Because We Are Human || ONE Championship
The rumbling sound of roaring fans filled the air, as psychedelic lights pierced through the darkness. Smoke engulfed the corridors on which warrior upon warrior emerged. Martial artists, combatants who are on the quest to mastering their craft, marched toward their destiny, their pilgrimage: the arena. Each one enthralling the fans with their skill and precision.
Before the event, I, along with other photographers/enthusiasts, was given a preview of the fighters warming up inside the cage. As we were guided around it, I was amazed by how much these fighters train to get that masterfully executed strike, that precise dodge and counter, and even that elegant submission. Here, I saw their passion for the sport: countless hours of training, carrying insurmountable amounts of pain, sustaining injuries, and even breaking previous limitations and boundaries, in order to push their bodies and themselves higher.
As the night progressed, we were graced with the life stories of the fighters. As things led up to the main event, we heard stories of how the fighters faced and stood against whatever life may throw at them: from standing up against disappointments and self doubt, to overcoming being bullied, and even to navigating through the grief of loss. These fighters, like all of us, have their own challenges which they bear on their shoulders. And for the rest of us, these fighters serve as people we may look up to, as inspirations for what it means to be human.
Out of all the stories that night, one stood out: the story of friendship. On this night, Martin the "Situasian" Nguyen, much to the dismay of the local fans, defeated the Filipino Champion, Eduard "Landslide" Folayang. It was a spectacular display of skill from both the fighters; however, Martin had a better grasp of the situation by side-stepping at the right time and landing a right counter against the Filipino who was halfway through his spinning heel kick. As spectacular as the fight was, what made the fight memorable was that, as soon as Martin knocked out the Filipino, he immediately knelt down beside the former champion, his friend: Eduard Folayang. He refused to leave his side until Eduard was conscious.
At one point, after Martin was awarded the two belts, he sets them down to check on the status of his friend. Truly a champion, as a fighter, more importantly as a human being.
About B. W. A. H.
#BeHumanized
#BeHumanized
B.W.A.H is a project that shares the stories of people: from the common, the unheard, and the mundane, to what is popular, the unique, and even to the extraordinary. It is a place where we meet the faces behind each story: reminding us that behind each story is a person, and that every person is significant. All our stories are important because we are human.
