'Owzat!

Around 2 weeks ago, I had finished my training session for the night and was leaving. As I left I overheard Rob, a guy who only comes down once or twice a week to coach just one lad. He does try to impart his words of wisdom to the others but no-one really listens to him.

Why?

Because the bloke is a fraggle. He undoubtedly knows his stuff but the way he talks to people is shocking. He orders people around and sees no problem in talking to grown men like they are small children. I well remember one occasion when he shouted at Raj and me for fist bumping before some tech sparring, telling us that only professionals can show off. I've not had anything to do with him for months now.

That was until the other week. I overheard him slagging me and my coach off. He was telling the gym owner that John wasn't a good coach and that I was hopeless and there was no development. I didn't go in to challenge him, there would be no point in creating a scene. However, I resolved to show him when he was next in by proving what I can do.

I got my chance last night.

I was sparring again and this time I was in with a guy that has been at our club for 3 months now. This chap doesn't know when to pull the power and hence people refuse to spar him. I have no such qualms as I go on the old adage of "you hit me hard, I hit you back harder". The 4 rounds flew past in a blur. I was moving round well, my punches were flowing well, and I rocked my opponent with one particularly vicious flurry of hooks. I never, ever put in less than 100% when sparring but last night there was an extra piquancy to my work.

When I got out the ring, and accepted the hug from my opponent and the compliments from the experienced fighters, I looked over to Rob and said "So Rob, how's that for fucking development then eh?"

Childish perhaps but oh so satisfying.