We’re all guilty of feeling a little too sorry for ourselves from time to time. Whether we complain about the weather, about the bus being full, about the shop being out of our favourite sweets or about pints being too dear, we all have a little moan about things now and again.
At one time or another, things like this can appear to be of monumental importance. But if you were to step foot inside Straight Blast Gym (SBG) Inchicore this morning, you would realise that most of the challenges we face aren’t challenges at all. Most of the obstacles we see in our way aren’t really any hindrance.
It can be tough to admit to that, but often times it’s true. If you wanted to see true adversity, SBG was the place to go. This afternoon, the gym was the location for a martial arts seminar delivered to members of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI), a voluntary organisation that spreads awareness about these two conditions.
READ MORE: Will Fleury itching to return to action after frustrating few months
Here, you saw people with living with Spina Bifida and/or hydrocephalus showing off their martial arts skills for an audience that could scarcely believe the level of skill and dedication before their eyes.
Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) which causes incomplete development of the spinal cord. As a result, the condition severely affects a person’s mobility.
Hydrocephalus is a condition whereby essentially too much fluid builds pressure in the brain. It is commonly referred to as a hidden disability due to the lack of obvious physical signs in many cases.
For the past year, members of SBHI have been partaking in adapted martial arts training. Striking and blocking are the two main techniques that students learn. But along with that, key sportspeople characteristics such as focus, determination and commitment are instilled in pupils.
SBG stalwarts Will Fleury and Stephen Costello helped put on the session along with Ultimate Hell Week star Pete ‘The Builder’ Finn. All three put on a striking and grappling clinic which was much appreciated by some of the MMA fanatics in attendance. And as Fleury puts it, they got as much enjoyment out of the 90 or so minutes as any of the students themselves.
“Coming down watching the guys do the demo. Just imagining what they’re going through on a daily basis just to be able to come here and do something like that, It can’t but inspire you.
“You kind of have to think like what we or I overcome on a daily basis is so small in comparison to what some of these people overcome.”
It’s more so what these people have to put up with as opposed to what they have to overcome. As I myself made my journey home first on the Luas, then on the train, then down dozens of steps to get back into town, the thought occurred to me of just how much more difficult this would be if I had Spina Bifida or hydrocephalus. In fact, it would probably be nigh on impossible.
As the event came to a close, coaches and pupils gathered around for a chat about the warrior mindset. SBHI CEO Gerry Maguire thanked all in attendance before paying tribute to members of his organisation. As he said himself, the only thing on display this morning was ability, not disability.
A truer word wasn’t spoken all day.
The seminar was taking place as part of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness (SBHI) Week. For more information on events taking place during the week, please visit www.sbhi.ie/awarenessweek . For social media, use #SeeMyAbility.
READ NEXT:
Lionel Messi sets new Champions League records at expense of Cristiano Ronaldo
Paddy Carr laments social media as 'sad aspect' of the GAA as he takes on Donegal job
'Let's use our world number one ranking as a weapon': Ireland boss Andy Farrell
Ange Postecoglou gives Celtic assessment after side dumped out of Champions League
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
