Artur Hovhannisian

Bare Knuckle Karate is a unique combat sport. Where combatants fight with no protection (other than mouth guard and groin protector). Hand techniques are prohibited to the face and neck, but all else is allowed (hand techniques to torso, all leg and knee techniques allowed to head and body). Very few can argue that this style is one of the most difficult forms of combat. Check out Artur Hovhannisian, one of Kyokushin's top fighters. He is the 8th man to finish the 100 man kumite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVGET7OwBiE

Matee Vs Korcyl

Here's a clip of a great Shidokan Fight between Matee Jedeepitak and Tomaz Korcyl. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EArDXsSNwAA

Ilias Iliadis

Here is the incredible Ilias Iliadis, Olympic and World Champion Judoka. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BxI_sot-G0

Yoshukai Superfights

I saw some great fights this past weekend at the Annual Yoshukai Superfights in Oxford, AL. Congrats to to our kids and adults for doing an awesome job. All of our kids (Ricky, Max, and Zahkee) place first, competing in both point and full contact karate. All of our adults placed in the semi-knockdown (full contact with pads): Tristan, Kevin, Richard, and Khanty. During the evening bare knuckle fights, "Big" John, Vinny, Rhonda and Eric all fought well and placed. The event featured some of the top knock down fighters on the east coast. I was really impressed with a couple of fighters from NY who dominated the middle and heavyweight divisions. For those of you who've never seen full contact bare knuckle karate, you should go see some. These events are very different from other combat sports. Here you see kids and parents competing and cheering each other on. You have to fight and if you can't take punishment, it ain't for you. Great job to all the fighters, dojos, etc. And a special thanks to The World Yoshukai Karate Association for putting on a great tournament.

My Favorite Shidokan Fighter

In the 90s and early 2000s, Shidokan featured some awesome fights with some of the top combat athletes. Jerry Morris, Pat White, Marco London, Aurilien Duarte, to name a few. My favorite fighter was Kestutis Arbocius. He was the 1999 and 2000 Shidokan World Open Champion, King of Pancrase, and he was one to most well rounded martial artists you can find.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sX_uFKo5dU

International Shidokan Women's Superfight

Here's a great fight from the 2001 Shidokan World Open, featuring Roma Mitsyke and Miriam Ziegler.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-m_SlOlQ7g&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYe3FQeS4y0

Shidokan Women's International Bout

Here's an exciting Shidokan match featuring Roma Miksyte (Lithuania)  and Ziegler (Germany).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-m_SlOlQ7g

My First Book Signing

I want to thank all who came out to my first book signing at the the Rev Coffee House this past Saturday. It was a busy, good and bad day. After training folks and teaching classes in the morning and afternoon, we shot over to the Annual Japanfest and did a Shidokan Demonstration. The festival was packed (seems to get better each year). Rushing back to the gym before going to the book signing, I was in a car accident. Luckily, no serious injuries. But we had to wait for the cops to show and so now I'm in a bigger hurry. I get to the gym, start changing as I leaving, and fastening buttons at every light, I finally make to the book signing. People started to filter in late (which was good, because I was). My editor, Noel interviewed me and we did a Q&A with the attendees. We had a decent crowd for a Saturday evening event. And we were able to sell some books (at the Japanfest and the signing) that day. Thanks to all of you and for those who don't have my book yet, get it!!

Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz "Dirty Fighting"

You either saw or heard about this past Saturday's boxing show on Pay-per-View. Ortiz head butted Floyd and in response, Floyd knocked him out while Ortiz was apologizing, catching off guard. Was it legal? Yes. The ref did restart the fight (after penalizing Ortiz for the head butt). From what I saw, Ortiz was apologizing and not looking at the ref signaling the time keeper to start the clock. Floyd smiled, acknowledging the apology and then hit Ortiz with a hook, straight right combo that KOed him. Ortiz was completely wrong in the head butt (which resulted in a spit the both sides of Floyd's lip). What Floyd did can be justified, but I think that he should have been the bigger man and exhibited the class of a champion by not sucker punching his opponent. He was winning the fight, his opponent got frustrated and cheated. Floyd decided to get even and lower himself to a dirty level. He should have continued to out box his opponent and show that fans that he is a class act. After the fight, the interview with Larry Merchant was just as bad. Floyd blew his cool and cursed out Merchant, who in return wished he was 40 years younger so he could kick Floyd's ARSE. This type of behavior is unbecoming of a legend (which Floyd claims he is). I mean, you're a controversial high profile, rich athlete. You know the expert analysts are going to ask good and bad questions, make their comments, etc. Remain a gentleman and show the world you are a true champion instead of a hot headed kid.

I Thought Martial Artists Were Supposed To Have Manners

Shidokan Atlanta did a demonstration this past weekend at the Annual Japan Fest. As I was walking to the venue, I passed several martial artists, who were doing some type of demonstration at the event. They were either coming or going. I would say hello in passing (I was wearing a gym t-shirt and Karate pants). It seemed painful for people to speak to me (and I was the first to speak in all cases). I was received with respect by only 2 schools (I see them every year at the festival). I am happy to see people train in martial arts (regardless of style) and I expect some type of camaraderie between us. In the martial arts, they teach us honor, respect, discipline, etc. Many traditional martial arts have some kind of school commandments or oath. Unfortunately, I am finding a lot of martial arts folks to be insecure, egotistical and impolite. When I around fighters (boxers, kickboxers, etc.) they always speak and show respect. Many traditionalist think that fighters lack honor, discpline, etc. but they need to check themselves. Instructors lead by example. Your students are an extension of you. If you have insecurities, you pass them on to them. Always be courteous and respectful.

