A Case For Traditional Karate

In this day of combat sports (MMA, Kickboxing, Boxing,etc.), there is still a need for traditional arts. Why? Because everybody can train in the traditional martial arts. Combat sports is for the most part geared toward competition. Most athletes have a career that ends when they stop competing they usually stop training. In martial arts there is the focus is on self development as opposed to doing what it takes to win a match. Traditional martial arts have a culture and provide an atmosphere for all to participate. There are many gyms to water down Boxing, MMA, and Kickboxing to get people to do exercise classes. All exercises is good as opposed to none. But at the heart of their purpose, not everybody is going to compete, so in that regard they are not true Boxers, Kickboxers, etc. In many cases they are learning these disciplines from coaches with little to no real experience. So, if you are not going to compete, try a traditional martial art like (Karate, BJJ, Judo, etc.).

Why Martial Arts Are The Best Exercise

Martial Arts are the best workout. Why would I say such a thing? First, let me say that any kind of exercise is good. You can run, swim, lift weights, etc. There are many ways to get in shape. Martial arts are more than exercise in that you learn technique, theory, and application. You go to class, warm up, review, learn new techniques, apply those lessons and condition your body. You test what you learn in stressed environment. You spar with your classmates and test your will. You have to deal with fear, fatigue, physical limitations, etc. When you are getting ready for a belt test or competition, you have deal with nervousness, anxiety, etc. If you can get on the mat and look another person eye to eye and punch, kick, throw, and submit them (with them doing them same to you), you learn who to keep your ego in check. Not many forms of exercise can do this. Martial Arts can. You have to be social, so if have trouble speaking in front of people you get over it. You develop confidence and learn through trial and error of what you need to do to get better.

Jack Of All Trades And Master Of All

We all heard the expression, "Jack of all trades and master of none". As a martial artist, I've decided to pursue mastery of all. Most of us will be good a one thing or maybe two. I have devoted my lifetime to trying to be good at all. Am I great at all of them, maybe not, but I feel that it is the goal. In school, you might have an A in some subjects, B in others, and so on. Let's pursue straight A's and to be great in all we do.

Battle Tested Techniques

How do you know what you learn will work in  reality. There are many instructors that will tell you that their systems is this and that. Some will criticize other systems and say that their system is superior to others. Well don't go for any of that if that person can't demonstrate to you that they are telling you the truth. In order for something to be effective, you have to be able to apply what you learn against a resisting and non-compliant opponent. For effective fighting technique you have have to have fighting experience. You don't have to go get in a real fight (it would help), but you have to spar with resistance. Don't get caught in concepts. Learn from those who have real life experience applying those techniques, not just those who have belt and certifications and no fights.

Fighting Decisions, Decisions, No Contest, Refs and Judges

I just got back from some fights in NY with one of our guys fighting for a title in the semi-main event. In the fight his opponent gets hit, moves back, twists or hyperextends his knee, falls and can no longer continue. I assume that my guy wins that title and the referee calls the match a No-contest. A No-contest usually results when something beyond the control of the fighters stops the match. In the case of a fighting moving and falling and not being able to continue, I don't think that constitutes a No-contest. Having torn ACLs in matches, I hoped back up and continued to fight. If I couldn't have continued, then the other other fighter should be awarded the victory. I don't think it should be declared a No-contest.

In looking at decisions determined by officials (refs, judges, etc.), I think that they should do all in their power to let the fighters determine the outcome. I would rather extensions rounds be added in the case of a draw. Depending on the sport, rulings should be based on the basic definition of the sport. For example in combat sports, the objective is dominate one's opponent with the most efficient techniques for that sport. In a boxing match, we know a right cross hits harder than a jab. So, if it boils down which wins between the two, the right cross should win as opposed to looking at it as both landed a punch.

It would be great if all officiating had competitive experience or training in what they are judging (believe or not, many times it is neither), we could see better decisions. As professional as commissions and organizations want to be, they main area the fail in is getting credible experienced people to officiate.

