To be fair, I think that's true for any competitive sport. Even many forms of non-competitive sport. Personally I enjoy sparring in english boxing.
There's something very relaxing about punching people in the face.
There's something very relaxing about punching people in the face.
the pain comes much later, and by that time, you're already prepared for it.
on the other hand, if you're referring to an unstructured 'street' fight, then I couldn't disagree more. there are too many variables that can't be controlled for, and is thus something I would strongly discourage.
There are so many times in sparring, especially with newbies, where you pull back your punch so you don't hit the opponent if they were too slow to cover up. In a street fight you wouldn't. That would end poorly.
There's something to be said about experiencing the fear and pain of physical combat, something nearly every species on the planet (including our ancestors) deals with on a daily basis.
The first time you get your nose punched while boxing, you have no idea what hit you, or where you are, or where the floor is. It is very disorienting, and usually quite alarming. But that experience somehow reconfigures your brain, and all the times after that are "just" irritating or painful.
And I also remember, that following that day, a lot of things in life became much less intimidating and much more tractable. For me, it was a small, but memorable, "life changing experience"
Now it's just eh. Hardly notice it anymore.