More on Responsibility and Power

I remember attending a full-contact karate match in the late 70’s or early 80’s, Benny “The Jet’ Urquidez fighting Eddie Anjuhar. Eddie was known for his deadly spinning back fist. Benny was known for being the best all-around fighter in the world. That night, I learned precisely why that was.

The referee did the “Let’s get ready to rumble!” speech, and the fighters came out of their corners. Exchanged blows, and man, I felt every kick punch, flinched with every impact. My heart was jumping like a flea on a griddle. Then Eddie saw his opportunity and BAM! whipped around with his signature spinning back-fist. Nailed Benny squarely on the jaw. Benny’s legs buckled. Eddie followed up like a demon with lefts and rights and roundhouse kicks, Benny covered up long enough to clear his head, and the fight continued.

Second round: Eddie did it AGAIN! Bam! But this time, the spinning punch hit Benny’s jaw…and the tip of his glove. He’d ALMOST gotten his hand up. Benny was stunned, but recovered faster this time.

And…in round three Eddie did it again. This time, Benny DUCKED UNDER IT and came back with an uppercut that just about tore Eddie’s head off. BOOM! Eddie hits the floor. He managed to get up, but from then on…the fight was all Benny’s.

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I recently made a statement about taking responsibility for our own emotions, beginning with: “He/she made me feel uncomfortable” is such a common statement, implying that you have no choice in how you respond to a…