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Time is awake while the world sleeps, intent on its own ends. —Mahabharata (translated by William Buck) As we get older, obituaries become a regular part of our news consumption. Celebrities who made the narratives and soundtracks of our youth regularly show up there, and we grieve a little. Because I was a teenager in the 1980s, it was the passing of celebrities like heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio and Adam Yauch that saddened me. The one that saddened me the most, however, was the death of Pat Morita. Morita was, of course, famous for playing Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid franchise. That character was the archetypal martial arts master: warm, wise and full of secrets. Sometimes it was hidden knowledge—like the scene in the first movie in which Mr. Miyagi suddenly reveals that the chores his lone student, Daniel-san, has been doing are really karate training methods. Sometimes it’s a personal secret, like when Mr. Miyagi accidentally reveals that he’s alone because his wife and son died in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.

There’s a popular cable-TV series whose title can be abbreviated “BS.” Its hosts take enthusiastic delight in puncturing all sorts of fads, follies and cultural delusions, from UFOs to fast food. It’s enormously entertaining because we live in an age of almost absurd credulity. No matter how silly, illogical or obviously fraudulent a thing is, there are people who embrace it. Seeing the perpetrators exposed as shams is fun—and educational. Usually. One episode focused on what the hosts considered “martial arts.” I quickly realized that what they were referring to was “unarmed forms of combat purportedly useful in physical confrontations.” They also threw into the mix the alleged healing and health values of what’s loosely described as chi kung. All sorts of misrepresentations quickly became obvious. One fellow claimed karate evolved because Okinawans were under constant attack by samurai. A woman explained how “ancient Taoists” had discovered that certain vocalizations can affect our internal organs, so she giggled and barked as part of her routine. It was clear neither person had any real exposure to the roots or culture of the arts they claimed to represent.

Reader question: How much protein does a martial artist need? If a person wants to avoid beef, chicken, turkey, pork and cheese, what are the options? I’m asking because my body decided it doesn’t appreciate the regular consumption of such “yang foods,” and my physician told me a recent quadriceps injury involved accumulated micro-tears brought on partly by low levels of protein in my diet. Protein is arguably the champion of foods. Where other nutrients like fats and carbohydrates are debated and sometimes crucified, protein always seems to prevail. Call it the Bruce Lee of food. Athletes and nonathletes alike need protein to maintain a healthy and balanced body. If you train hard—say, you’re an MMA fighter, an Olympic judoka or a pro boxer—you need to be extra careful about how much you eat. Why?

The martial arts can be roughly divided into two groups: empty-hand styles and weapons styles. There’s endless argument within each group about which particular empty-hand or weapon skill is superior—for example, striking vs. grappling or sticks vs. blades. But there’s a general agreement among martial artists that a man with a weapon, regardless of the type of weapon, has a definite advantage over a man without one. Weapons are better than empty hands for one reason—the ease with which they can hurt another person. In kickboxing matches and bare-knuckle karate tournaments, it often takes a long time for one competitor to knock out another. In many of the fights, both opponents are left standing at the end, and judges must determine the winner. Even MMA matches can go a long time before one man triumphs over his opponent. With a stick, knife or gun, however, you can hurt someone worse than you can with your bare hands—and in a shorter time.

Karate Greatness Is Often Evidenced in Small Things Last spring, word came from Okinawa that Takayoshi Nagamine had died. He was the son of Shoshin Nagamine, a great teacher of shorin-ryu karate. The son’s education in the art, under his father, began when he was young. When he was in his 20s, he came to Ohio, where he began teaching karate and leading seminars in dojo around the country. I met Takayoshi Nagamine in the early 1970s. He’d come to Kansas City, Kansas, to lead a seminar. I was a teenager in town for some other budo training, but along with my two karate teachers, we went to meet Takayoshi. Having known him for years, my teachers greeted him like the old friend he was. The four of us then went for an early dinner. I sat and listened mostly. The conversation veered back and forth between Japanese and Okinawan—I understood little enough of either language back then to even ask intelligent questions.

