Judo Throw On Concrete

This is a crazy video but it illustrates what happens when someone who knows zero about throws faces someone who does. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCHoIFHiq1o

Winning Isn't Everything

In sports, everybody has to win and somebody has to lose. In full contact fighting, my ultimate goal was not just to win. My goal was to win by stoppage. As a Tae Kwon Do fighter, it was difficult to win by KO. I would enter tournaments and fight 3 to 4 opponents each tournament. I would win at least one by KO. In boxing and kickboxing, I always looked for the KO. In Shidokan Triathlon I looked for stoppage by KO or submission. In Judo, I look for win by Ippon (making an opponent land on his back, pin, or submission). In decisions, judgements are made by officials. Many times athletes are judged by poor judging. I hate when people with no combat experience evaluate fighters. When you stop an opponent, you decided the outcome and no one can ever say should of, could of, or would of. Close matches can go to either fighter, so for me, I would still sometimes be upset if I didn't win by stoppage.

Hit the Heavy Bag

A lot of fighters prefer mitt and pad work to develop technique. These require a good pad man and you would only have a limited time for this method of training. Heavy bag work and shadow boxing are to key methods to developing good techniques. There are functional exercises that develop your skills and you can do these by yourself. The techniques of a boxer or kickboxer is developed through repetition and many solo hours. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcoQJL331CM

2012 USA Judo National Championships

I just a great experience in Dallas, TX this past weekend. I went to the 2012 USA Judo National Championships. I watched some of the best Judo players in the country compete. I saw a lot incredible throws, chokes and arm bars. There watched for the first time, visual impaired athletes compete. I was truly impressed. I competed in the Master's division (45-49 years old). First of all, I must say that all of the master's were impressive. Many of them are instructors like me and some where high level players from other countries who now live and teach in America. It was a great experience for me. I managed to win gold in my division. I look to continue as my competition career extends. I was truly inspired watching guys in their 70s fight. Always challenge yourself.

Hidden Throws in Karate?

I was looking at some videos on Youtube showing hidden throws and takedowns hidden in karate katas. I have yet to see these application experts show me a practical technique out their so called practical interpretations. First of all, no one is going to punch at you like they demonstrate, things are not going to line up so you can move at the angles they tell you to. Yes, old school karate guys used sweeps and throws. These techniques came from other influences like judo. They didn't learn them through the break down of kata moves. Throws and takedowns don't work that we way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y-ZYb-CsUw&feature=related

Shidokan Triathlon

The Shidokan Triathlon was a great learning experience for me. It is truly the direction I think Karate stylists should follow. It encompasses old school with new school, mixing traditional with modern practices. As a competition, it brought different martial arts styles together. I had the opportunity to compete against champions in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Jujitsu, MMA, etc. It was the only tournament where I competed with several world class fighters on one evening. We (U.S. Shidokan) have some things in the works. So, get ready for the "Triathlon of Martial Arts" to return.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_R6loHvzdg

Army Combatives

Mixed Martial Arts have made their way into the military. The Army has included this in hand to hand combat training. So, for those that don't see MMA as a valid reality based fighting system, think again (or better yet fight in a tournament). The military is doing it. Check this out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8dpm7krSbc&feature=related