StrikeFighter's Blog

If you're serious about meeting other fighters, you probably have a look at this site the moment you start planning any kind of trip. Are there any decent opponents at your destination? Would it be possible to schedule a match with that fighter you always wanted to meet during that stopover in God knows where? If you're like me, you might even travel specifically to fight. A recent fight-filled visit to Madrid got me thinking once more about the logistics of planning a fighting trip, and I decided to write down some thoughts. Here's some tips from a well-travelled fighter.

- If you're looking to fight during your trip, it makes sense to book a decently-sized hotel room (or apartment) for use as a (back-up) location. Your potential opponents may not be able to host a fight.
- It's fine to start seeking out potential opponents as soon as you've made travel arrangements, but the ideal time frame for scheduling a match seems to be one or two weeks in advance. Unlike you, your potential opponent won't be on their holidays. They mightn't know their work schedule months in advance, and they have a social and family life just like you when you're at home.
- When looking for potential opponents, give preference to members whose profiles list more than a handful of past opponents. Setting up a match will be less hassle and the risk of a no-show will be smaller.
- Don't overbook. Sure, no-shows happen, but don't count on them happening like airlines do. Airlines can compensate for a cancelled flight, but you'll find it's hard to make up for a cancelled fight. You even risk getting a bad recommendation on your profile. Don't be the guy who strings along a bunch of potential opponents knowing full well he'll only be able to meet one or two.
- Don't schedule more than one meet a day. A serious fight will take its toll on body and mind. Give your system time to recover and don't insult an opponent by stepping onto the mats exhausted from an earlier fight.
- Don't schedule a fight within hours of arrival. If your flight is delayed you mightn't even be able to contact your opponent. Even if you don't get delayed you'll step onto the mats feeling rushed.
- Don't schedule a fight for a time when you're likely to be jetlagged. It's not fair on your opponent if you show up feeling less than fighting fit.
- If you're meeting at the opponent's place, give yourself plenty of time to get there. You mightn't be aware of potential difficulties with traffic or public transport.
- A word of warning for those who are thinking of travelling to a major world city hoping to line up a string of fights. It's my unfortunate experience that opponents in cities with a large concentration of fighters are more likely to cancel fights at short notice than opponents who live in smaller cities, for the simple reason that it's easier for them to get another fight.
- If a fight falls through, don't sulk. Go sightseeing, hit the shops or do 200 push-ups in a nearby park. At least you'll have a killer physique for your next fight!