Celebrating the Women Who Helped Shape Martial Arts Champions and Icons Martial arts history often celebrates the champions standing center stage—but many of those stories began long before the trophies, film sets, and world titles arrived. They began with parents who sacrificed, guided, encouraged, and believed. These women were not simply the mothers of martial arts icons. They were pioneers, protectors, educators, and role models whose own accomplishments helped shape the future of martial arts culture itself. Through their stories—both inside and beyond the pages of Black Belt Magazine—their influence remains impossible to ignore. Bow Sim Mark The Wushu Pioneer Who Helped Bring Chinese Martial Arts to the West Famous Child: Donnie Yen Long before Donnie Yen became one of the defining martial arts stars of modern cinema, his mother, Bow Sim Mark, had already earned international respect throughout the kung fu community. A highly accomplished practitioner and teacher of Chinese wushu, Bow Sim Mark became one of the most influential ambassadors of traditional Chinese martial arts in North America. Her demonstrations and instruction helped introduce countless students and audiences to authentic Chinese martial arts during a pivotal era for kung fu in the West. Her contributions were widely recognized throughout the martial arts world, including being named Black Belt’s 1995 Kung Fu Artist of the Year. The movements that would later define Donnie Yen’s on-screen performances were cultivated in an environment deeply rooted in martial arts excellence from childhood. Today, Yen’s legacy spans everything from the Ip Man franchise to Star Wars and John Wick—but behind the superstar stood a mother whose own influence helped pave the way for Chinese martial arts to flourish internationally. AnnMaria De Mars The Judo Champion Who Raised a History-Maker Famous Child: Ronda Rousey Before Ronda Rousey became one of the most influential figures in sport combat history, her mother had already broken barriers of her own. In 1984, AnnMaria De Mars became the first American to win a world championship in judo, cementing her place as one of the sport’s most important pioneers. Competing during an era when women’s martial arts received far less visibility and support, De Mars built a reputation for intelligence and elite competitive skill. Those same traits would later become synonymous with Rousey herself. From Olympic bronze medalist to UFC champion and Hollywood crossover star, Rousey helped transform the visibility of women’s combat sports on a global level. Yet much of the mentality that fueled that rise was cultivated by a mother who already understood what it meant to compete against the odds. AnnMaria De Mars would go on to be selected as Black Belt's 2015 Woman of the Year. Together, her and Ronda Rousey's story remains one of martial arts’ most remarkable examples of generational excellence. Malia Bernal Dacascos The Martial Arts Mother Behind a Cinematic Warrior Famous Child: Mark Dacascos Martial arts excellence runs deep within the Dacascos family, and Malia Bernal Dacascos played a major role in building that legacy. In fact, her September 1974 cover made history as the first time a female competitor appeared on the cover of Black Belt Magazine. A martial artist with strong roots in kung fu, Malia helped foster a household immersed in martial arts philosophy, discipline, and creativity. Alongside legendary martial artist Al Dacascos, she helped shape an environment where movement was not merely practiced—but lived. That upbringing would help mold Mark Dacascos into one of martial arts entertainment’s most recognizable talents. Whether audiences remember him from Only the Strong, Drive, Brotherhood of the Wolf, or John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Dacascos became known for blending athleticism with cinematic charisma in a way few performers could replicate. Behind that success was a family steeped in martial arts tradition—and a mother who helped cultivate both the warrior spirit and artistic expression that would define his career. Linda Lee Cadwell The Woman Who Helped Preserve a Martial Arts Legacy Famous Child: Brandon Lee Few figures in martial arts history have carried the responsibility of preserving a cultural legacy quite like Linda Lee Cadwell. Following the passing of Bruce Lee, Linda became one of the key individuals responsible for preserving and protecting the philosophy, writings, and influence of one of martial arts’ most revolutionary figures—all while raising their children, including Brandon Lee. Through books, interviews, and continued involvement within the martial arts community—including appearances in the pages of Black Belt Magazine—Linda helped ensure Bruce Lee’s teachings would endure far beyond his lifetime. Meanwhile, Brandon Lee emerged as a magnetic martial arts actor in his own right, carrying the Lee family legacy into a new generation through films such as Rapid Fire and The Crow before his tragic passing in 1993. Linda Lee Cadwell’s resilience and dedication helped preserve one of martial arts’ most important cultural legacies and ensured its impact would continue inspiring practitioners around the world today. Editor’s Note: You can explore past issues of Black Belt—including those featuring these iconic ladies—through Black Belt+. Click the subscribe button below to check 'em out!

