Inflicting Pain for Fun
There are a number of recreational sports which require one to punch, beat, or otherwise inflict pain on another person. Such activities include judo, boxing, fencing, tackle football and other similar contact activities. While such activities may appear to be harmless pastimes, engaging in these activities may actually be a prohibition of the Torah. Even wounding oneself, such as electing for surgeries which may not be truly required, is often forbidden as well.[1] It may just be that it was none other than Moshe Rabbeinu who taught the world that striking another person is patently wrong.[2]
The Mishna teaches that one who amputates a limb from another person's body will be responsible to pay all associated damages relating to that wound, even if he was specifically requested to do so. This is based to the Talmudic principle that a person never forgives one who causes him to lose a limb. Nevertheless, a person is given the option to forgo his rights for damages for suffering such pain. For example, when two people injure each other when wrestling or engaging in other contact sports, the inured party is unable to collect any compensation payments. This is because in such situations both parties are aware of the risks involved yet choose to engage in the activity anyway. As such, it is assumed that they absolve themselves from any possible future claims.[3] It seems that it is even permissible for one to inflict pain on another person at their request. [4] Not only is one permitted to invite pain upon oneself should one so desire, it is even permitted to engage in an occupation which posses some risk to one's life.[5]
Despite the Talmudic teachings cited above, the consensus of the halachic authorities is that it is forbidden to strike another person at any time, especially when angry, and doing so is a violation of the Torah.[6] Indeed, one who merely raises a hand against another is deemed to be a wicked person even if he doesn't actually strike him.[7] Some authorities take the prohibition of hitting another person so seriously that they rule that one who hits another Jew is to be excommunicated from the community until proper compensation is made.[8] Such a person is also unfit to serve as a witness in a Jewish court.[9]
Even when engaging in activities which require one to wound others may not be technically forbidden, it is certainly not within the spirit of the Torah to do so, and likely not the best idea, either. We are taught that one is always to distance oneself from any activities which are destructive to one's body. Indeed, we are instructed to make sure that our lifestyle and related habits are conducive to strengthening and protecting our body.[10]
[1] Bava Kamma 90a, 91a
[2] Shemot 2:13
[3] Tur C.M. 421
[4] Bava Kamma 92a,93a
[5] Igrot Moshe C.M. 1:104
[6] Rambam Nezikin 6:1, C.M. 420:1
[7] Sanhedrin 58b
[8] Rema C.M. 420:1
[9] Rema C.M. 34:3
[10] Rambam Deot 4:1