Spin Heel Kick KO

Here's a great knockout clip. The spin heel kick comes from the floor straight up to the target. The leg does not bend like in a spin hook kick. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_CjyvZNIWk&list=UUY-8bI-aTCzLnJqjV_HF4kA

A Day In The Life Of A Muay Thai Fighter

Muay Thai fighters in Thailand grow up in the sport. By the time they hit their mid 20s, they are seasoned veterans with over 100 professional fights and many retire. Check out this video of a a young champion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnfYkfZC4oc

Spin Hook Kick Knock Out

Spinning kicks are high risk techniques for big returns. When the timing and focus is on, the kicker can end a match instantly. Check out this Taekwondo match between Korea and Greece in the 2004 Olymics. You will see the KO about half through the clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSsEniLha5M

Do Judo Fighter Have Good Groundwork?

As a judo player, I get asked about judo newaza (groundwork skills). Many people think judo is just about throws. That is not the case. Judo as an art consists of a balance grappling approach to standing and ground techniques. Competitive judo does emphasize throws of ground fighting and a lot of judo players will focus on the standing aspect more. I know judo players that have incredible ground skills. Where I do feel that judo players have a strength is in their tranisiton from standing to ground. On the high competitive levels the submissions happen quickly and happen during the transition. So, for the judo fighter, he/she has to link the throw to ground effectively to be able to use ground skills. Train in a manner than creates quick submissions. Judo Newaza Highlight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he2GttCwiYE

Which Style Has The Best Kicking Techniques?

For as many different styles of martial arts, there are just as many philosophies on kicking techniques. Some emphasize speed and some power. Some as follow through, thrust, or snap. Which is better? None. Different situations call for different kicking methods. Now, the karate and tae kwon do fighters will use more of a controlled snap. The kickboxers and thai boxers will kick through. For me, I use a cross between the two (snap with a little follow throw). I don't try to kick hard when I kick. I relax and let my legs whip out without locking the joint (bad on the knees).

What Is Effective?

What is effective and what is ineffective for fighting? We see guys throw high kicks and spin kicks and we say that's not effective for real fighting. We see guys throw guys, control them on the ground and somebody says grappling is dangerous in a real fight. Some say ring and cage fights aren't real fights. Check this out. They are real fights. Real fights within a set of rules. Look at boxing. Guys square off in a ring with gloves and go at it. Boxing doesn't allow take downs and kicks, but we all can agree that boxers can punch more effectively than most other martial arts. Let's look at the spinning back kick. If I can land it on a trained kicker who sees them everyday, why wouldn't I be able to land them on someone who is not. Let's say you are good stand up fighter (with no grappling experience) and you get in a tussle with a judo guy. Let me tell you, you are going for a ride to the ground and there is nothing you can do about it. Making techniques work is believing in them and also exposure to different arts. Explore and don't listen to the theories. You must experience it or train with those who have experienced it. Learn what you are capable of and find what's effective for you.

Sparring Is The Best Training Tool

You run, lift, hit the back, swing the kettle bells, flip the tire, etc. What will get you most prepared for your sport? How about drilling your technique 1000 times or shadow boxing for an hour? All of these are good to do and the supplement what you do, but your training must be specific to what you do. A basketball player does not practice with a soccer ball. He doesn't shadow shoot. He uses the right equipment and most of his practice is through scrimmage games. I've seen world class boxers who looked horrible hitting the speed bag, but once the got in the ring hit somebody in the body, WOW. You have to spar to get better at your sport. I can lift more weights than some of the guys I do judo with, but their functional strength in judo makes me feel like an ape just grabbed me. One of the hardest punches I received was from a guy who weight 125lbs.

Mental Toughness

Here's is former Navy Seal Mark Divine talking about mental toughness. Check out his youtube Channel and find out more about The Unbeatable Mind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fSFBNxtlOI

Traditional/MMA Fighter Eric Henry

Here's and interesting interview with MMA fighter Eric Henry. Eric uses traditional martial arts techniques in his MMA career. He talks about his views on Kata, MMA, and street fights. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g82L1XeWmVM

B-Hop Makes History Again!

Bernard Hopkins put on a beautiful display of boxing against Tavaris Cloud to once again become the oldest man to win a world title in boxing at age 48 (he did it two years ago). He beat a credible opponent and showed he is still one of the best in the business. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7nVq3VO-T8

Rickson Gracie Teaching Son

Here's a great clip of BJJ legend Rickson Gracie teaching his son (who was killed years later). Great principles of leverage explained. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ureEG7qbBTA&list=UUxTYLr-yH8KyD5HnzElQBvA&index=20

You Sport Is The Best Training Method

In the last post I talked about being the gym champion who can't perform in competition. I've also posted my opinions on training methods that athlete use to get ready for their sport. Remember that the most important method of preparation is to do that activity. Everything else supplements that sport. In designing a workout program, see how much time you have to develop towards your sport, cardio, stretching, strength, etc. You have to balance it out so that you touch on each area but you have to develop your skills. Look at pro football players. They lift, they run, etc. Don't be fooled by their conditioning routines and think that the skills they have in throwing, catching, picking up speed off the first step, etc. Those skills come from playing the game. All other training supports those skills developed through experience.

Gym Victories Do Not Prepare You For Real Fights

When training to you go all out? Is it necesarry to go all out? Are you sparring or fighting in your training sessions? When training you must create an atmosphere where you can work on things without getting hurt. If you are more experienced, bigger, stronger, or faster than your training partners, handicap youself so you can work on weaknesses. I feel that I can train with anyone and get something out of a training session. If I'm faster than someone, it doesn't help me or him to hit and stay away from him. I want to put myself in position where my training partners can do their techniques and I can react. You must leave your ego outside and give your body to your training partners and vice versa.

Gohan Saki

Gohan Sakai is one of the top heavyweights in kickboxing right now. He finished 2nd to Semmy Schilt in the Glory Heavweight Tournament this past New Year's Eve. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WdRiUec4yE