Airsoft - a misunderstood sport.

Weekend Warriors

Originally uploaded by alvinctanicala.
First off - my experience with the Baguio Airsoft Club( BAC) is excellent! The hospitality is truly awesome. Sa inyong lahat, maraming salamat!

Although I got interested in airsoft a couple of years ago, it was only fairly recent that I really joined the sport. There are revelations and serendipity in the experience.

I was surprised that Ion and Doc are airsoft enthusiasts! I know Doc because we meet during meetings(he's one of the top honchos in a big government hospital) ; while Ion (another top notch guy working at city hall) was a college buddy. I saw a few familiar faces - I see them along Session Rd - and I am happy to have met them because of the sport.

Now, why do I say its a misunderstood sport?

Well, tell me what you think about this imagery : in full military uniform; intimidating guns (never know if its the real thing or not); covered faces (masks); and usually seen like they are about to go to war or off to a conflict somewhere. Second impression: guns are bad; people with guns tend to be violent; people with guns are intimidating.

What they do not know is Airsoft is (aside from being a sport with a multitude of followers) a gentleman's sport - occassionally ladies come by to play, too.

Although the sport may seem about aggression and killing, it is not. In my five games with the group, I found out that aggression and the ability to "kill" and "be killed" is not the attraction. It's the discipline, the camaraderie, the patience, the endurance, the strategic thinking, the adrenalin; and, the exercise in restraint.

These are values that are found in most of the sports - values overlooked by many.

Unknown to many, the players of airsoft are respected members of society or diligent students. They would rather play weekend warriors and trade bb's and swap "war stories" than indulge in other "sports" where they exchage other things. ;)

A potential that is overlooked by many who do not understand the sport is the character-building component.

I can't wait for the next game!