There is certainly resistance to using society's economic resources, including taxpayer money, to fund training
and competition in martial arts, especially when it comes to youth, and in some cases rightfully so. The resistance can stem from several factors, including: 
• Priorities: Some people believe that society's resources should be used for more urgent needs or for areas they consider to be of greater importance, such as education, healthcare, or social services.
• Risks and violent behaviour: There is concern about promoting a sport that may be associated with violent behaviour and injuries, especially among youth. This can lead some to believe that society's resources should not be used to support such activity.
• Responsibility: Some believe that parents and privately funded organizations should bear the primary responsibility for funding sports activities for youth, rather than burdening society as a whole with the costs.
• Controversies: Martial arts, including MMA, can be controversial, and there are different opinions about its value and suitability as part of youth training and leisure activities.
At the same time, there are also many who see the benefits of supporting youth participation in organized sports activities, including martial arts, to promote physical health, discipline, self-confidence, and community. They believe that society can benefit from investing in such activities by reducing the risk of illness and crime among youth and by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. The discussion about whether society's resources should be used to support training and competition in martial arts continues to be a topic of debate in many places around the world.
When it comes to the use of society's economic resources to fund healthcare and aftercare for injuries in martial arts, there is also some resistance and debate. The most common arguments against this include:
• Personal responsibility: Some believe that participants in martial arts, especially adults, should take personal responsibility for their own risks and the costs of any injuries that occur as a result of their choice to participate in the sport.
• Healthcare priorities: Some argue that limited healthcare resources should be prioritized for more urgent or life-threatening conditions, and that resources should not be used to treat injuries that occur in connection with sports and leisure activities.
• Insurance and private initiatives: There is a belief that participants in martial arts and other sports activities should have appropriate insurance coverage that includes any medical expenses for injuries that occur during training and competition. In addition, private initiatives and organizations are encouraged to help cover the costs of injuries in sports.
On the other hand, there are also arguments for society to provide support for healthcare and aftercare for injuries in martial arts and other sports, especially when it comes to youth and amateurs. This may include arguments about promoting health and activity, reducing long-term health and disabilities, and promoting social inclusion and community. Those who support this approach also emphasize the importance of providing equal access to care for all, regardless of the cause of the injury. The discussion about whether society's resources should be used to fund healthcare and aftercare for injuries in martial arts continues to be the subject of debate and discussion.
Resistance to using society's economic resources to fund training, competition, healthcare, and aftercare for injuries in martial arts can come from various sources, including:
• Political debates: Discussions about the use of taxpayer funds for sports-related purposes can arise in politics, where different parties and political groups may have different opinions about whether society's resources should be used to support sports and leisure activities, especially when it comes to controversial or potentially risky sports like martial arts.
• Media and opinion makers: The media can play a role in shaping public opinions and attitudes toward the use of taxpayer funds to support martial arts and other sports activities. Negative reports about injuries in the sport or debates about the cost-effectiveness of publicly funded sports can influence public opinion on the subject.
• Healthcare and health organizations: Some healthcare and health organizations may be hesitant to support or fund activities that may increase the risk of injuries and thus increase the burden on the healthcare system. They may advocate for more preventive measures or alternative forms of physical activity that are less risky.
• Public opinion: Public opinions may be mixed when it comes to using taxpayer funds to support martial arts and other sports activities. Some may see it as a valuable way to promote health, activity, and community, while others may be more sceptical of funding activities that may lead to injuries or promote violent behaviour.
It is important to remember that the debate about the use of society's economic resources for sports and leisure activities can be complex and depends on many factors, including cultural, political, and economic considerations.
It is also entirely possible that many people's perception of martial arts is based on little or no actual knowledge of what it entails. Many people may have formed their opinion of martial arts from movies, TV shows, and other media where martial arts are often portrayed in a dramatic and sensationalized manner.
Important to understand is that martial arts is a multifaceted and versatile activity that extends far beyond what is typically depicted in the media. Martial arts encompass a range of different disciplines and styles, each with its own techniques, philosophies, and cultural traditions. Additionally, martial arts training also includes a variety of benefits for both physical and mental health, as mentioned earlier.
To change the public's perception of martial arts, it is important to spread knowledge and increase awareness of the sport's true nature and benefits. This can be done through educational initiatives, open house events, community events, and other opportunities for people to learn more about martial arts and participate in the activities in a safe and supportive manner. By promoting a more nuanced and informed view of martial arts, prejudices and misconceptions can gradually decrease, and support for the sport can increase.
