Training the MOST BRUTAL Martial Art for 48 Hours

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Go to expressvpn.com/martialarts and find out how you can get 3 months of ExpressVPN free!

[@MrRobertFarr]

Interesting product !

[@AbdulRahman-xj5ox]

Banes Mindset

[@MrRobertFarr]

@@AbdulRahman-xj5ox what do you mean ?

[@AbdulRahman-xj5ox]

@@MrRobertFarr For those not familiar with his story, Bane grew up in jail - imprisoned for his Father's crimes. Despite having no access to the myriad resources of Bruce Wayne, Bane developed his body and mind through rigorous training, his own form of meditation, and as many books as he could gain access to.

[@MrRobertFarr]

@@AbdulRahman-xj5ox Is that the plot from Batman Begins ? Which movie are you talking about Dude ?

[@RamseyDewey]

I thought this would all be about headbutts… but Dave’s comments about finding your reason to fight were great. And you know what else was great? Your message at the end. You can absolutely respect someone, learn from them, and disagree with them.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you Ramsey!

[@PHIplaytesting]

I think that there's a subtle but meaningful difference between saying "some people will never be fighters" and saying "some people CAN'T be fighters." The difference is in the power each statement or mindset affords you over your own destiny. There's two different questions we can ask. CAN you be a fighter? Or, WILL you be a fighter? We can understand that not everyone will make the choices to do what it takes, and therefore not everyone will become fighters. But that doesn't mean that the door was always closed to them.

[@mikenuzzo3323]

What do you like most Ramsey? I guess just american MMA from boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiujitsu and Wrestling, Sambo I think is a good overall MMA teaching, I am trying to learn of these other arts that had fewer rules.

[@tattoodrdoke]

Anyone can be a fighter a journey man can be a fighter. It doesn't mean they will be top tier world champion or Olympic level gold mentalist.

[@granddaddy_funk]

It's too bad that people don't use that attitude in all aspects of life.

[@Ben-xf7uy]

That was so good. 'Why are you really fighting?' Really like the way you unpacked that. Love his mentality on fighting. Fighting shouldn't be romanticized.

[@nr1NPC]

Kudo is still more brutal than this tho. This martial art Lethwei has no grappling - which Kudo does. THis martial art Lethwei has no groin strikes - which Kudo does. Both have headbutts, elbows, kicks, knees and punches. Only thing Lethwei has is no visor. But if you take Kudo without the headgears its by far more brutal.

[@bluefalcon6356]

​@@nr1NPCI agree. It's a much more brutal art, with much needed protection. I would like to see kudo without that protection

[@nr1NPC]

@@bluefalcon6356 Yeah because it has grappling which Lethwei does not have. And it has groin kicks, which Lethwei also do not have.

[@AJDraws]

Such a cheery and happy-go-lucky guy, yet he's a LETHWEI CHAMPION. He shows that you you don't have to be a cocky hardass in order to be a legitimate badass. And his advice is to be smart, not act tough. This is a martial arts instructor. This is someone that you want to learn from.

[@Jenjak]

I relate a lot to your journey. Having trained and taught a traditional art (taichi) for years and moving now to combat sports (Muay thai). I've always doubted myself, I thought I was not built for fighting, and I certainly started too late to make it to the highest level. But honestly, I think it's all about the process. Some people may be born fighters, but I'm sure anyone can learn and improve if they put their heart into it. I'm much more combative and athletic than I was a few years ago, and I don't see why I would stop improving as long as I am consistent and don't get seriously hurt. I see fighting like an exam, a moment to test myself, see how I perform under pressure and assess what has to be improved. Win or Lose it doesn't matter. I have no ambition except improving as much as possible while I am still young and healthy enough. 😅

[@fullmetalexorcist1687]

Good that you switched to thaiboxing because before that you werent able to win a full contact sparring match.

[@rohitchaoji]

@@fullmetalexorcist1687 I agree with you, but it also depends on the purpose. The "why", like Dave and Rokas said in the video. If someone is doing taichi as a meditative exercise, then it's totally okay if they never move on to a sport that will help them win a full contact sparring match or a fight. But if they want to learn how to fight, then I'm totally with you.

[@fullmetalexorcist1687]

Listen: Meditating is senseless when your Wing Chun doesnt work against a good boxer. Period. End of story. I have learned my lessons throughout life. I dont weigh much but my bones are dense thanks to Muay Thai and Kyokushin apart from having the reflexes to block combos. Consider.

