The Clinch Is Inevitable

One thing that is going to happen in any style of fighting is the clinch. Whether it be Karate, TKD, Boxing, Kickboxing, etc., after an exchange, fighters will clinch. Grappling arts like Judo, Wrestling, BJJ, etc. work off clinching. But, as I stated earlier, the striking arts will utitlize clinching. Either to protect yourself or neutralize your opponent's attack, these styles have a modified clinch tactic for that sport. If a knockout blow isn't delivered, clinching will happen. So, this means that all martial artists need to learn to use this skill and defend against it.

Don't Talk About It. Do It.

In the fight game and in sports in general, there are those who talk a lot but never back it up. I am talking about the want to be champion. The individuals who say that want to be a champion but are afraid to get out there and go for it. They talk about what they can do and never do it. They are champions at home, but won't come out of the house to test themselves. They are those who are afraid to lose. They want to name drop and tell you every instructor/coach they've trained with. None of that matters. Get out there and test yourself.

Kudo Daido Juku MMA

Here's a really cool video of Kudo martial art. This is a mixed martial art style that is an offshoot of Kyokushin. Check out the kids in this clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz794K4u_Pw

Kerry Roop Vs. Russ Wilson

Here's an old school American Kickboxing bout with Kerry Roop fighting Russ Wilson. This is when the sport was known as Full Contact Karate back when there was the PKA (Professional Karate Association) ESPN Kick of the 80s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3AyC3oNtG8

Heart Is Important In Winning

Skill and technique is important in winning. But, sometimes heart will get the victory. I've seen fighters who appeared to be outgunned in technique win with heart and desire. Heart is the will to win and never give up. This can be cultivated only through hard training and pushing yourself beyond your perceived limitations. Remember you can always go a little further than you think you can. Once you realize that, you will be able to push forward when your opponent has had enough.

2013 101 Ippons Promo

Here's an awesome clip of world class Judo on the 2013 101 Ippons DVD. Check out this clip and listen to impact of bodies crashing onto the mats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcQousHsnwI

Shidokan France May 31, 2014 Gala

I had the opportunity to coach U.S. fighters this past weekend in Nice, France. Shidokan France hosted their 4th Annual Shidokan Gala. The night featured international fights in Shidokan Karate (full contact with Grappling), MMA, and Thai Kickboxing. Here are a couple of the fights below. Will get more to you later. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNBXBE6MwTA //www.youtube.com/watch?v=yByDUlVBma4