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ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong recently reflected on his lifelong journey as a martial artist, highlighting the core difference between a fighter and a martial artist: “A fighter does it for money. A martial artist does it for love.” His message emphasized the deep, transformative essence of martial arts, which transcends competition and becomes a way of life.
Sityodtong trains 5-6 times a week, driven by an unyielding desire to evolve into the best version of himself. He cherishes the raw honesty inherent in martial arts, particularly in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In both disciplines, there are no shortcuts or false titles. “The ring and mats never lie,” he explained. Experience or rank matters little if you cannot execute when faced with a resisting, full-power opponent. Whether on the mats, in the ring, or real life, martial arts demand authenticity and skill, leaving no room for pretense.
One of the biggest misconceptions about martial arts, Sityodtong noted, is that it is solely about violence. While it equips practitioners with the ability to defend themselves, its essence lies in the continuous journey of self-improvement—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Martial arts instill invaluable virtues such as humility, courage, tenacity, integrity, and respect, transforming individuals from within.
The journey also creates bonds like no other. Friendships formed through training are devoid of societal labels—job titles, race, religion, or status hold no weight on the mats. In martial arts, everyone is equal and united in their pursuit of growth and greatness.
For Sityodtong, martial arts embody the power to overcome adversity and cultivate an unbreakable warrior spirit. Life, he believes, is not about comfort or material gain but about unleashing greatness to give back to the world. Through martial arts, weaknesses become strengths, fears transform into courage, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
“Martial arts is what I love. Martial arts is who I am,” Sityodtong concluded, encapsulating his unwavering passion and the transformative power of the discipline.
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