MMA fighting helps grade 12 learner to control his emotions
MMA fighter, Muhammad Rameez Babar says that even just training helps people with anger issues or other mental health problems feel better.
I am Muhammad Rameez Babar. I am 19 years old, born and raised in Emmarentia, Johannesburg. I’m currently in Grade 12 at Concord College Randburg.
I am a mixed martial artist (MMA) who trains with SKR Northcliff. I’ve always had a strong desire to fight, therefore I believe it was meant to be. I began with boxing and quickly discovered the fantastic sport of MMA which I immediately fell in love with. Before I started training, anger played a significant role in my life. When things didn’t go my way, I would become quite furious, which had a negative impact on my mental health.
I remember my coach at SKR Northcliff, Muzzi Rajah used to say this ‘Rameez when your anger is up, your fists are down’.
I would say and do things to offend people who didn’t want to live according to my standards. This caused me to lose friends along the way. Actually, once my emotions were high, I was determined to do things my way and I didn’t stop to think about what I should do next. Then I discovered mixed martial arts (MMA) as a means of escape to release my anger. I made mistakes and they helped me to become a better person both in and out of the ring.
I have a special place in my heart for fighters like Anderson Silva, a Brazilian mixed martial artist and boxer, Khalib Nurmagomedov, a Russian former professional MMA fighter. They are calm yet also aggressive. They always respect their opponents, whether they win or lose, and that takes the most determination.
No matter how good or bad I am against an opponent, I don’t judge myself. Even if the opponent is more skilled than me, I still get up and step into the ring and give it my all.
Being a fighter doesn’t mean getting into the ring and fighting. It also means having the will and determination outside the cage. It is about knowing how to control and defend myself.
I would like to be a professional MMA fighter, but at the same time further my studies and build a foundation for my future. Medicine is also something I’m passionate about and in the next 5 years, I hope to see myself studying in the medical field.
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