It was clear to me that she took 0 chances in the fight. In her earlier fights, she had taken more risks and even though that resulted in her winning her fights very quickly, it also meant that a couple of times she got in positions that were a disadvantage and that she had to fight out her way out of.
In this fight, she only went for the arm bar when she could could do it without taking any chances of giving her opponent an advantage. It's not the way I would have done it, which is interesting because when we did judo, if you compared Ronda's matches to mine, she was generally more of a risk taker.
Be that as it may, I am very hesitant to criticize the decisions elite athletes make in a match, especially when they win. You can make suggestions as a coach, but the fact is, it's not you out there fighting and the person who is fighting has to make snap decisions based on numerous variables - the way they feel balanced, the other person's balance, direction of movement, etc.
I told Ronda what I have told her a hundred times,
"If the referee's hand goes to the side you are on (i.e., you won), then you did it right."
For all of the people talking about Ronda's manners, behavior, etc. etc. I will tell you two things:
As I told the nice man from ESPN. Ronda is 26 years old and in a very public arena. If you think of all of the things you see from entertainers and professional athletes - DUI, steroid use, wild parties, drug rehab, multiple extramarital affairs and on and on. Or just think of the average 26-year-old. If you're a parent and the WORST thing anyone can say about your 26-year-old child is that he or she says "Fuck" and didn't shake someone's hand, you ought to go to mass, light candles, get down on your knees and say a prayer of thanks.===================================
Recently someone who had lied to me and about me came up to me at an event and tried to shake my hand. I told him, "You've got to be kidding me!' If you lie about someone behind their back, disrespect them and their friends, I completely understand if that person doesn't want to shake hands with you. Pretending that "It's all good now" might make the liar feel better but I don't see why you should do it. If that's what you think you should do, then I won't tell you how to run your life, but I personally have seen a lot of organizations that are completely ineffective because everyone tries to get along, and people who are dishonest or incompetent stick around because no one wants to get in their face and tell them to get the hell out.
Adventure games to teach mathematics. Check it out for yourself, for your school.
Can you do a post about the kinds of throws she did for that match? For us non-Judo players. Pleaaase? I know I saw an Uchi Mata in there which I hear is one f her favorites.
ReplyDeleteHey Shannon,
DeleteHere is an excellent breakdown of all 10 throws Ronda threw, their names and how they were set up and gifs.
http://artofgrappling.com/2013/12/29/ufc-168-rousey-tate-judo-throw-highlights-gifs/
It's Harai goshi
Deletehip throws basically
DeleteI totally agree with you on the shaking hands thing! Ronda was very courageous to do what she thought was morally right than play nice for the crowd. I've been trying to disabuse people of their bandwagon hating of Ronda. Don't they remember that Miesha kept throwing her team members under the bus to make herself look good for Dana (cf. Cody Bollinger and saying that Pena and Holdsworth deserved all the coaching attention because they were the most hardworking, which wasn't true because even Roxanne said that she worked super hard!) Also, I read that Miesha's team tried to sabotage Chris Beal on the show to mess with his head before the fight. How disgusting! It's scary how a lack of critical thinking could make people so forgetful and inconsistent concerning Miesha's actions and Ronda's coherent responses! Honestly, I think Ronda's more honorable than even the Samurai were, because she doesn't care about what outsiders think of her. It must be great to count her as a friend because you know she'll defend you even at her own expense.
ReplyDeleteI have to thank Ronda, and by extension, you, for showing what Judo and women are capable of. After seeing Ronda throw Bas Rutten a few months ago on youtube, I started taking martial arts. Now I feel much more fit and confident!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that. An honest breath of air in a world losing its common sense.
She made smart decisions. She was going against someone she had fought before who has thought about nothing but beating her, so it made sense not to create opportunities with risky armbar attempts. And her conditioning showed through. She looked in the third round like she had just gotten warmed up.
ReplyDelete100% agree with this and I have said it myself actually. I think Miesha did average, yes she fought her but off, but she has done better. And to the comment about shaking get hands and Miesha throwing her own teammates under the bus, at the end of the day you live with the choices you make no matter how much you try to change.
DeleteWhat I like about Ronda's fight is that she is scoring points and taking the rounds. Because in the event that she can't finish her opponent, she will still win on judge score. With such high level of competition, it is likely that an opponent will exists that she can't finish. Getting the points is very smart in my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more. People may complain about the way Ronda goes about things. But she's real and in your face. Uses all her tools to advance herself but also status true to who she is. WMMA needed a personality like her to advance.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately in this day and age our society has gotten to where god forbid someone's feelings get hurt or something isn't exactly pc.
Speaking the truth!!!
ReplyDeleteWell Said and I say supporting your daughter is the way to go! She fought a great fight and we the public don't know the back story so we shouldn't judge. I admire her skill, beauty and her ability to beat the heck out of someone else with great technique!
ReplyDeleteG'day.
ReplyDeleteSo glad Ronda won & I wouldn't shake hands either with those that are jealous, envious, self pitying. All I heard from Tate is "it should've been me" pre-fight & it was sickening.
For what it's worth, Ronda has put an interest in UFC.
Thank you.
I love your daughter. Shes badass and an inspiration. Great job for raising such a strong woman!
ReplyDeleteI like the fact you kept it real. She did great and you're an awesome writer:)
ReplyDelete_Gnarly Flipside_
Well said Dr.AnnMarie. well said.