Self Defense, Realty Defense and Combat Sports

Even though Reality Self Defense claims to be different and superior to Traditional Martial Arts, in some cases they are alike. The argument is theory versus practical application. My thoughts are that you have to get experience applying it yourself. As a combat athlete, I've been fortunate to experience hand to hand combat to the fullest (striking and grappling in individual and mixed formats). From a reality perspective, I know what it's like to have bullets fly past and I have seen first hand the results of knife and gun violence. The first thing I will tell you is that awareness is the most important skill you can have. Reading body language is second. Controlling your emotions is next (appearing aggressive, passive, oblivious, etc.). All of these must be present before you can apply the physical or tactical skills. Combat sports will teach how to control emotion, pressure, stress, pain, and give you psychological aptitude that will help in a situation.

Self Defense or Offense?

If you train to be defensive, you are already behind your aggressor. You have to be offensive. My belief is hit hard, hit fast and hit first. When sense danger, act first. Be proactive no reactive.

Martial Arts For Fitness

The fitness business is big these days with all kinds of workouts to do. There is yoga, spin, cross-fit, rock climbing, etc. People will mix up there workouts where one day they do cardio, the next strength, the next flexibility and so on. For me, my primary way of staying in shape is through martial arts training. I train in several styles of martial arts that have different fitness requirements and develop different attributes. The aspects of power, endurance, flexibility, coordination, reaction, and many more more are met through these different martial arts. For example, with Judo I have to be explosive and have the constant resistance of another body along with isometric strength development in grappling. With kickboxing and boxing, I get an all around body workout developing explosive power, reaction, eye/hand coordination, and a lot of cardio. Through karate and taekwondo, I am working on flexibility, fluidity, focus, and precision. From time to time, I will squeeze in some Kendo and Kobudo (weapons) training which help with focus, grip strength, timing and distancing. I spar, grapple, skip rope, etc. So, through the martial arts, I am able to train myself mentally, physically and spiritually in what I consider the best way to do it.

Learning Through Self Discovery

In today's time we have a lot of resources to learn from. You can go online and find out how to do a lot of things. In martial arts we look for exciting things to do and want to the impressive moves we see other fighter and martial artists do. When do so we see the end result of years of practice that the person we are looking at has done and we want to be able to do what they do right now.

When I started kickboxing and boxing, there were no classes for it. You went into a boxing gym and a trainer would show you the basics (how to stance, move, basic punches) and initially he would give you a routine to follow. He didn't stand over you. He would check on you and see how well you worked on the given task. Once you got it, he would show you something else. You would watch the gym veterans and see how they trained and learn from watching. Once you started sparring you would learn what works for you and what doesn't.

Nowadays people sign up for classes and want instructors to prescribe their entire training. As I said, back in the day the coach would get you started. Then you would develop your method of training and learn what worked for you. After a few months, you should be able to do a workout and motivate yourself. You shouldn't have to be told to focus and do the work. Despite all the resources available through books, media, etc., I find that some people are unable to think for themselves. If a kid only plays with video games and never goes outside and uses his or her imagination, the won't know how to play without the game. The same is for the fighter who doesn't discovery their own path.