[@rohitchaoji]

@@fullmetalexorcist1687 I'm not into meditating, but it being useless just boils down to your preference. For some people, learning how to fight is the last thing on their mind and for them boxing or muay thai is useless. Like I said, you need to know your "why". If you don't have a reason to learn muay thai, but want to learn taichi because it seems interesting to you, then there's no reason to switch over or learn a combat sport. But if you want to learn how to fight, it makes sense to switch over.

[@off6848]

@@fullmetalexorcist1687 Wing Chun can work on a real boxer if its a street fight and no gloves are on. Arm/Hand trapping is very useful in a bareknuckle fight it just can't be done effectively with giant gloves.

[@austiny6539]

I had issues with using aggression when I started training a coach gave me some wise words “never apologize for good technique, this is a combat sport it’s ok to be rough” that mindset helps me get over my gentle nature and i got better as a competitor.

[@jawz2005]

I think one thing to take here is how we define what a fighter is. It may well be that your definition and Dave's differ. Personally the reason why everyone cannot be a fighter is the same reason why everyone cannot be a poet or an actor. Everyone can fight, write poetry or act but since we all have natural inclinations and natural talents we will find own own craft to both express who we are and find who we are.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

That's a great point and something I came to consider only when editing this video 😁

[@Jenjak]

Also there is a big difference between amateur and pro fighter. As an amateur you can train 3 times a week, have a job, and push harder when you have a fight scheduled once or twice a year. A pro has to grind every single day, all their life revolves around fighting, when they are not training, they are recovering. It's a totally different mindset, it's grueling and it's definitely not for everyone.

[@BrianHooverJapan]

As an 0-4 amateur, (who also probably lacks aggression) I could relate to your disappointment to his answer. Then I considered he literally headbutts people for a living. So I guess it’s not that unreasonable for him would say, “it’s not for everyone.” The WHY part he talked about was very helpful for me. Let’s keep on keep’s on.

[@davidcrawford8583]

I've watched a lot of your videos Rokas and this is one of the best. I was always told 'I wasn't a fighter', had some good friends who helped me out in my youth. I'm 48 and a blackbelt in Judo and Jujutsu, trained for 30 years. It was always the 'you're not a fighter' that initially spurred me on and stuck with me for life. Prove them wrong, I don't think anyone can say you're not a fighter. All my respect from England.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

That's awesome David!

[@davidcrawford8583]

@@MartialArtsJourney Thank you Rokas, your channel is awesome.

[@TheElbowMerchant]

Great video, Rokas! I've considered Lethwei to be the most extreme combat sport for a very long time, and while I enjoyed the Kudo video, this one was really fantastic. The dynamic between you and Dave was really cool, so I hope you can continue to train with him in the future. Also, I'm super excited for the roll out of the Ultimate Self Defense Championship videos!

[@PrinssiOfficial]

Incredible! You absolutely nailed it with this one! Perfect chemistry of high production and autenticity. Ending made it for me, courageous, thought provoking and relatable. It will be hard to beat this one, but keep it up!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you! I will do my best!

[@PrinssiOfficial]

Thank you for your answer! Just wanted to add that the ending really made me think of my own journey. Maybe not everybody is cut out to be a fighter but maybe everyone can learn to defend in their best capability. Maybe it's not about how much you want to win but what you don't want to lose. Anyway, thänk you for this video!

[@Silvist]

That's some amazing neck/headbutt training. Really doesn't surprise me though on all the body hardening Lethwei does though. He's also really smart about how he goes about building himself to be ready for a fight. Really an amazing vid!

[@JoelSnape1]

This was great, man. Great editing and production, nice storytelling, and a super fascinating subject. If you ever make it to Bath in the UK please come train! And on the question, I feel like David's answer was what a lot of people need to hear: everyone can learn to defend themselves and become a good martial artist and training partner. Not everyone has it in them to reach the highest heights, but that's fine - if you improve, and continue to improve, that's really enough.

[@ehisey]

This is an important truth to many dont understand.

[@SenseiSeth]

Leduc seems like a good dude!!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

He's definitely awesome! Also on top of it all: vegan 😯

[@IanTranSend]

It's incredible and so powerful to hear from someone who addresses their trauma and especially how they explore resolving it through their art and especially through fighting. Dave's thoughtful reflections are invaluable fruits of wisdom for so many people to learn from and it’s always remarkable hearing true humility being imparted from some of the hardest earned places and journeys.

