Kudo Match

Came accross this Kudo (Daido Juku Aka MMA Karate, etc.) from a fight in Russia. This style is expanding around the world. It encompasses all ranges of combat (punches, kicks, clinch, throws, knees, elbows, submissions, and head butts). A realistic yet safe way to fight full contact with all weapons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHhoERYuAV4&feature=related

Master Your Basics

Years ago, I was watching World Heavyweight Kickboxing Champ, Jerry Rhome hit the heavy bag. Each punch and kick was thrown with focus and precision. He was wailing away on the bag. I told him, "Jerry, I've seen you drop guys in fights and in the gym with ease. Do you feel like you've just got it?". He said, "No, I still feel like I can be a little sharper and I'm always improving my speed and timing". Years later, I understand that he meant that you need to keep your tools sharp. As my Tae Kwon Do instructor, Issac Thomas would say, "White belt, black belt is all the same, except that one has been doing it longer." So, folks, keep practicing your basics. They are your foundation to success.

Whatever Happened To Old Fashion Hard Work

Today I'm back on my soapbox hoping to inspire some folks to stop looking for short cuts and easy answers to pulling off those neat techniques that you see on TV or at competitions. The secret to the secret is that there are no secrets. There is only hard work. Trying to to find special advantages by taking expensive supplements, doing the latest workout routine (given by a sports conditioning specialist who never played your sport) is ok. But I've found that just good old hard training and practice at whatever it is you are trying to do as the best method of preparation. I not knocking supplemental training. I have notice thought that a lot of folks spend more time doing the supplemental stuff than the sports specific stuff. I will be putting out more of what I think you should do to get in shape and maintain shape over the next several days. So, stay tuned.

Shidokan Pakistan

Shidokan World Karate Association is all over the world. Here's a clip I came accross showing the Pakistan Honbu.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn9iKS2DLb4

Ramon Dekkers Documentary

Ramon Dekkers is one of the most successful western kickboxers. He had success all over the world and fought the best of the best Muay Thai fighters in Thailand. He is a legend in the sport of kickboxing. Check this out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnvnCNEtHkY&feature=related

My First International Fight Experience

I wanted to share with you my first international fight experience as a kickboxer. From the late 80s to the late 90s I competed in American Kickboxing (also known as Full Contact Rules Kickboxing (above the waist kicks). In 1994 World Champion Steve Shepherd promoted USA vs. Russia in West Palm Beach. Two 5-man teams competed against each other with USA edging out Russia. I was the middleweight representative fighting against Russian Kickboxing champion Alexander Voronin. Here it is.

Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpHwRe9cRTY

Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q602Ub4eqoE&feature=related

Body Shots

You want to break an opponent down, work the body. Getting stopped with body shot is painful. It is a slow death, whereas with a head knockout, you're just out. My favorite punch is a left hook to the body. Body blows weakens an opponent. It pays big dividends to start working an the body early. It takes energy to repeatedly beat up the body, so work your cardio. Check out this boxing body blow highlight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNNJjfx-Ojc