Hanging em' Up

[BIG BIRD]

Last night after much thought and discussion with both my girlfriend and my mother I have decided to retire from combat sports. I can now use the time I spent in the gym and the weight room to become a better boyfriend and a better son. After the happenings of the past 6 months and all the other things going on, I have realized I am not 100% into it neither mentally or physically. I am working part time now so I can concentrate on school. I do not have the time for it anymore. It pains me greatly but there is a time where you have to grow up and become a man and now is that time. I am not saying I will never fight again but for the time being I do not see it happening. I will still train bjj 2 a week and I got the okay to train fighters at the community center I grew up in. So hopefully I will be the positive influence that my trainers were on me. So in closing the thai fighters in the NW can rest now because the ring is a much safer place.

[Edited by BIG BIRD on 10-25-2000 at 06:29 PM]

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

awwwwww

It hurts to see the talents that you have developed over the years gone. The years of blood, tears and selfless dedication will be hard to part with. Combat sports have lost one but hopefully 10 will learn and grow within the ranks. I wish you luck in your future. God bless and give 'em one more punch, one more kick!!!

[ILONGGO]

Good luck in your new endeavours. I know it's hard to balance everything; I got a family to support myself. At least you're still planning to do little training on the side...

[SweepEm]

Hey Fowl One:

good luck and hope your decison takes you to a place you are happy.

It's like a marriage and you are doing a trial seperation.

There's always a reconcilation if it doesn't work out.

[Ryu (non-working password]

Hey, Big Bird.
You know, I have a confession to make. At first I didn't have you pegged as the most mature person out there, but since hearing more about you, and this post here, I feel I was very wrong.
I think your decision is not only a commendable one, but a noble one. The women in your life are lucky for it.
The fighter in you will never leave you behind you, so don't worry about that. Perhaps this is a new and interesting chapter that is opening up for you.

Take care, and good luck.

Ryu

[Patterson]

whipped?

[fascistfury]

damn, bigbird has turned into the wussified puppet, better known as ELMO!!!

[Ronin]

Bird-man:

I was gonna rag on you, but Patterson and fascistfury (WTF?) beat me to it.

Good luck man. You've done more than some of us will ever do already.

And you're still young.

"Hands Up, Chin Down."

-Hari

[McLeod]

I'm glad to see that you gave it at least some serious thought before making a decision.
Too many rash decisions. Keep training though..

[Mako]

It's all about balance, and the cycle. I have a career as an IT Director, a wife, and 2 girls (3 1/2 yrs, and 3 mo.s).

It was different when I was single, and it was no big deal to work, then to the gym for 2 hours, then to the academy. Those days are long gone! You've got to keep your balance, bro. Sounds like your decision is the right one. Be thankful that you had the insight to realize where your priorities are.

I train as hard as the next guy, but if you get any flack from people who place their MA training above their family, they're way off base.

Your talents aren't gone, they've just switched roles. Use the fire and determination you have used to become a great fighter to now become a great trainer. (Just make sure you keep a training partner that is someowhere close to your level to "keep the sword sharp"!)

Good luck!

[EJ]

Yo Bird... good luck.

I got the package yesterday dude. Thanks!!! I am sending ya somethin today.

[keithws]

I tried to be a mentor, a friend, a brother if you would. But noooooo, Big bird had to neglect the advise of his elders! After all, what do I know? I mean, it's not like there's nothing to learn about the the Mr. Bacheleor 2000 fiasco. It's okay though, cause a woman can have that affect on a man. Make him soft, domesticated, and sh*t.

If there's one good thing about your retirement, it further signifies you're one step closer to that reservation for "Mr. Bacheleor 2001" at my pad. Dude, you bring the chips and dip, and I'll supply the daquiries and wine coolers.

Good luck Mr. Bird and who do you think will win in 2001.....

[E1am]

Dum, Dum, Dum ...

Another one bites the dust.

[PunchDrunk]

Is Donkey Punching a combat sport? If it is, that's gonna suck having to give it up.

[Underdog]

I did have the same problem a few years ago...

I was shopping at a large mall with my girlfriend when I did noticed a VERY STRANGE look in her eyes everytime we saw a youg couple with childs...

My internal alert start tingling...

She whispered softly: "maybe this is the right time to grow mature, to really build something togheter, wouldn't you mind?"

In a split second I envisioned myself with 40 pounds more, with mortgages, rent, medical bills, dental bills, college bills, all my pistol sold, with NO SPARE TIME and above all WITH A DAMNED SUV VEHICLE!

And for what? CHILDS? MARRIAGE?

noooo way.....

I vaporized from danger with lighting speed...

And NEVER, ever regretted once...


We have only one life,
far too precious to waste with futile things.


I know, I know: "and when you will grow OLD?"



One steady hand, at least, one gun, one bullet, thanks...