The Toughest SOB?
Have you been watching the Deadliest Warrior series (on Spike TV) that pits history’s famous fighters from different cultures against one another? A viking taking on a samurai, a spartan against a ninja and an apache versus a gladiator on the fight schedule. The premise of this series is based on theoretical macho musings: who’s the toughest S.O.B. in our global village?
These were once “what if” thought experiments. Now, through advance technology, we can theoretically evaluate these hypothetical duels with the aid of not only top martial artists, but a team of medical, scientific and computer experts. Through an array of scientific instruments we get to see a thigh bone splinter when smashed by an ancient weapon – great camera work - and measure how many pounds of force it takes, or the speed of an Indian tomahawk or shirikan — or whether or not a ninja’s sword could penetrate a viking helmet.
In addition to comparing the physical stature of opponents, like viking vs. samurai, a comparative analysis between the armed and unarmed combat methods are explored from different perspectives: technical, strategic and tactical. Weapons and armor are measured. The speed, power of weapons are measured. The katana, the broadsword, pistols, lances, bow and arrows, quantified by science. Impressive.
Furthermore, the cultural and historical factors that spawned diverse psychology, morality and ethos of these warriors are examined. The motivations of a slave combatant, professional warrior and a ninja assassin are clearly dissimilar. The information is fascinating and educating in these well produced edutainment documentaries.
Of course to satisfy popular taste, there is the defining moment when the two fierce warriors encounter one another after amassing and analyzing all the data. The fantasy matches are creative and exciting — and even more realistic than most modern movies that depict fantasy martial arts. But they are choreographed. It is silly fun. Despite the computer statistics, we must realize that the human spirit and the individual fighter and the intangibles – heart, attitude fighting spirit cannot be measured. As Mark Twain said, “Its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog.”
So who is the ultimate SOB? For the Evolving Martial Artist, it is a moot point. Realistically, it is like asking which is the ultimate beast, a shark or a tiger? Or who is the ultimate game master, a poker player or chess expert? We are comparing apples and oranges since the context is ultimately false. It is ours to discern between the entertainment component and the educational science/history — by developing a keen B.S. detector on the slick fantasy entertainment aspects, especially when they are weaved together. Absorb the fascinating wealth of knowledge: martial, cultural, scientific, historical that is revealed accordingly. So, then — who is the toughest warrior in the global village? Your guess is as good as mine.
Lawrence Tan
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Toughest sob?How about Manny Pacquiao? Before pole axing Hatton boxing historians were ranking him with the likes of Henry Armstrong regarded as one of the best ever. Since the rule of sports is that a good big man always beats a good small man, the more interesting hypothetical match that might determine the toughest sob title would be Lee vs. the closer in size Manny.
forgot to say forget, forget Lee vs Tyson sheesh
Just viewed 2 episodes of Deadliest Warrior. It was exactly as described in your post. Excellent show and post. Interesting how I became emotionally involved in the bouts, rooted hard for the noble knight vs. the no good though technologically advanced pirate…Highlight: I’ve seen many pigs in a blanket but never before a pig in shining armor!
Did you check out the Aftermath on the spike.com. They have a panel discussion – martial artists and one of the computer scientists – on the shows. They are interesting. You might like it.
Well done piece!
I think Deadliest Warrior is a great show. But it cannot be called definitive. There are just too many variables that cannot be effectively simulated today, especially given the constraints of making the whole thing into a television show.
There is some serious science involved, and it is very educational. But ultimately the results of the matchups must be taken with a grain of salt. Much like Mythbusters, little things that sometimes get left out, or a judgment call, can affect the outcome.
It is very entertaining and I am looking forward to next season. But anyone who thinks that it “proves” William Wallace would beat Shaka Zulu, for example, is mistaken (even though my personal opinion is that he would).