Tap Out   

A very important and self preserving option that mixed martial artists and grapplers use is called a 'tap out.'  When a fighter is caught in a lock or position that could result in major injury, unconsciousness or even death and he realizes his potential danger on the one hand and the advantage of his opponent on the other, the fighter has two options.  He can stubbornly persist in the fight and reap the imminent consequences or he can choose to tap out of the fight, in which case his opponent releases his grip and the "loser" is set free. 

People associate tapping out with defeat, yielding to the opponent, and being a loser.  However, it can be viewed from a different perspective. 

I once saw a leopard  bring down a large gazelle for dinner. Suddenly he was surrounded by a pack of hungry hyena's who also wanted his dinner.  The leopard had 2 options.  He could try to fight off the pack of hyena's and loose both his life and his dinner or he could choose to walk away - to tap out, and preserve his hunting ability, his life, and the lives of those depending on him.    

No matter who you are, life will sometimes throw some nasty opponents your way.  These could be unfair situations where you know you are innocent, where you know you have done your best and given your all, situations that hurt deeply and bring hot tears to your eyes.  It is in times like these that you, like the mixed martial artist, the grappler and the leopard must look further than the present, and no matter how difficult a pill it is to swallow, you must take stock of your options and act wisely.  You could stand up for your rights and fight to the death or you could choose to tap out, back off and walk away.

It's your call.

AAH Director