Learning and informing the public, effectively about martial arts can be done through several different strategies: 
• Educational initiatives: Arrange educational programs or workshops where the public can learn more about various martial arts disciplines, their history, techniques, and philosophy. These can include lectures, demonstrations, and interactive exercises to provide participants with a practical understanding of the sport.
• Open house events: Organize open house events at local martial arts gyms or clubs where the public has the opportunity to visit the facility, meet coaches and practitioners, and try out different martial arts training under the guidance of experienced instructors.
• Community events: Participate in local community events, fairs, or festivals where martial arts can be presented as part of the local culture and community. By showcasing martial arts at such events, you can reach a broader audience and increase awareness of its benefits and values.
• Online resources: Create informative and easily accessible online materials such as websites, videos, blog posts, and social media posts that provide the public with insight into the world of martial arts. This can include training tips, historical facts, interviews with practitioners, and much more, which is one of Ronin Magazine's goals.
• Collaboration with schools and youth organizations: Collaborate with schools, youth organizations, and other local institutions to integrate martial arts into educational programs and extracurricular activities. This can include offering martial arts classes as part of high school curriculum or organizing extracurricular martial arts programs for youth.
By using a combination of these strategies, you can effectively educate and inform the public about martial arts and contribute to creating a more positive and nuanced view of the sport. It is important to communicate the values and benefits of martial arts in an open and accessible way to attract and engage a wider audience.
Within the political spectrum, there may be a certain double standard in politicians' and governments' attitudes towards funding and support for combat sports and other athletic activities. On one hand, politicians and governments may endorse and promote youth activities in combat sports to foster health, confidence, and community among young people. This can include providing public funds to support training facilities, competitions, and coach education.
On the other hand, the same politicians and governments may be cautious about financing healthcare and aftercare for injuries that occur in combat sports, especially in professional MMA and other full-contact combat sports where the risk of serious injuries is higher.
This can be interpreted as double standards because politicians and governments, in a way, promote and support activities that can lead to injuries, while being reluctant to take responsibility for the costs of treating these injuries. However, there are many factors that can influence political decisions and priorities in this area, including available resources, health policies, and public opinions and values.
How can we combat the resistance to our activity?
As club owners or combat sports organizations, we can justify the existence of combat sports and the need for resources to counter resistance by employing several strategies:
• Healthy lifestyle choices: Emphasize the many health benefits of combat sports training, including improved physical fitness, increased self-esteem, and discipline. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, combat sports can be seen as a positive contribution to societal well-being and disease prevention.
• Prevention of negative behaviours: Demonstrate how combat sports training can serve as an effective tool for preventing negative behaviours such as aggression, violence, and drug use by promoting discipline, self-control, and respect for others.
• Social inclusion and community: Highlight the importance of the combat sports community as a place where people from different backgrounds and ages can meet, collaborate, and support each other. This can help reduce social isolation and promote a sense of belonging and solidarity.
• Safety measures and education: Showcase how combat sports training is conducted safely and responsibly by implementing strict safety protocols and providing training for both participants and coaches. By focusing on safety, concerns about injuries can be alleviated.
• Economic and societal benefits: Point out that combat sports can generate economic activity through tourism, competitions, and events. Additionally, combat sports can help develop important skills in participants, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, which can benefit society as a whole.
By emphasizing these aspects of combat sports and their positive impact on individual health, behaviour, and society at large, advocates for combat sports can work to convince sceptics and increase support for the sport within the community. It is also important to be willing to listen to and address concerns and objections from opponents in a constructive manner.
Summary: "Overcoming Resistance: Shedding Light on Prejudices and Changing Perspectives" discusses the resistance that combat sports face in terms of receiving support from society's economic resources and public opinion.
The article highlights various factors behind this resistance, including concerns about violent behaviour and injuries, as well as priorities within society's resource allocation. However, despite this, there is a strong belief that combat sports have many benefits, such as promoting health, discipline, and community, making them worth supporting and investing in.
To address the resistance, various strategies are presented to increase awareness and understanding of combat sports. This includes educational initiatives, open house events, community gatherings, and online resources to spread knowledge about the sports and their unique benefits.
Furthermore, the importance of showcasing safety measures and the economic and societal benefits of combat sports is emphasized to persuade sceptics and increase support for the sport within society.
Finally, the article calls for a dialogue between advocates and opponents to address concerns and objections in a constructive manner and promote a more positive and nuanced view of combat sports.
