“I swear upon Zeus an outstanding runner can not be the equal of an average wrestler.”
Quote from Socrates: ancient Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western Philosophy. 470 to 399 BCE.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to train with the Chiang Mai University Wrestling Club at their training venue within the Chiang Mai Stadium, Thailand. They trained in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling styles. I was 14 years old.
I had watched a YouTube video that showed Minnesota Wrestling athletes in training. The wrestlers had strength, speed, and flexibility. Admirable qualities. The exact same qualities I want to exhibit in all my own athletic endeavours. I wished to have a go. Having contacted the Thai Wrestling Association, which is based in Bangkok, we were put in touch with the head coach of the university wrestling team. We discussed with him my wish to be coached in wrestling and asked him if I could be accepted into the university club despite my young age. He invited me to attend their training.
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get”
Quote from Mahatma Ghandi: Indian activist who supported non-violent protest as a means to bring about change. 1869 to 1944 CE.
Training was hard but enjoyable.
“The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing, in so far as it stands ready against the accidental and the unforeseen, and is not apt to fall.”
Quote from Imperator Caeser Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus: Roman Emperor from 160 to 180 and the last of the so-called ‘Good Emperors’. 21 to 180 CE.
Arete ( άρετή ) 