to live without it! Imagine that!🤣 May the Good Lord guide and protect us all! Peace! Omar "Dr.O the PA Pro" Abdul-Malik DHEd, MPAS, PA-C, CHES 🤓
I still believe there is a place for fighting as entertainment. I believe it shows a part of people's true potential both physical and mental. I'm not saying fighting is the only potential humans have but what these athletes show us is something on another level completely. This is what the competition of fighting has done, it's meant to bring the best of the best out of us. It's meant to inspire. I will agree that most people that watch have the unfortunate perspective of just wanting to see one man.. or woman beat the other one up. For true fans of mma it's how they do it, it could be flawless techniques or a show of heart and willpower there's something that people need to see in it, that I still believe. I do understand how ever that these big money fights that ufc is introducing is diminishing the honor that you say is not present in mma entertainment. There has to be the respect of the champion AND the the number one contender for there to be any respect between the fighters, other wise it turns into WWE and nobody wants that. It's a fine line to walk but definitely valid points, I think someone in the comments mentioned it earlier and I agree. There needs to be more education on fighting and almost a social shift of how people preserve it. Not saying I have the answers but I know trying to train mma gave me a whole new outlook on what these people do for a living and how hard it is, why can't these people have a stage to show their dedication and skill?
As a life long MMA fan I actually agree with you even though my spiritual views may not align with yours. I do love how you said turning the cheek is sronger. A tear came out of my eye out of admiration for anyone who is that strong to keep the peace
Its not for someone else’s entertainment, MMA is a sport just like soccer or baseball we do it because we love it, we dont watch it to watch people get beat up, we watch it for the competition
@@youtubeaccountserio2633 Really? Because I know of many fighters who have died boxing, but non who have died in mma and I've been around both sports a long time....
As a practising Catholic & MMA lover I agree with your reasoning, what you watch and listen to affects you, just like the friends we choose and the food we eat. But in Martial Arts their is respect and honour and MMA there are bad examples like Connor McGregor and great examples like GSP & Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabibs Islamic month long Ramadan fasting, praying in public, humbleness, love for his brothers, mother, father, morals, values, no drugs, no alcohol, no smoking and warrior mentality fighting against bad examples like McGregor inspired me come back to Catholism after 12 years away and helped me not be afraid in public to show I'm a proud Catholic, even wearing a rosary bead daily. I also had my 2 girls baptised and recieve holy communion in the last 6 months. I can really connect with Khabib because I hold and practice the same morals and values and keep them close to my heart. So, in a dark/bad portrayed sport there are some shining lights like Khabib and his orthodox Islamic ways that can really teach and inspire us Orthodox Catholics/Catholics, be it fasting, praying, humbleness or fighting the good fight against evilness and the evil one. Jesus is our saviour, peace!
MMA is not a competition for sport, not just for entertainment. Those two fighters in those cage are in a consensual competition usually dictated with respect and discipline it is not for just for violence. It is a violent sport but it is not there just for violence it is a true display of a combatants skill
Bro do what you like... all this religios stuff is really outdated by now. The only things that should be followed from the religion are the tenth commandments.
Every sport in the world operates on the same values these days . Greed , Corruption ,Dominance and Power by hook or crook no matter how brutal . I’m an MMA fan , practise it for keeping my body and mind well and proud to say this sport will only keep rising and help educate the casual folks on how to defend yourself in an unfortunate circumstance just like I had to . Thank God for being the greatest warrior there ever was and will be , we get to learn the baby steps . God Bless everyone and let’s hope crime rates go down with each year no matter how unlikely.
Yo Father Mike. It seems to me your point is watching mma is bad because we get enjoyment, entertained from seeing people hurt each other and get injured. But to me it's not entirely correct. I trained in martial art for years and when i watch mma or any other similar competition my reaction is not "this two humans hurt each other, yeah!" It's more complex than that, to me it's more like "that's cool, how does he able to do that? What kind of discipline put to the training for him to have that skillset? If I train hard that skill is possible to master" Those MMA shows are field for those atheles to put their training to the test, there are rules to prevent beyond serious injuries and death. "Turn the other cheek" I totally agree with Christ's words here, it means not to focus on the problems itself, but to pay attention to the real problem, our own reaction. When we see inward, we have power and wisdom to not 'hit back'. Avoiding MMA (or just anything else that you think is bad) is not the final solution, it's paying attention to your own heart and mind and be better human being.
David Cendana any idiot can be a priest apparently. They need more people like you working for them. You sound much more insightful and reasonable. In the end it's love that counts. Hate the idiocy not the idiot.
Colosseum fans in ancient Rome could easily say the same: "oh, we don't like the violence in the arenas, we're just watching it to see how are they doing that with their swords?".
one of the most shocking thing i saw several times is when one fighter KO the other fighter and then he keep puching his head againts the floor, being already unconscious, totally a shame, nonsense violence
What can be said of some of these MMA fighters like Dustin Poitier who are legit good people? The man has grown as a person and as a fighter because he learned humility early on.
Exactly. When you see guys like Khabib and Poirier, donating to each others charities, hugging after the bell, that's the part of the sport I dont believe to be sinful at all. Reflects the best of martial arts, not the trash talk or showmanship.
My brother (Jordan Damon) is a world-renowned BJJ competitor and MMA athlete. He now has a school under Renzo Gracie. I think he would agree wholeheartedly. Great topic.
He's not, hes an ignorant fool. He's clueless about Christianity too, he so pathetic he thinks Constantine wrote the bible, lol. He would never have biblical experts on this show, because it would show he doesn't have clue about Christianity, but yet talks about it like he does, and yet doesn't realized that he's making a fool out of himself, lol. 😆🤣😆
I believe there are two types of people who watch MMA fights. There are the general viewers, who enjoy watching the fights for recreation/entertainment, and then there are fighters who watch fights for educational purposes. The viewer will generally not understand the technicalities of fighting and essentially get a rush from the violence, whereas the fighter would be breaking down techniques so that for his next fight, be it sparing or competitive he has a few new trick in his bag. I understand where you're coming from with the opinion that it is wrong for Christians to watch fights and to a degree, I completely agree with you, but what do you think about fighting/combat sports and the fighters themselves. I've lived my entire life in Ireland and I've done Martial Arts for as long as I can remember. Originally because my parents where worried about my safety due to the fact I was always quite small. I've watched UFC since I was very little and I've admired fighters, growing up I decided I wanted to fight professionally myself, around the age of thirteen. I was bullied in school and I used my skills to protect myself when attacked, but fighting for me was something I loved to do and it fills every part of my life right now. I'm currently 18 and I want you to give me your opinion on if it's wrong to live as I do and to be completely in love with fighting. Also what do you think of my theory on the people who watch fights.
Excellent. I've always thought this. In each battle MMA crosses a line from being a sport to destruction. It's built into the nature of the sport. I'm always offended when I see another person get pounded repeatedly in the face after a punch or take down.
What I took away from this is, if you are watching an MMA match for the pleasure of seeing two people battle for dominance in a cage, you strip them of their dignity; you are watching them as if they are animals. However, if you watch an MMA match to see two competitors use their practice to demonstrate together their art form, their hard work, and their respect for one another, then you are watching them with dignity and without a "blood lust". Of course, by bringing out anger and broadcasting pre-match trash talk between opponents, the media gears more towards our "blood lust". The media will replay a knockout and zoom in on all the blood. As long as you remember that these are men and women, bothers and sisters in Christ, who put a lot of time and effort into improving their art form, I believe you can watch an MMA match without stripping the competitors of their dignity.
Hey fr. mike would you please do a video on what shows we shouldn't let our kids watch? Not saying I'd let my kids watch violent shows, but wondering about shows that involve magical things examples frozen and moans. Thanks : )
So, I don't watch MMA but I watch plenty of action movies and I'm almost done with the first draft of my short, Catholic, action type novel. I would really appreciate more clarification and advice on the whole violence/killing problem. Thanks so much!
