If you train any type of martial arts, you need to watch the documentary Choke. But this is especially true if you train jiu-jitsu.
Choke follows the legendary Rickson Gracie as he prepares to compete in the Japan Open 1995, a one-night, single-elimination freestyle fighting tournament. Rickson enters the night as the undefeated, undisputed World Freestyle Fighting Champion, looking to defend his title against fighters from various disciplines and training backgrounds.
The documentary is a must-see for any combat sport athlete or fight fan.
However, I recently realized how many of the lessons in the documentary apply to life outside of fighting. In this sense, the documentary is a must-see for…everyone.
Here are my main takeaways from Choke that apply to fighters and non-fighters alike.
Rickson, Holism, and the Power of the Mind
This documentary provides a captivating insight into the mind of one of the greatest fighters of all time: Rickson Gracie.
Rickson’s physical and technical prowess, along with his exceptional mental fortitude, come together to create a dangerous and intriguing individual.
Early in the documentary, Rickson talks about his fighting mindset and lets the audience in on something that not many fighters, let alone athletes, discuss openly: fear.
“…intelligence and fear are very close together. Don’t be afraid? I’m afraid of everything.”
Throughout the documentary, Rickson positions himself as the complete martial artist. He constantly preaches concepts of holism and balance, which are in line with philosophies taught by legendary Samurai and writer Miyamoto Musashi.
In one of the film’s iconic scenes, Rickson explains his approach to fighting and life while doing some light exercise on the beach.
“I feel myself as an artist. I like to do things because it’s beautiful – it’s intense, it’s edgy, it’s action, its love. I like putting my energy in life, in intensity.”
To Rickson, jiu-jitsu and martial arts represent far more than just fighting.
“Without jiu-jitsu, it’s worse than cutting my two legs. It’s all my philosophies, all my values. So, it’s hard to understand myself without jiu-jitsu.”
If you train jiu-jitsu, it’s likely many of Rickson’s messages resonate with you.
If you don’t train martial arts at all, Choke represents an entertaining yet informative and insightful peek behind the scenes of the early days of mixed martial arts competition.
Of course, the documentary shows Rickson’s preparation leading up to the tournament, as well as the fights that won him the championship.
But some of the more interesting takeaways from the film are Rickson’s martial arts philosophy, the importance he places on breath and breathing exercises, and when he decides to meditate in a freezing cold river, among others.
Rickson shows himself to be the ultimate martial artist – but his energy, focus, and approach to fighting can also apply to life outside of the ring.
Yuki Nakai’s Courage, Perseverance, and Eye
In Yuki Nakai’s first fight of the night, his right eye becomes badly injured by a mixture of strikes and gouges by the Dutchman Gerard Gordeau.
In spite of the injury, Nakai continues, eventually submitting Gordeau after nearly half an hour.
Following the fight, Nakai refuses medical attention. He wins his second match with what looks like a gruesome eye injury, which only gets worse as the night goes on.
The spirited Nakai ends up losing in the finals to Rickson, but in the process earns the respect and admiration of the fans, the other fighters, and everyone who has since watched the Choke documentary.
In fact, Gordeau later praised Nakai’s fighting spirit that he displayed in their match that night.
Nakai was arguably the star of the tournament, even though Rickson ended up winning the championship. Regardless of coming up short in the final fight, Nakai showed a true warrior’s spirit and tremendous courage and perseverance in his efforts.
This is an important lesson: sometimes, performance is secondary to one’s efforts and attitude.
Would Nakai have been remembered in the same way had he won the tournament without getting a single bruise, scratch, or cut? He may have still been remembered, but certainly not for the same reasons.
But this presents another interesting debate: should Nakai have continued fighting without seeking medical attention first?
Is there something inherently honourable about sacrificing one’s body and physical well-being in pursuit of a goal? Is losing an eye really worth the gained respect and admiration of fans and fellow fighters?
This is a question everyone must answer for themselves but is also one that is connected to many other, deeper philosophical questions related to well-being, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
Todd Hays, Goals, and Being Honest
Todd Hays is an American kickboxer who spent two seasons playing professional football in Canada before switching his focus to fighting.
It is made clear from one of Hays’ initial interviews that, although he does have a passion for kickboxing and fighting, his ultimate goal is to compete in bobsled.
He clarifies that his main intention for fighting in the 1995 Japan Open is to earn enough money to fund his dream of competing in the Olympics. Just by competing in the tournament, Todd says he will earn enough money to purchase a bobsled and commit fulltime to the pursuit of his Olympic goals.
After winning his first match against Koichiro Kimura by submission, Hays indicates to his coach, as well as to the documentary film crew, that his shoulder is badly injured and that he is unable to continue fighting in the tournament.
Whereas Nakai demonstrates outright courage in enduring pain and sacrificing his body in the pursuit of victory, Hays shows a type of courage that is seen far less often in sports and in the world of fighting: honesty.
Hays has already earned enough money to support his Olympic goals, what benefit would come from pushing through an injury in hopes of winning another bout?
Fight fans tend to hate when a competitor isn’t all the way in or appears to be in the fight game for the wrong reasons. There is indeed something attractive about the idea that a fighter wants nothing more than to fight for pride, honour, and for the love of martial arts.
However, it’s possible that fighters with contrived motivations are the ones who truly anger fight fans. Those who tell the world they fight for honour, yet secretly fight for money, fame, and recognition.
Hays’ refreshing honesty is something to be respected, even if he didn’t push through his injury in an attempt to capture the championship and earn even more money to put towards the pursuit of his Olympic goals.
Hays was straightforward, transparent and true to himself – and those are traits that can be appreciated in any walk of life.
Oh, and by the way, Hays went on to compete at the Olympics twice, winning a silver medal in 2002.
Lessons, Takeaways, and Reminders from Choke
Choke is a great documentary for fighters and non-fighters alike.
Following Rickson Gracie’s path to the championship of the Japan Open 1995 provides many insights into the mind and habits of one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Likewise, both Yuki Nakai and Todd Hays’ stories are filled with lessons about combat and life.
If you haven’t seen Choke yourself, check it here.
If you have seen Choke, now you have more reasons to show it to your non-fighter friends and family.
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