ReplyDeleteI loved the fight! Kudos to Ronda. She did an amazing job. I was interested to see her keeping her reputation as an arm collector intact. It looks like she had the nice beginnings of a triangle choke but chose not to finish it because she wanted another arm for her collection. I'm glad Ronda is a real life fighter and not a character on American Horror Story because I think there would be a closet of bloody arms involved. LOL! Congrats to her on a good fight. BTW… she shouldn't have to shake the hands of any two -faced idiots. That's not in her job description.
ReplyDeleteMrs. De Mars, I would just like to say thank you for your honesty and thoughts. I have been an avid fan of martial arts and more on the philosophies on life. Anyways after I have discovered your blogs I have felt a breath of fresh air with these random thoughts. I work for a Big Ten University and would like to invite you for a cup of coffee sometime and chat on your philosophies to life of ever in the area.
ReplyDeleteJ. Garis
she didnt spend 8 years in medical school to be called Mrs!!
DeleteCouldn't agree more
ReplyDeleteI am in 100 percent agreeance. If someone has disrespected you or lied about you And then comes to you And act like everything's okay, That is what I call an act And it is very fake. Some people like to say That they wish to be non confrontational In public and try to get along. What That is in my book, is as a general pansy ass Response Of someone's Mouth That has written checks That their ass can't cash...Which means that they are overdrawn. And at that point, I feel it is my job to bring it to the forefront And clear up the matter aka truth "Collecting" .
ReplyDeleteIt Usually Only takes one time of "collecting" the truth For confirming the person, And voila they no longer Write checks on you.
Great recap Doc. And thanks for the reminder about ronda's age, it is easy to forget that.
ReplyDeleteOne thing caught my eye... Shouldn't your bio say "won world championships"? Unless you only won one but I don't believe that's true :-)
Hi Dr!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you say on this entry. I thought the exact same thing. And for Ronda, being in the place she is at the moment and not pleasing anyone being "what other people wants her to be"; she's going to receive a lot of hate. Because we live a in world with a lot of sour people.
But hey! There's nothing she can do about it.
My name is Martin, I'm 26 too and I get a load of hate for being straight honest and not pleasing people because it's the easiest way to do. To be good with God and the Devil at the same time.
Anyway; congratulations on being such a cool and supportive mum; and congratulations too for having such a ONE OF A KIND daughter. :) I'm a huge fan of both of you.
ronda your mom is so much like mine was. She has passed but I think she might have said the same thing as yours word for word. If people disrespect you there is no reason ever to be friends. hand shakes these days are for wanna be presdents. I love you and your mom. Thanks for all your do.
ReplyDeleteit's not about manners but Sportsmanship!
ReplyDeleteSportsmanship? Ronda won! End of story. Next!
DeleteSportsmanship is one thing but its all in each persons perception and what theyve lived that makes us each who they are in my experience those who have been through a life in which i have where youve had to fight just to be sane after experiencing lifes toughest situations and losing people you never thought youd beable to live without and were face to face with realities you never imagined you could if you had to and you have to you do thats where people begin to C what is really important in life the things that stay with you that people have taught you that when they are gone help you move on help you keep on going and fighting to live and to not let anything else come against you and you start I understand that honor respect your wordand being true to those things that kept you going who you are to the core that core that made you live when you feel like dying I am one of those people that I've been through hell but my mom taught me what honor respect integrity and being true to your word being a loyal friend and defending your integrity means and when she died and I was only 21 and I felt like I was going to lose it everything that kept me going and I strived and still do for those qualities and I see that and you Rhonda and you are f****** awesome and I love the s*** out of you I look up to you and I root for you even if I'm not there I will be one day just know that you have a ton of people that really adore you and look up to you not for what you show yourself to be the who you've proved yourself to be in that to me I don't know about sportsmanship but I'd rather not sell out for sportsmanship or any other things and be able to walk with myself and looking myself in the mirrorand not be disappointed at least you know that you are true to the things that you believe in and I understand what those things are and I'm grateful that you so what ever be all of that means you're real nobody's perfect but in my eyes your damn close and so for all those naysayers and booers I feel maybe your haven't learned what life is about
DeleteGreat read, I agree entirely with your statements. Thanks for posting! I personally thought Ronda handled the situation appropriately, sometimes sportsmanship just isn't warranted and needs to take a back seat - this was one of those times.
ReplyDeleteI thought the fans booing Ronda after the fight was sickening - If it wasn't for Ronda, they would not have even seen a woman's fight that night. She should be cheered everywhere she goes especially after beating the shit out of that skank Tate - I think Ronda only let it go three rounds so she could beat on her a little more.
ReplyDeleteOn Ronda's fight, I felt the outcome was just. She has very good skills and there was visibly no reason, if she applied herself, for things to fail. She came prepared for that fight. On her manners, as a fan of hers, I know Ronda to have a great amount of integrity. She knows all about getting along with others. Going with Ronda's gut instincts is always correct. She got to where she is because she made the right decisions. She respects others and also specifically respects herself in a very intelligent way. I respect her decision to remain independent of those she disapproves of.
ReplyDeleteLOVE RHONDA AND HER MOM..GET EM!!
