Thomas Lapuppet

One of the pioneers in American Martial Arts was Thomas Lapuppet. I remember reading about men like him in Karate magazines as a kid.  He is a well renowned Shotokan master and was instrumental in spreading Karate throughout American.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLv9ZUx2hmM&feature=feedf

Security Guard Uses Martial Arts Against Assailant

Here's an example of when a guy with a little training fights a guy with no training.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_7fIYPzeFg&feature=player_embedded#

The Champs Choice Of Effective Arts Revisted

A while back I went over the martial arts that I suggest you learn. Here's another look at my top picks. They are all well known martial arts and a few are olympic sports. They all require great physical conditioning and you learn what does and doesn't work quickly. Boxing is a science that you will give you superior hand skills and toughen you physically and mentally. You will learn to put your body behind your punches and learn how to take a punch. Judo will teach you to throw, control and submit. More than individual techniques, the key benefit from this art is the transition from standing to ground. Tae Kwon Do gives you fast accurate kicks. A lot of the kicks would take great skill to execute in a real fight, but the flexibility, cardio and agility from TKD is a plus. Add some of the kicking drills from TKD and you'll get all the plyometrics you need. Muay Thai is the science of 8 limbs. For me, the low kick, the clinching (with knees and elbows) are the special tools. When fighting you and your opponent will eventually lock up (in a clinch) and you want to be able to dish out some punishment. These are proven systems and can be practiced as they will be applied in combat.

Hanging Out With Olympians

For my Labor Day Weekend I got to hang out with a Couple of Olympians. One being my Judo Coach, Leo White (2x Olympian in Judo) and Track and Field Legend Edwin Moses (Gold Medalist and World Champion in the Hurdles). Being a Morehouse graduate, I had to ask Edwin if it was true that he created his own unique stepping pattern to improve his speed (he has a Physics Degree from Morehouse). He replied, "Morehouse taught you well".  He is a very cool down to earth dude and is still in great shape. Here's a pic of me and some friends (Leo far left and Edwin 2nd from right). 

Sambo

Russian Sambo is known for it's throws, armlocks, and it's crippling leg locks. Check out this video to see why this is a unique and exciting martial art.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1hdbjkZ_uA&feature=feedf

1997 Pro Tae Kwon Do

Several years ago, a professional version of Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do aired on ESPN. It featured top level athletes from the U.S. fighting without the chest and head protectors. Here's a clip of a good match.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ilZjltVed8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuFw0aRoHlA&feature=related

Savate Highlight

Let's take another look at something outside the realm of popular martial arts (karate, jiu jitsu, etc.). Here's is the French art of foot fighting, Savate. It is a form of kickboxing that has a unique rhythm and approach to fighting. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WadTkRxeE5A