The Greatest Battle Ever Waged.

I don't know if you remember what I consider the greatest Football game EVER played in the history of the sport.  That was the AFC Divisional Playoff Game between the Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Chargers on January 2, 1982.  It was touted as "The Game No One Should Have Lost."  On that balmy Miami evening, the determined combatants gave every ounce, every scintilla of their being to win this game.  If you were born after 1982, I strongly urge you to find a copy of the game and watch it without any interruption. 

As I watched my TV, I wept with pride.  I no longer cared who won or lost because of the epic struggle that was playing out before my eyes.  The battle was finally decided in overtime after 4 hours and 5 minutes.  The score was 41-38 in favor of the San Diego Chargers.    

After the game, several of the players were so severely dehydrated, they had to have IV's inserted in their arms.  Several were bloodied, and couldn't walk from the terrible cramps they endured.  A couple couldn't even speak.  This was a total all-out war, pure and simple.  Neither side would give up.  It was ultimate combat.  Like watching a Gladiator school. 

This game was an excellent example of the true warrior spirit.  Of never giving up the struggle, and fighting to the death if necessary.  We as instructors of martial weapons can learn a lot from the unbelievable effort that Chargers Tight-end, Kellen Winslow, put forward on that fateful evening.  We should try to instill this "never say die, never give an inch" attitude into every student we train.  It may save their life someday.