ReplyDeleteDr. De Mars, I've been reading and following you and Rhonda for several years now, well before the mma scene. I was a judoka under Cal Potter in Portsmouth NH until I blew my knee out tearing 3 ligaments. Anyway, I respect Rhonda and believe she is so successful because of her attitude, demeanor, work ethic and up bringing. My question to you is why didn't Rhonda at least bow, touch a glove or give some kind of respect /acknowledgement of the competition that just occurred? In the sport of Judo, I was always taught to bow to an opponent when walking on to the mat and then after the match was finished. Obviously I do not know all the circumstances behind Rhonda and Miesha's "relationship" and this was not a Judo match but do you have any fear that Rhonda not touching gloves may send a "wrong" message to young adults/teenagers that are learning martial arts. I'm not sure I'm making sense but that was the first thought that went through my head when she didn't touch Meisha's glove. Very happy for you and your daughter's success and hope it continues. I believe Sara McMann will be Rhonda's toughest test.. NHJudoGuy...
ReplyDeleteMorals, honesty, integrity and a fighter's spirit are what makes Ronda someone that I will always watch on TV or wherever she ends up. Meisha fought well and she got the props she deserves from Ronda for that but I don't know how she resisted just snapping her arm again...
ReplyDeleteHer fight with Tate was total domination, some of those judo throws were pure beauty. I really don't give a _ _ _ _ if there is some Rousey backlash at the moment, I'll support her through and through. She is the best and deserves every cent she earns.
ReplyDeleteVery well said. Sadly, I anticipate there will be backlash from this too. You know, like, "Ronda's mommy has to stick up for her." I wish someone else had said it so that couldn't happen. I think the world of Ronda and see her as an excellent role model for my 14 year old daughter. I think her mom has taught her very well to stand up for what she believes in.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully said! I admire you and Rhonda both! I idolize her as an athlete. I am very happy to see her be so strong as to be able to stand up for herself and what she believes in. You both are amazing!
ReplyDeleteDoctor, Although I really enjoyed Rondas fight, what I really enjoyed was her refusal to exchange hands after the fight. She showed that she places her values, beliefs and relationships above empty gestures and courting popularity. In a watered down, synthetic society, where societal values are slipping its enjoyable to see someone that wont just conform and become another brick in the wall. I wish Ronda every success in the future.
ReplyDeleteI can't count the MANY TIMES I've defended Ronda's decision not to shake Miesha Tate's hand. Many people said Ronda lacked class and sportsmanship. To that I asked, lack of "class?" Since when is it a crime to not want to shake someone's hand that you don't like? Not THAT would be lack of class and sportsmanship. To Ronda's critics: You don't like Ronda Rousey because she's NOT who YOU want her to be! You didn't put her behind that championship belt, SHE did!
ReplyDeleteCorrection on my type-o: *Now* THAT would be lack of class and sportsmanship.
DeleteWhen I used to work in a youth drop in center, a co-worker of mine stopped me from attempting to break up a fight between two of the kids. He said if I stopped the fight, the conflict would not get settled. They had to work through "the beef" they had with each other. Over the years I have seen conflicts between fighters and kids come to a level of resolution through the act of the fight. A fight seems to prune out some of the pettiness that surrounds a conflict. It does not fix the essence of disputes, however it does seem to put in perspective many of the small minded and unimportant aspects of conflict such as name calling and rude gestures. Usually, a fight washes away smallness and elevates the spirit of the warrior. Many UFC fights that have been acrimonious, end in a respectful embrace. Obviously, it is not the pettiness that is being honored by the embrace, but the spirit of truth...the spirit of warriors. In the hindu tradition, individuals bow towards each other, palms together, not to honor small egos and personalities, but the god within us all.
ReplyDeleteIn short, Ronda displayed pettiness instead of manifesting the version of herself that she deserves. Not because Miesha deserved it, but because moments in time call upon the warrior and hero to transform themselves beyond what they have been before...
Amen. No need to apologize to Miesha Fake.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on the"handshaking incident". I believe it does not make her any less of a champion like some people in the media are saying. In fact I think it just reaffirms what a champion is and what it takes to be one which is to stand by your beliefs and convictions without wavering.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter, Ronda, is an amazing athlete. You raised one hell of a fighter both in and out of that cage. Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteDear Dr.Anna,
ReplyDeleteAlthough the booing didnt bother Ronda, it bothered me. If those sheep (followers vs. leaders) would have listened to Ronda during her interview, she paid Misha a redpectful compliment. Anyway, so glad for Ronda. You had to be impressed with her throws on Misha! As a parent myself, I would be so proud of my kid, as I know you are! Keep up the good work.
Nicely put. I was at the fight and was able to witness her victory. I love her game face and her attitude... i wish there were more REAL people like her. Her walk out song was perfectly fitting =)
ReplyDeleteVery true! I mean its all fair in love and war
ReplyDeleteYet Dr. Ann Maria, the irony of this whole thing is that it is your own daughter that disrespected Miesha first and started the rivalry. Why would Ronda deserve an apology?
ReplyDeleteRonda and yourself keep talking about being honest and truthful, yet at the end of the day, what Ronda really wants is this rivalry to last in order for her image to last. If using her so-called family to make excuses for what's really behind her true intention then that just defeats her purpose of being true to herself.
It's sad that for women's MMA this is the image that people will grasp. And if only Ronda's intention were completely honest, I'd have respect. But we all know we're in a business... and when it's business, our intentions definitely changes.
Ronda DOES deserve an apology. Everything she rustled up between her and Miesha when they were in Strikeforce together was all for publicity and to help her push herself to the top. And not only did she benefit, but Miesha did too. That Strikeforce title fight, well I'd go as far to say THAT was the beginning of the rise of WMMA. If anything, she did Miesha a favor, if she didn't cause such a ruckus Miesha wouldn't have gotten any of the advantages (another title fight, TUF) that she has the past year.