[@makaiev]

Dave's message still rings a bell, being a competent martial artist and even professional in combat sport is a separate thing from being a "FIGHTER!!!" like, some people are made for war but they're the exception instead of the rule. It goes beyond the red demon/blue demon dilemma....

[@RemainRealProductions]

Dude this is awesome, I love Lethwei and Dave Leduc is a legend!

[@theartofkabone7830]

As a Burmese, I am proud that lethwei is spreading around the world

[@weekendnachos_2049]

I want to learn

[@pandaslsjjsks]

You can learn the movement of lethwei players in lethwei fight videos brother

[@pandaslsjjsks]

​@@weekendnachos_2049if the war ends,you can train in lethwei clubs brother.But i suggest not to come now😢. people are dying like flies brother

[@weekendnachos_2049]

@@pandaslsjjsks I want to be there ✨💪🏻👊🏻

[@1138-f6t]

Dude as soon as i saw the thumbnail i was instantly like oh my god its the lethwei guy. You've come a long way since aikido, keep it up! :D

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@-XXI-]

You are already a fighter, no need to prove it in the ring. Your why was probably just to prove other people wrong and that's never worth it. You are awesome and a true inspiration. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@berniechoy5482]

This was one of your best videos in recent months. Thank you

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you 🙏

[@BMO_Creative]

Dave obviously genuinely liked you from the start! Way cool video!

[@SwordFighterPKN]

OMG I am so happy to hear the comment about body hardening and regretting it 20 years later. I did a lot of hardening in my 20's, since that was the cool thing, now in my 50's it comes back to bite you. Keep preaching that notion that you are going to get old and decisions today can get you later!

[@seankelly1291]

This channel is so so good. Thank you for all of your authenticity.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you 🙏

[@arahana]

My man, you are one of the greatest examples of overcoming the dunning kruger effect. You found out that your knowledge was just the beginning, and instead of letting that stop you, it fueled you to learn and grow. It's been amazing to watch.

[@georgetsoukalas1409]

Rokas was dreaming of becoming a badass like Batman. Now not only has he managed to become a capable fighter, but also to meet and learn from some of the most dangerous, decorated and knowledgeable fighters in the world.

[@charlescollier7217]

This was a really great interview, Rokas. I also appreciate the way that Dave connected being a fighter to working out or responding to trauma - that fully resonates with me.

[@yunglearner]

Thank you so much for making my country's martial arts get some recognition.

[@j.d.4697]

If you like Khmer boxing, consider checking out some of the traditional battlefield arts and predecessors to the modern competition ones, like *Muay Boran.* Probably my absolute favorite unarmed martial art. Or maybe something extreme in a different way, like Taido.

[@tomnaughadie]

Truely great that you got to train and talk with Dave. Thank you for sharing.

[@HugoPlaces]

OMG YES!!! The collaboration we’ve all been waiting for!!!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

👊👊👊

[@jacobkroon3797]

I could never do a full contact fight because the pain and anxiety would just not be worth it. But you did a MMA fight, so mentally you are already there. Not all fighters have to be aggressive or brutal, just skilled. Good luck on your journey!

[@markgothard7158]

Brutality and viciousness are a necessity. Think of it like a turbo, you don’t always use it but it’s there if you need it. Hair is just a handle and where the head goes the body must follow.

[@jacobkroon3797]

You probably have more experience than me, but I believe you can go as far with determination and levelheadedness. I saw someone mention Wonderboy as an example, and i think Adesanya is another good example.

[@markgothard7158]

@@jacobkroon3797 Probably forty three years of martial arts. I believe being a technical fighter is the baseline. It’s not an either or. Get technical then hone your brutality. Ralph, Renzo, Ryan Grace, BJ penn, Tank Abbot, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Marco Ruas (king of the streets) and all the Dagestan fighters all are brutal. Wonder boy is awesome and he might be brutal too. The black guy you mentioned is an amazing fighter but he is brutal. I think the guy on his his martial arts journey began it in one of the weakest, peaceful and ineffective martial arts. Because of this he’s fighting an uphill battle to find his own brutality. For the record I believe he will find it in time.

[@sanjaythukral3816]

I enjoy the way you have gone so far with your exploration. Hats off to your diligence

[@84erMaxe]

I love your journey. Coz you never know, where it takes you to. This is the most honest channel's out here. Thank you for sharing doubts and success. And therefore creating a journey, not a scripted story, where you correct all the stuff that doesn't suit your former idea.

