Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz "Dirty Fighting"

You either saw or heard about this past Saturday's boxing show on Pay-per-View. Ortiz head butted Floyd and in response, Floyd knocked him out while Ortiz was apologizing, catching off guard. Was it legal? Yes. The ref did restart the fight (after penalizing Ortiz for the head butt). From what I saw, Ortiz was apologizing and not looking at the ref signaling the time keeper to start the clock. Floyd smiled, acknowledging the apology and then hit Ortiz with a hook, straight right combo that KOed him. Ortiz was completely wrong in the head butt (which resulted in a spit the both sides of Floyd's lip). What Floyd did can be justified, but I think that he should have been the bigger man and exhibited the class of a champion by not sucker punching his opponent. He was winning the fight, his opponent got frustrated and cheated. Floyd decided to get even and lower himself to a dirty level. He should have continued to out box his opponent and show that fans that he is a class act. After the fight, the interview with Larry Merchant was just as bad. Floyd blew his cool and cursed out Merchant, who in return wished he was 40 years younger so he could kick Floyd's ARSE. This type of behavior is unbecoming of a legend (which Floyd claims he is). I mean, you're a controversial high profile, rich athlete. You know the expert analysts are going to ask good and bad questions, make their comments, etc. Remain a gentleman and show the world you are a true champion instead of a hot headed kid.

I Thought Martial Artists Were Supposed To Have Manners

Shidokan Atlanta did a demonstration this past weekend at the Annual Japan Fest. As I was walking to the venue, I passed several martial artists, who were doing some type of demonstration at the event. They were either coming or going. I would say hello in passing (I was wearing a gym t-shirt and Karate pants). It seemed painful for people to speak to me (and I was the first to speak in all cases). I was received with respect by only 2 schools (I see them every year at the festival). I am happy to see people train in martial arts (regardless of style) and I expect some type of camaraderie between us. In the martial arts, they teach us honor, respect, discipline, etc. Many traditional martial arts have some kind of school commandments or oath. Unfortunately, I am finding a lot of martial arts folks to be insecure, egotistical and impolite. When I around fighters (boxers, kickboxers, etc.) they always speak and show respect. Many traditionalist think that fighters lack honor, discpline, etc. but they need to check themselves. Instructors lead by example. Your students are an extension of you. If you have insecurities, you pass them on to them. Always be courteous and respectful.

Be Ready To Fight Anybody!

A lot of fighters are picky about who they fight. Isn't that weird. If you say you want to compete and challenge yourself, surely you want to fight somebody who is good. Of course we want to feel good about ourselves and think that we are the best. But deep down we know that's not really true. A true competitor want to fight that good fighter they keep hearing about to see who they would fare against him. A true competitor wants to face an opponent who can possibly beat him. That's living on the edge. That's why I really like tournament style matches, were you don't know who you are going to fight from match to match. All you know is that you are in a playing field of tough MoFos. Whoever walks away the winner that day can feel like they've accomplished something. Fights where one guy fights another for a belt and they train for months with one opponent in mind is not the same. I wish promoters could just get a bunch of fighters in a room. Have warm up and get ready and then 30 minutes before the fights start, they reach in a hat and pick a name and whatever happens, happens. That way guys aren't googling each other and studying opponents of opponents and their trainers and training partners, trying to come up with a game plan based on what he did 2 years ago. Live in the now and welcome the challenge.

Semy Schilt

Semy Schilt is a multi K-1 Grand Prix Champion from Holland. He is also a karateka and MMA fighter who has fought for all the top organizations (UFC, Pancrase, K-1, etc). Check out this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gctB6Z0tsxY

Enter The Dragon

Bruce Lee's, "Enter The Dragon", was Hollywood's 1st major martial arts film. It is a classic piece. When I was a kid, I sat in the theatre and watched it 3 times. To this day, whenever it's on TV, I will watch from wherever I catch it to the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB-QGOChuQc

How to be a Champion by Richard Trammell--Book Release/Lecture - Neighbor Newspapers

Hello Everyone,

I would like to invite you to my book signing, Saturday 9/17th at the Rev Coffee Shop in Smyrna (6-8pm). Come meet me and my editor, Noel Plaugher, and listen to an interview and get your autographed copy of my book. OSU!

How to be a Champion by Richard Trammell--Book Release/Lecture - Neighbor Newspapers

Congrats to Shidokan Atlanta!

This past weekend was a successful belt test for Shidokan Atlanta. Our kids and adults did an awesome job in completing their requirements for their next rank. Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring) were tested. After an intense conditioning fitness test, they sparred 10 rounds (5 standing) and 5 rounds grappling. The went throw a throwing line, demonstrating several judo throws and the did some board breaking. I pick breaks that challenge students depending on their level. Soon we will put a video up to show the guys and gals in action.