I really only have thoughts on the MMA front. I'm a standard issue center-left neoliberal who also does BJJ at a gym owned by a former UFC fighter and trains some others. You are absolutely correct that these places are packed to the gear-soaked gills with with people who have a right wing bend. Some of it is, like you said, the individualism that martial arts can breed in people, but I think at least part of it is because these places are also filled with cops, firefighters, ex-military, and other sorts of professions who have their own "thin [insert color] line" flag available for purchase.
I just go there to train, I don't get sucked into any kinds of discussions on that kind of stuff, and not coincidentally I have like 10 unresponded-to friend requests from people at my gym sitting in my FB notifications, never to be touched.
The intersection of police/military/etc with MMA is a fantastic point, and one I've also experienced. BJJ in particular I love, but you definitely notice a machismo culture there. At the same time, some of the nicest and most patient people you'll ever meet.
Uh, first? Is that how you do this?
Anyway, looking forward to this, Jeremiah.
I really only have thoughts on the MMA front. I'm a standard issue center-left neoliberal who also does BJJ at a gym owned by a former UFC fighter and trains some others. You are absolutely correct that these places are packed to the gear-soaked gills with with people who have a right wing bend. Some of it is, like you said, the individualism that martial arts can breed in people, but I think at least part of it is because these places are also filled with cops, firefighters, ex-military, and other sorts of professions who have their own "thin [insert color] line" flag available for purchase.
I just go there to train, I don't get sucked into any kinds of discussions on that kind of stuff, and not coincidentally I have like 10 unresponded-to friend requests from people at my gym sitting in my FB notifications, never to be touched.
The intersection of police/military/etc with MMA is a fantastic point, and one I've also experienced. BJJ in particular I love, but you definitely notice a machismo culture there. At the same time, some of the nicest and most patient people you'll ever meet.
Yeah, for sure. My best gym buddy there is a cop AND ex-military, but also one of the coolest people I know.