[@MauricioLemus-pn5ld]

Most people may never become champions, but give a guy or gal hell long enough, and certainly, you will unleash a beast who´ll eventually beat the shit out of you. Mad respect for Rokka and Dave.

[@laurentmialon2594]

How not to absolutely love Dave Leduc, seriously. The guy is not only the best in his discipline as proven by competition, but he is a real martial artist, with a real philosophy behind all the physical sacrifice.

[@tnktsinik]

Hey man, I feel you more than you can imagine.. I also started with eastern martial arts that got me so many bad habits in fighting. Also my kind nature, kinda prevents me from hurting others, plus I always feel like I am missing aggression now that I am doing mma. Don't give up, we might never become champions but no one can stop us from being fighters! As always great video and keep up the good job!

[@arthurbotelho]

One of your best videos so far. Congratulations Rokas!

[@Erime]

I think sticking to your MA journey and keeping learning with a noble heart is YOUR particuar fight, Rokas. I could imagine you being an excellent officer in Ukraine, perhaps. But sports are sports. Being a champion of life impresses me more - that's where the true life or death fighting takes place, and you're doing great, bro 👊.

[@destro949]

I agree with your message, but Dave (and others) has a good point. Some people aren’t prepared to master something, they romanticise it but don’t understand what it takes to become it. This message can be applied to mastering anything, not everyone has what it takes to be a master carpenter, salesman etc

[@icedragongamemaster6797]

I do martial arts for more than 30 years now and still I learned new things by watching this. You made a good video with very useful information. Be proud of your work brother.

[@nmitchxll305]

wow Dave's the real deal. You both had great on camera chemistry, esp considering how different Aikido and Lethwei are!

[@gtr5351]

Have you ever seen someone wanting to achieve something so bad, and failed with consistent efforts? You always get what you work hard for. By the way, most of the successful people share similar stories that they were doubted, and people around said that they don't have it in them etc... Use it as a fuel, and prove them wrong. Goodluck in your journey, you have already achieved a lot don't look at the empty part of the cup.

[@karate383]

One of your best videos by far love dave he's a monster fighter also look how far u have come from aikido 2 a bad ass your self respect mate

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you!

[@markvolt2070]

What a great video! And as for the "not everyone can be a fighter" - I´v experienced a very similar journey as you, from 8 years of Aikido to box, kickbox, a bit of MuayThai and Balintawak (but all this on much lower intensity level than you as I am a lot older) and I´v found out that I am a not very good fighter because it is not in my "blood" or "heart" but the most important thing is that if I´d get into a fight I would not allow myself to be a victim, I would not be a prey for the predator. So you donť have to be a fighter winning all the time in a cage but I am sure you would put out a hell of a fight in real life situation...as we saw in the Ultimate Self-Defense Championship. You are an inspiration to all!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you 🙏

[@hunger4wonder]

I am actually impressed by this guy. Not the fighter per se, although obviously yes, but the man behind the fighter. His mentality seems to be superb! And there is wisdom in everything he was saying.

[@l8tapex]

Awesome content. The first things appreciated in the ring for myself. Being able to take the hits, make defensive (or coping) adjustments while continuing the offensive attack is where the separation comes from. Training is great but go to full on battle, the break down from reciprocated punishment is the weakness. How do you handle a tough opponent especially when the opponent may get in really good strikes or offense. Do you get doubt, does affect your ability to continue in aggressive way? When does tactical become failure......

[@Cw-xu3gz]

This is a great video for me to watch at the time I've watched it. I'm an 0-2 amateur boxer and just got my nose broken in a sparring match and had to cancel my next fight. I was questioning my own skills and whether or not I should continue to compete and having similar feelings to the ones you expressed at the start. I'm doing better now, but It's nice to see that I wasn't alone in those feelings of doubt even if they were brief for me.

[@AK-jt7kh]

You got this 💪

[@2xmachina36]

I really, REALLY, want BKFC to pick up lethwei

[@cengizhansenkal]

I just found this video and was so happy to see you visit my hometown. Hope you like it and visit again!

[@thezieg]

AWESOME WORK IN ALL WAYS, MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND EMOTIONAL!!

