Thank You Shidokan Karate

As I think back on my time with Shidokan World Karate Association and U.S. Shidokan, I am grateful and thankful for many wonderful experiences I've been able to have. I have been able to travel throught the U.S. and abroad as a fighter and coach (Repulic of Georgia, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Costa Rica, and France). U.S. Shidokan Hombu, Chicago is my 2nd home. I've met incredible martial artists and I've seen some great fights. I have been able to train with Shidokan founder, Yoshiji Soeno in the home of Karate, Japan. I have promoted Shidokan events and have developed great friendships. Thanks Shidokan.

The Champ Sparring

Some will say he's pound for pound the best and some will say he's not. But we can all agree he is a great boxer. Here's an old clip of Floyd Mayweather sparring in preparation for his fight with Miguel Cotto (which was a great fight by the way). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFmunaSGgBg

Tournaments To Determine Champions

What I like about tournaments is that you have several top notch fighters fighting and at the end of the day, the best fighter wins. The following year, another tournament is held and the defending champion has to go through the process again. This would give us a better appreciation of a champion as opposed to the champions who pick and chose there opponents and decide when they are going to fight again. Take the top guys in the weight class, have them draw straws and fight it out to determine the champ.

Discipline In Training

To be the best you can be, you have to be disciplined in your training. You have to practice, exercise and perfect your craft. In order to be champion, you have to believe in yourself but be honest with yourself. When training, there is no B.S. conversations with your buddies. You put your heart and soul in everything you do. Everything that you do must have a purpose in helping you to better yourself. Be consistent in training and train everyday. It isn't easy. If it was, everybody would be a champion. Get to work.

Judoka Neil Adams

Here's a highlight of World Champion and 2x Olympic Silver Medalist Neil Adams. He was dangerous on his feet and on the ground. World Class Judo at it's best. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFlBYxtbLWM

Sparring Is A Training Tool

Sometimes people think that because they spar well, they will fight well. Well, that is not accurate. Sparring is like any other conditioning tool. There's rope, bag, pad work, etc. Fighters will get caught into thinking that sparring is most important. Sparring is a testing, training lab. It is not the fight. In a fight the intensity is multiplied. The late great boxing trainer, Angelo Dundee, said that Muhammad Ali never won a round sparring in the gym. Ali would create an environment where his sparring partners would put in the worst of situtations and he would have to make adjustments. He used it as a tool. Nothing compares to a real match like a real match. Of course, if you are not able to compete, sparring might be the closest you can get. If that's the case, spar with a pro sometimes instead of someone at equal or less skill level. That way they can create the environment that will give you a realistic approach of how a real match feels. So, don't think because you kick butt in the gym, you can automatically do it for real. Just like the guy who never misses the ball in practice, dropping in in the game, under the lights and with pressure, it's a different ball game.

Yodsanklai Fairtex Fight

Here is some old school Muay Thai, Khmer Boxing. No gloves here, just some rope around the fists. Check this out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJGBjn-wTj4