Traditional Martial Arts Are Here To Stay

In todays times MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is very popular. On TV you can find MMA and Boxing fights all the time. You don't see Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Judo, BJJ, etc. In the U.S., the main combat sports shown on Pay-Per-View and cable are Boxing and MMA. Every once in a while you can find some kickboxing bouts. Now every time I drive around town though, I see Tae Kwon Do and Karate schools every couple of miles. There are abundance of them. In looking for MMA, Boxing, Kickboxing schools, you will have to look harder. Most MMA gyms will have Grappling, Boxing, and Kickboxing on their schedule. MMA appeals to young athletic guys (and a few gals). Even at MMA gyms, most of the members come for fitness classes. A lot young guys will do the grappling and striking classes, but few will become fighters. For the TMA (Traditional Martial Arts) schools, most of the members will be kids and they will also get adults (parents of the kids they teach). TMA will have more people because everybody can participate. MMA is primarily for fighting. Don't get me wrong. There are fitness and stress release benefits, but it is about fighting.

The Low Kick

The low kick is a very powerful and painful technique that works in most situations. The shin is thrown with the body weight dropping into the kick. This cause bruising in the opponents leg and that affects mobility. When it hits a nerve, one blow can sit a man down for the count. Here's a clip of the deadly low kick. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OxMzpkVCnw

Why I do Shidokan Karate

I have been a martial artist since age 8. I've studied Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Boxing, Judo, Muay Thai and Kendo. I've worked out with almost every type of combat athlete from the arts mentioned and from boxing, BJJ, wrestling, and many others. In looking at the changes or evolution of martial arts in America, one will see the traditional era, the full contact era, and the MMA era. The reason I choose to embrace the art of Shidokan Karate is because of the Triahlon Concept (Karate, Kickboxing, and Grappling). These concepts make one keep an open mind to everything that is practical. I enjoy elements of the traditional martial arts and I enjoy the practical application of martial arts that can be seen through combat sports. Shidokan embraces both of these and that's why I've dedicated my career to it. It allows be to be a student of all martial arts.

Lumpinee Documentary Promo

This clip is for a documentary (not available worldwide yet). I wanted to share this because of the intensity shown with the young Thai boxers. Look what kids are doing at a young age. The training and intensity is unreal. You will see why they dominate Lumpinee Stadium. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QKmFfvf5M4&feature=related

The Liver Shot

My favorite place to punch a guy is in the liver. A liver shot sends a shock through the body like no other. The crazy thing about it is that it can have a delayed effect. You can get hit there and try and take it and it will drop you to your knees. Here's two of boxing's greats, Bernard Hopkins hiting Oscar DeLohoya with the liver shot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjX-_JtV5Ss

Muay Thai In A Cage

Austrailia's Muay Thai Legend, John Wayne Parr is spear heading Muay Thai fights in a cage with MMA gloves. The fighters still fight 3x5 minute rounds of stand up fighting (punches, kicks, knees and elbows). It's a little different but still exciting. Check out JWP in his latest fight in the cage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpjONWX-Tx8

In Memory Mike Bernardo

For those of you familiar with K-1, you will remember a hard hitting brawler from South Africa, Mike Bernardo. Even though he never won the grand prix, he defeated all of the top guys at some point and time, showing that he was as capable. Here is a couple videos in memory of Mike. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw5UtD4kTn8&feature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59CfJOuZ8Sc&feature=related