On President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday this Sunday, a mixed martial arts (M.M.A.) event is scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House, featuring a newly constructed arena called the Claw. The event, which has sparked widespread reaction, may include fighters entering from the Oval Office and a fireworks display celebrating the occasion.

In Boise, Idaho, a state university professor who trains in muay Thai, a combat style frequently seen in M.M.A., offers a perspective that challenges common stereotypes about the sport and its participants. While many in his social circles view M.M.A. as a realm dominated by aggressive young men or disaffected individuals, the professor describes his experience at Straight Blast Gym, where he trains Saturday mornings with skilled fighters of various backgrounds.

The professor acknowledges that combat sports carry a masculine image, with elements of trash talk, physical confrontation, and bravado. Some young men may be drawn to such sports out of a desire to build confidence or overcome feelings of vulnerability. He also notes that certain figures associated with M.M.A., such as Andrew Tate, have embodied a toxic and misogynistic form of masculinity, which has contributed to the sport’s controversial reputation.

However, the professor emphasizes that his own journey with muay Thai has been transformative in unexpected ways. Rather than fostering aggression, the training has taught him discipline, mental resilience, and calmness in stressful situations. He recounts how breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques learned through sparring drills helped him manage the pressures and frustrations of new parenthood. Maintaining composure under pressure, he observes, is a fundamental lesson in muay Thai, with respect for opponents held in high regard.

While he admits that some fighters at gyms may struggle with controlling their egos, the environment often humbles participants, illustrating that technical skill and mental poise frequently outweigh pure physical strength. He contrasts this culture with the spectacle expected at the White House event, which he suggests may lack the ritualistic elements and philosophical underpinnings present in traditional muay Thai.

The professor highlights the wai khru, a ceremonial dance performed by muay Thai fighters before bouts, as an example of the sport’s deeper cultural significance. The dance honors teachers and family while framing combat as a controlled outlet for aggression, reinforcing community values rather than fueling division or hostility.

While acknowledging that the upcoming White House fights likely will not embody these traditions or values, he encourages a more nuanced view of combat sports. Far from fostering toxic masculinity, he argues, the growing interest in muay Thai and similar disciplines can provide positive outlets for personal growth and self-improvement. For him and many others, the practice represents a pathway toward confidence and emotional balance, rather than aggression or dominance.