Judo Fight Tip

Here's a video clip showing a Judo transition in a no Gi environment. This is from the 2002 Shidokan World Open. This is the Semi-finals with Matee Jedeepitak. The throw is Osoto Gari (Outer Reap) and the submission is Ude Gatamae (Straight Arm Lock). I prefer to use and under hook when there is no Gi. With the sweat factor I control the wrist (at the glove) on the arm lock. In future videos I will show more Judo style take downs without the use of gloving and give you my 2 cents on how I apply them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QzFkjdhq0Q

Attacking The Body

Last weeks fight tip was on the clinch and knee. This week we look at the body attack. In the following clip we will look at ways of attacking the body (specifically the liver). When you stop someone with a body shot their body shuts down. Hitting the body wears opponents down and saps their strength. Unlike a knockout to the head wear you don't know what happens. With the body stoppage your are conscious of what is going on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO23mtOV1-M

Tips On Knee Strikes

This post will be the first of a series of fight tips my Me. This first video is on the clinch and knee. You will see the basics of Muay Thai. I look to secure the head and neck clinch. I use my opponents wide attacks to reach inside for the clinch. I use my forearms and elbows against the neck and collar bones and use the hands to control the top of the head. This nullifies my opponent's punch attempts. The clinch takes aways his posture to land effective blows. Even when my grips are on the outside, I lower my center of gravity and throw knees. Look for more fight tip videos from me in the near future.

Shidokan Atlanta Fight Tip 1

True Fighter Or Prize Fighter?

For those who compete, what kind of fighter are you? Many get into competing chasing the dream of fame and fortune. The few that make it to that level are able to train full time and fight for their livelihood. I have competed in combat sports for over 30 years. In the traditional arts (karate and taekwondo) of course there was no money to be made. You compete to simply challenge yourself. I got into kickboxing and boxing and I've known athletes who were able to do these as professions. I know of a few MMA fighter who are full time fighters. Out of all of the combat athletes who fight full time, I know of more boxers who were able to commit more time to their craft (they made more money). For me, I've always enjoyed competing just for the sheer fun of it. It is the ultimate way for me to challenge myself. I never competed for the sole purpose of making money. I've always worked a regular job and competition was my outlet. I would do it for free. Even though I was not fighting as a full time athlete, I was still fortunate to win national and international titles.

At 50 years of age, I still get physical by competing in Judo. Last summer I did a kickboxing bout against in an international competition against a young opponent (mind you it was a modified kickboxing bout with less impact and shorter rounds) and look pretty sharp. I even entered an international Kata competition in Hungary. For the most part I am all fighter and never placed above 3rd in Kata (forms) competition. Being primarily a fighter, I am still chasing a 1st place in Kata!

So, why do you compete? If it's for money, that's cool, but do it because you enjoy it and have fun doing it. Train for the sake of training and you will stay with it longer. I am still finding ways to challenge myself and I'm still motivated and exciting every time I train.