The Madness of Excellence

Here's an interesting blog by Joe Rogan on the Madness of Excellence. You will see some footage of Ali, Jordan, and Tyson and here opinions of why they were great. It's a great piece. Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAzMlbl3Eqw

Cung Le Kick Highlight

I came across a pretty cool highlight video of Cung Le. Along with being an actor, Cung is a most known for his success in Sanshou (Chinese Kickboxing) and MMA. He is also a former Shidokan Team USA Champion. He is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and uses those skills in impressive fashion along with Greco Roman/Judo throws. Check out this kick highlight of him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kItU8sK7jgg&feature=plcp

Full Contact History

Here's a little knowledge for you. Here's a clip of the 1974 Full Contact Karate Championships. The first full contact martial arts event on American TV. Bill Wallace, Howard Jackson, Joe Lewis, etc. faced international competition. Tournament Karate champions sought a new full contact format of fighting. Out of this event, American Kickboxing grew. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuWlo4VSUo0

Does Size Really Matter?

I see and read a lot about fighters cutting weight to fight at lighter divisions. The philosophy is to be at the top of a weight class and have a strength advantage. I don't agree with this. I belief that an athlete should train hard and eat right and whatever he/she weighs, he/she fights. When not competing, the athlete should be within 10 pounds of their fight weight. Having to lost 20 plus pounds (especially in a short period of time) is not good. I belief that one should work on skill development instead of trying to get a size/strength advantage. For most of my competitive career, I fought between 155 and 160 lbs. I even fought guys at 168-170 lbs. I feel that my foundation is solid and I don't rely on strength as the determining factor in my performance. I use timing, distancing, and accuracy more than speed and strength anyway. My goal is to work smarter and let opponents work harder. I've come across lighter fighters who were very strong and I've come across larger opponents that I didn't think were that strong. Train hard and develop your skills, eat well, and belief in your abilities. The belief will make you strong than your opponents.

Judo Player And Weed

Many of you have probably seen the report of Nick Delpapalo being sent home from the Olympics for having Cannabis in his system. Nick claims to inadvertently have eaten some food laced with marijuana. This is on list of banned substances by the IOC and after his last match, he failed the test. Wow, it's amazing that weed will get an athlete in so much trouble. It sure won't enhance your abilities. I guess it makes your calmer than your opponent's giving you an advantge of being more relaxed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qa8GHrES7A

America's 1st Olympic Gold In Judo (Kayla Harrison)

Congrats to Kayla Harrison for being the 1st American to get a Gold Medal in the sport of Judo. Kayla has overcome much in her life to get where she is. She was molested by her 1st judo coach as a junior to competitor. She has triumphed over this and become a World and Olympic Champion. Here's an interview with the champ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg4H_6pgLOU

Coaches Protecting Fighters

As an instructor or coach you have to let your fighters get out their and mix up with good fighters. Many coaches protect their students by keeping them in what they think is an advantageous situation. As a fighter, I feel that I have to challenge myself and take on the best opposition. I want to know where I stand. If I win, I belong there. If I lose, I quickly learn what I need to fix. Again, QUICKLY learn. That means that I progress faster and I don't develop a false sense of security. I want my athletes to be fearless in knowing that they can handle themselves against quality opposition. So, challenge yourselves and don't be afraid to fight the best.