Rickson Gracie Teaching Son

Here's a great clip of BJJ legend Rickson Gracie teaching his son (who was killed years later). Great principles of leverage explained. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ureEG7qbBTA&list=UUxTYLr-yH8KyD5HnzElQBvA&index=20

You Sport Is The Best Training Method

In the last post I talked about being the gym champion who can't perform in competition. I've also posted my opinions on training methods that athlete use to get ready for their sport. Remember that the most important method of preparation is to do that activity. Everything else supplements that sport. In designing a workout program, see how much time you have to develop towards your sport, cardio, stretching, strength, etc. You have to balance it out so that you touch on each area but you have to develop your skills. Look at pro football players. They lift, they run, etc. Don't be fooled by their conditioning routines and think that the skills they have in throwing, catching, picking up speed off the first step, etc. Those skills come from playing the game. All other training supports those skills developed through experience.

Gym Victories Do Not Prepare You For Real Fights

When training to you go all out? Is it necesarry to go all out? Are you sparring or fighting in your training sessions? When training you must create an atmosphere where you can work on things without getting hurt. If you are more experienced, bigger, stronger, or faster than your training partners, handicap youself so you can work on weaknesses. I feel that I can train with anyone and get something out of a training session. If I'm faster than someone, it doesn't help me or him to hit and stay away from him. I want to put myself in position where my training partners can do their techniques and I can react. You must leave your ego outside and give your body to your training partners and vice versa.

Gohan Saki

Gohan Sakai is one of the top heavyweights in kickboxing right now. He finished 2nd to Semmy Schilt in the Glory Heavweight Tournament this past New Year's Eve. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WdRiUec4yE

Farewell To The Diamond

You may already know this. But for those who don't, one of the greatest kickboxers to ever live has passed away. Known as the "Diamond", Ramon Dekkers died of what appears to be a heart attack. He is the first westerner to have success in Thailand being named fighter of the year there. He fought for many years and was a legend in the sport. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eW_Fp_P-Xg

Battle of The Bar (Not Drinks)

Here's a cool clip of fitness buffs battling out with calisthenics. Think you're in shape, check these guys out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVfpe8MAPc8

Rousey's Armbar

Ronda did it again this past Saturday. She won again by first round armbar. Liz Carmouche put up a good fight, but it wasn't enough to stop the arm bar of Rousey. The advantage that Rousey has over opponents is that she is a young world class athelete with a strong base in something (Judo) coming into a sport where she is facing athletic women who don't have a strong base (not coming from a world class level). I see her doing the same thing to future opponents for a long while. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvTkrDkLQ78