Green Beret vs. Spetznaz
As Evolving Martial Artists, we enjoy the macho musings of the Deadliest Warrior Series without ever forgetting the real world improbability of mixing warriors throughout history. Not to mention, the scientific testing and analysis of martial, medical and computer experts is fascinating stuff, but not all variables are taken into account to have a foolproof validity. These imaginary death duels are slick edutainment.
Most of these odd match ups are intriguing but shaolin monks vs. maori warriors is like a monkey fighting a bear. The Green Beret vs. Spetznaz is different. Two tigers. Again, the results of our fight club tech savvy hosts Geoff Desmoulin, Max Geiger and Dr. Armand Dorian may be questionable, but this show has a distinct feel. A chilling quality. It was too close to reality. These super special operations experts with their up to date weaponry, fierce mindsets and the fact that the cold war days can be resurrected had a sobering quality for me.
As a martial artist, I was awakened to the vast gulf between knowing how to inflict lethal techniques and practicing self defense in a safe dojo, and these special operations warriors who brutally train to kill… for real. Forget the romantic warrior myth, gi, bowing and counting in Japanese, shoot the S.O.B. between the eyes, stab him in the heart and twist the blade or jam your thumbs into the enemies eyes – for “God and country.” Whatever. These guys are trained killing machines. And the military chronicles of history indicates for all of humanities sublime art, music, poetry and culture, the shadow side of humanity persists today. There is still a need for these guys.
For me, aside from the self defense, there is another hidden lure of the traditional martial arts as envisioned by Shaolin and Daoist warrior monks, who ultimately sought enlightenment. (But do not mistake them for idealistic wimps). While preparing to encounter the dark reality of violence and conflict, evolving martial artists also aspire to the light; elevating combat discipline to a way of higher spiritual ideals.
This particular episode is a must see for dedicated martial artists. It helps keep us honest.
Lawrence Tan
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Tags: deadiest warrior, Martial Arts, spike tv, tandao