[@selfdefensejujitsu-mizumar7221]

I’ve been following your channel back before you closed down your school. I can definitely say without a shadow of doubt that you are absolutely a fighter. Just because you’re humble, nice and have compassion for others doesn’t mean that you don’t have the heart and courage of a fighter. 💪🔥✊

[@carlom.2194]

Mannn… just came across Dave and already respect him so much. Love how he talks about mindset… pressure… passion. Thanks for making this video!

[@fredazcarate4818]

Roka you possessed an indomitable spirit, and is an important part of the equation. The other is how one trains for combat. You are nearly there. I pray you have continued success in your journey. 🧐🤔💯💪🙏

[@timbarth7850]

I really like your videos because your journey is a bit like life. It has ups and down but you keep pushing and get positiv things even out of bad times. That's the attitude of a real fighter. I also think you are right. You have to find your own truth and reason why to fight. And since noone forces you to do, this there is clearly a thing that drives you to become a fighter. And I bet someday you will.

[@jaredholland3563]

That man just dropped knowledge bombs regarding the why that translates to everyday life

[@kerpal321]

the headbutt can be an absolute devastating technique which is why it is banned in modern mma, if you look up an old mma match on here between bart vale and mike bitonio you will see a great but brutal example of how destructive a headbutt can be especially in the grappling range, however i have also met many experienced martial artists who discourage the use of headbutts because because of the damage you can also inflict on yourself, imagine headbutting someone in the mouth in a fight and getting the top of your head scrapped by his teeth or cutting your own head open or possible even giving yourself a concussion or neck injury

[@TheMicahwitz]

I actually think you’re both right. Anyone CAN be a fighter, like you say, but I think he’s saying some people will just never have that drive. YOU have that drive sir!!! Keep following the way of the warrior!

[@boxingforselfdefence7620]

Great video. Some good insights from Dave. There is a difference between training and fighting and a difference between fighting as an occasional experience and fighting as a profession, going into hell and back. Fighting against guys you've never met, with no animosity towards isn't natural for humans. It takes a 'why' and that 'why' is usually some demon that needs exorcising, as Dave said. Not having that kind of demon is a good thing in life. Fighters aren't generally happy balanced people. They are usually people born of unpleasant circumstance.

[@f.dmcintyre4666]

[@robertfeiner7409]

This is wonderful. As a therapist and former mma fighter, David sums it all up around 11:00. It’s why I took my first fight in 1998 and last one in 2005.

[@Skyhex]

His way to talk about your original reason to learn how to fight showed a lot of Wisdom, it feels like his point is that it is fine to fight in order to heal, but not to forget why you are actually doing it, otherwise you'll get stuck by trying to heal.

[@markabrian1925]

Hey man. Don't let the words of people who say you're either born a fighter or not. Fighters are made. You travel all over the world and you purposely work on your flaws and things you aren't comfortable with. A large percentage of people don't do this at all. Not even talking about Martial Arts, just in life in general. You're a world warrior. You don't need to be in the ring to claim that. You've visited so many places that I could only dream of. Keep it up!

[@gabrielm.s.alverca5789]

Hi Rokas, thanks for this video. I'm following your channel and content since the day you started all of this (seriously, since your first video) but I'm not much of a talker here in the comment section. In my opinion based in my own experience in both life and martial arts (also an aikidoka for a while, but I did Tomiki style), you are the most pure and exact definition of a fighter that can exist out there. You faced the demon of discovering that your whole life paradigm (in your case it was aikido) was completely removed from reality, completely disfunctional, and you got back up, learned and evolved from it. You are already a fighter, and a good one, you just need to see it and believe in it for yourself.

[@KiNTOLiMBO]

Man, you're awesome! Stay safe all the time👊

[@j.e.b9988]

Dave Leduc is the definition of a hard hard hard man! 🤝 Great video thanks 🤝

[@secularpilgrim1372]

Very good! I saw something else once with this guy. He seems like a good teacher, good guy and a genuine hard bastard. Great episode, thanks!

[@relativelybasic]

The thing about Lethwei, as brutal as it is, there really isn't really a high level of competition like Muay thai or MMA. He's like a big fish in a small pond. But if he competed in Muay Thai he might improve even more.

[@jg7923]

I think some people are just more naturally aggressive, but even if you are more peaceful you can still learn, train and apply the skills of fighting. It’s better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.

