Fat

[JourneymanDave]

I was watching the Reno 911 movie a while ago and a particular line stood out for me: "I'm not chubby, its protective karate fat!"
It made me laugh, but I also thought about it. I know alot of MMA fighters are ripped up to make weight and also its better conditioning as you would lighter and presumably quicker, but if one is in good shape and not morbidly obese anything, it doesn't really seem like it would be too horrible. It could provide some protection from body blows, and, God forbid, a few inches of protection from a mortal wound if attacked with a knife. There are a good deal of martial artists who do really well, even if they are a bit chubby (Sammo Hung comes to mind)

This is not, however, an excuse to skimp out on conditioning.
at all.

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

[David43515]

Professional fighters do so much conditioning because they need the stamina, and because they want to be in the lowest weight class they can as far as weight/strength ratios go.
I`m a fat bastid, no doubt about it. But I`ve also found I hit harder with a few more pounds on my frame than I do without it. I also absorb shots easier with less grief than my skinny cohorts. I don`t have the best set of lungs in class, I start sweating and puffing long before most. But I still have better wind than guys half my age who think they can smoke two packs a day just because they have wash board abs.
If you can get a six-pack, more power to you. But I fight better with a keg.

 

[Seth T.]

It seems that Roman Gladiators liked to pack on some protective flab: http://www.archaeology.org/0811/abstracts/gladiator.html

I'm no Roman Gladiator though, so I am working hard to shed my mine. I want more stamina.

 

[theletch1]

It seems that Roman Gladiators liked to pack on some protective flab: http://www.archaeology.org/0811/abstracts/gladiator.html

I'm no Roman Gladiator though, so I am working hard to shed my mine. I want more stamina.

You beat me to it, Seth. I remember seeing a show on the History channel dealing with just this thing. 'Course I think there is certainly a difference between being "fat" and not being a body builder type as well. Gabriel Iglesias (comedian) gives five levels of fatness:
Big, Healthy, Husky, Fluffy, and "DAMN!"

As long as you're not at any health risk from obesity you're alright... right up to "Damn!"

 

[dancingalone]

I was watching the Reno 911 movie a while ago and a particular line stood out for me: "I'm not chubby, its protective karate fat!"
It made me laugh, but I also thought about it. I know alot of MMA fighters are ripped up to make weight and also its better conditioning as you would lighter and presumably quicker, but if one is in good shape and not morbidly obese anything, it doesn't really seem like it would be too horrible. It could provide some protection from body blows, and, God forbid, a few inches of protection from a mortal wound if attacked with a knife. There are a good deal of martial artists who do really well, even if they are a bit chubby (Sammo Hung comes to mind)

This is not, however, an excuse to skimp out on conditioning.
at all.

Thoughts? Opinions?

I believe heavier martial artists do well IN SPITE of their weight challenges rather than because of it. If you think Sammo Hung was really good for being overweight, imagine what if he had been as trim as his younger kung fu brother Jackie Chan?

Medically you're way better off being within your ideal weight. Heart disease, diabetes, etc.

I am not judging anyone. I work hard myself not to put on weight, since I do like to eat well. So it's with that in mind, that I just suggest we all be honest to ourselves about being overweight. It's not a good thing, and your martial arts can only get better as you strengthen and burn excess fat from your body.

 

[Nolerama]

I'm not ripped by any means. But I prefer to keep the flab off and MMA training is a great way to do that. I don't think most fighters (of any style) think about losing fat as a way to become quicker in the ring. They think of what's best for their body in preparation for competition and that probably doesn't include aesthetics or a means to protect themselves.

It just comes with the training.

I'd rather be fit, and be the best prepared for fighting in any situation. That includes stamina and explosive energy. A few flabby pounds is not going to make my punch devastating. I think improving your technique/mechanics is better for your striking.

 

[celtic_crippler]

For what it's worth, I remember Ken Shamrock saying once (in his prime) that he wasn't so muscular because he wanted to bodybuild, but that it made for great padding.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

I've always enjoyed being large. My 'weight limit' for the Marines was 192 lbs, but I never felt comfortable at that weight. When I got out, I went to 235 and always felt pretty good there. Even when I was in good physical condition, running up and down stairs, lifting weights, etc, I kept about that weight, and yes, there was some flab there. I did not care.

Over the years, I began to gain weight, and finally ended up at a very large number.

Then I lost 50 lbs in two months - turns out to be diabetes. I have a family history of it, but I have no doubt my weight was a factor.

I'd like to lose another 30 lbs, in a more healthy way. But that will still leave me at around 200 lbs. And now I find out that the height-weight standards have changed over the years - now the doctor says I should weigh around 165 lbs. To heck with that noise. I'll never weigh that, and what's more, I don't want to weigh that.

All I want is good cardio-vascular fitness, my diabetes under control, and a weight I feel comfortable with. I'm a big guy and I like that. I know skinny people cannot comprehend it, but a small girdle of belly not only doesn't bother me, I like it. That's the way it goes.

And my sensei was pointing out the other day not to kick a fat guy in the gut - chances are good it won't have as much effect as it otherwise might. He's right.

Health first, yes ... but all things in moderation, including moderation.

 

[Omar B]

Not a fan of fat.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Not a fan of fat.

I do believe you've mentioned that.