These are all great points! I believe having MMA and MMA events are beneficial for certain people in our society. If not for MMA, men and women might have a larger chance of expressing their problems in other violent ways to people who are not as skilled as them. Because to be a fighter, you have to already have a certain amount of violence in you. MMA is the perfect outlet for someone to express their bottled emotions. You rarely every hear of an MMA fighter fighting outside of the gym or a sanctioned event simply because they don't feel like they have to. Many people as well as myself watch MMA because we appreciate the technique and discipline that goes into the sport. Now I'm not going to sit here and say I'm not entertained when I see a KO or something big, but at the same time, that's not what I'm looking for in a fight. Also I would like to point out that the fighters are being paid and also have the choice to do so if they please. So is it really stripping them of their dignity when they work at something their whole life and get the opportunity to step in the cage and get paid for the amount of work they have put in? I believe fighting is okay when both parties agree to fair competition and when there's a mediator (ref) to make sure no further damage is done when unnecessary.
Right as a Christian myself I believe that there is a purpose for everything. I mean you mentioned it here some of these fighters could be out here doing street fighting and either killing someone else or getting killed themselves. With the regulations in place and they’re being paid relatively well for what they do who are we to deny someone for doing what they have practiced and trained their whole life for. Which leads me to wonder what about violence in movies? Professional Wrestling which is predetermined even standard Wrestling. Should there not be Olympic wrestling or boxing and such?
I appreciate you putting yourself out there and communicating things you wish for us for our good and to use to help us. I think it's super cool. This particular subject didn't apply to me but I know there are people out there (some have made themselves known in the comments) who disagree with you, but I admire how you're willing to say this anyway. _And_ you have all good intentions. Super cool. Again I don't watch MMA but I'll take your word for it ;) Take care good Fr. Mike fam also the beginning was really funny
This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately, perfect time for a video from Fr. Mike! Believe it or not, this video made a lot of sense to me. This type of fighting isn't just risky like football or rugby. MMA is simply all about beating someone else up and physically hurting them in order to win. Huge difference. As a Christian, we are all called to stop intentional violence like this all for the sake of superficial entertainment. That's the whole point of this video, and not surprisingly, Fr. Mike (no pun intended) hits it right on the head.
Love your videos but this one seems a little misinformed. Your argument about how a man who has the ability to dominate another man shouldn't dominate another just for entertainment seems to suggest that the man getting dominated didn't agree to this. They both agreed to the competition. They aren't fighting to the death. Your relation with modern day MMA competitions to ancient Roman battles in the coliseum doesn't hold because those battles were to the death. MMA dignifies physical battle due to rules and respect for the lives of the competitors.
Consenting to something doesn't make it right. To claim MMA respects the lives of those persons is a bit inaccurate, they can still get hurt pretty badly. A common fracture is the fracture of the ankle when throwing a low kick, this can end a person's career and it's something horrific to watch. Why would anyone want to watch or encourage something that can bring so much pain into someone's life? Even if that person agrees and it's like "tough shit" after the incident, isn't it wrong for us to get pleasure after seeing a fellow human being getting exposed to this kind of danger?
I appreciate this video greatly! You put this into a perspective that I did not even think about. I agree 110% with you Father. Have a blessed day Michael
I quickly saw that there is a lot of dissent regarding your position on MMA. And I went into your video thinking that I too would have to disagree with you while not being too disagreeable. It turns out I was wrong about that, with the operative word here being "I". Truthfully, I enjoy watching MMA and will miss it .... but I see more of the dark side of it now I think. Much of the dissent seems to be about "consent." And so the argument seems to be, as long as people have free will and "consent", why shouldn't they be able to participate in a non-lethal activity even if it is extremely violent. Right? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that that is your argument. My take away is the following: that entertainment for a Christian shouldn't be predicated upon one human being beating another human being into bloody submission. And that the act of watching and enjoying one human violently dominating another human may be cause for a little soul searching and reflection. It's the violent domination and submission part that degrades basic human dignity. Consent isn't the issue here, it's the dehumanizing act itself that's the problem.
Thanks, yes! We hear a lot today about things being OK ‘between consenting adults’. Well, what’s that based on anyway? Christ never told us it was. Apparently people’s lusts, instead. But there’s no limit: Why adults? Why consenting? Nobody can completely back that up. People will give some answer or another, & we can ask about THAT, ‘Why?’ Ultimately it will be discovered to have no basis. Just think, if ‘between consenting adults’ were the one requirement for an action to be moral, of all the things the people who espouse that would generally be wrong about. They would have to allow instances of cannibalism, necrophilia, bestiality, slavery, the carrying of machine guns & bazookas… And they would have to oppose abortion (possibly their most important ‘right’), since it involves at least 1 minor, the fetus (which means ‘offspring’, not ‘clump of cells’! so much for their arguments about ‘viability’, ‘dependency’ &c.), & the mother may be a minor too. So why stop at adults? If a minor can consent to an abortion, as they believe, why not everything else? And since there is no basis for their belief, the logical conclusion is ‘might makes right’. Their supposed morality collapses, & then absolutely anything goes, incl. every form of torture, & the destruction of our planet & everything on it.
Good point, good video. I'm an aspiring mma athlete who would love to compete on the big screen. I consume a lot of fighting videos as education, and would hope that people watching me are also trying to learn something.. but as you pointed out, most of the time that's not the case.
My question to you is - why should someone refrain or avoid watching this entirely? Understanding martial arts has helped me look at combat without bloodlust, simply appreciating the 'art'. If we are afraid that our society is getting too violent, should we forbid the viewing of violence, or should we educate people about it?
This comes back to your points about everyone learning to defend themselves - if we did, everyone would be able to 'responsibly' watch fights, and you wouldn't have to forbid it.
Fighting is heavily mixed with philosophy and is a true at form. The philosophical peak in this art form is to never fight at all.
2 People whacking each other in the head and face is giving into a lower state of humanity. No matter how nice the dance its people beating each other up for a living. And the more spectacular the violence and more the crowd cheers, the more blood and guts the better a chance for a rematch. A human dog fight.
Mr.Anderson - But you ask questions you know the answers to. The matrix has you. ;)
Mr Anderson - Thank you sir :) But i am nothing without an audience.
You haven't addressed the actual people getting hurt in the arena. Why not have them fight with soft headgear? Why not wear some light sparring gear for protection? That way, we can still be educated and can still enjoy the art of the martial art. What about when muscles are strained, ligaments are torn, and there is bleeding? Is there no responsibility to protect one's body? And where do you draw the line between how much physical pain and destruction is okay and how much is not? And how do you ensure that the players don't cross the line when they're in the ring?
So let's address your main question: why should we refrain from watching MMA? If we don't watch it, they don't get money. If they don't get money, they stop hurting each other. Anyone serious about getting education will know that there are alternatives.
My 21 year old son just made that same connection with reality tv shows like American Idol. He said he watched it once, during the auditions and couldn't believe how people would encourage their loved ones, with no musical talent or ability, to put themselves in a international stage to be laughed at, mocked, for the entertainment of others. He said it was not much different than the gladiators. I've never liked "reality" tv but now I know why. Hurting others, physically or emotionally, for our own entertainment is disgusting and wrong.
joe rogans reaction to this would be priceless
Everything that comes out of that drone's mouth is ensconced in ignorance.
Judah Soremy weed tends to do that to people
@@cassie1421 So does delusion.
@@judahsoremy9857 do you actually listen to his podcast? Or are you basing this on soundbites?
Judah Soremy you sound like someone who doesn’t spend a lot of time shaving his neck area
As an accomplished martial artist of over 35 years and also a follower of Christ I thank you for your video!!! Well spoken, and so very true. God bless you.