A Fun Ride

I had a quick ride through memory lane and just decided to jot down some of the many great people I had the opportunity to meet and train with. I started training in 1974 as a kid in Ft. Bragg NC. My first instructor was the late Grand Master Jimmie Brown (one of the founding members of the House of Discipline) and the school was the first martial arts program at Ft. Bragg. Upon returning to Atlanta in the late 70s, I trained under my big brother, Charles Trammell. In the mid 80s I started training with Master Issac Thomas (who has one of the longest running Taekwondo schools in Atlanta). Through Teakwood I had the opportunity to see some of the best kickers in 80s and 90s. In 1985 I went to a martial arts demonstration by Atlanta's first World Kickboxing Champion, Jeff Gripper. Afterwards I asked him a lot of questions and he referred me to the late James Asa Gordon, who was the premier trainer of Kickboxers in the hey day of PKA. I had the opportunity to train with the top in the sport at that time (Jerry Rhome, Jerry Trimble, Eddie Jones, Tony Reed, etc.). I got to see Evander Hollyfield, Don Wilson, Bob Thurman and Bill Superfoot Wallace train at Asa's. I even ran with Bad Brad Hefton. I fought my first amateur and first pro fights on Joe Corley promotions. Gripper took under his wing and contemplated coming out of retirement, thus making me a sparring partner. In boxing I had the opportunity to train with some of the best local fighters and some high level fighters (Sam Garr, Ebo Elder, Romalis Ellis, Robert Allen, David Taylor, JC Candello. O'neil Bell). In the 90s I met and became pals with Kelly Leo and Pedro Solona we got to see Muay Thai become popular. We saw NHB become MMA and American kickboxing give way to K-1 Kickboxing. I trained Judo with Master Nak Jun Kim (former Korean National Team Member), Bob Byrd, Dr. Gary Berliner. I would later train with Olympian Leo White and top international Judokas Josh White and Ernesto Serano. Upon seeing the Shidokan Triathlon (Karate, Kickboxing and MMA) on TV I set out to pursue the sport. After competing in the 2000 Shidokan Team USA, I learn more about the organization and art of Shidokan and in 2001 established Shidokan Atlanta. I have trained un Shihan Eddie Yoshimura and in Shidokan and Urban Combatives. So I end this rant of the past to say that I've had a fun ride over the years.

Real Karate

There are many styles of Karate. There are those that focus on the aesthetics, philosophy, and spiritual side of the martial arts. Then there are the few that focus primarily on the practical, physical and functional side, followed by the other qualities. I look at full contact Karate as the the answer to those who question whether Karate is practical or not. Because the sport is full contact and bare knuckle, it gives it's practitioners are realistic format to train. Of the full contact Karate styles out there, I consider Shidokan one of the top systems, because it incorporates grabbing, throwing and quick submissions. The focus in knockdown Karate is to incapacitate your opponent. Here's is a classic Shidokan video clip of multiple time Lightweight Shidokan Champion, Pat Smith. You will see effective Karate applied in such a way that you can't argue if it can be used outside of sport.

Shidokan Fight

Advanced Kihon (Flashy Techniques)

My lost post was about basic Kihon (basic) techniques. It is important to master the basics and build a foundation. Once you've done that then you can add a little spice. There are many out there who feel that flashy techniques (jumping, spinning, etc.) are impractical and useless. In full contact fighting, the basics are stressed. Basic boxing with the the good old front and round kick and some clinch knees and you have a solid game. I've always incorporated techniques from a few disciplines (karate, taekwondo) to kickboxing and muay thai to change things up. How do you defend what you don't know. Here's a clip from one of our fighters where he lands an incredible spinning hook kick knockout. Now this technique was set up with good punches and timing. Some will argue that it is not a high percentage technique, but when it lands it is unlike any other technique.

AJ "The Matrix" Weathersby

Karate Basics (Kihon)

Kihon are basic techniques of Karate. In Shidokan we practice traditional and fighting Kihon. The basics are key to any fighting system and in Karate, class starts with a warm up followed by basic techniques. Here is a clip from a couple of years ago, where we had the opportunity of having a stop by visit from Kancho Yoshiji Soeno, the "Kyokushin Tiger" and founder of Shidokan Karate. Over the years, every I time I've trained with him, the basics are always emphasized.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjl-PpCbLjg

Classic Shidokan Fight

Here's a great match between multiple time Shidokan World Champion, Marco London and Arne Solwedel. This fight is from the mid 90s, and shows the shift of the Shidokan World Open from bare knuckle karate tournament to the Triathlon (Karate, Kickboxing, and Grappling).

Shidokan Triathlon Fight

Why Practice Traditional Martial Arts?

