Kyokushin Highlight Video

Kyokushin Karate is known as the "Strongest Karate" as fighters compete under knockdown (no pads) rules. The style (created by Mas Oyama) grew out of traditional karate practice into a more modern practical approach. The emphasis is on Kumite (free fighting). I came across this cool highlight of the style. Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C9SnOhEmiQ&feature=related

Savate Champion Amri Damani

Here's a couple highlight featuring something different. This is the "Art of French Foot Fighting". It is called Savate. Check out Amri Damani. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6Bxh39MznA

Why I do Judo?

The art of Judo is my grappling base. I have trained with martial artists from other grappling styles (wrestling, BJJ, etc.) and I incorporate techniques from these other styles into my overall grappling style. Being a kickboxer and tae kwon do guy for many years, I feel that judo goes well with what I do. When two guys are exchanging punches many times a clinch will take place. In the case of muay thai where you can grab and knee, clinch training is crucial. Judo gives me many options from this position. When I competed in Shidokan Triathlon tournaments (karate, kickboxing, grappling), during the karate phase, judo came into play. We had to wear a gi, kicks were allowed to the entire body, no punches to the head (because this was bare knuckle), and clinching and throwing are allowed. Judo also provides balance and by knowing what removes balance you can better defend take downs. Many people see judo as more of a throwing art and they don't think much of judo's ground game. I've been fortunate to train with judo coaches and players who approach the art and sport with a balance. The great thing about judo is that you develop skills in both areas so that if you face someone better in one area, you have a back up. Since I know longer compete in full contact hitting sports, I am still able to get out on the mats and compete in judo. I am humble because the dominance I had as a kickboxer is not the same for this sport. Everytime I train with my judo friends I learn something new. In my 40s, I still have an competitve outlet that allows me to gain new experiences.

My Kickoxing Style

Having a 20 year career in the sport of kickboxing and having fought under different rules, I get asked sometimes about my particular style of kickboxing. I come from a Korean martial arts background (Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do). I started training in American Kickboxing (aka Full Contact Karate, above the waist rules) in 1985. In order to do well in this sport you had to learn how to box. After spending several years in boxing gyms and training with top notch boxers, I started boxing competitively. Also during this time, I met other kickboxing stylist (low kick and muay thai) and through training learned new techniques and other methods of training. In the 90s I started to learn pure muay thai. I spend 3 years training 6 days a week just like one would in a Thai Camp (running, bag and pads, neck wrestling, sparring, etc.). By the time 2000 came, I was able to effectively blend all of my experiences into a unique approach to stand up fighting. Having been a high level Tae Kwon Do competitor (I finished 2nd in the nation at one time), having been an amateur and professional boxer (above average as a boxer but able to box better than 90% of my fellow kickboxers), having won a U.S. Kickboxing title (ISKA Full Contact Lightmiddleweight title) and having fought in an 8 man Muay Thai tournmanet (Shikon Thai Boxing Grand Prix in Europe). So, with all that said, I've been able to blend the experiences of individual sports in one system. I have been able to change the dance with opponents. By that, I mean I can catch their rhythm but give something different that they have trouble picking up on. If they do, I give them something else. Because these speciality areas have different ranges, strategies and training methods, I've been able to apply all of them whenever I needed to for an advantage over the competition.

Anderson Silva Is The Best MMA Fighter

In my opinion, Anderson Silva is the top dog in MMA. What he did this past weekend to Stephan Bonnar was awesome. Silva makes good fighters look bad. He is the 1st fighter to stop Bonnar. Many want to see him fight GSP and Bone Jones. Hopefully these matches will happen sooner than later (as Silva is in his late 30s now). As far as today is concerned, I think he's the best.

Anthony "Showtime" Pettis

Here is a great highlight featuring Anthony "Showtime" Pettis. Anthony combines his Tae Kwon Do background into his MMA game, to create a unique and entertaining fighting style. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBfCdWzJErs

Why I Train Jiu Jitsu Highlight Video

I came across this really cool video, "Why I train Jiu Jitus", and I wanted to you to see it. You will see some very good BJJ. You will see some great submissions here. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJhWDs__B8U&feature=g-vrec