I politely disagree here.
I do not watch MMA.
I am Catholic.
What about boxing, judo and tae kwon do? All three are Olympic sports. Judo is a college Club Sport.
For me the major difference is those who participate in these sports consent to it. In the days of the Roman Empire those that enter gladitorial combat were not necessarily willing participants. That to me is the major difference.
We can argue if MMA is a proper sport. We may even question the wisdom of people who participate in it. But, like all sports it is voluntary not forced participation. That is an important distinction.
In many occasions, gladiators were there for choice, but I get you. There were slaves included in there.
Does the Olympic authority superseded that of Christ? Heavenly Father hates violence. Know you not that you were bought with a price, the Blood of Jesus. These bodies don't belong to us to tear up. Thou shalt not temp the The Most High.
@@overcomernetwork202 have you read the Bible God doesn't hate violence he hates specifically MURDER that is killing an innocent person without any very good reason; this is to the exclusion of things like self defence or animals. Here are some examples in the Bible of permisable death: David and Goliath, Saul and the city, Battle of Jericho. Jesus himself said "I have not come to bring peace but the sword." Bad argument with a bunch of hogwash blended to form a semi-Biblical KJV/DRMs paragraph. Also citing the quote from first Corinthians "know ye not that ye were bought with a price" is a terrible argument since Paul was very clearly talking about sexual immorality exclusively, nothing else.
@@joelancon7231 Psalm 11:5 The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.
@@overcomernetwork202 I wouldn´t say that it´s violence in the general sense of the word if two people get into a ring willingly and have a fair contest of martial arts skills and physical prowess. People who fight love to train and improve at it, and people want to challenge themselves. Going into a fight, let´s say a MMA match, is the ultimate challenge for someone that loves to train. You have agreed upon rules and impartial people around to enforce them to make it fair and as safe as possible, and no one is forced to participate, an opponent of similar skill and experience is matched up. Most people who have a couple amateur MMA fights or something don´t get in there because they want to give someone a brain injury. They want to put the things they have trained for years to the test against another person who has also done that. Can you get hit and not get hit? Can you submit the other person with a choke or a joint lock without getting caught in one yourself? If you do get hit or put into a bad position or you get tired can you keep going or will you crumble under the pressure? Will you panic? Most people who fight in combat sports do it because it´s a challenge and they love to do it not because they enjoy injuring people all the time. The point is to win the contest not necessarily hurt the other person although that can often happen (which is why both participants must be willing and able), that´s why there´s a time limit and a winner is chosen even if neither person is badly hurt and both are able to continue. If it was just about hurting people fights wouldn´t have rounds, it would just go until one person is so hurt and exhausted that they´re incapable of continuing
Couldn't agree more. Having trained for over 25 years, I see the futility of fighting for someone else's gratification. It brings our whole society down. Fighting sucks, hurting another human being who is someone's child, brother, sister etc. is the lowest we can be.
Great comment, bro. BTW, which sport did you train?
Great comment. I've trained and coach for 18 years and I say the same. Not all martial arts are the same, but many are not so different from MMA in this aspect, that's for sure.
Well no. fighting is good.
@Early90sKidsEntertainmentMartial Arts are good
Think about it. Fighting is slave activiity. In the past the slaves were the ones who fought to the death or gave eachother brain damage for the kings and rich people to enjoy. It reminds me of that Chael Sonnen quote about how you shouldn't respect a man who goes into a metal cage and fights for others amusement
I was apprehensive about watching this video because I do appreciate the mma skill. But I 100% agree with you. I think its awful to enjoy watching someone else getting hurt
When I was a very young man I was a Golden Gloves level boxer; in those days I would have disagreed with this video. I knew how to really injure someone, enough to knock them off their feet, even perhaps render him unconscious, just with two fists. I didn't just hit hard, I hit very, very fast.
Having gone into law enforcement and the military when I got a bit older, and through this having learned lessons about power relationships, seeing how people sought to dominate one another in all kinds of situations, and, most importantly, learning what real violence is, I also learned what violence is for. And it isn't for entertainment. Fighting with "rules" for other people's enjoyment is an abomination.
Violence is for inflicting injury. In the real world, it's about life and death.
Father, you are absolutely, 100 percent right.
Fighting with rules is just a sport not an abomination.
I don't think you were a boxer at all because you would understand
Bruh you literally fight for oil dont talk to me about right or wrong you puppet
@@Anthony-rv7ru "Fight for oil." Okay. Whatever that means.
@@choomp2636 You've never stepped into a ring, son.
@@PantheraOnca60 it means 911... “weapons of mass destruction?” Did you forget? Why is it that the younger generation knows these things? Along with the 3rd building. There were no weapons of mass destruction. This invasion was for oil as well as peddling weapons in the Middle East to certain factions that we may have or not created.
Are you Jon Hamm's religious brother?
I noticed someone commented that people get hurt and die from other sports as well, like football, soccer, etc., yes, but the purpose of football and other sports is not to injure others, the injury is a secondary consequence of the main goal which is to score a touch down, field goal, etc., in MMA and UFC, the actual main purpose is to harm the other human being, and that is different, thank you.
That's not the point, the point is to make the opponent submit or lose. If you want to get rid of MMA then every other sport besides non-contact ones must be banned as well.
I'm not sure that's the point. Fr. Mike never said losing is the bad thing. Actually, I think he'd say losing is a good thing because it builds humility. Losing in a normal contact sport isn't the same as the domination he's talking about. In football you defend the ball from the opponent while getting a TD. One can safely be tackled or blocked. Granted these do result in injury some times. But the fact that football and virtually all contact sports rules are changing to make it more safe proves that they want to safely play the game. However, the point of MMA is to harm the opponent until they cannot fight or until they are unconscious. You can't safely punch someone in the face repeatedly. Losing in NLF or NBA or whatever usually doesn't result in serious lasting injury. Losing in MMA very likely could cause significant bodily harm. Domination =/= losing in the context of contact sports.
Stevin No, the goal is to score points.
"To Harm other human being" - Incorrect. you can argue the same with Football, Boxing, Wrestling, Rugby, sheesh even Fencing.
MMA isnt about harming another brother, MMA is the competition between two fighters to compete to show superior Strategy, Fighting IQ, Technique and Athleticism. There is a Ref, There are RULES, Gloves and Doctors there to PROTECT the competitor, and at the end of every fight nothing but Love, Respect and praise is shown to your opponent and to christian competitors the Glory of victory is given to the LORD. you people need to educate yourself in Combat sports before making bold statements and best believe this christian who strives to be righteous will continue competing in this life AND THE NEXT
I'm not sure if you're misinformed or something but look how long footballers(NOT SOCCER) lives and compare it to boxers/mma.
Well said Father Mike. As a Muslim, I agree with the premise of your argument. Watching violence between two consenting adults can bring out the worst in us. Something some people struggle to control on a daily basis. Sex is, perhaps another activity that has trivialised & commercialised into banality. In the end though, we need to be aware that we are responsible for our own actions & how these impact on others. Peace to you!
Not the words I wanted to hear. But the ones I needed
"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? "- Maximus
Dude, you mention nothing about Boxing (which has been in existence far longer than MMA). With boxing, those guys are forced to stand there and punch eachother. with MMA, you have options, you can grapple you can wrestle. Mixed Martial Arts isn't entertainment, for guys like me who has been doing a form of MMA for 3 years I can tell you the skill some of these men and women have is spectacular. These men and women are true professional athletes, they have nutritionists and strength and conditioning coaches. I do understand some of the fights look like a brawl, but i invite you to watch some MMA fights that are skillful such as the following:
Lyoto Machida vs Randy Couture (you can find on youtube)
Minotauro Nogeira vs Frank Mir (excellent display of technical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skill)
Yeah but there's no intellectual or spiritual depth to what they do. It's all about violence and intimidation. They don't embrace the Light.
