How did I handle watching my son's first fight?

“How did you handle watching your son fight for the first time?”…. I’ve been asked that a lot lately. I'm going to do my best to explain it.

Let me start with a brief introduction. I am the mother of a 6’3”, smart, talented, stubborn, goofy, cool (or so he thinks), sixteen year old young man. He trains in multiple styles of mixed martial arts at Gladiators Academy of Lafayette. His name is Tyler. I’ve written before about how and why he started training and about the positive impacts it has on his life.

In November one of his coaches asked him to fight at Houston Muay Thai on December 9th. I feel it is important to note here that these fights have different rules and the fighters wear protective gear. He was more excited than I’d ever seen. I noticed that he started eating much cleaner, training even harder than before and studying videos of his favorite fighters every chance he had. What was I thinking at this point? This is what he’s been training for. I watch him prepare for this every day.

Fast forward and December 9^th is here. We have arrived in Houston and Tyler is being his normal, goofy self. He’s riding on the luggage cart of the hotel, hiding around corners and trying to scare people as they walk by. You would never guess that he was about to face his first opponent.

We walk to the gym, he weighs in, looks around, buys some shorts, eats (yes-he ate 1.5 hours before the fight) and goes through all the pre-fight routine stuff. I look around at everyone there-the fighters, the coaches, the parents, our teammates and friends. Everyone is laughing and joking. It seems just like any other day in the gym.

AND THEN…..

They announce that he is the first fight. I look at him and I see his expression change for a split second. Mom mode kicks in. I'm not ready for this! Is he ready? What am I thinking letting my baby go in there and fight? What kind of mother is ok with this? Am I supposed to say let’s go home? Does he really want to do this? Every injury I’ve ever seen in MMA goes flashing through my mind. In a few minutes he is going to be standing across from a person who has the intention of hurting him just enough that he can’t hurt him first.  My hands are shaking.  I have no idea if I’m going to throw up or pee on myself.  I still feel those exact things as I type this.

They call his name (my heart is racing), we make eye contact and he winks. That may have been the most calming wink in the world. I smiled. (He told me later that at that moment he was thinking “what am I really doing here?” until he saw me calm and smiling. If he only knew!!) I look at Coach Jon and he looks calm. Professor Tim messages me (as if he could feel my nervous energy) and says "he will be fine, relax, he is in good hands".

He steps into the ring and something happened instantly. It was like an alter ego took the place of my baby boy. His shoulders got wider, his eyebrows lowered and his breathing calmed.  It didn’t look like this was his first time. What was I thinking at this point? Who is this kid and where is my baby?? Is this really about to happen?

It was go time. He walked across the ring and struck first.  I videoed the first round. Looking at it through my phone made it seem “not so real” if that makes any sense. He did a great job and was very impressive. 

The alter ego disappeared and there was my baby. He hugged his opponent and thanked him for the fight. The smile on his face was priceless. I could see his emotions. The mom in me was thankful that it was over. (I remember thinking that I was happy that he still had all of his teeth, his nose was still straight and that his face looked fine. ) The fighter and competitor in me was on an adrenaline high. It was at this moment that I realized I had been holding my breath the entire time.  I had just witnessed my baby boy live out the beginning of his dreams. I couldn't wait to hug him. "You did it kid. I'm so proud of you. How do you feel?" "Mom, that was the greatest feeling in the world. I can't wait to do that again. Oh and my legs are going to hurt tomorrow I'm pretty sure I broke my toe."

Is it hard to watch him punch someone else? Yes, it is. Is it hard to watch him get punched? (That depends if he’s been an asshole that day – kidding, well kind of.) Of course it is. Does he like to get punched? No, that’s why he trains to avoid it. With every punch, every kick, every leg lock, armbar, black eye and broken toe (this list will just continue to grow) – he is doing what he loves. As his mother, it is a wonderful feeling to see your child put in the hard work to make his dreams come true. I am so proud of him.

 

AND THEN I HAD A GLASS (OR TWO OR MAYBE THE WHOLE BOTTLE) OF WINE….THE END!! Until the next time!!

NOTES: A lot of people have told me that they don’t like MMA fights and they aren’t sure if they could ever go and WATCH him fight.  MMA fights definitely aren’t for everyone – I get that. I understand a person not wanting to WATCH. HOWEVER – support the person who does love it. Be present. Go to show your support even if you cover your eyes the entire time. It's about unconditional support.

If you happen to be in the Lafayette area go check out Gladiators Academy. There is something there for everyone and you will meet some really cool people. If you happen to be in the Houston area go check out Houston Muay Thai. It is a great place, great atmosphere and great people. If you happen to break your toe or need medical attention in Lafayette - go let the people at Minute Med take care of you. And if you happen to be hungry in Lafayette -go eat at Deano's and tell Tyler hi - he works in the kitchen on the weekends and the food is amazing.

I am thankful for every coach and every teammate that trains with him and pushes him to be better each day. Without each one of you he couldn't do what he loves (and he'd have a lot more bumps and bruises).