Zen and the art of Mixed Martial Arts
- Text by Advertorial
On the face of it, the world of mixed martial arts can seem a chaotic enterprise where aggressive physicality reigns supreme. But for British fighter Nick Osipczak, MMA has helped him cultivate a more spiritual perspective.
As part of a new collaboration with Lynx, Vice Sports meets with the London-born UFC welterweight fighter during his downtime to learn how the art of Zen influences his outlook.
The video is part of a larger campaign by Lynx to make guys feel more comfortable with who they are. Sport can provide a much needed release for many people, but the industry is no stranger to conventional notions of masculinity. For athletes like Nick, being unafraid to express himself is a crucial part of who he is.
Nick’s devotion to martial arts has also allowed him to incorporate Tai Chi and Taoist tenants into his daily life, with an interest in sacred geometry helping him focus his energy.
“I believe that there are fundamental underlying patterns which make up all of our reality and can be found in many examples in nature,” Nick says in the film. “And one of the ways I find I can learn about them more is by painting them.”
Art has not been a constant in Nick’s life. After studying it during his A-Levels, he didn’t paint again until a decade later. But ever since then, he has harnessed it as a way to navigate his consciousness.
“Once you’ve found the way, you can see it in all things. I like to think I’m just applying the same formula to whatever endeavour I take on.”
Nick’s experiences highlight the importance of expressing yourself and not shying away from your internal being. Regardless of what’s expected of him, he has found a way to channel art, spirituality and self-expression into everything he does – and is all the more powerful because of it.
Off-Day is a series of short films exploring the fun and weird ways that top athletes use their limited free time. Watch the rest of the series on Vice Sports.
Latest on Huck
Is the UK ready for a Kabaddi boom?
Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi — Watched by over 280 million in India, the breathless contact sport has repeatedly tried to grip British viewers. Ahead of the Kabaddi World Cup being held in Wolverhampton this month, Kyle MacNeill speaks to the gamechangers laying the groundwork for a grassroots scene.
Written by: Kyle MacNeill
One photographer’s search for her long lost father
Decades apart — Moving to Southern California as a young child, Diana Markosian’s family was torn apart. Finding him years later, her new photobook explores grief, loss and connection.
Written by: Miss Rosen
As DOGE stutters, all that remains is cringe
Department of Gargantuan Egos — With tensions splintering the American right and contemporary rap’s biggest feud continuing to make headlines, newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains how fragile male egos stand at the core of it all.
Written by: Emma Garland
Photo essay special: Despite pre-Carnival anxiety, Mardi Gras 2025 was a joyous release for New Orleans
A city celebrates — Following a horrific New Year’s Day terror attack and forecasts for extreme weather, the Louisiana city’s marquee celebration was pre-marked with doubt. But the festival found a city in a jubilant mood, with TBow Bowden there to capture it.
Written by: Isaac Muk
From his skating past to sculpting present, Arran Gregory revels in the organic
Sensing Earth Space — Having risen to prominence as an affiliate of Wayward Gallery and Slam City Skates, the shredder turned artist creates unique, temporal pieces out of earthly materials. Dorrell Merritt caught up with him to find out more about his creative process.
Written by: Dorrell Merritt
In Bristol, pub singers are keeping an age-old tradition alive
Ballads, backing tracks, beers — Bar closures, karaoke and jukeboxes have eroded a form of live music that was once an evening staple, but on the fringes of the southwest’s biggest city, a committed circuit remains.
Written by: Fred Dodgson