DeleteAnd um, Ronda beat Miesha... I'm sorry... threw Miesha around like a ragdoll, suits the description better. She has no reason for wanting this rivalry to continue especially now that she's facing a worthy opponent. She doesn't need Miesha to keep herself at the top, you thinking so is just plain ludicrous...
What is REALLY sad, is that Ronda Rousey is going in that octagon and PROVING she belongs in there with every man that competes in there... and is being criticized for her behavior? Ronda Rousey has done her job, and given us an athletically talented image, as a woman I'm not complaining for a second about anything she's done.
I really enjoyed watching your daughter's fight and can't wait to see how she performs against the tougher challengers in the division like McMann and Zingano. She has nothing to apologize for, she won and it was a real rivalry not some made up hype.
ReplyDeleteYou've raised your daughter to be a world class Judoka athlete, & she has transitioned her skills into the mma arena to become the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion. She's the best female mma fighter in the world, by far, & she's a strong, intelligent, honest, loyal family loving woman, not afraid to speak her mind. You must be extremely proud of her, & rightly so Doctor. She is a force of nature, like a breath of fresh air in a world choking on its own hypocrisy. Ronda is her mothers daughter, & it's obvious that you are her role model. You are both amazing women & we need more. Take a bow, Doctor, it's not easy raising great kids, & you've set the bar high!
ReplyDeleteLOVE YOU RONDA'S MOM!!! You did a great job . She is a wonderful example of an awesome daughter, in so many ways. Much respect to you both!
ReplyDeleteDr.AnnMaria..I just discovered your blog and I've enjoyed reading it and learning more about you and your family. I can see now where Ronda gets her strong character! Also I wanted to know if there is a way I can buy a poster signed by you and Ronda? Maybe a website that I could order one from? Please congratulate Ronda for another impressive victory in UFC168!!
ReplyDeleteHi i just wanna say i have enjoyed watching ufc 168 and im verry happy my girl won. Im also very happy your daughter is opening doors for other fighters. And a true champ stands up for herself her opinion her values and her family just like your daughter did you did great as a mother to teach her those values. Great insight on the fight too i was proud of her striking she really is talented in boxing and nobody is as good in the judo departement. My cousin is training judo since 4 and hes a big fan much love
ReplyDeleteI have been a fan of Ronda's since she came onto the MMA scene but her behavior has been , to put it plainly, unprofessional. She is part of a professional organization that pays her well to be a pro athlete. Her continual childlike behaviors: constant cursing, shooting birds and just plain rudeness are uncalled for. I know she's human and definitely dislikes Miesha but Ronda has seemed to take the low road every time. I keep hearing Tate disrespected her family but Ronda has shown disrespect since Day One. She is an amazing athlete and I will still follow and be a fan for now but I hope Ronda does some maturing and becomes the ambassador and example many need to see. My best to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI was going to write a whole lot of horsecrap here to show how much of an insightful guy I was in the hope of getting some attention but the douche chills made me delete the message and start over.
ReplyDeleteRonda is stunningly beautiful. She is a strong woman and a brilliant champion in one of the world's most toughest sports. Anyone who is angry at her for not wanting to shake hands with Miesha Tate is either jealous or not thinking rationally about what went on. Hype before a fight is expected and I guess encouraged but so often in MMA, particularly in the UFC, the hype seems to take on a ridiculousness that is just as quickly brushed off after a fight.
The build up to the Ronda and Miesha fight was like other major fights in that there was a lot of trash talk between the two teams. Ronda clearly did not like Miesha and I can understand her being frustrated at having to fight a woman who she had already beat and who was also coming off a loss. Miesha was in my opinion very lucky to get another shot at the belt and so she has to be accountable for any smack she talked pre-fight. Hyping the fight is one thing but insulting the champ when you were gifted a title shot as a loser is a different kettle of fish.
Rant over, I love Ronda and I hope she continues just the way she is. I will be more than pleased if my daughters choose women like Ronda as their role models. A beautiful, brilliant champion.
I agree with you 100%! Ronda shows a lot of character in sticking to her principles by denying Miesha satisfaction in a hand shake. She makes the people who are with her every day and experience hardships alongside her know that she is with them. I've seen the fight a bunch of times and I feel that if Miesha really wanted to squash the "beef" she would've maybe put a hand on Ronda's back and said sorry or said it during the post-fight interview but clearly she was just trying to save face in her own camp for her own selfish reasons. Respect to you and Ronda!
ReplyDeleteGreat points and I completely agree. I don't agree with Rogan when he said she will look back on this one day and say she was immature. No I think she will look back and say "I did the right thing, and I'd do it again!" Still my favorite athlete and maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to train with her. You are great people and great examples for the youth of this nation. Thank you for all you have done and keep doing.
ReplyDeleteNo, it isn't a typo. I've won one world championships and I have four daughters
ReplyDeleteI THINK RONDA BY NOT SHAKING HANDS WITH MEISHA TATE WAS NOT IMMATURE BUT HONEST! ITS LIKE THIS WITH ME YOU CAN CALL ME WHATEVER MAKE FUN OF ME TRY AND PSYCH ME OUT BUT IF YOU ATTACK MY FAMILY ,FRIENDS OR COUNTRY THEN I WILL SHKE YOUR HAND TO TELL YOU NICE FIGHT CAUSE YOU MESS WITH MY FAMILY AND EXTEND IT TO ME I WILL BREAK IT OFF AND PUT IT IN A PLACE THAT WILL TAKE 2 SURGEONS TO GET IT OUT OF YOU!!!! LONG LIVE QUEEN RONDA!