Just look at how they behave at weigh-ins.
Contrast that with real martial arts. At a martial arts tournament, as opposed to an MMA tournament, you are not allowed to pump your arm "yes!". If you do, you're kicked out. You have to bow and be quiet and respectful.
@@neutrino78x MMA is "real martial arts", its martial arts that have been tried and tested in real combat. Not every fighter is a brute focused on violence and intimidation. There are many fighters that truly embody the principles of a martial artist, people like George St Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, or Valentina Shevchenko.
Most fighters show the upmost respect to their opponents after the bout, often bowing and hugging each other once all is said and done. By the sound of it, you don't watch much of this sport. I encourage you to expose yourself before making quick judgements about the character of these men and women.
@@Snake_holiday No, a real martial art is for example Karate. It is effective fighting AND it offers spiritual and intellectual aspects. Without those aspects it is not "martial arts". It's just a "fighting system" or "combat sport".
Western boxing and western wrestling, and MMA, are fighting systems but not "martial arts".
Ban them both! Simple!
@@neutrino78x Wow talk about a reply that just shows you clearly don’t understand the sport of mma. MMA has a lot of intellectual aspects when it comes to technique and thinking. George St pier is a good example. He displays a lot of humbleness in his interviews all the time. Even saying that his affect on the world is very minuscule. Also not all martial arts focus on spiritual aspects. Some just focus on building ones body and fighting abilities not to mention that you can learn good character from mma and be taught how to be responsible with your abilities.
“If I just ruined your day I apologize”lol😂
I dislike that what you say makes sense here. I have loved MMA, UFC style sports for years and will never be able to think of them in the same way. Thanks for apologizing at the end though, lol. And thanks for telling us what we need to hear, even if it's not what we want to hear.
Bob, so what about pornography? Should someone watch pornography because they love it even though Father says that it's bad? There's a reason that he says it's bad and it's a good reason.
Thank you for your advice, but as I stated, his words made sense as I listened to him. It's no different than a friend giving me advice. If it makes sense to me then why wouldn't I take the advice? If it doesn't make sense to me then I don't take the advice. That's just my way of thinking though, I also believe in to each their own. 😉
+Daisha Freeman Praise God someone took it the right way! I agree with you fully I'm not a MMA fan but my family watches WWE lol yh i no it's fake and all but I love what you said "I'm glad tht I'm hearing this even tho it's something I don't want to hear."
+Reason Rules thts a really great point! :)
Daisha Freeman well done! 👍
This is a really excellent stand and explanation. Thank you for making this video.
What about boxing? Wrestling?what about a big hit in NFL? where is that line drawn?
Jose Fredy M I eagerly await his next video decrying fighting in hockey. Or the immortality of drawing fouls (aka lying) in soccer and other sports. Or the immodesty of the uniforms for swimming, volleyball, and the like.
But I won't hold my breath.
Wrestling is a "work" -- or "fake" in the eyes of others. The object is to draw money and crowds by putting on a show without the deliberate infliction of harm (that's the ideal, accidents happen). A different standard would be applied since it's more akin to theater or Hollywood, especially today.
Suplex Piledriver I believe he was talking about real wrestling, you know like highschool and collegiate wrestling. Not WWE wrestling.
Jose Fredy M
exactly. I eagerly anticipate his reply to you...
Amateur or Olympic wrestling does not encompass violence. It is less a fight and more a competitive struggle where the object is to overpower an opponent but not inflict damage.
Thanks for the video Father Mike. I have to admit, watching the video, I wanted to retaliate at what you were saying. I grew up in a Filipino family where we came together to watch the Pac-Man fights. And I enjoyed them. But, there were times where I knew something felt wrong. So, thank you for bringing this spectrum of entertainment to light. I think this video calls us, as we should do always, to examine if our entertainment and recreation is under the Lordship of Jesus.
I love MMA, LOVE it! It's my favorite sport. And you make an excellent point. The point of Christianity is humility not dominance. The concept of physically dominating another human being through violence, whether there is bloodlust or not, strips human dignity. I've never been able to see this until now. Physical dominance through force and violence exalts pride, the ambition of self; the point of following Christ is to deny self, take up your cross, and following him. I love martial arts and any form there of; however, I realize that I must sacrifice this because that is what Christ has called us to do.
Practice Martial Arts, but make sure you watch the streams cracked because you don’t want to give them any money.
Yes! Keep practicing in the gym, make sure do not go full force in sparrings and it's good enough. If you can sacrifice this big part of your life, you are a good Christian. I'm trying to do that also now, after being a fan for 15 years. God bless you, brother ❤☦✝️🕊
I was a pro fighter we retired about a week ago because I got the conviction
I agree with what you say. The only time I ever really hurt people is to protect others and myself.
I agree, but for me i am not entertained by the violence, i am entertained by the skill of the fighters.
Looking forward to your video on how professional boxing, high school and college wrestling, Olympic judo and tae kwon do "strip human dignity."
College wrestling and Judo don't strip human dignity because the main purpose in these sports IS NOT to hurt your opponent.
@@Ricardo-mr3bg neither is mma🤦🏽♂️
@@JordanCantFight It is.
@@Ricardo-mr3bg it’s not though, you can dominate someone for all 3 or 5 rounds without even punching them in the face, the the point is to see who has better skills and test yourself.
BROTHER MIKE,
As a Catholic Christian and as a martial artist whom once wanted to be an mma fighter. i have mixed feelings about this.
For example, as a trained martial artist and competitor. I enjoy the technique not the violence. I look at it as a chess match rather than a fight. On the other hand, aftet seeing the damage some fighters have to live with and how lityle they get paid I realized mma is not worth it. Some guys have over 15 comcussions and terrible trauma.
On another point, I actually think the submition is a humane way to win. Let me give you an example, in grappling class. If i put somebody on a submition the person can give up without feeling pain or injury. On the other hand, if i box somebody or kick box somebody. If i beat him he will have a lot more trauma. I can literally put someone on a choke hold and not choke him but hold him. with punches and kicks. its harder to not hurt your opponent.
anyway, I really enjoyed this video because I agree it is damaging to the body which thectemple of the Holy Spirit but as a young man i loved the adrenaline and thought of my self as a warrior. Now thst im older i realize how much damage this guys do to their bodies. I do watch mma but because I am a martial artist who watch it for the technique but I do see where you are coming from. Grappling is really not that bad though. You tap and go home to train again. A knock out, who knows if you will train again.
Just my two cents.
The peace of our Lord be with you.
@Kaiser Koba ""you're trying to do as much physical harm to your opponent as possible." "
That's precisely the case. WINNING the fight is to do exacty it
MMA is just a contact sport, and statistics show it's relatively just as safe as most others. The problem is that for 40,000 years people have associated 'fighting' with 'violence'. But MMA is not violence.
I'm not a fan of MMA whatsoever, but I don't understand what the problem with it is. People in MMA aren't really "dominating" someone or "beating them into submission", since both people are agreeing to fight each other and know the consequences of their actions. In fact, I'm pretty sure that a lot of people who fight each other are friends. It's just a sport, just one with some extra physical injuries, it's no biggie.
Just because we consent to something doesn't make it right. Pornography is full of consent, and yet full of evil.
Did the chidlren that god killed consent? Did the hundreds of thousands of people he killed in the floods consent. Your comment is nonsense. MMA is not morally wrong to say it is is stupid. To claim something is wrong means to pass judgement and casting judgement is a sin. Why exactly is pornography evil?
