Daniel Chita

Daniel "The Samurai" Ghita is a super star in K-1 kickboxing. Powerful punches and hellish kicks come from this heavyweight fighters. Check him out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Tnom-7pYg

Best Hand Techniques: BOXING

I say this all of the time. The art of boxing has the best hand techniques. I watch fights of all kinds and the most damage done to an opponent usually comes from better boxing skills. No matter whether it's MMA, Kickboxing, or Muay Thai, all else being close to equal the better punches usually wins. From my experiences as a competitor, I feel that one of my advantages was that I had a boxing background. From the stand up point of view in combat, a fighter can use hands and feet. It is rare that you will find fighters skilled enough to make their feet stand on their own. The better boxer in this case usually has the upper hand (literally). So, go to a boxing gym (not a martial arts guy doing boxing) and learn the sweet science.

Korean influence on American martial arts

In looking at the evolution of martial arts in the last few decades, you see big changes. A lot of people may think that the spinnng back kick, axe kick, spinning back fist, etc. are part of some ancient martial art. When former military men came back from overseas duty, they brought martial arts systems from where they were stationed. Those stationed in Okinawa brought back Karate and those stationed in Korea brought back Tang Soo Do/Tae Kwon Do. The early American Karate tournaments consisted of Japanese based competitors. When the Korean influence came about, people had never seen the jumping and spinning kicks. A friend of mine who started out as a Shotokan guy back in the day said that his first time seeing a spin kick was during a fight. His opponent stands in front of him and is hopping up and down (like a Tae Kwon Do guy). The guy jumps and spins. My friend wakes up later in amazement realizing that he just got knocked out with a spin kick. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-KPUjNLgOU&feature=fvwrel

Okinawan Karate Demo

Here's a nice demo of Karate. Some old school training here and everbody is in sync. Wintess the focus and the power. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaDQoFR3gM4&feature=related

Akira Masuda 100 man Kumite

This will take to time to watch, but if you are not familiar with the 100 Man Kumite, check it out. Akira Masuda is one of Kyokushin's greatest fighters. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-cB1kyqk

Boxing Shoes Vs. Barefoot

I was doing a few rounds of boxing sparring with a young fellow yesteday. I usually spar barefoot even when just working hands only. For the first time in a long time (years), I put on my boxing boots to train in. Wow! I forgot who different the footing was and how the advantages to wearing shows. As stated, you get better footing. You have more leverage and by being able to grip the floor with the shoes, you can punch harder. For those of you who've never boxed, try a few rounds with a real boxer and feel the difference.

Best Kata Ever

This video clip will make think about complaining next time you do anything. This young man is truly inspirational. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqmASFA7eB0