In the martial arts world, there are traditional, mixed and reality/tactical based martial arts. I consider myself to be a student of all 3. Today's post I will talk tell you my thoughts on traditional martial arts training. In my style of Karate, we practice in a Gi (uniform), bow, and use Japanese terminology. Some of the culture from that arts country of origin is adopted. The practice of traditional techniques are done in a way to teach perfection of technique, precision and focus. I have used these concepts in other aspects of my martial arts training over the years. Even though I teach an eclectic style (karate, kickboxing, and grappling), I integrate some of the principles I've learned from traditional martial arts training. It's like music. I enjoy listening to classical, rap and metal. Combat sports are more physical and favor the younger athlete. Tactical martial art training, require you to shoot guns (so if you are anti-gun, this is not for you). All can benefit from traditional martial arts training. Young and old, fighter or not, one is able to focus and get centered in traditional training.

Unqualified Coaches And Instructors

Martial arts are a big business these days. Because the are ingrained in our culture through TV, Movies, and video games, most people are familiar with martial arts techniques. Commercial dojos and fight gyms are the norm and people make a living off of the martial arts. The unfortunate things is that many of these business are operated by unqualified people. They may have the business experience and smarts to run a business. I am not saying anything is wrong with that. Of course gym owners should be able to make money. My issue is with instructors who have no real experience trying to teach people how to defend themselves or compete. There are many young instructors teaching students around the same age and giving them advice on how to fight. Being around combat sports for some many years, I see guys who amateurs a few years ago coaching guys who have more amateur fights than they did. Would you let a doctor who hasn't done his residency see about you? I doubt it. Would you let someone who has only flown flight simulators fly you? No. It's like going to law school, never passing the Bar, and never working your way up in a law office, but yet you decide to open your own law firm. In martial arts and fitness you can pretty much do what you want. Market your stuff and be a good salesman (which are good attributes) is all you need to do. Like I said the business aspect of martial arts aren't bad, but consumers make sure you have a qualified provider of service.

Can You Do It Under Pressure?

How do you know if what you are learning will work? It has to be tested. In science class you go to lectures to learn theories and then you get the practical from the lab. The same is the case in martial arts and in most things you learn in life. Theory has to be applied in some form or fashion. Trials can be controlled and uncontrolled. They can be moderate or extreme. For example, you can try a technique on a training partner in light sparring, moderate sparring, or full contact sparring. You can even go to the extreme of competing against an opponent you are completely unfamiliar with. Through trial and error, you learn what works best for you in certain situations. When you learn something new, you practice it in a controlled environment and then you test it. Many times, people get stuck in theory and never get the chance to apply it. So, be sure to get in the lab in and test what you learn. Be able to apply it under pressure.

My First International Competition

In 1994, I was selected to be a part of Team USA in an international competition. I was one of 5 on a US team against Team Russia. This event was hosted by World Champ, Steve Shepherd in West Palm Beach, FL. Here's a video of my fight against Russian Middleweight Kickboxing Champion, Alexander Veronin.
Trammell Vs. Voronin

Back From Japan

I was in Japan a couple of weeks ago for the Annual Shidokan International Championships and 70th birthday of Shidokan founder Kancho Yoshiji Soeno. In addition to seeing some great fights of bare knuckle Karate and Gloved Karate, I had an opportunity to meet the Kyokushin's 1st World Champion, Katsuaki Sato. If you've ever seen the documentary, "Fighting Black Kings", you will remember him as the guy who wins the tournament. If you haven't seen it, be sure to check it out so that you can see how full contact Karate developed. Looking at the fighters from the early 70s, you can see that many of the Karate fighters come from the Shotokan point system by their stance and use of the reverse punch. The low kicks were snap round kicks with the foot. When you see a fighter like Sato, you see a fighter who is well conditioned and who has already adopted clinch and knee techniques from kickboxing. He uses Judo, spin back kicks, etc. Check him out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puff2gJtxPQ

Basics Are Key

In fighting a lot of techniques is not always best. Many times people look for flash and flare over substance. There is a simplicity to fighting. The most effective combat athletes use 2 to 3 techniques. Should you fear the man who has 1000 different techniques or fear the man who has practice 1 technique 1000 times. You better not let the later apply that technique. There is nothing wrong with learning a lot but make sure you have your basics down.