Happiness In Fighting

Many find it strange when I say that I was always happy to fight. I don't mean that in a weird, sadistic way. There was never anger in me while I competed. I didn't fight because i wanted to hurt and beat people up. I didn't fight for money. I did it because I enjoyed competiton. I wanted to test myself against quality opponents. I wanted to test what I learned in class and in the gym. Enjoy competing, don't treat it like you are fighting for you life. Have fun.

Old Lightweight PKA Fight

Another great kickboxing fight from the 80s. Some good lighweight fighters with a lot of action. For you old school kickboxing fans, enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVZCgkMIAs&feature=c4-overview&list=UUk8nVUXU_J-USqy1oeIvgdw

My Personal Kicking Style

People are always asking what is the superior kicking style. Years ago, I was having a debate with a Muay Thai stylst about Thai style kicks versus other kickboxing style kicks (i.e. American Kickboxing kicks which come out of Karate and Tae Kwon Do). I told him that the Knockout doesn't care what kind of kick it is as long as it rattles the brain. You can slap someone hard enough to knock them out or you can use a sledge hammer. Starting out as a Korean based stylist (Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do), I had the opportunity to train with guys who specialized in kicking. Through kickboxing I was able to train with Thai kickboxers and learn different ways to deliver powerful kicks. I kicking with a snapping style based on speed. It is a relaxed method where I used momentum of body (not muscle) to generate power. This way I can kick over and over even when tired. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP3fnwVSKJU

Judo Ippon Highlight

Came across this cool video of some throws by some of the best Judo players in the game. If you've never tried Judo Randori (sparring), you need to. The challenge of controlling another person balance while keeping yours is hard enough. To pull off techniques like these in the video is on the highest level. Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BFsWIYSYco

Rousey Top Grappler In MMA

I think Ronda Rousey is one of the best grapplers in MMA. I'm not saying that because she has dominated all of her competition. Some have questioned how she would do against other top grapplers. I say she would probably dominate them. The main reason is her experience as a competitor. By the age of 21 she won a Bronze in the Olympics, a Silver in the World Championships, a Gold in the Pan Am, multiple National Championships, and more. These are serious accomplishments that put her above other grapplers in MMA (men or women). She has too much experience for those who stand before her. She started her MMA career at 22 and is in her prime (where as a lot of other atheletes are past theirs when transitioning to MMA).

The Problem With Martial Arts

What is the best? THe most effective? Blah Blash. I will tell this. In order for you martial art to be effective, it has to be validated. Many traditional martial arts styles teach in theory and students may never get to apply what they learn against a resisting opponent. Some may train in a reality based style, but never spar. If you don't spar (with contact) it won't work. If you don't grapple (with resistance), it won't work. Combat sports like boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, etc. are effective because participants learn what works and doesn't. Make sure what you learn is battle tested and validated.

Kickboxing Classic Piotrowski Vs Thurman

Here's a great fight for you to watch. Marek Piotrowski and Bob "Thunder" Thurman. This is an old school full contact (above the waist) kickboxing bout featuring to of the sport's top fighters during this time. Great hands and powerful kicks. The ability to take and dish it out. Despite losing, Thurman shows that heart and spirit of a warrior. Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCg2gE9oDc