MMA Transition

Yesterday I talked about singular disciplines. In looking at Mixed Martial Arts, we know that it is about several disciplines. They key is to be adequate at several ranges of combat. But the thing that makes this sport unique is being able to transition from striking to grappling back to striking, etc. To blend the disciplines together is what makes it difficult for many newcomers. So, practice strikes to takedowns/throws, to positions of control to submissions and mix it up.

Singular Disciplines

Just because you kickbox does not mean you can box like a boxer. Just because you do karate does not mean you can kick like a tae kwon do guy. Every martial art has a specialty. And specialist are good at what they do. If you were to get on the ground and roll with Marcelo Garcia you would have a hard time. If you were to box a couple of rounds with Andre Ward, you would have a hard time. If you were to do some kicks only with Stephen Lopez, you would have a hard time. An MMA approach would be to learn a few things from each range of combat. I prefer that you spend time in each range and develop indidual skills and then put them together. As a commentator, Frank Trigg once said what made Fedor the most dangerous man on the planet in his prime was that he may not be black belt level in each range of combat, but he is at least brown belt in each.

Stronger Punchers (Boxing Or Karate)

I always hear Karate guys saying gloved fighting is so different than without in that Boxers will injure their hands easier than the Karate guy. First of all, Boxing is a speciality art that specializes in "Punching". The object is to use the hands to do damage. The hands hit things 95% of the time (except in shadow boxing). The hands are wrapped for support and different types of gloves are used for training (bag, sparring, etc.). Daily bag work and sparring means you throw a lot of punches. And these punches are thrown with power. So, the hands are actually developed and are strong. Boxers usually have big knuckles. The Karateka will condition his/her hands by knuckle push ups (Boxers do them too) and hitting makiwara boards. But let me tell you this, they can still injure their hands like any boxer. It is a misconception that their hands are better prepared for bare knuckle fighting.

The Greek Throwing Machine Ilias

I came across this highlight video of Ilias Iliadis, Olympian and World Champ Judoka. I had to share so you could see unique style of judo. Very powerful. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKczdB3tiDY&feature=g-vre

Kyokushin Highlight Video

Kyokushin Karate is known as the "Strongest Karate" as fighters compete under knockdown (no pads) rules. The style (created by Mas Oyama) grew out of traditional karate practice into a more modern practical approach. The emphasis is on Kumite (free fighting). I came across this cool highlight of the style. Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C9SnOhEmiQ&feature=related

Savate Champion Amri Damani

Here's a couple highlight featuring something different. This is the "Art of French Foot Fighting". It is called Savate. Check out Amri Damani. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6Bxh39MznA

Why I do Judo?

The art of Judo is my grappling base. I have trained with martial artists from other grappling styles (wrestling, BJJ, etc.) and I incorporate techniques from these other styles into my overall grappling style. Being a kickboxer and tae kwon do guy for many years, I feel that judo goes well with what I do. When two guys are exchanging punches many times a clinch will take place. In the case of muay thai where you can grab and knee, clinch training is crucial. Judo gives me many options from this position. When I competed in Shidokan Triathlon tournaments (karate, kickboxing, grappling), during the karate phase, judo came into play. We had to wear a gi, kicks were allowed to the entire body, no punches to the head (because this was bare knuckle), and clinching and throwing are allowed. Judo also provides balance and by knowing what removes balance you can better defend take downs. Many people see judo as more of a throwing art and they don't think much of judo's ground game. I've been fortunate to train with judo coaches and players who approach the art and sport with a balance. The great thing about judo is that you develop skills in both areas so that if you face someone better in one area, you have a back up. Since I know longer compete in full contact hitting sports, I am still able to get out on the mats and compete in judo. I am humble because the dominance I had as a kickboxer is not the same for this sport. Everytime I train with my judo friends I learn something new. In my 40s, I still have an competitve outlet that allows me to gain new experiences.