Be Ready To Fight Anybody!

A lot of fighters are picky about who they fight. Isn't that weird. If you say you want to compete and challenge yourself, surely you want to fight somebody who is good. Of course we want to feel good about ourselves and think that we are the best. But deep down we know that's not really true. A true competitor want to fight that good fighter they keep hearing about to see who they would fare against him. A true competitor wants to face an opponent who can possibly beat him. That's living on the edge. That's why I really like tournament style matches, were you don't know who you are going to fight from match to match. All you know is that you are in a playing field of tough MoFos. Whoever walks away the winner that day can feel like they've accomplished something. Fights where one guy fights another for a belt and they train for months with one opponent in mind is not the same. I wish promoters could just get a bunch of fighters in a room. Have warm up and get ready and then 30 minutes before the fights start, they reach in a hat and pick a name and whatever happens, happens. That way guys aren't googling each other and studying opponents of opponents and their trainers and training partners, trying to come up with a game plan based on what he did 2 years ago. Live in the now and welcome the challenge.

Semy Schilt

Semy Schilt is a multi K-1 Grand Prix Champion from Holland. He is also a karateka and MMA fighter who has fought for all the top organizations (UFC, Pancrase, K-1, etc). Check out this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gctB6Z0tsxY

Enter The Dragon

Bruce Lee's, "Enter The Dragon", was Hollywood's 1st major martial arts film. It is a classic piece. When I was a kid, I sat in the theatre and watched it 3 times. To this day, whenever it's on TV, I will watch from wherever I catch it to the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB-QGOChuQc

How to be a Champion by Richard Trammell--Book Release/Lecture - Neighbor Newspapers

Hello Everyone,

I would like to invite you to my book signing, Saturday 9/17th at the Rev Coffee Shop in Smyrna (6-8pm). Come meet me and my editor, Noel Plaugher, and listen to an interview and get your autographed copy of my book. OSU!

How to be a Champion by Richard Trammell--Book Release/Lecture - Neighbor Newspapers

Congrats to Shidokan Atlanta!

This past weekend was a successful belt test for Shidokan Atlanta. Our kids and adults did an awesome job in completing their requirements for their next rank. Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring) were tested. After an intense conditioning fitness test, they sparred 10 rounds (5 standing) and 5 rounds grappling. The went throw a throwing line, demonstrating several judo throws and the did some board breaking. I pick breaks that challenge students depending on their level. Soon we will put a video up to show the guys and gals in action.

Thomas Lapuppet

One of the pioneers in American Martial Arts was Thomas Lapuppet. I remember reading about men like him in Karate magazines as a kid.  He is a well renowned Shotokan master and was instrumental in spreading Karate throughout American.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLv9ZUx2hmM&feature=feedf

Security Guard Uses Martial Arts Against Assailant

Here's an example of when a guy with a little training fights a guy with no training.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_7fIYPzeFg&feature=player_embedded#

The Champs Choice Of Effective Arts Revisted

A while back I went over the martial arts that I suggest you learn. Here's another look at my top picks. They are all well known martial arts and a few are olympic sports. They all require great physical conditioning and you learn what does and doesn't work quickly. Boxing is a science that you will give you superior hand skills and toughen you physically and mentally. You will learn to put your body behind your punches and learn how to take a punch. Judo will teach you to throw, control and submit. More than individual techniques, the key benefit from this art is the transition from standing to ground. Tae Kwon Do gives you fast accurate kicks. A lot of the kicks would take great skill to execute in a real fight, but the flexibility, cardio and agility from TKD is a plus. Add some of the kicking drills from TKD and you'll get all the plyometrics you need. Muay Thai is the science of 8 limbs. For me, the low kick, the clinching (with knees and elbows) are the special tools. When fighting you and your opponent will eventually lock up (in a clinch) and you want to be able to dish out some punishment. These are proven systems and can be practiced as they will be applied in combat.

Hanging Out With Olympians

For my Labor Day Weekend I got to hang out with a Couple of Olympians. One being my Judo Coach, Leo White (2x Olympian in Judo) and Track and Field Legend Edwin Moses (Gold Medalist and World Champion in the Hurdles). Being a Morehouse graduate, I had to ask Edwin if it was true that he created his own unique stepping pattern to improve his speed (he has a Physics Degree from Morehouse). He replied, "Morehouse taught you well".  He is a very cool down to earth dude and is still in great shape. Here's a pic of me and some friends (Leo far left and Edwin 2nd from right). 

Sambo

Russian Sambo is known for it's throws, armlocks, and it's crippling leg locks. Check out this video to see why this is a unique and exciting martial art.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1hdbjkZ_uA&feature=feedf

1997 Pro Tae Kwon Do

Several years ago, a professional version of Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do aired on ESPN. It featured top level athletes from the U.S. fighting without the chest and head protectors. Here's a clip of a good match.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ilZjltVed8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuFw0aRoHlA&feature=related

Savate Highlight

Let's take another look at something outside the realm of popular martial arts (karate, jiu jitsu, etc.). Here's is the French art of foot fighting, Savate. It is a form of kickboxing that has a unique rhythm and approach to fighting. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WadTkRxeE5A