The children don't need to consent, they are his to do with as we all are. We can judge things as much as we like, otherwise how would we know to do the right thing? God teaches us not to judge people, as to call someone "good" or "evil" because we can't possibly know, but to say "that thing that person did is evil" is not casting judgment. Pornography is evil because it reduces people to sex objects and denies us, sex and God the proper grace and respect that they are due. Sex is about love and procreation. Pornography is about none of those things. It's about money and pleasure, opposed to God's will.
That makes sense
Where did i claim to be a moralist?
My rule of thumb re. what I watch is would Christ be comfortable sitting beside me watching this? Simple!
Angela Taylor Jesus loves knockouts.
That's why I watch MMA
Jesus bets with me every Saturday
You just made the case for mma
This is how you find stupid people, ask them if they're religious.
"would christ be comfortable", hahahahaha, it's so pathetic I can't even fathom how one can dig so low on the IQ scale.
Father, would you say you disagree with ALL MMA competitions, or just the ones where the guys can pound on each other until the other submits? For instance, are you against Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions?
jtphenom0811
As a Catholic Christian and as a martial artist whom once wanted to be an mma fighter. i have mixed feelings about this.
For example, as a trained martial artist and competitor. I enjoy the technique not the violence. I look at it as a chess match rather than a fight. On the other hand, aftet seeing the damage some fighters have to live with and how lityle they get paid I realized mma is not worth it. Some guys have over 15 comcussions and terrible trauma.
On another point, I actually think the submition is a humane way to win. Let me give you an example, in grappling class. If i put somebody on a submition the person can give up without feeling pain or injury. On the other hand, if i box somebody or kick box somebody. If i beat him he will have a lot more trauma. I can literally put someone on a choke hold and not choke him but hold him. with punches and kicks. its harder to not hurt your opponent.
anyway, I really enjoyed this video because I agree it is damaging to the body which thectemple of the Holy Spirit but as a young man i loved the adrenaline and thought of my self as a warrior. Now thst im older i realize how much damage this guys do to their bodies. I do watch mma but because I am a martial artist who watch it for the technique but I do see where you are coming from. Grappling is really not that bad though. You tap and go home to train again. A knock out, who knows if you will train again.
Just my two cents.
The peace of our Lord be with you.
roger Wise words, sir. Thank you for sharing. Peace and many blessings!
interesting perspective. thank you
The problem with focusing on physical damage is that it is one giant gray area. No matter what type of sport or competition you take part in, physical or mental, you will always be inflicting some amount of stress, either physical or mental, upon your opponent. That is the very nature of sports/competitions. That's the difference between shooting basketball by yourself in the driveway and playing someone 1v1. You are creating an imaginary context for conflict in which there is tension and stress. So the issue here is not a matter of the physicality of the sport, but rather the intent. And any fighter who respects martial arts never enters a competition with the intent to leave their opponent with a physical or mental disability. An example of the moral opposite would be a bully. Bullies inflict physical stress, mental stress, or both upon other people. But they are doing so purely to cause harm and inflict damage purely for selfish satisfaction.
@@PONYBOYonline Physical damage that risks the life of the competitor is not a giant area. In basketball there's nothing in the rules that allow such kind of damages - in MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai and other martial arts (not all of them), yes. All fighters that engage in sports that allows victory by KOs definitely try to leave their opponent with a physical incapacity. It's definitely their intent. There's not much room for discussion here.
I am a boxer and an MMA fighter and a catholic Christian. I would have never been the man I am without this sport. It gave me discipline but most importantly it gave me the confidence to be able to face most of the human beings without any fear or hesitation as I am able to do bad things to them if I choose to but thats not the righteous thing to do as a christian. So I thank Jesus for making me a good person.
HunTeR I’m starting MMA and I’m Catholic. Do you have any tips for me? Should I quit, or should I continue?
@@sampainter05 when people hear about martial arts they only think about kicking , punching and blood. Its not bad until you take it to the streets. People who do that are not fighters. If you enjoy this sport like I do. If it has made you a happier person. Don't let anyone stop you . now get out there and Train.
HunTeR thanks for the advice 👍
You should've posted this after the big Mayweather vs McGregor fight and Canelo vs GGG fight! Now my wife isn't going to let me watch!!! God bless Fr. Mike!
God bless your wife :)
Go ahead and enjoy combat sports. there is NOTHING wrong with two brothers competing to show off superior strategy and technique. don't believe everything you see on the internet.
You can watch with me instead haha
Marko St-Koulev You are exactly right. Half of the stuff that we see and is posted are lies anyway. Just look at half of the posted videos that do not speak on the titles. They never even mention that title so that is why we call it click bait. So yes you are correct. My own mother tells me that and she rarely is on the internet. #Good Day
just remind her that a group of people who actively hide pedophiles and do nothing but move the priest to another church when one is accused probably shouldn't be anyone's moral guide.
Nothing to apologize for is just the truth thanks a lot Fr Mike
When I saw the title of this video, I just nodded my head. This is something I wanted to hear about (especially from Fr. Mike)!
So you've been waiting to hear from someone else what you already believe in? sounds like an echo chamber... good for your thinking abilities.
I disagree. According to your rationale, all sports would fall into this category. Since all sport is to show the dominace of one man/team over another. MMA is about highlighting discipline and combat. It does so in a way that shows both the grace of martial arts and the sportsmanship of sport. More often than not, the two fighters shake hands and hug after their fight. There aren't any hard feelings. They are simply testing their skill set against another man's skill set. It is no different than Boxing, football, baseball, or even Chess. Yes people get hurt. This is something Both fighters accept going into the fight.
I generally like all of your videos. I have learned a lot from them. This one seems to have maybe a little bias to it though. Maybe I am wrong.
There is, I think, a difference between competition and violence. One is cultivated and the other is not. It's like comparing a Ancient Greek discussion with two people beating themselves with baseball clubs for an opinion. Both is an "argument", but one of them is cultivated and competitive and dignified, the other is violent, barbaric and inhuman. I'd say.
The goal in football, chess or baseball isn't to beat your opponent bloody, so it isn't really a fair comparison.
MMA Fun take your stupidity and bigotry elsewhere. If you have evidence of your disgusting claim bring it on. Otherwise shut your stupid mouth
Martin McFly wow that's not very Christian of you.
Exactly what I was thinking
This is the first time I think I'd disagree with you, Fr. Mike, but keep making videos, because you're a boss!
I disagree with you only on the actual concept of the legitimacy of MMA (which I don't actually watch as a habit).
I think that one DOES need to be careful of bloodlust, but I see no reason, inherently, that one couldn't enjoy a competition between two people who voluntarily enter a ring to have a competition - under controlled circumstances that are, for all intents and purposes, safe. I don't think it de facto MUST result in bloodlust (as opposed to gladiatorial games where people were compelled to fight, and which resulted in death). I view MMA as just a variation of "the sweet science" that is Boxing.
So I think that there's more of a gray area here than you present. That's all. Keep up the great videos, and feel free to let me know if/why I'm incorrect :)
You shall call no man father Matthew 23:9
@@joelrwo5974 🤣 I don't think you understand what Jesus was doing in that moment, cuz he also says to call nobody master or teacher but we definitely use those words all the time, I'm sure you do, and so do people like Saint Paul. Plus Saint Stephen calls out as does Jesus referencing the Patriarchs and calling them titles like Father Abraham and father Isaac. And of course, St Paul even says he became a spiritual father, and we know that he himself was a celibate so he's not speaking in any way of begetting children in the natural sense.
Why not arrange voluntary fight to death ? I guess people will volunteer for that too. See the problem with that ??
Thank you. Direct and clear message. I appreciate a non "fortune cookie" answer from a cleric for once. I don't watch you're channel for good feelings. I watch it to discern truth and make me a better Catholic. Solid. It's about time we bring back muscular Catholicism. Keep it comming!
