I never was attracted to the sport and maybe had some unconscious biases towards fighters, but about a year ago my meditation practice brought me to try and confront that fear and aversion I had towards aggression. Long story short, I've been training Muay Thai for about a year and it totally changed my view on things. Everyone I've met at these gyms has been kind, welcoming, and exceptionally thoughtful. Training anything this difficult has a way of cutting down your ego. I only wish I had started 10 years ago.

Maybe the fans are different, who knows, but the people that actually show up and train I'd absolutely take as a friend or direct report. It's deep internal mind/body training.