When Mortal Kombat exploded onto movie screens in 1995, it became more than a successful video game adaptation — it marked a turning point for martial arts action in mainstream Hollywood. Long before the entertainment industry fully embraced martial arts-driven storytelling, Black Belt Magazine recognized the cultural impact the franchise would have on audiences worldwide. PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW LINE CINEMA In the pages of Black Belt in 1995, readers were introduced to the stars and martial artists behind the groundbreaking franchise, including Robin Shou, whose portrayal of Liu Kang helped define a generation of martial arts cinema. Shou brought more than screen presence to the role — he brought legitimacy. With his traditional martial arts background, athleticism, and disciplined approach to choreography, he embodied the spirit that made Mortal Kombat resonate far beyond the arcade. For martial arts enthusiasts, the film represented something bigger than Hollywood spectacle. It was proof that martial artists could carry major motion pictures while staying true to the discipline, philosophy, and intensity of the arts themselves. The fight scenes were fast, technical, and unforgettable, introducing mainstream audiences to forms, techniques, and performers rarely showcased on such a massive platform. Now, nearly three decades later, the Mortal Kombat legacy continues with a new world premiere that once again places martial arts at the center of global pop culture. As excitement builds for the latest chapter of the franchise, Black Belt proudly looks back at its long connection to the warriors who helped make it legendary. Among them is Chris Casamassa, the martial artist who brought Scorpion to life and became one of the franchise’s most iconic figures. Long before “Get over here!” became part of pop culture history, Casamassa was already making waves in the martial arts world as a nationally recognized forms champion. In July 1997, Black Belt magazine featured Casamassa on its cover alongside the late Cheryl Wheeler, celebrating the athleticism, creativity, and star power that martial artists were bringing to Hollywood. “My preparation [for the Scorpion role] was spending a lifetime in martial arts and almost a lifetime at the arcade mastering that character’s moves.” — Chris Casamassa That cover captured a defining era — a time when martial arts films, tournaments, and video games collided to create a new generation of action heroes. From Robin Shou’s breakout performance in 1995 to Chris Casamassa’s unforgettable portrayal of Scorpion, Mortal Kombat helped bridge the gap between traditional martial arts and modern entertainment. Today, as a new generation discovers the franchise through its latest premiere, the legacy remains intact. The kicks are still high, the rivalries still fierce, and the martial artists behind the action continue to inspire audiences worldwide. Mortal Kombat II brings together an impressive cast of returning stars and new additions as the legendary tournament finally takes center stage on the big screen. Directed by Simon McQuoid, the sequel reunites Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Joe Taslim as Sub-Zero, and Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion. Joining the franchise is fan-favorite character Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban, bringing a new level of charisma and energy to the tournament saga as Earthrealm’s warriors prepare to face the dark power of Shao Kahn. Building upon the success of the original 1995 classic and the modern reboot, Mortal Kombat II promises larger battles, deeper mythology, and the explosive martial arts action that has defined the franchise for generations. Under McQuoid’s direction, the film blends authentic fight choreography with cinematic spectacle while honoring the legacy created by martial arts icons like Robin Shou and Chris Casamassa. For longtime fans of Black Belt magazine and martial arts cinema, the new premiere is more than a sequel — it is a celebration of the fighters, performers, and filmmakers who helped transform Mortal Kombat into one of the most enduring martial arts franchises in pop culture history. For Black Belt, this celebration is more than nostalgia it is a reminder that martial arts storytelling, when performed with authenticity and passion, never goes out of style. Editor’s Note: You can explore past issues of Black Belt—including those featuring iconic Mortal Kombat stars—through Black Belt+. Click the subscribe button below to check 'em out!