ReplyDeleteThe problem is not what Ronda did or does. Its the simple fact that the vast majority of people and a tv audience are thick lol. Simple as that. You really think you watch some show like TUF and see 1 hour per week and thats all that happened lol what a joke. Theres 168 hours in a week showing 1 is like trying to see whats behind a huge door and only looking through the keyhole. Ronda said Tate said something then she said it end of and if that person then in some publicity stunt after a fight sticks out her hand for the audience to see and then people boo cause Ronda didnt shake it lol Boo to them. I dont care who you are if you dont mean to say sorry then your not getting my hand Ronda was right to turn n walk away. The only complaint i have about Ronda is the swearing. Shes so smart so hot and such a great athlete, BUT her mum kick her ass till she stops it lol if only for younger girls to grow up n not copy it
ReplyDeleteWow it will be interesting to see how this family reacts once Ronda loses to someone better.
ReplyDeleteI just find it interesting she gives no thanks to anyone who helped her to get to an Olympic bronze medal anytime anyone asks her about it. I'm sure she is spiteful towards US Judo (rightfully so), but some kudos to the staff, trainers, and COACHES who help get her there is due.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the Anonymous entry, but my name is Sergio.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your article here - and I hope I may post my own two cents on the Ronda not shaking hands. I want to start off with the fight itself, it was amazing to see Ronda keep her composure and use her massive power compared to Tate - not only to follow her game-plan, but to her follow-up that resulted in a win. What happens outside of a ring, in form of disrespect,lies and controversy - I truly understand that one would not even be associated with a person that would endulge such behavior - but my own perspective on this is that the Octagon is also a Dojo (metaphorically) - fighters from different walks off life - but still fighters who deserves a nod at least. I did not take offence of the non-handshake I was however curious - but with your follow-up for being a 26-yr. old I had to inventory my own bagage from that age and I found I would have reacted the same way. I just have to add I really enjoyed your presence in TUF, and to see the joy and respect from Ronda towards you really warmed me. I wiah you and your family a safe entry to 2014 - and for Ronda a brilliant career, and thanks to her the Womens Division within UFC is going to be awesome. Sincerely Sergio G.
Sadly a lot of people don't know the background between Ronda and Meisha. They took the handshake for what it was, and not for all the stuff that happened before. Personally, I agree with Ronda and I wouldn't want to shake her hand either. I met her at a NJ card when she came up to the fans in the stands and took pictures with everyone. She won me as a fan there, not because she took a pic with me, but the fact that she took pics with everyone that asked. Can't wait to see her fight again.
ReplyDeleteIf your opponent knows exactly what to expect it's a lot easier to prepare. Taking fewer risks = more strategy. I have much respect for all MMA athletes but I'm amazed with the top MMA athletes who dominantly defend their titles over and over again.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your last point regarding shooting people straight, so let me do the same with you. A champion shakes the hand of their opponent for one reason only -because THEY are the champion. Their speed, strength and skill was superior in their sport and their win proves this. A second win proves this even more. The shake demonstrates that they are no longer focused on THEIR OWN hard work and effort, but the relentless effort and determination that their opponent put fourth to get there as well - but only to lose. The shake simply acknowledges that fact and nothing more. It shows that the champion realizes that without a challenger there can be no champion, without a rivalry, there can be no publicity, without a huge fight, no money can be made and no glory can be achieved. In the women's UFC, the shake is literally the only thing that distinguishes it as a sport, and not just another brawl outside of a bar between a couple of hoe's. Ronda's behavior over her career has sadly distinguished her as the second. She does not demonstrate the exemplary behavior expected from a champion, not even AFTER she wins. While her behavior may have generated the publicity, she has lost respect. Did she win? Yes. Is she a champion? "No no one wants to get in their face and tell them to get the hell out." Well ma'am - here it is. "Ronda get the hell out! You are no champion."
ReplyDeleteRonda was amazing, total domination. I do wish she'd justify her hatred of Tate, though. It seems her hatred is based on things like Tate being happy after her fighter won (nothing wrong with that) and joking about her friend's bushy eyebrows - not the sort of horrible, cruel, racist statement that would make me hate someone so viscerally and overtly. I hope such hatred is due to more than that. Regardless, when people act like they hate each other and then immediately shake hands and hug it out after a fight, it comes off as very fake to me, just a marketing gimmick. After Chael Sonnen and Wanderlai Silva fight, regardless of who wins I know they'll shake hands, hug each other, and give each other a pat on the butt. Which means everything said up to that point was fake. Lying marketers, nothing more. You can call Ronda a lot of things, but 'fake' isn't one of them, so good for her. I know for certain she wasn't lying just to hype up and sell a fight. She must have known refusing a hand shake would get her booed, but she didn't care about how many twitter followers she'd get (she probably got a lot anyway).
ReplyDeleteExcellent post - Ronda did amazing on Saturday! You must be extremely proud as her Mother.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it was great sportsmanship, but I also don't care. If Ronda was a male fighter, would the move be so criticized? I don't recall a single word of criticism two fights earlier when the young man essentially mocked the "Warmaster" with his post-fight use of his throat-slitting pantomime.