[@nadirlusarreta2078]

This was a lovely video with lots to think about. Also he didn't say either you're born a fighter or not. He said some people will never be fighters. And that connects it to the previous point about your why

[@JazzInATinCan]

Great video. Dave seems like a fantastic dude to get some hards truths from to process and use to grow - which it seems you're the type to do. Inspiring, keep on walking the journey.

[@averagebro413]

I agree, you kinda have to be crazy to go and fight in the ring/octagon. If you had a beautiful childhood, no traumas, no bullying, no pain. Why would you ever want to damage yourself and others? On the other hand, we change. we can have the most beautiful, peaceful life and one day, something changes and our personality changes. we might go from peaceful person to someone, who wants to inflict pain, who wants to do the damage. Being peaceful, does not mean that you are a bad fighter. look at the wonderboy, he is a very nice person, but he's a great fighter. You also are a fighter, the thing is, that you started late with the real martial arts, so your skillset, confidence is lower, compared to other guys, but hey they can't make videos like you, nor can they speak as well, as you do.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Great observations 😊 Thank you

[@basilistsakalos9643]

Dave is all class, huge respect to the guy! In my opinion, you try to prove whether you can fight, but once again in what context? Fight an amateur fight? Fight a professional fight? Become a world champion? Get out of a street fight safe and sound? Survive a war? Who 's the "fighter"? You 've surely come a long way since the beginning.

[@mikeyuskiw3477]

Incredible video!!! I love Lethwei. I feel very fortunate to have been able to train in this art. Dave's material and videos are always amazing. Watching you tell this story with philosophy and the training mixed in was brilliant. Thank you. You have a new subscriber right here.

[@calonordstoast]

Beautiful, man. Really proud of you and how far you've come.

[@Jormmg]

Hi Rokas, I've been watching your journey for a couple of years from afar, I recently subscribed and have really enjoyed the direction of your channel, I wanted to address this point you made at 1:40 I'm sure your opinion has evolved since posting this, but I really felt the emotion in that statement and it resonated with me. I can speak from very intimate experience as I've had my life threatened at weapon point more times than anyone should have. No human is born a fighter. Fighters - Warriors to use a historical term, have always been made from mere men. A gardener can easily become a warrior if you arm him with the knowledge, practice and stamina to execute on that knowledge.

[@tonyv8275]

It's amazing the journey that you've gone on I've been watching you for the past 2 hours which is a great thing thank you cuz you've been distracting me from some bullshit I've been dealing with. Can I just say like you have gotten better looking and you've just been healthier looks like. Your girlfriend must love that

[@BacatauMania]

This is one of your best videos, thanks for doing it!! Now I gotta ask, since you tried the two martial arts with headbutts: lethwei or kudo, which one did you prefer? I guess you'll say lethwei has better kickboxing but kudo has grappling, which makes it better Let's see!

[@rogerbarkley9130]

I get the point about aggression, I had the same problem but eventually got around it but working on 'fear and anger triggers'. Just like a muscles, triggers need exercising to get the most out of them. Just my opinion, but most martial arts ignore 'the genuine emotional states' that you will face (or be given), or deal with them in an impractical or too theoretical way.

[@ProdigiousReturn]

Now that you’ve done Kudo and Lethwei… when’s kyokushin? ;) the guys who did the discovery channel show “fight quest” said it was the most brutal training of any style they did.

[@sesimie]

Rokas. Dave is correct. From a Biological hardwiring point of view, Fight or Flight. That Being Said, Your journey is so inspirational! Watching you talk to Dave is like seeing two sides of the same coin. When push comes to shove, and the Chips go down....The inner Primal Beast will defend itself. Every Fighter needs to learn Fight or Flight.

[@intricate9666]

great editing! this is a really interesting video on a special martial art, keep doing your good job!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@BillHimmel]

Please do a third MMA-Fight! Will wish you all the best for a win!

[@gavinchia5841]

Great video Rokas. Dave seems like a really cool dude.

[@alexanderren1097]

Great video! Thanks for giving us something to tide us over until the big self defense videos are ready, I'm really looking forward to it

[@ZhangMaza]

Lethwei is sick man! And I agree with you everybody can be a fighter it is all about mentality in each person, there are alot of my friends don't even like martial arts and stuff they will never be a fighter in their lifetime.

I had no idea that you traveled to Turkey/Antalya. I don't know if you have other viewers around Turkey - except me lol- but i admire your growth as a martial artist and definitely you have a warrior's heart. And yeah, cats are thing in here. We love to feed and take care of our stray furry owners.