I watch Fr. Mike videos all the time, and I always see comments saying how much people love Fr. Mike and what he says; but, as soon as I saw the title of this one, I knew that this one was going to get people. I just knew it, because the unfortunate fact is, no matter how good people think they are, they don't like to be told they're wrong for doing something they completely and totally enjoy. Peace and all good.
I've been invited by friends to go and watch MMA games at bars and restaurants before and I just never could explain my distaste of it. It was more than simple preference, something just struck out against my conscience regarding it, and that was well before I converted to Catholicism. Thanks for putting it into words, Fr. Mike!
I respectfully disagree because I do not believe people generally watch MMA to see people get physically hurt and dominated but more to see a competition between two great athletes. You want to see who has trained harder, who is more mentally stronger and who is the better fighter. However, if you watch with intent to see someone get hurt then I would see why you would think like that. Just my honest opinion as a Christian MMA fan.
Is enjoying the tackling in football bad too? How about the hits in hockey? Where is the line?
I'm 15 years old and i train mma. We don't fight for other people entertainment, we fight because we like it, enjoy it, and love it. I respect what you said in this video. I don't believe in any religion. In mma its to train fighters, fighting each other to see who is the better mix martial artist.
Ive been in combat sports and pro wrestling most of my life. Giving it all up. Submitting to christ. I agree that fighting or projecting violence for entertainment is wrong. I just want to be a loving person and good role model.
A very good video. I support your point of being able to defend yourself, It is no joke to be suddenly surprised by a bunch of mean people. I was just 19 years old when a mob of five attackers entered my residential study room. Karate and Ju Jitsu is what saved me from being seriously mobbed. I could fend them of. Later in the same year, someone broke in and waited for me in my private vehicle being parked in a dark temporary area. Next moment he learned forward in the dark back seat, got a rope around my neck and started joking me. Again martial arts helped me to remove the choking hands and rope and bent his fingers into awkward positions that made him flea the scene. A myriad of bullies tried to draw and force me into fist and kick mobbing's. Again, karate and Ju-Jitsu took care of it. This all happened in so-called safe areas - my advice is you must know some form of self defense.
I'm with this! Well said Father Mike!
Thank you father Mike. I am a Christian and a BJJ practitioner and you are on spot about MMA/ UFC. One thing to add though is martial arts including BJJ can be quite addicting...if Christians aren’t careful martial arts can become an idol.
Kudos father Mike. You deliver a very relevant message with this video. Thank you, and God bless you!
You shall call no man father Matthew 23:9
Maaan you don't even relise how deep experience is being in a fight. First of all you need to tame your aggression to be a fighter, because in rage, you have no chance to win. When your opponent is trying to beat you, choke you out, you really need to stay aware, you need to stay calm, you need to stay courageous, time is slowing down, for many fighters it's almost spiritual thing. It's a bit like our life sometimes trying to choke us out, beat us down, but we need to stay calm, stay strong, and fight till our spirit breaks and you give up, body can't take it anymore, or "referee" decide to stop "the fight". It's about that moment when you face... yourself. :) Peace!
Im not here to discuss, because there is nothing to discuss about. You have no idea what are you talking about, because you did not experience that. I was drug addict, I still am, and this extreme sport saved my life.
Every extreme sport is a bit like a drug, because of chemistry of our brain. Yes, Im addicted to extreme sports, and it cures my depression, - not like drugs :)
What is the point made by Mike?
Watch UFC 242 on ESPN plus
fr. Mike, I play rugby and I'm Catholic. Should I continue playing or not? please respond:-)
I’m not a believer of any God. That being said. After reading the comments I think many people missed his point of what it he is saying. He feels that to sit and watch one human beat on another one just for the sake of entertainment. Where does it stop? I think is what he is saying. To abuse or beat another person for entertainment can be viewed as a total disregard for life and for what reason. So you are not bored? Like I said it’s not about what God thinks to me. I say whatever floats your boat but for those of you that are religious. Picking and choosing what “rules” you will follow based on your faith and life style seems a bit fair weathered. I don’t believe Christianity is meant to be a half in half out way of life. It’s intended to be a complete way of life and not just on Sunday. That’s a lot of the issues that nonbelievers have with Christians. Not always but often it seems that people are Christians when it works best for them. All I’m saying is practice what you preach. As Father Mike was pointing out. Christians should care for other humans. Beating one another up for entertainment does not stay within bounds of a Christian life.
Just keep an open heart and understanding mind; you will go far.
There's no other God but one, the one who created us and suffered for us.
This might be way off tangent, but would you say this dominating of another would apply for sports games or even video game competitions? Or is the basis for this the glorification of violence for Entertainment?
Hello father, I love the message of this video and lots of it makes sense. However, I am a member of the Military and my unit teaches mixed martial to our soldiers as a means of self defense. One of the ways to test our knowledge of close combat is to hold tournaments. Which is a big event that families and friends of the competitors come to watch. This is where the line between spectator sport and training for self defense is blurred. A tournament helps expose soldiers to different combat situations and it is the closest thing you can get to train for a real fight because there are only some much repetitive drills can do. I can understand that MMA being an industry to sell violence as entertainment is sinful but is watching a your coworker fight in a tournament the same way? Especially after the end of a match the fighters laugh it off and congratulate each other in true sportsmanship fashion. If there is an opportunity we can speak or you can send me a message I would love it. It would help me become a better Catholic Soldier. God Bless you Father and all that you do.
Does this go for hockey too Fr Mike? Since usually there’s at least one fight per game
Yes
Peace be to you Fr.Mike! I am a new subscriber! This is an AMAZING message that people need to hear! I was almost ADDICTED to watching MMA. I even wanted train for it when UFC started in early 90s. I came from a collegiate wrestling and karate background. What I found with watching MMA, UFC, boxing, and even "Professional" wrestling/WWF, is that along with the glorification of violence, there is also a GREAT deal of overt sexuality (e.g. bikini-clad "ring girls", scantily-clad "wrestling divas", even the mens' teeny-tiny spandex, fighting briefs,etc.😳). This portrayal of women (and men ) is the exact OPPOSITE of what God teaches us about how believing men and women should appear around eachother. Also, there is the encouragement of the most profane language in the name of being a great showman (e.g. "I'm gonna -blank- that guy up when we get in the -blankety blank- ring/octagon!" "*#⚡☠ YOU!"😲). This is truly the Devil's language!😈 I also noticed the encouragement of glorification of alcohol drinking! Another thing against which the Lord has warned! As much as I liked MMA, UFC, WWF (yeah I know WWF's not in the same category, but still).I had to make myself, stop watching it (or at least SEVERELY curb it)! AMAZINGLY, I've been able to live without it! Imagine that!🤣 May the Good Lord guide and protect us all! Peace! Omar "Dr.O the PA Pro" Abdul-Malik DHEd, MPAS, PA-C, CHES 🤓
What do you feel now Father after the Pope named Deontay Wilder the Boxing Ambassador For Peace and told him he loves boxing
Why would he give it to Wilder? Tyson Fury beat him twice and is also actually a Catholic....
I still believe there is a place for fighting as entertainment. I believe it shows a part of people's true potential both physical and mental. I'm not saying fighting is the only potential humans have but what these athletes show us is something on another level completely. This is what the competition of fighting has done, it's meant to bring the best of the best out of us. It's meant to inspire. I will agree that most people that watch have the unfortunate perspective of just wanting to see one man.. or woman beat the other one up. For true fans of mma it's how they do it, it could be flawless techniques or a show of heart and willpower there's something that people need to see in it, that I still believe.
I do understand how ever that these big money fights that ufc is introducing is diminishing the honor that you say is not present in mma entertainment. There has to be the respect of the champion AND the the number one contender for there to be any respect between the fighters, other wise it turns into WWE and nobody wants that.