ReplyDeleteRonda sets the universe off-kilter for some people because she's a very attractive young woman who is also a butt-kicker with an occasional bad attitude. Society isn't ready to let go of the delicate Miss Manners image for the pretty blondes. As the mother of 2 daughters, I'm grateful that Ronda's giving that cliche the finger.
For one of the first commenters, here's a list of the takedowns, with gifs! http://artofgrappling.com/2013/12/29/ufc-168-rousey-tate-judo-throw-highlights-gifs/
ReplyDeleteThat's good for seeing what the throws were, but I'd still like to read a full breakdown from Dr. AnnMaria.
I simply love Ronda, she is straight up, honest and willing to go for the kill at all times in all regards. What a better world this would be if we had more oflks like that. From an aging hillbilly scuffler that appreciates seeing one of ours doing so well
ReplyDeleteThe Hatfields and McCoys agree with your sentiment.
ReplyDeleteI think Ronda should be able to act however she wants! She should just go on tv and disrespect everyone, whether they have done it to her or not. She should be able to curse everyone and anything that shows her any opposition. She's way more honorable than the Samurai. That girl is like the shining sun and without her the world would surely freeze to death!
ReplyDeleteReally people?!
She has done a great deal for the sport as a woman. She has brought to the forefront of Women's MMA a champion who is loud, who holds grudges, who has no tact, who does not see the moral tenants of what ANY Martial Art teaches, and who has no problem displaying that to the future of Women's MMA and the young minds that idolize her. I do not think that she displays the qualities of a good champ other than her physical ability. She will fall, and it will be then that people see the true qualities, and heart of women in the sport.
How do you admit to being bood in 30 countries, acting like a lil brat after defending a UFC title, and then try and alleviate it all by contradicting her very own words in saying, "she has my utmost respect as a fighter", after she just told the world for more than 30 days that she didn't even deserve to be in the same cage. Cause she is 26? Aren't women supposed to mature faster than men? This is ridiculous! I understand that she is your daughter, and my opinion is just that, an opinion. I mean no disrespect. To truly call yourself a Martial Artist, means that you would display the things the art form teaches, and when in front of the world, I believe that to be a much more crucial time to represent yourself and your teachers by conducting yourself professionally.
Thank you for your opinion, Now here is mine, I don't agree with women getting on the ground , fighting like men , trying to break another womans arm off. It looks ridiculous to me and it is NOT lady like at all. You're a lady, act like a lady. Don't get me wrong, i'm all for a strong woman with tomboyish trates. I am a girly girl and i love my stilletos but i also love to play sports (softball, football), love to train, lift weights, get out there and play paintball tournaments, shooting range etc. However, showing violence like a man is just not right. To me, She is NOT an example to young women. She is not what i call an athlete. I cannot put her in the same category as true athletes like soccer player Alex Morgan, Laila Ali, Serena williams. In my opinion, she is just a 26 year old who has not been taught class and has not matured yet. Very pety and caty with a foul mouth. I show more respect to Miesha. Sorry but this is just how i feel about this. Best of luck to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWow, just wow.
DeleteOh, look, here's a start on breaking down all the throws!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/12/31/5257838/ufc-168-judo-chops-of-ronda-rousey-part-i-the-counter-uchi-mata?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Much love for the Judo ,Professor
ReplyDeleteRonda is an excellent fighter, the best i thinf, if she wanted to shake hands or not I think it's nothing about judo.
ReplyDeleteMay be the writer of this article should write about judo and not about if ronda has good manors or not.
May be this writer is jealous like evrebody.
cannot say anything bad about rousey . . . love her tought process, her attitude, her simplicity, her training, her ways in general . . . she has great skills and huge heart . . . there s plenty more good qualities but, i would really like to see her improve on the stand up both offensive and defensive. love this fighter but she needs to work those assets more . . . i wouldnt of shook hands.
ReplyDeleteN. Traversy
Mrs. Rousey, I commend you for raising a child that understands the word honor. I have a great deal of respect for you and you're daughter, and hope for the continued successes she deserves. I also enjoyed the piece you wrote above. Best wishes through the new year.
ReplyDeleteI like Ronda. I think she's a talented athlete and probably loyal and wonderful to her friends and family. But I agree with most people I've spoken to that she projects bad sportmanship and immaturity. I think you were right the first time where you imply that it is her youth that caused this to happen. I get reality tv is heavily edited but Ronda came out of the UF show looking like she couldn't lose gracefully and was a bully incapable of letting things roll off her back. I've read the history and the way Ronda rushed to fight the top fighters was trashtalking all day long about Miesha. I think that's fine and admire her moxie. However, dishing it out then not taking it is ridiculous. If I was Miesha's friends prior to the big supposed "incident" where they "disrepected" her coach (who seems to enable this attitute) I would have a HUGE problem with Ronda's treatment of her and gone out of my way to make that very clear by disrepecting her in return. I know Ronda and friends/family don't see it this way and it's a shame because I think she has a bright future if she doesn't blow it by her "bad guy" routine.
ReplyDeleteThat was the first time I've ever seen Ronda fight, and she made a new fan out of me. I study Judo and BJJ, so I find her style exciting to watch.
ReplyDeleteI can understand where you're coming from and I understand why Ronda did not shake her hand; but just a friendly reminder that there is also a time to forgive.
I was disappointed by her behaviour. As a former Olympic athlete and ambassador of a growing sport and a self admitted role model to young women, it was simply a display of pettiness. I hope she chooses against this type of behaviour in the future. I was watching the fights in a bar, and literally every single person watching became upset by the lack of sportsmanship. As a hardcore MMA fan, I expect a little more respect between fighters post fight.
