Judo Throw On Concrete

This is a crazy video but it illustrates what happens when someone who knows zero about throws faces someone who does. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCHoIFHiq1o

Winning Isn't Everything

In sports, everybody has to win and somebody has to lose. In full contact fighting, my ultimate goal was not just to win. My goal was to win by stoppage. As a Tae Kwon Do fighter, it was difficult to win by KO. I would enter tournaments and fight 3 to 4 opponents each tournament. I would win at least one by KO. In boxing and kickboxing, I always looked for the KO. In Shidokan Triathlon I looked for stoppage by KO or submission. In Judo, I look for win by Ippon (making an opponent land on his back, pin, or submission). In decisions, judgements are made by officials. Many times athletes are judged by poor judging. I hate when people with no combat experience evaluate fighters. When you stop an opponent, you decided the outcome and no one can ever say should of, could of, or would of. Close matches can go to either fighter, so for me, I would still sometimes be upset if I didn't win by stoppage.

Hit the Heavy Bag

A lot of fighters prefer mitt and pad work to develop technique. These require a good pad man and you would only have a limited time for this method of training. Heavy bag work and shadow boxing are to key methods to developing good techniques. There are functional exercises that develop your skills and you can do these by yourself. The techniques of a boxer or kickboxer is developed through repetition and many solo hours. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcoQJL331CM

2012 USA Judo National Championships

I just a great experience in Dallas, TX this past weekend. I went to the 2012 USA Judo National Championships. I watched some of the best Judo players in the country compete. I saw a lot incredible throws, chokes and arm bars. There watched for the first time, visual impaired athletes compete. I was truly impressed. I competed in the Master's division (45-49 years old). First of all, I must say that all of the master's were impressive. Many of them are instructors like me and some where high level players from other countries who now live and teach in America. It was a great experience for me. I managed to win gold in my division. I look to continue as my competition career extends. I was truly inspired watching guys in their 70s fight. Always challenge yourself.

Hidden Throws in Karate?

I was looking at some videos on Youtube showing hidden throws and takedowns hidden in karate katas. I have yet to see these application experts show me a practical technique out their so called practical interpretations. First of all, no one is going to punch at you like they demonstrate, things are not going to line up so you can move at the angles they tell you to. Yes, old school karate guys used sweeps and throws. These techniques came from other influences like judo. They didn't learn them through the break down of kata moves. Throws and takedowns don't work that we way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y-ZYb-CsUw&feature=related

Shidokan Triathlon

The Shidokan Triathlon was a great learning experience for me. It is truly the direction I think Karate stylists should follow. It encompasses old school with new school, mixing traditional with modern practices. As a competition, it brought different martial arts styles together. I had the opportunity to compete against champions in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Jujitsu, MMA, etc. It was the only tournament where I competed with several world class fighters on one evening. We (U.S. Shidokan) have some things in the works. So, get ready for the "Triathlon of Martial Arts" to return.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_R6loHvzdg

Army Combatives

Mixed Martial Arts have made their way into the military. The Army has included this in hand to hand combat training. So, for those that don't see MMA as a valid reality based fighting system, think again (or better yet fight in a tournament). The military is doing it. Check this out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8dpm7krSbc&feature=related

Knock Out Highlight

Here's a cool clip featuring almost every kind of knock out you can see in combat sports. Punches, kicks, knees, slams, etc. are featured in this. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWKpLEJQoHQ&feature=g-vrec&context=G25e85d1RVAAAAAAAAAw

Push Up Drills

Here's a clip of some push drills for you to try. Knuckle, finger, two finger, etc. are covered. You will condition your hand for combat while getting a great workout to make your upper body stronger. Also, I will show you a clip of me doing some finger push ups. Check them out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBr17GgG6m8&feature=g-all-c&context=G25b94adFAAAAAAAABAA

Here I am doing 3, 2, and 1 finger push ups.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1JLeUnrlPo

Competition is Necessary

Is competition necessary for martial artists? Yes! Most martial arts classes are based on theories. There is nothing wrong with theory, but practice has to be practical too. If a veteran boxer says he can knock you out, he says this based on experience. He has been in contact situations that have allowed him to learn how to throw debilitating blows. The wrestler is the same in that he has been taking opponents down since he was 6 years old. The martial arts student who goes to class, advances in rank, but has no fights of any kind is in for a rude awakening when put in a fight situation. Either you or your instructor has to have some type of experience. If you are trained by fighters, then they can streamline their knowledge and simulate what you need to be prepared.

Anderson Silva

Here's a clip of the pound for pound top MMA fighter, Anderson "The Spider" Silva. Check out the most well rounded athlete in the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj0o4BEUUK4

Mentally Win From The Beginning

As a fighter you need to prepare yourself mentally to compete against the toughest opponent imaginable. You have to see who the top guys are and put in your mind that you want to beat them. Even as a beginner, say to yourself "I will be the Champ". What this does is makes your mind desire the highest level. Even if you don't become a champion, you will get further than you would have if you'd adopted the lesser goal. Fight the best opponents to push yourself. Don't be afraid to lose because this makes you avoid what you perceive as difficult. Because it is only perception. It is not real if you tell yourself it isn't.

Modern Warriors Documentary

Here's a documentary with well known martial artists (Bob Wall, Peter Cunningham, Stephen Hayes, Benny Urquidez, etc.). It shows the development of martial arts in America. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8-7VjMMGOQ

Christophe Pinna

Here's a highlight of Shotokan fighter Christophe Pinna. Awesome kicks and perfect timing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uyuN-08HL8