You do appear to be a fan of 'obnoxious'. Just saying.

 

[Omar B]

Fan of obnoxious? Is there a person or band named Obnoxious I don't know of you are referring to?

 

[Phoenix44]

I say, wait till you're my age and then let's discuss flab. I train hard--MA, weights, cycling--but that layer of flab around the middle that materialized around age 50 is tough, seriously.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Fan of obnoxious? Is there a person or band named Obnoxious I don't know of you are referring to?

Nothing personal, and I actually like you - but I can't think of you without thinking of your avatar photo, which I presume is you. A smart-*** smirk and a 'punch me' face like one of my nephews has. It's cool and all, but at times your need to make snotty comments gets a tad tired. I'm sure I have similar negative attributes, perhaps like recognizes like.

I'm fat, I'm aware that there are people like yourself who find fat people physically revolting, and I'm fine with it as long as people keep a civil tongue in their heads around me.

I did have one gent ask me if I knew how bleeping fat I was back in the day when I still weighed a ton. Since he was kind of enough to ask, I hip-checked him into the wall and waddled off - fat but on my feet. He was skinny and on his narrow ***. I guess I did know how bleeping fat I was.

 

[Omar B]

Yes that is my picture with the "punch me face" though I don't know what you are trying to imply (maybe some threat).

If you find the 5 words of my comment uncivil then fine, but I don't see where it's in any way rude or off topic or in any way attacking anyone in a thread about fat (that is the title right?). It's a message board and we post our opinions, if you don't like it too bad, no one was attacked, defamed or any other rule violated.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Yes that is my picture with the "punch me face" though I don't know what you are trying to imply (maybe some threat).

Good lord, no, no threat. I'm a MA newbie, I have no doubt you'd wipe the floor with me.

One of my nephews has a 'punch me' face as well. If you are not familiar with the term, it's just a visceral reaction to someone with a smirk like that on their mug.

If you find the 5 words of my comment uncivil then fine, but I don't see where it's in any way rude or off topic or in any way attacking anyone in a thread about fat (that is the title right?). It's a message board and we post our opinions, if you don't like it too bad, no one was attacked, defamed or any other rule violated.

No, I don't find your comment uncivil. But you might note that you've stated before that you dislike fat people, and when pressed on the matter, you made it clear your disgust. So, forgive me, I remembered that.

My question to you was probably off-topic and I apologize for that. I was legitimately wondering if you were aware that your statements are often, shall we say, lacking in 'tact' if not downright snotty, and if so, if that was actually your intent, of just a facet of your personality?

 

[Omar B]

Bill, I'm a journalist, I get paid for my lack of "tact" as you put it (plus I'm a New Yorker). I say what people don't want to say or what they don't want to hear. I'm the guy who tells a band their stuff sucks and they need to go back to the practice studio if they ever want to sell to more than their family.

And no I don't want to wipe the floor with anyone at all, least of all you. Heck, can't even watch fighting on TV. As I said many times, I don't even watch the UFC. But thinking about a fight between members here, it would either be the coolest fight ever or over in a snap.

 

[zDom]

But thinking about a fight between members here, it would either be the coolest fight ever or over in a snap.

Couldn't it be BOTH?

 

[jeff5]

My goal is to be healthy. Whether that means fat, skinny, etc., is up for debate, but I think you can make a broad general assumption that carrying a lot of weight (and this number is different for everyone), is not good for your long term health. I will say though that the ideal height/weight thing is a myth. Everyone is built differently and is comfortable at a different weight.

That being said I know there are thin people who are extremely unhealthy, and I know there are heavier ones who are healthy and physically fit. I've also learned never to judge someone's martial arts skill by their size. (either way)

Personally, I've lost a lot of weight over the past few years and am extremely proud of myself. Until I lost weight, I didn't realize how bad my self image was when I was heavier and that I didn't feel good about myself at all.

How does this relate to martial arts? Being stronger, faster, in better cardio shape, than your opponent can only aid you in coming out ahead in a confrontation or in sport. It's another piece in the puzzle so to speak, and combined with a good level of skill can drastically increase your chances of success.

Staying fit and eating right can also protect you against the one opponent you can't avoid...old age =).

 

[teekin]

Bill Darlin, I hate to do this but Type II is your bodies way of telling you that you MUST change your life style. If you specialist says 165 then 165 it is at least until the blood sugar is under control. We want you around for a long long time. OK?
Omar, sometimes it's not the message but the attitude you cop. It's like you don't think anyone has feelings and if they do, well isn't that just too bad. Boo-hoo. Bullies act like that, and most MA ists Hate Hate Hate bullies.
lori

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Bill Darlin, I hate to do this but Type II is your bodies way of telling you that you MUST change your life style. If you specialist says 165 then 165 it is at least until the blood sugar is under control. We want you around for a long long time. OK?

So far, I haven't been told to lose weight down to 165. I mean the charts for height/weight say 165, and for me, that's ridiculous. I weighed 145 when I got out of Marine Corps boot camp when I was 18 years old, and I looked like a death camp survivor. I had a 29 inch waist and hips like a girls, my face looked like a skull. It was the wrong weight for me, no matter what the charts say.

I will follow doctor's orders. But at the moment, without having been given a weight goal, I'm aiming at 200, and I think that's a fine weight for me. Much better than where I was two months ago.