ReplyDeleteToo bad that the entire family seems to miss that one of the most important things in Martial Arts is "RESPECT". In competition it's also about "SPORTSMANSHIP". Something CLEARLY...was never taught to either of the two poor representations of Martial Artists. It make all of their so called, 'accomplishments'...moot. The loudest ever 'booing' session in UFC history speaks volumes...yet both these ladies play the blame game. Remember..."while pointing your finger at everyone else...you have 4 fingers pointing BACK at you." Rousey is both a disgrace to the TRUE Olympic athletes...as well as the UFC belt which she holds.
ReplyDeleteI told Ronda what I have told her a hundred times,
ReplyDelete"If the referee's hand goes to the side you are on (i.e., you won), then you did it right."
I have to strongly disagree with such statement. As a mother, or a coach or anyone in an influential position to someone, you can't just say that if you won you did it right because that indicates that if they lost they did it wrong. We've seen fighters losing because they had an unlucky moment and not because they didn't fight well. I am not interested in discussing the ronda-miesha debate here but I do believe Tate fought very well as well. I don't think she deserved to lose but someone had to.
Also:
Or just think of the average 26-year-old. If you're a parent and the WORST thing anyone can say about your 26-year-old child is that he or she says "Fuck" and didn't shake someone's hand, you ought to go to mass, light candles, get down on your knees and say a prayer of thanks.
I see where you re coming from and ye she could be worse, but NO average 26 year olds are not just wasting their lives by default; instead they are expected to be calm and mature compared to children.
I dont mind her at all that she says fuck and I am not taking sides or anything. I just read this and felt that I picked two massive mistakes in your criticism. You are not a journalist of course and you are biased being related to ronda which is understandable. All I am saying is that in my opinion ronda needs more fruitful reviews and less reassuring. She fought well and congratulations on her success. Keep posting interesting videos so we can learn more. Respect to both of you for your work and no hard feelings; just some constructive criticism.
After watching that match I decided that if Tate didn't have such a pretty face she would not even be in the ring. She looked outclassed in every aspect. Just trying to go extra rounds isn't enough anyone can drag a fight out extra rounds by just doing nothing or very little as she so clearly demonstrated to us.
ReplyDeleteHey there! I enjoyed reading your take on the situation. I admire Ronda so much and as an aspiring, young, female fighter, I think she is a good role model no matter what the past few months have lead others to believe. I think what people aren't mentioning is the fact that Miesha knew Ronda would more than likely deny the handshake and that would lead to more good vs. bad hype. It was sort of a way for Meisha to continue to look like the perfect little "cupcake" and shine this negative spotlight on Ronda once more. These women are a part of this business and they both know how to work the crowd. Look at their entire season of TUF. All of that is not real life. People need to get over the drama and realize they are only fueling Ronda even more with their boos. Or maybe this should continue so she gets even more pumped up? :)
ReplyDeleteRonda did the right thing. Getting In the cage takes guts, but to stand up for what you believe in (family,friends, team mates) and not sell herself or her family friends and teammates short just to be politically correct. She does have good sportsmanship I have seen it. She values the important people around her. And I think that win was not for Ronda, it was for them. I don't blame her, nor do I think any less. If anything I think "there is someone who is not fake and is not bullshit ting the people." She is just straight up 100% mentally the best and has skills to back it up.
ReplyDeleteI watched the fight with a friend from my Judo club and it was fun calling out the throws as Ronda performed them (Uchi mata, harai goshi etc) I think for that one fight I was calling it better than Rogan.
ReplyDeleteWhat I did notice was that Ronda took her time committing to the armbar and even seemed to pass up on going for sangaku jime. Was this a conscious decision?
Also Ronda's Juji turnovers were excellent, it was like watching Neil Adams in his prime.
All the best and happy new year
Dear Dr. AnnMaria
ReplyDeleteI Want give you congratulation for your daughter. She's a Wonderful athlete and have been a inspiration source here in Brazil. I know you do but I'll say you should be proud. Don't loose your time with these persons that say bad things about Ronda. Ok. Happy New Year
Rio de Janeiro - BRA
Indeed. TOO many people get away with acting dickish because people out there aren't willing to call them out on their bullshit because it causes conflict. Weak-sauce. More assholes need their feet held to the fire by those with a conscience and a lack of fear to tell it like it is. Then maybe people would be less apt to act like pricks. Way ta be, Rhonda...
ReplyDeleteHow did tate insult rondas family?
ReplyDeleteit's hard to argue with ALL these comments-
ReplyDeleteeven the ones that contradict each other.
every situation is different.. as soon as ronda realized she was fighting tate on the show,
her game face came on, as seen on the 1st episode when they were watching the fights before the picks.
before that, she was all smiles and handshake.
everything leading up to the fight, in the media, was hardly any smiles regarding tate,
but at the post conference, she was smiling again.
i think that both women have positives and negatives,
which are basically opinions, i suppose, cuz we don't all agree on 'em.
thank you for the post.
