MMA Squared, Mixed Martial Art History: Royce Gracie & Michelangelo’s David

Legends are continually reborn. In 1993 an unimposing guy in a gi stepped into the Octagon and the story of David and Goliath came to life again, helping to birth the sport of MMA.

The story of David and Goliath is thousands of years old, but in 1504 it was retold through a sculpture by Michelangelo that has persisted through today: A young man stares across the battlefield trusting that the tool in his hand will prevail over an opponent of greater size and strength. The fight itself is not the story Michelangelo tells – it is about the psychological tension within David’s facial expression; stoic, and his resolute intention. He is compelled to defend his people in the way Royce was chosen to defend the integrity of his family’s martial art.

Chris Rini

When Royce Gracie first stepped into the octagon in 1993 it was a black belt instead of a slingshot that signified his abilities. Michelangelo’s David became the new standard by which heroic sculpture would be judged, the same way Royce’s mastery of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu set the standard by which a future competitors in mixed martial arts would be deemed competent.

Curiously, Michelangelo and Royce were almost the exact same age (26 and 27, respectively) when they each began a journey that would influence (mixed martial) artists for generations.

Thanks for reading, I hope you like this new feature within the MMA Squared universe.

Take care of yourself and I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Chris.

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