Fight or Entertain?

Fighers get criticized for entertaining instead of just fighting. What should fighters do? Well, I will tell you this, whatever they want to do. Personally for me, it was always fun to fight. I liked competing and didn't feel the anger or rage of fighting. I was never mad. Now that doesn't mean that I took opponents lightling. They better the opponent, the better I performed because I look at it like chess. I fight mentally not physically. Angry bodies send off a certain kind of energy. The intent behind what one does and how they deliver their techniques are different when angry than when calm. I can sense it and read it. Just because you have fun doesn't mean that you are not trying to hurt or stop an opponent. Hurting an opponent doesn't have to be done because one is angry. I always wanted to win by stoppage over decision and at the same time have fun (I know it sounds sadistic).

UFC 168 Main and Semi Main Events

The UFC fights were great this past weekend. Chris Weidman showed all that his 1st win over Anderson Silva was not a fluke, meaning that he is a legitimate champion. It's unfortunate how the fight ended with Silva throwing a low kick, Weidman blocking it with his knee and breaking Silva's leg (in the 2nd round). Sometimes a fighter has another fighters as his Achilles heel and maybe Weidman is Silva's. Rousey vs. Tate II was a great fight with Ronda once again getting the armbar finish. Tate did do what no other has so far and that is get Rousey to the 3rd round. Rousey throw some punches and kicks for the first time and we saw some amazing throws and transitions from Rousey.

Thailand Prison Fights

There is a prison in Thailand where inmates fight for reduced time. They bring in foreigners for them to fight in boxing and muay thai matches. Here's a clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg7GFtAKtHo

IBJJF World Championships Highlight

Here's a cool highlight of the IBJJF World Championships. You will some awesome transitions and submissions from some of the best BJJ players on the planet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQylr1iKII4

Kickboxing's Best

I watched Glory Kickboxing this past weekend and enjoyed some great action. Glory is being marketed as kickboxing's best fighters. There are a lot of good fighters but don't forget that there is still some other kickboxing organizations out there with some really good fighters too. I watched this fight over the weekend on Youtube with Buakaw winning Max Muay Thai finals. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqUcb60Qo2s

Takanoyama Sumo Highlight

Sure we've all heard of and have seen Sumo on TV at some point and time. We make fun of 2 fat guys in thongs bumping bellies. But, Sumo is far from a joke. I was shown this highlight of Takanoyama (Pavel Bojar), a famous Sumo player from the Czech Republic. He is smaller and utilizes a lot of judo techniques in his style. Check him out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2DP467Tm8s

Shindokai Karate Demo

Came across this demo and wanted to share. Shihan Giles Richard started Shindokai Karate. Shindokai is an offshoot of Shidokan Karate. Part I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEQoWw1x3Lg Part II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEQoWw1x3Lg

Silva Vs. Weidman II

The next big UFC fight is almost here. Chris Weidman will try to keep Anderson Silva from recapturing the Middleweight Championship. It will interesting to see what happens. In the their last outing, Silva got caught playing. Will he show boat or will he get serious from the start. Chris will want to show that his win was not a lucky shot. Let's see what happens. Press Conference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ7_Vqo_SY4

Adrien Broner Losses For The 1st Time

Maidana solved the "Problem" this past weekend by dismantling Adrien Bronner. It was a great fight and both fighters fought hard. Bronner is a young, brash, crap talking fighter who is supposed to be the next Floyd Mayweather. He was dominate at 140lbs and is now fighting at 147. As with all athletes who move up in weight, the knockout power doesn't go up with them. If you didn't see it, see it!

Want To Be A Pro Fighter?

Everybody wants to be a professional fighter but not everyone wants to pay their dues. What type of dedication does it take? Are you running, hitting the bag, doing your conditioning, and getting your sparring rounds daily? Are you getting the proper nutrition and rest (not hanging out and partying too much). Do you visit other gyms to train with other people or do you stay in your own safe training environment? Do you stay in shape so that if you get called to fighting tomorrow, your are ready? Will you fight anybody and think you can be the top guys? If you can answer these question with yes, then you are ready to be a pro. If not, you're just a hobbyist.

Despite driving 2 hours to and from in the rain, I made it down to Birmingham yesterday for a knockdown karate tournament. It was a small tournament but there was some good action and I always enjoy seeing some good ole bare knuckle karate. Here's one of my students banging it out with his local rival the 3rd time (the previous two he won and this one, his opponent get's the decision). Wanted to share so you can hear and appreciate the sound of a low kick agains Gi pants (has a different sound than bare thigh) and appreciate bare handed fighting. It's raw and basic (of course I prefer Shidokan Knockdown rules to Kyokushin for a little clinch, throw, etc.). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI2_jyiOlyw

The Best Submission Techniques, Chokes

In grappling you will all kinds of locks, cranks and submissions. Cool armbars and fancy leg locks. The philosophy behind joint locks is causing damage so your opponent can't use those limbs. But, I want you know to know that the best submission is a choke. You need to put them to sleep. When anger and adrenaline is flowing or if someone is on something (i.e. drugs, alcohol), their pain receptors are off. I've had students fight in MMA and Muay Thai and get their arms broken and in the 2004 Shidokan World Open, I had a heel hook applied (popping ankle and knee). We were all able to continue fighting. Keep in mind that some guys are hard to knockout and breaking their limbs while they're angry just makes them more angry. So make sure you learn some chokes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aOw22ftI1Y

Cardio Is King

Last post, I talked about strenghth and technique. Today, let's look at cardio. Without cardio, you strength won't last and your technique will get sloppy. If two tough fighters go at it, after a round or two, the one with better cardio usually wins. You can fight someone that's weaker and at first their blows don't phase you. Later on during the match, you start to feel those blows that felt like nothing at first and the accumulation of those blows take affect. It's best to develop your cardio doing your sport. Sparring is most important. After that you have, running, rope, etc. Training must be specific to the activity.