happy tuesday!! aa
Actually I think Miesha stood there waiting with open hand on purpose to instigate passive aggressively. Anyone who knows the history knows that they never touched gloves or shook hands in Strikeforce and they didn't during TUF. Miesha knows the buttons to push with Ronda so she stayed there holding her hand out hoping that Ronda would yell "Fuck you bitch!!" and flip her off repeatedly. But Ronda was all business and stuck to it. So actually I think Ronda did a great job not letting Miesha push her buttons while tons of people were watching. The best way to deal with passive/aggressive people is not to attack them nor to be friendly with them. The best thing is to just ignore them.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I think just like the TUF filming and editing, shame on the UFC person picking the clips to replay. That last handshake thing had absolutely nothing to do with the actual fight. They could have replayed the clinch and then the armbar roll but instead they just replayed the armbar then after the fight was all over, they replayed Miesha standing there with her hand out and Ronda walking away. Seriously, TUF/UFC producers are still trying to make drama with replays. They could have replayed so many other things that actually showed techniques/skill but they chose to magnify Miesha's pity-me-i'm-an-innocent-martyr move. They could have even chosen to replay a clip where Miesha did something in the fight that was good like when she got a takedown or connected on a punch. But no, they used the replay and big screen to magnify Miesha's mind games.
Well said! This is the most level headed, intelligent and to-the-actual-point comment I have seen posted on this blog. Thank you, Norad for speaking my mind and the mind of many others & thank you Ronda for inspiring me on so many levels.
DeleteI've head to work with a number of 20 year old kids with the Rhonda attitude, and they've all gotten fired. Self centred, egotistical, emotionally unstable & arrogant pups. They have no respect for elders, think they know everything so refuse be learn things because they know it all already. Kids need a role model that is humble, works hard / trains hard, is a good team mate / co-worker, emotionally stable and mature.
ReplyDeleteYes it is what it is Rondas mommy to the rescue to defend her. If she is 26 can't she defend herself? I guess this must be the 10% of fans Rousey manages to have left. Smdh
ReplyDeleteRonda is a great athlete, her level rigrt now is amazing, I'm sure that will be very difficult to someone overcome her. Besides that she is beatifull and hot. But we cannot hide that some of her atittudes are imature and even ridiculous. That's all occur because she believes( and I think that comes from her mother) that to be competitive you have to hate your opponent, She showed this a lot of times . Her motivation should be to become the best that she can be,, and I am preety sure that she is a lot superior of any woman fighter right now. Let's not try to minimize her act of not shaking hands with Misha. The figh was clean and there was no need to do so, and it was clear to me that she was very upset with the rejection of the crowd.
ReplyDeletei think the same way on the subject of her not shaking her hand, if misha did wanted to fix thing she should apologize off cameras.
ReplyDeletegreat post.
Most MMA fans are so dumb. I wish we could put them in the cage and have them fight each other with swords and spears. It'll help sanitize the genetic cesspool a little bit. "Meisha Tate didn't get her hand shaken by Ronda... she is suffering and crying because of that lack of a handshake... and you guys just think it's no big deal... well, what about how Meisha feels?? She's on life support and needs to take an IV of sportsmanship to compensate for the supply Ronda didn't give her and she's holding on for dear life. How can you be so insensitive! WAHHHHHH!!! *sniffle* *sniffle*" <= That's they come across to me.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Dr. DeMars.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed by the fact that your daughter demonstrated her 8th different setup for juji gatame in as many professional fights. Seemed to me that in the Rd. 3 finisher, Rousey transitioned straight off the sumi gaeshi into the juji gatame.
I was also impressed that she did not shake hands. After her opponent's shenanigans, there was no question that Tate's offer of a hand was superficial, and to show respect where none is deserved would also have been superficial. Better to be honest than a turncoat. Rousey did fine by me.
You're daughter is an awesome fighter. I root for her in every fight. She's earned the top place in her sport. By chance that you/she may actually read this post, I hope for one thing for her as a person outside the ring--to let go of the victim mentality. Not for everyone else, but for herself. She deserves as much happiness as she will allow herself in life.
ReplyDeleteThat's what's up, Doc. Kudos to Ronda for a great fight, and for all she's done, doing and will do for women's sports, women in media, MMA and women, in general. Boo-Hiss to the people who were making a stink about the handshake. Maybe it was poor sports(wo)manship. Maybe Joe Rogan is a Ronda Whisperer, when he declares that "Ronda Rousey plays for keeps, ladies and gentlemen." Maybe it's helping us all reconsider the practice of respect and the habit of shaking people's hands out of social or contextual obligation. Sure, debate it. We're fans. It'll be a minute til the next big fights for the fair weathers. But, to diss and spit hate at Ronda the way people have been on social media? Dayum, people...learn how to act right.
ReplyDeleteI'm Very proud of your Daughter, Keep Up The Good Work Ronda!!!! Love And Respect From Iowa
ReplyDeleteAmericans are funny people, they like to see sportsmanship. A simple handshake to a defeated opponent, no hugs or kisses, would have shown the crowd this was an athletic contest between professional athletes and not a fight outside a bar between two thugs. Rhonda came off looking like a bully, and I am a big Rhonda fan. Even Joe Rogan in his comments after the show said he hoped Rhonda in the future would show more graciousness to a defeated opponent.
ReplyDeleteMMA is like the WWE upside down. Except for the A and E . Oh, and the costumes. Hajime!
ReplyDeleteGod forbid a 26 year old ADULT and martial artist have the same manners we expect from 10 year old children. I guess concepts like Bushido and Budo don't have a place in modern martial arts (maybe Judo really isn't a martial art anymore?). It's all about "keeping it real" which is just another term for taking the easy way out. The only reason Tate was able to "disrespect" Ronda was because Ronda gave Tate that power. Is that a sign of liberation?
ReplyDelete