If you competed in sport karate in the late ’90s or early 2000s, there’s a very high chance you heard the Mortal Kombat techno theme at least 500 times. Actually...let's be honest, it was probably more. The second that “MORTAL KOMBAT!” yell hit the speakers, somebody was about to throw a 540 kick, attempt a combo they barely landed in practice, or sprint into a musical forms routine like their life depended on it. For a whole generation of martial artists, the music from Mortal Kombat basically became part of tournament culture itself. And honestly, it made sense. A lot of the people involved with Mortal Kombat over the years came directly out of that same world. Fighters like Chris Casamassa, Keith Cooke, and Robin Shou were already recognizable names within the martial arts community before stepping into the franchise. That’s part of why the excitement around Mortal Kombat II feels different in the martial arts community. Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures / New Line Cinema This new film fully opens up the world of Mortal Kombat in a way the previous movie only touched on. The scale is larger this time around, with the movie leaning far more heavily into the action, tournament mythology, Outworld politics, and rivalries that longtime fans associate with the franchise. The roster expansion is a major part of that different feel as well. Characters like Johnny Cage, Kitana, Shao Kahn, and Baraka finally enter the picture, helping the sequel feel much closer to the classic games in both tone and scope. Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage especially adds a very different energy to the cast, bringing more arrogance, humor, and Hollywood swagger into the middle of the chaos. At the same time, the returning core characters still remain central to the film. The history between Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) continues to carry weight, while Kung Lao (Max Huang) and Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) feel positioned much closer to the heart of the larger conflict this time around. The movie also leans more confidently into the franchise’s supernatural side, embracing the strange creatures, powers, realms, and larger-than-life spectacle that define Mortal Kombat at its most iconic. The action itself also feels more in line with what martial arts fans typically want from the series. The fights are staged on a larger scale (with shots that pay homage to the games visually), the choreography feels tremendously better, and there’s a stronger emphasis on letting exchanges play out visually rather than burying them under many cuts and close ups. The martial arts are part of the attraction. That connection to real martial arts culture is something Mortal Kombat has always carried. It’s also why the franchise continues to overlap naturally with publications like Black Belt Magazine and the larger tournament world that helped shape its identity in the first place. More than anything, Mortal Kombat II feels like the franchise finally embracing the full scale, personality, and martial arts spectacle fans have associated with these characters for decades. Cue the techno theme and the 540 kicks. After this movie, somewhere, a forms competitor just got inspired again. Round two officially begins now. Mortal Kombat II is playing in theaters everywhere.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced the addition of a marquee co-main event to PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX, set for Saturday, June 27 at Pechanga Arena San Diego. San Diego’s own No. 2-ranked Liz Carmouche (25-8) will face Brazil’s No. 9-ranked Viviane Araújo (13-7) in a pivotal women’s flyweight co-main event, building to a colossal headliner featuring No. 2-ranked AJ McKee (24-2) vs. undefeated No. 6-ranked Salamat Isbulaev (10-0). The PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX main card will air live on ESPN2 in the U.S. beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT. The preliminary portion of the event will begin at 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT and can be seen via the ESPN app. Tickets for the event are available now, for more information visit pfl.info/sandiego. Additional bouts will be announced shortly. In the co-main event, the women’s flyweight division takes center stage in a high-stakes race toward the top, where every result carries immediate consequences. San Diego fan favorite Liz Carmouche returns home as one of the most decorated athletes in the history of women’s MMA, entering as a former Bellator Champion, the 2025 PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament Champion, and the current No. 2-ranked contender. Across from her, Brazil’s Viviane Araújo, a 13-fight UFC veteran with a well-rounded skillset and recent momentum following an impressive win in her PFL debut, will look to force her way into contention with a statement victory. In a division with undefeated Dakota Ditcheva looming, a win can elevate either fighter into the title conversation and bring them within reach of a championship opportunity. PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX