Kickboxing Vs. Muay Thai

Which is better, Kickboxing or Muay Thai? Neither. They are similar but different. They are scored differently and require different strategies. Muay Thai emphasizes power kicks and the clinch is what makes it different from other forms of kickboxing. Kickboxing (above the waist or low kick rules), don't allow clinching, so, boxing hands are more important. In Kickboxing you will throw more combinations and in Muay Thai you will throw harder shots because you most likely be grabbed. The great thing about K-1 style kickboxing is that it blends the styles togeter. The clinch is minimized so there is constant action. Nowadays when you look at this style, you see a mix of the Muay Thai and Kickboxing blended together. So, kickboxers, round out your skills and study both.

Defend Yourself With Footwork

In looking at defense what is the best way to defend yoursef? Footwork. Good footwork puts you in position to attack and gets you out of position of being attacked. You want to be in position where you are just out of your opponent's range but close enough where you can launch your attacks and get back to a safe distance. Using footwork and movement in the 2002 Shidokan World Open. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac2HLX34GMA

Shidokan Atlanta's Josh White USA Judo Nationals

Shidokan Atlanta's Judo Coach competed in the Open Division (he is only 81 kg)at the USA Judo National Championships a couple of weeks ago in. He first match was against Satoshi Ishii, the 2008 Bejing Gold Medalist. Josh fought his way back up throught the repecharge and earned Bronze. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OurZKaBplpA

Shidokan Tribute Video

Here's a very cool Shidokan Karate Tribute featuring a lot of fighters who helped popularize the "Triathlon of Martial Arts". Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk_NldfYJTQ

WKF Bronze Medal Match

The World Karate Federation is working hard to get Karate in the 2020 Olympic Games. I've put earlier posts up on this movement. I came across a great in this clip here. These guys are skilled and show a well rounded approach (punches, kicks, throws). Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAlWvkA8tJw&list=PLhP92QB0EhljWlt-njkcWA8Itg0RKCY0d

Beslan Mudranov

I came across this video of judoka, Beslan Mudranov. I like it because he has some awesome slams. Check him out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Zg_vxdLV8

On My Way To USA Judo Nationals Again

Getting ready to head out to Viringia today for the USA Judo Nationals this weekend. My friend from Wakamusha Judo Club will be competing in various divisions. I will be competing in the Master's division. This is my 2nd time going to the Nationals. I get to see some of the top players in the country (the young folks). I get inspired by watching Master's athletes in their 50s and 60s still getting out there on the mat. I will give you a write up on monday about my judo journey.

Muay Thai Explanation by Rob Cox

Here's a great interview with Rob Cox, a Muay Thai journalist and trainer. Here Rob talk about the art and sport of Muay Thai and it's impact on Thailand and the world. He will discuss the changes over the years and give you some insight into the life of fighters. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IiYzR8pLeY

1993 US Taekwondo Championships

Here's some old school Taekwondo (not to me because I'm an old dawg). There are some good matches to watch. This is how it was when I competed in the sport. No disrespect to the current players, but the level of intensity has changed (I know changes were made to make the sport more fan friendly and based on the last Olympic stats, TKD did well as a spectator sport). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XvA3JeNKXc

Nonito Donaire And Rachel Marcial

I just learned that Boxing Champ Nonito Donaire's wife is a Collegiate and National Taekwondo Champion. Here's a coulpe of clips of this champion couple. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GKPNj2mcK4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il-nnTuyklA

Weight Cutting Bad For You

I know I've talked to you guys about cutting weight before. I was talking to a couple of guys at the gym and I said that cutting weight are for those afraid to fight at their natural weight. They think they get a strength advantage. Cutting too much weight negatively affects the heart and kidneys, causes hormone imbalances, etc. Here's a great article on cutting weight. If you're out there losing more than 10lbs or so, man up and fight in your weight class. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/2/15/1311633/the-negative-health-effects-of

Russia Vs. USA Martial Arts Competiton

Interesting clip of a Russian Team fighting an American Team in a Gi MMA style of competition. Looks like Team USA needs a little more practice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXcmtfGu-Ak