It's a fine line to walk but definitely valid points, I think someone in the comments mentioned it earlier and I agree. There needs to be more education on fighting and almost a social shift of how people preserve it. Not saying I have the answers but I know trying to train mma gave me a whole new outlook on what these people do for a living and how hard it is, why can't these people have a stage to show their dedication and skill?
As a life long MMA fan I actually agree with you even though my spiritual views may not align with yours. I do love how you said turning the cheek is sronger. A tear came out of my eye out of admiration for anyone who is that strong to keep the peace
2:36 _“There is NOTHING that is noble about beating another human being into submission for someone else’s entertainment.”_
Is it Uncatholic for someone to participate is classic amateur boxing bouts?
Like Mr Miyagi says, "Fighting not good. Somebody always gets hurt."
Years and years after this video, not a single rational and logic objection - only insults, slurs and fallacies. Great work, F. Mike.
Its not for someone else’s entertainment, MMA is a sport just like soccer or baseball we do it because we love it, we dont watch it to watch people get beat up, we watch it for the competition
That’s not an excuse for seeing people beat up because that’s what happens in MMA.
You are wrong! Mma is used for just that - a hotbead of People
@@ossra100 if you cant handle it then thats on you
MMA ain’t boxing, mma is barbaric
@@youtubeaccountserio2633 Really? Because I know of many fighters who have died boxing, but non who have died in mma and I've been around both sports a long time....
As a practising Catholic & MMA lover I agree with your reasoning, what you watch and listen to affects you, just like the friends we choose and the food we eat.
But in Martial Arts their is respect and honour and MMA there are bad examples like Connor McGregor and great examples like GSP & Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Khabibs Islamic month long Ramadan fasting, praying in public, humbleness, love for his brothers, mother, father, morals, values, no drugs, no alcohol, no smoking and warrior mentality fighting against bad examples like McGregor inspired me come back to Catholism after 12 years away and helped me not be afraid in public to show I'm a proud Catholic, even wearing a rosary bead daily. I also had my 2 girls baptised and recieve holy communion in the last 6 months. I can really connect with Khabib because I hold and practice the same morals and values and keep them close to my heart.
So, in a dark/bad portrayed sport there are some shining lights like Khabib and his orthodox Islamic ways that can really teach and inspire us Orthodox Catholics/Catholics, be it fasting, praying, humbleness or fighting the good fight against evilness and the evil one. Jesus is our saviour, peace!
Yeah but your still beating someone into submission though.
MMA is not a competition for sport, not just for entertainment. Those two fighters in those cage are in a consensual competition usually dictated with respect and discipline it is not for just for violence. It is a violent sport but it is not there just for violence it is a true display of a combatants skill
Wait are we allowed to watch horror movies? Or things that are very graphic like blood and stuff?
Bro do what you like... all this religios stuff is really outdated by now. The only things that should be followed from the religion are the tenth commandments.
wow, very good stuff, love these points!
Every sport in the world operates on the same values these days . Greed , Corruption ,Dominance and Power by hook or crook no matter how brutal . I’m an MMA fan , practise it for keeping my body and mind well and proud to say this sport will only keep rising and help educate the casual folks on how to defend yourself in an unfortunate circumstance just like I had to . Thank God for being the greatest warrior there ever was and will be , we get to learn the baby steps . God Bless everyone and let’s hope crime rates go down with each year no matter how unlikely.
Yo Father Mike. It seems to me your point is watching mma is bad because we get enjoyment, entertained from seeing people hurt each other and get injured. But to me it's not entirely correct. I trained in martial art for years and when i watch mma or any other similar competition my reaction is not "this two humans hurt each other, yeah!" It's more complex than that, to me it's more like "that's cool, how does he able to do that? What kind of discipline put to the training for him to have that skillset? If I train hard that skill is possible to master" Those MMA shows are field for those atheles to put their training to the test, there are rules to prevent beyond serious injuries and death.
"Turn the other cheek" I totally agree with Christ's words here, it means not to focus on the problems itself, but to pay attention to the real problem, our own reaction. When we see inward, we have power and wisdom to not 'hit back'. Avoiding MMA (or just anything else that you think is bad) is not the final solution, it's paying attention to your own heart and mind and be better human being.
David Cendana any idiot can be a priest apparently. They need more people like you working for them. You sound much more insightful and reasonable. In the end it's love that counts. Hate the idiocy not the idiot.
Colosseum fans in ancient Rome could easily say the same: "oh, we don't like the violence in the arenas, we're just watching it to see how are they doing that with their swords?".
Is it ok for non violent fighting like costume sumo or tug o war
Father, i always felt bad watching it!!! God bless you!!!
You shall call no man father Matthew 23:9
one of the most shocking thing i saw several times is when one fighter KO the other fighter and then he keep puching his head againts the floor, being already unconscious, totally a shame, nonsense violence
I can't watch anything violent because I feel like it's trying to desensitize me. Totally get this.
Watching this after the Imane Khelif situation gives great context to the situation! Thank you Fr. Mike!!
What can be said of some of these MMA fighters like Dustin Poitier who are legit good people? The man has grown as a person and as a fighter because he learned humility early on.
Exactly. When you see guys like Khabib and Poirier, donating to each others charities, hugging after the bell, that's the part of the sport I dont believe to be sinful at all. Reflects the best of martial arts, not the trash talk or showmanship.
What’s the difference between boxing and MMA?
Thanks for this, Fr. Mike. This had to be said. And as a fan of MMA since the first UFC, I am convicted.
You shall call no man father Matthew 23:9
@@joelrwo5974 verse is way out of context there my guy
Father Mike, would you say the same thing goes for the sport of wrestling? [IE On a mat, not an octagon. No fists. etc]
I think not
A lot of modern sports is becoming more & more like the stuff of the Roman Colosseum.
I promise there will never be a professional sport that features a lion eating somebody
Should I quit? I’m a devote Catholic, but I enjoy MMA and the sport as a whole.
I like how you sang that little 80s song at the beginning!! Hahaha
Father Mike, have you been reading my mind? I agree with everything you said today!
You shall call no man father Matthew 23:9
Watching this video has stripped me of brain cells
Maybe it's your MMA training, not the video......concussions lead to this.
What brain cells ?
And testosterone
I've always disliked MMA , but I'm a big fan of boxing. what are your views on boxing father Mike?
Originally I thought MMA stood for Metropolitan Museum Of Art
My brother (Jordan Damon) is a world-renowned BJJ competitor and MMA athlete. He now has a school under Renzo Gracie. I think he would agree wholeheartedly. Great topic.
Joe Rogan is the best RUclips podcast Amen
He's not, hes an ignorant fool. He's clueless about Christianity too, he so pathetic he thinks Constantine wrote the bible, lol. He would never have biblical experts on this show, because it would show he doesn't have clue about Christianity, but yet talks about it like he does, and yet doesn't realized that he's making a fool out of himself, lol. 😆🤣😆
I believe there are two types of people who watch MMA fights. There are the general viewers, who enjoy watching the fights for recreation/entertainment, and then there are fighters who watch fights for educational purposes. The viewer will generally not understand the technicalities of fighting and essentially get a rush from the violence, whereas the fighter would be breaking down techniques so that for his next fight, be it sparing or competitive he has a few new trick in his bag.
I understand where you're coming from with the opinion that it is wrong for Christians to watch fights and to a degree, I completely agree with you, but what do you think about fighting/combat sports and the fighters themselves. I've lived my entire life in Ireland and I've done Martial Arts for as long as I can remember. Originally because my parents where worried about my safety due to the fact I was always quite small. I've watched UFC since I was very little and I've admired fighters, growing up I decided I wanted to fight professionally myself, around the age of thirteen. I was bullied in school and I used my skills to protect myself when attacked, but fighting for me was something I loved to do and it fills every part of my life right now. I'm currently 18 and I want you to give me your opinion on if it's wrong to live as I do and to be completely in love with fighting. Also what do you think of my theory on the people who watch fights.
