Fighting Fair

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

Fighting is and always will be about survival! The concept of fair fighting came about sometime around 1867 and published for the first time by the British  Amateur Boxing Club. They were written by John Graham Chambers. The rules were and are as follows:

Marquis of Queensbury rules.

Rule 1—To be a fair stand-up boxing match in a 24-foot ring, or as near that size as practicable.

Rule 2—No wrestling or hugging allowed.

Rule 3—The rounds to be of three minutes’ duration, and one minute’s time between rounds.

Rule 4—If either man falls through weakness or otherwise, he must get up unassisted, 10 seconds to be allowed him to do so, the other man meanwhile to return to his corner, and when the fallen man is on his legs the round is to be resumed and continued until the three minutes have expired. If one man fails to come to the scratch in the 10 seconds allowed, it shall be in the power of the referee to give his award in favour of the other man.

Rule 5—A man hanging on the ropes in a helpless state, with his toes off the ground, shall be considered down.

Rule 6—No seconds or any other person to be allowed in the ring during the rounds.

Rule 7—Should the contest be stopped by any unavoidable interference, the referee to name the time and place as soon as possible for finishing the contest; so that the match must be won and lost, unless the backers of both men agree to draw the stakes.

Rule 8—The gloves to be fair-sized boxing gloves of the best quality and new.

Rule 9—Should a glove burst, or come off, it must be replaced to the referee’s satisfaction.

Rule 10—A man on one knee is considered down and if struck is entitled to the stakes.

Rule 11—No shoes or boots with springs allowed.

Rule 12—The contest in all other respects to be governed by revised rules of the London Prize Ring. 

As anyone can readily see, these are pretty much the same basic rules used in boxing today. As to the MMA, etc., sports events they use these with modifications to allow the martial arts skills to be used in relative safety and still promote a competitive spirit and to challenge us in a combative way without actual combat.

These are all sanctioned endeavors of society with safety used to help prevent grave harm and death often found in the proverbial wild of the predatory aspects of all societies. 

In short, outside sanctioned events there is NO fair fighting and NO rules out in the wild wild streets of modern mankind. Yet, society and its legal system will still impose rules, laws and requirements of self-defense “Laws” on those who participate in violence of the streets.

In short, “Out there, in the wild wild streets there are no rules Of violence except as governed by the rules of self-defense law.” Confused yet?

If you were attacked and you expect the Queensbury rules apply, you will be stunned when you end up in the ER because the predatory criminal element do not have rules other than what helps them win - both in the fight and legally if caught after.

For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)