How Hard Shoud You Spar?

When training should you spar light, hard, or somewhere in the middle? It will depend on your goals. If you are getting ready for a match, you have to have some sessions that include hard contact. If you are a beginner, you will start out light. If you are maintaining (not competing) somewhere in the middle is good. When sparring keep your ego out of it and see it as a tool (just like bag work and jump rope). There are no winners in practice and many times people get bent out of shape because the they get hit. Always make your sparring sessions productive by working on specific things. If you spar a round and don't know what you did right and wrong then you got nothing out of it.

Perfect Your Overall Skills Through Single Disciplines

Cross training has always been popular for martial artists. Mixed Martial Arts is about taking the best for you and building your game. For example if you are a kicker, you will need to work on your punching. If your specialty is grappling, you might work on your boxing. The best way to improve your weaknesses is to immerse your self in them. To learn to box, go to a boxing gym. Train for several months and try some amateur fights. The goes for kickboxing or thai boxing. Don't just hit pads and spar, especially with guys that don't do what you are trying to learn. Guys will work on their boxing but they aren't working out with boxers. Train with those who specialize in what you are trying to learn.

101 Judo Ippons 2013

Here's an awesome judo highlight from 101 Ippon Series. Check this out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BFsWIYSYco

My Thoughts On Mayweather Vs. Maidana Fight

I wasn't to thrilled with the Mayweather Vs Maidana fight. There was way too much hugging, holding, and play acting by Floyd. The bitten hand that went numb is ridiculous. Both fighters fouled each other but Floyd was able to influence the ref into focusing on his opponent and not him. It is difficult to have a clean fight with a guy like Maidana. He is a rough and tough brawler. He was over agressive and abandoned his jab and he did throw some straighter punches that landed. Floyd used his speed and hit and held him to get the decision. It had it's moments but I didn't see this fight as a great one.

Muay Thai Old School

Here's a Thai fight using rope tied around the fist instead of gloves. Imagine getting punched in the face with this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHw49S4zW5Q

Why Do You Fight?

People compete for many different reasons. Some have to release their anger in a positive way. Some are insecure and fighting makes them feel better about themselves. Some just like the challenge. For me it was always about testing myself against the best possible opponents. I feel that by doing so, you raise your level.

Paul Murphy Boxing Classic

On Saturday I stopped by to watch some amateur boxing at the Annual Paul Murphy Boxing Classic. It was an incredible show, with 3 rings running with boxers as young as 8 years and up. In thinking about all the martial arts events I go to, the quality of skill is always better at the boxing matches. The teenagers boxing look like professionals. Later Saturday, I was watching some UFC fights on PPV and the kids I saw fight earlier that day had superior punch technique.