Ardaja Callandret ’24
Sometimes, you sweat so much that your face gets hot, and you feel like you’re in a sauna. Sometimes, your lung capacity shortens, and you feel like you are close to death.
The sound of screaming and the smacking of a chest cover rings in your ear, and you are overwhelmed, but focused.
The vibrations in the room and flashing colors remind you of a rainbow, and at the end of the match, there is only gold, silver, or bronze.
You often push yourself past your limits so you can become dominant over any opponent. Why do we do such things for self-defense? Is there a reason why kicking someone else feels good?
Maybe life is overwhelming and has got me by the throat and I’m losing the battle but winning the fight. Maybe violence is the dark tunnel I try and justify as grey.
Often it feels like a dream, something you think is real, but isn’t. It shocks you by surprise, even when you have prepared.
It gives you a new perspective on life.
Maybe the adrenaline of kicking and punching allows you to be at peace.
Maybe it’s my peace that is misunderstood.