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Attention: the text contains explicit language.
The jiu-jitsu camp in 2017 was a blast. A cozy European town, packed with 150 enthusiasts from all over the world. All day, one killer seminar after another, and at night, great food and wild parties. In short, I was loving it.
Most folks in drills and sparring kept it respectful. Makes sense—grown men gathered to learn something new and have a good time, not for “bull's fights.”
There, I met a guy way more skilled than me in grappling. We talked often, but I felt a vague unease: “Something’s off.” He seemed both intrigued and annoyed by me.
One day, he suggested we roll. At one point, he caught me in a chokehold he’d bragged about as his “trademark.” He wasn’t lying—it was solid. I was gasping, ready to tap out. Then his face loomed over mine, and his eyes screamed raw hate and a clear urge to kill me.
By the way, it’s a known fact—some activities strip away the mask and show a man’s true self. Like grappling, board games, dancing, sculpting, sex, or driving.
His “message” triggered a “Big Bang” inside me:
“FUCK YOU!!!”
It was wild and unexpected. I usually can’t stand swearing—unless I smash a finger with a hammer.
But out of nowhere came a thirst for life, raw defiance, primal strength. I ripped free from his “fatal” grip. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes, wide with shock. He stammered: “How did you do that?! It was impossible!” I didn’t reveal the secret.
That’s when I saw—cussing can be a powerful tool if you know when and how to wield it. Swear words tie to taboos, and thus to the sacred. Culture pushes them down, sensing their danger. But like fire, they’re both a blessing and, well, a curse.
Without bans, society can’t survive—that’s clear.
But sometimes a man needs to cross those lines.
Let’s learn, shall we? :)
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
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