will serve as a featured event within the league’s newly announced partnership with GOVX, the leading platform serving military members, first responders, and government personnel. Through the partnership, GOVX will offer exclusive discounted ticket access to its community of more than 12 million members, while also serving as the Presenting Partner of PFL San Diego and the presenting sponsor of “Military Row,” honoring the San Diego military community on fight night. Updated PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX Main Card: Pechanga Arena San Diego – San Diego, Calif. June 27 | 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT ESPN2 (U.S.) Featherweight Main Event: #2-AJ McKee (24-2) vs. #6-Salamat Isbulaev (10-0) Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Liz Carmouche (25-8) vs. #9- Viviane Araújo (13-7) UPCOMING PFL SCHEDULE: Saturday, May 2 - PFL Sioux Falls - Sanford Pentagon - Sioux Falls, South Dakota Saturday, May 23 - PFL Brussels - ING Arena - Brussels, Belgium Saturday, June 27 – PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX – Pechanga Arena San Diego – San Diego, California

BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (C) MIKEY MUSUMECI vs KEVIN DANTZLER WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (C) CASSIA MOURA vs BIANCA BASILIO PUBLIC TICKETS ON SALE NOW LIVE & FREE ON UFC BJJ YOUTUBE THURSDAY, MAY 21st AT 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT UFC BJJ® returns for its eighth event with a card stacked from top to bottom with exciting matchups and capped off by two championship matches. In the main event, reigning UFC BJJ bantamweight champion Mikey Musumeci aims to remain undefeated in the Bowl as he faces Kevin Dantzler. In the co-main event, newly crowned women’s bantamweight champion Cassia Moura makes a quick return against Bianca Basilio. UFC BJJ 8: MUSUMECI vs DANTZLER takes place Thursday, May 21st and will stream live and free on UFC BJJ’s YouTube channel beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. UFC BJJ 8: MUSUMECI vs DANTZLER tickets are on-sale now and are available at AXS.com. Media members wishing to apply for credentials may sign up here. Musumeci (3-0, 3 submissions, competing out of Las Vegas, Nev.) intends to keep proving that he is the best submission grappler on the planet. Undefeated in almost five years, he has submitted all of his opponents in the UFC BJJ Bowl including Shay Montague, Keven Carrasco and Rerisson Gabriel. Musumeci now looks to further add to his legacy by securing another highlight-reel finish. Leglock expert Dantzler (0-0, competing out of Sicklerville, N.J.) plans to impress in his UFC BJJ debut. Known for his all-offense style, Dantzler owns notable grappling wins over former UFC champions Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling. He now aims to shock the world by upsetting Musumeci in dramatic fashion. Moura (3-0, competing out of Midland, Texas by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) returns to the Bowl after winning the UFC BJJ women’s bantamweight title just over a month ago. Known for rising through the colored belt ranks in record time, she has proven that she is more than just hype with wins over Ffion Davies, Alex Enriquez and Talita Alencar. Moura now has her sights set on defending his title for the first time with a dominant performance. Basilio (0-0, competing out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) seeks to claim the bantamweight title in her UFC BJJ debut. A multiple time world champion in colored belts, Brasilio further went on to prove herself as one of the best in the world by winning multiple IBJJF world championships at black belt, as well as an ADCC world championship in 2019. She now looks to hand Moura her first loss and add the UFC BJJ belt to her impressive resume. Additional matches on the card include: An exciting middleweight match pits William Tackett (1-1, 1 submission, competing out of Las Vegas, Nev.) against Enrico Said (0-0, competing out of Miami, Fla.) Ethan Crelinsten (0-0, competing out of Austin, Texas) makes his UFC BJJ debut in a lightweight match against Danilo Moreira (0-0, competing out of Dallas, Texas) Andy Varela (2-2, 2 submissions, competing out of Las Vegas, Nev.) welcomes Jett Thompson (0-0, competing out of Guthrie, Okla.) to UFC BJJ in a can’t-miss welterweight matchup All-action Landon Elmore (1-1, 1 submission, competing out of Austin, Texas) returns against Keith Krikorian (0-0, competing out of Costa Mesa, Calif.) at featherweight Middleweights Azamat Bakytov (0-0, competing out of Almaty, Kazakhstan) and Thomas David (0-0, competing out of Melbourne, Australia) look to impress in their UFC BJJ debuts Liam Crelinsten (0-0, competing out of Austin, Texas) competes against Max Livingston (0-0, competing out of Drexel Hill, Pa.) at welterweight For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returned to Sioux Falls, where those in attendance at the Sanford Pentagon were treated to an incredible night of action. In the main event, former interim Bellator Lightweight World Champion and No. 3-ranked Logan Storley faced 