[@spitzfire1107]

Like you I'm Aikidoka who also tried MMA. And I agree with you Aikido Philosophy had influence on my fighting. My MMA coaches even noticed it when I spar. I always hold back everytime I execute chokes or doing combos. I never go into 100% aggression and my game is always defensive as it is.

[@gozer87]

Dave's comments on having a why are pretty damn profound and applicable out of the ring.

[@kmhenderson77]

Win or lose you are a fighter. Few enter a ring of any kind. You are also a student and a teacher. Much praise is given to champions but many of there teachers were not champions themselves. If you keep at it you will win in the ring, if not one day you may produce a champion yourself from the knowledge you are acquiring. It is a journey and journeys change along the way. Peace

[@nightshade7240]

It's not about aggression. It's not about power or technique. It's about developing tenacity. About learning those mental tricks (for you) that let you keep pushing, even when exhausted, even when in pain. Anyone can be a fighter if they have the discipline and the tenacity.

[@bjornf8518]

I think the key is in what he said before: "Why are you fighting?" Some people may never become fighters, but we all have aggression within us, and given the right triggers, most people would fight for what is important to them.

[@jebjeb7770]

You are brave to even train with Dave!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Haha, it definitely took some courage 😄

[@zujostix]

I'd like to reflect on one small thing - the definition of a fighter. Dave put it in a sports orientated way. But that resonates with his approach of "I'll show you", and it makes perfect sense. Your mentality is "I'll show myself". So your definition of a fighter might be broader and more forgiving when it comes to accomplishments, but harsher in other aspects. So Dave's thoughts on reasons to fight are pretty much the biggest takeaway.

[@WolframtheBlessed3499]

I love your videos Rokas. This interview was great

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@ehisey]

Interesting thing about being a fighter. It is not as simple as either aspect presented here in my experince. I had a training partner in bjj, who was a student in MT, and he was never really mentally able to be a be afighter in either sport. He discovered buhurt a few years ago is now leading a fight team. Sometimes it is about the sport/type of fight itself that makes the difference.

[@lejo1233]

what a impressive guy..loved this video

[@Goryus]

You've already proved your point - you've already made yourself into a fighter, Rokas. Losing an MMA fight, or even a hundred, doesn't change that. You'd destroy 99% of the people out there.

[@Carlos_hnc]

bro, dave just gave you the reflection that you needed, 90% comes from your mind, what he said and what you learned from aikido aren't necesseraly opposites, winning is not the objetive, it's the means to prove whatever you want to prove, be it for yourself or anyone else, your objetive must be beyond that, you get what i mean? like, you have to pour your soul into it like "i'll get/do it even if i die in the process", again, not for winning, but for what lies beyond winning.

[@miqvPL]

I'm with Dave here- there are certain tiers in fighting mentality. And it's very important to remember Dave's words. There are people who fought from childhood not for fun, but for survival. Those are almost "born" fighters and have the true champion's mentality. Mike Tyson has always been the greatest example, dude in his youth was the scariest man you could come across. Then there are those prison guys he mentioned. People who no longer care about their safety and feel like they have nothing to lose anymore. Often people who previously killed someone, intentionally or not. Those are people even a skilled fighter would rather not fight. Then there are people who have the drive and ambition as well as love for fighting and competition, as well as proper discipline. Many world champions are there, they always find that extra bit of energy to push themselves further, to fight longer, to not give up. How they can perform in a street fight- I'm not sure, but I don't think they would hesistate. And below are people like you, who are fascinated with martial arts and combat sports, who want to improve and achieve something but with no tunnel vision set on a tangible, clear goal. Your drive for experience and gaining that fighting spirit is admirable and I wish you luck. Spar often with boxers as this will be the closest you can get to a streetfight like situation. Me personally if anyone cares- I'm a coward on a daily basis, but I was in several streetfights and dangerous situations and I definitely have a fraction of that "I dont care if I die" mentality during the adrenaline rush. Not the "trust me bro I'm chill but when the fight start I see red" but more of the "cornered rat bites back" kinda thing. I even managed to get it active once during a boxing sparring, but it came to bite me in the ass when the adrenaline rush stopped between rounds and I lost all energy.

[@heiwa2353]

Dont stop bro prove to everyone that anyone can fight. We all are diffrent people with diffrent toughts , without thinking diffrently we all would be same . So dont give up , if your toughts are that anyone can fight show to everyone ! 😊