Excellent. I've always thought this. In each battle MMA crosses a line from being a sport to destruction. It's built into the nature of the sport. I'm always offended when I see another person get pounded repeatedly in the face after a punch or take down.
the nature of the sport is built on human nature, period
What gives u the right to be offended?
@@Harry._.Thompson he’s soft
So do you think we should just not WATCH mma or not DO mma either?
What I took away from this is, if you are watching an MMA match for the pleasure of seeing two people battle for dominance in a cage, you strip them of their dignity; you are watching them as if they are animals. However, if you watch an MMA match to see two competitors use their practice to demonstrate together their art form, their hard work, and their respect for one another, then you are watching them with dignity and without a "blood lust". Of course, by bringing out anger and broadcasting pre-match trash talk between opponents, the media gears more towards our "blood lust". The media will replay a knockout and zoom in on all the blood. As long as you remember that these are men and women, bothers and sisters in Christ, who put a lot of time and effort into improving their art form, I believe you can watch an MMA match without stripping the competitors of their dignity.
Hey fr. mike would you please do a video on what shows we shouldn't let our kids watch? Not saying I'd let my kids watch violent shows, but wondering about shows that involve magical things examples frozen and moans. Thanks : )
So you oppose all combat sports: boxing, wrestling, karate, Judo, Jujitsu Etc?
Karate is not a sport. It's a way of life.
Not all combat sports are made to inflict injury in another person. Judo, Wrestling, JJ, some forms of Karate aren't.
@@Ricardo-mr3bg They're called "martial arts" for a reason. Any of them could be used to hurt or even kill depending on your intent.
@@Andres64B Hurt or kill in SELF-DEFENSE, not in a competition with no particular reason.
@@Ricardo-mr3bg If you think Judo and wrestling don't cause pain to the other person you are massively mistaken lol.
So, I don't watch MMA but I watch plenty of action movies and I'm almost done with the first draft of my short, Catholic, action type novel. I would really appreciate more clarification and advice on the whole violence/killing problem. Thanks so much!
These are all great points! I believe having MMA and MMA events are beneficial for certain people in our society. If not for MMA, men and women might have a larger chance of expressing their problems in other violent ways to people who are not as skilled as them. Because to be a fighter, you have to already have a certain amount of violence in you. MMA is the perfect outlet for someone to express their bottled emotions. You rarely every hear of an MMA fighter fighting outside of the gym or a sanctioned event simply because they don't feel like they have to. Many people as well as myself watch MMA because we appreciate the technique and discipline that goes into the sport. Now I'm not going to sit here and say I'm not entertained when I see a KO or something big, but at the same time, that's not what I'm looking for in a fight. Also I would like to point out that the fighters are being paid and also have the choice to do so if they please. So is it really stripping them of their dignity when they work at something their whole life and get the opportunity to step in the cage and get paid for the amount of work they have put in? I believe fighting is okay when both parties agree to fair competition and when there's a mediator (ref) to make sure no further damage is done when unnecessary.
Right as a Christian myself I believe that there is a purpose for everything. I mean you mentioned it here some of these fighters could be out here doing street fighting and either killing someone else or getting killed themselves. With the regulations in place and they’re being paid relatively well for what they do who are we to deny someone for doing what they have practiced and trained their whole life for. Which leads me to wonder what about violence in movies? Professional Wrestling which is predetermined even standard Wrestling. Should there not be Olympic wrestling or boxing and such?
It is when they’re knocked out virally
I appreciate you putting yourself out there and communicating things you wish for us for our good and to use to help us. I think it's super cool. This particular subject didn't apply to me but I know there are people out there (some have made themselves known in the comments) who disagree with you, but I admire how you're willing to say this anyway. _And_ you have all good intentions. Super cool. Again I don't watch MMA but I'll take your word for it ;) Take care good Fr. Mike fam
also the beginning was really funny
This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately, perfect time for a video from Fr. Mike! Believe it or not, this video made a lot of sense to me.
This type of fighting isn't just risky like football or rugby. MMA is simply all about beating someone else up and physically hurting them in order to win. Huge difference. As a Christian, we are all called to stop intentional violence like this all for the sake of superficial entertainment.
That's the whole point of this video, and not surprisingly, Fr. Mike (no pun intended) hits it right on the head.
You are so right! It should only be for training purposes without causing pain not used for entertainment to make money. 🙏🏼
Love your videos but this one seems a little misinformed. Your argument about how a man who has the ability to dominate another man shouldn't dominate another just for entertainment seems to suggest that the man getting dominated didn't agree to this. They both agreed to the competition. They aren't fighting to the death. Your relation with modern day MMA competitions to ancient Roman battles in the coliseum doesn't hold because those battles were to the death. MMA dignifies physical battle due to rules and respect for the lives of the competitors.
That's exactly what I was thinking :)
Well said. I agree. No one is forced to do it. All participants are properly trained.
The fact you voluntarily choose to do something doesn't make it right, you can choose to sin.
Consenting to something doesn't make it right. To claim MMA respects the lives of those persons is a bit inaccurate, they can still get hurt pretty badly. A common fracture is the fracture of the ankle when throwing a low kick, this can end a person's career and it's something horrific to watch. Why would anyone want to watch or encourage something that can bring so much pain into someone's life? Even if that person agrees and it's like "tough shit" after the incident, isn't it wrong for us to get pleasure after seeing a fellow human being getting exposed to this kind of danger?
Well, there is still this more basic argument that beating into submission or watching it in action for the purpose of entertainment is immoral.
I appreciate this video greatly! You put this into a perspective that I did not even think about. I agree 110% with you Father.
Have a blessed day
Michael
You shall call no man father Matthew 23:9
I quickly saw that there is a lot of dissent regarding your position on MMA. And I went into your video thinking that I too would have to disagree with you while not being too disagreeable. It turns out I was wrong about that, with the operative word here being "I". Truthfully, I enjoy watching MMA and will miss it .... but I see more of the dark side of it now I think.
Much of the dissent seems to be about "consent." And so the argument seems to be, as long as people have free will and "consent", why shouldn't they be able to participate in a non-lethal activity even if it is extremely violent. Right?
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that that is your argument. My take away is the following: that entertainment for a Christian shouldn't be predicated upon one human being beating another human being into bloody submission. And that the act of watching and enjoying one human violently dominating another human may be cause for a little soul searching and reflection. It's the violent domination and submission part that degrades basic human dignity. Consent isn't the issue here, it's the dehumanizing act itself that's the problem.
Thanks, yes! We hear a lot today about things being OK ‘between consenting adults’. Well, what’s that based on anyway? Christ never told us it was. Apparently people’s lusts, instead. But there’s no limit: Why adults? Why consenting? Nobody can completely back that up. People will give some answer or another, & we can ask about THAT, ‘Why?’ Ultimately it will be discovered to have no basis. Just think, if ‘between consenting adults’ were the one requirement for an action to be moral, of all the things the people who espouse that would generally be wrong about. They would have to allow instances of cannibalism, necrophilia, bestiality, slavery, the carrying of machine guns & bazookas… And they would have to oppose abortion (possibly their most important ‘right’), since it involves at least 1 minor, the fetus (which means ‘offspring’, not ‘clump of cells’! so much for their arguments about ‘viability’, ‘dependency’ &c.), & the mother may be a minor too. So why stop at adults? If a minor can consent to an abortion, as they believe, why not everything else? And since there is no basis for their belief, the logical conclusion is ‘might makes right’. Their supposed morality collapses, & then absolutely anything goes, incl. every form of torture, & the destruction of our planet & everything on it.
So consensual sex before marriage isn’t a sin ?
As an Eastern Orthodox Christian I made almost The this exact same video 6 years ago. I am so glad to hear western Christians speaking out as well