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight Champion and No. 6-ranked Florim Zendeli in an arena Storley had never lost in, and that didn’t change Saturday night. Storley set the tone early with a dominant first round, overwhelming Zendeli with his elite wrestling, forcing two cage grabs that resulted in a two-point deduction by referee Kevan MacDonald. That sequence proved decisive, as Storley went on to a commanding unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring it 30-25. In a welterweight division currently championed by Ramazan Kuramagomedov, the win firmly places Storley in the mix for a title opportunity. In the co-main event, Dagestan’s Gadzhi Rabadanov, the No. 2-ranked lightweight and 2024 PFL Lightweight World Champion, showcased his elite grappling in an impressive performance over Latvia’s Alex Chizov, the 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Champion. Rabadanov controlled the pace of the fight from the outset, repeatedly taking Chizov to the mat and racking up seven takedowns, a decisive factor that dictated the outcome of the matchup. While Chizov had moments where he looked to establish his striking, Rabadanov’s relentless pressure and positional control neutralized the European champion’s offense and kept him on the defensive throughout. By the final bell, Rabadanov’s ability to impose his game had clearly separated the two, earning him a convincing victory and reinforcing his position as one of the top lightweights in the PFL. In a battle of top-ten ranked athletes, England’s No. 6-ranked Simeon Powell faced Argentina’s No. 8-ranked Emiliano Sordi. Unfazed by the experience gap against a former PFL Champion with more than 20 additional professional fights, Powell weathered multiple dangerous moments, stayed composed, and picked his openings carefully. He ultimately found his moment, dropping Sordi to the canvas to secure a statement victory. In a battle of PFL heavyweights, No. 2-ranked Renan Ferreira and No. 6-ranked Sergey Bilostenniy came out swinging, with Bilostenniy dropping his Brazilian opponent early in the first round. Ferreira recovered, but Bilostenniy imposed his will on the ground throughout the fight before sealing the victory late in the third round, landing a right hook flush on the chin to end Ferreira’s night. The main card opened with No. 4-ranked Magomed Magomedov facing longtime Bellator athlete, Leandro Higo. The first and second round of the fight were closely contested, with both men having their moments. Higo locked in a deep standing guillotine that threatened his opponent at one point, but it was the third round where Magomedov pulled away, earning a decision victory on two of the judges’ scorecards. PFL Sioux Falls Main Card Results:  #3-Logan Storley (19-4) defeated #6-Florim Zendeli (11-2-1) via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25) #2-Gadzhi Rabadanov (27-5-2) defeated Alex Chizov (13-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27) #6-Simeon Powell (12-2) defeated #8-Emiliano Sordi (26-14-1) via TKO at 3:05 of round three #6-Sergei Bilosteeniy (15-4) defeated #2-Renan Ferreira (13-6) via TKO at 1:56 of round three #4-Magomed Magomedov (22-5) defeated Leandro Higo (23-8) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27) Preliminary Card Results: Rasul Magomedov (9-0) defeated #10-Rafael Xavier (14-9) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) #10-Sabrinna de Sousa (6-0) defeated Cheyanne Bowers (7-3) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Sang Won Kim (15-6-1) defeated Humberto Bandenay (27-10) via TKO at 2:56 of round two #3-Taila Santos (23-4) defeated Qihui Yan (25-6) via TKO at 2:02 of round one Angel Alvarez (11-2) defeated Bryce Logan (13-10) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Brett Bye (1-0) defeated Taylor Michels (0-1) via TKO at 3:40 of round one Maxwell Djantou Nana (8-2) defeated #10-Karl Williams (10-6) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) UPCOMING PFL SCHEDULE: Saturday, May 23 - PFL Brussels - ING Arena - Brussels, Belgium Saturday, June 27 – PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX – Pechanga Arena San Diego – San Diego, California

For the life of me, I don’t know why so many people equate valuable fighting skill with complicated or unnecessarily complex moves. If the point is to avoid or minimize being hit or hurt and to hit and hurt more quickly and effectively, doesn’t it make sense to not practice anything that detracts from those goals? Years ago, while training in New York City with close-combat icon Charles Nelson, a World War II Marine who taught hand-to-hand combat to civilians after the war, a guy asked, “If you had to give me the simplest solution to a street fight, what would it be?” Nelson answered simply, “Left jab, right cross.” People who perceive simplicity to mean novice—and, therefore, ineffective—techniques are actually demonstrating their own entry-level understanding of fighting. Either that or they’re elitists, refuting effective minimalism in order to exclude people who haven’t the balance, speed or agility needed to master largely useless, more fancy techniques.