In hand-to-hand combat, you face a constant and undeniable danger. Among other injuries, you can sustain broken bones, torn cartilage and ruptured organs. You also can be knocked unconscious or killed. Here comes the power of the punch for defense or offense. Over the millennia, various cultures have developed their own techniques and strategies for dealing with such threats. One of the most pervasive is punching. That’s the case because in most unarmed encounters, a properly thrown punch is the most efficient and effective tool a martial artist can use.  Options  While engaged in battle, your objective is to remove the threat as quickly as possible. No responsible martial artist would suggest that killing an attacker is the optimal solution, but people do get killed in street fights, and if your life is on the line, dispatching a violent criminal may be the best option for threat elimination.  The second best option is rendering the assailant unconscious. The third best is immobilization (broken leg, shattered kneecap, etc.). The fourth best is dishing out so much hurt that the person retreats. The fifth best is temporary immobilization, which affords you sufficient time to escape.  Before you select any of these options for use in a self- defense situation, however, you must consider the three criteria of efficiency: the time it will take to administer the technique to full effect, the energy you will expend doing so and the situation you’ll be left in should the technique fail.  I call that third criterion the defaulting scenario because it’s the position you end up in if your technique doesn’t function as intended. This is very important, but it’s often overlooked because people tend to focus on how well their move will work in a fight. This fails to take into account three possible outcomes: Your opponent dodges your strike, he blocks your strike, or he weathers the technique and the two of you become entangled.  I mention all these possibilities because I’m about to argue that a punch is often the best way to effect any of the five options for threat removal. Furthermore, if your punch fails, you’ll be left in better hands, pun intended, than you would if you had tried one of the other techniques discussed here. Those other techniques, which were chosen for the sake of comparison, are quite common in the martial arts: kicking, choking and eye gouging.  Before I begin, it must be acknowledged that proper punching is not as natural as some martial artists think. Developing a good fist strike requires a fair amount of technical instruction and physical training. But once you invest the time needed to ingrain the correct mechanics and condition your fists and shoulders, you’ll have a punch that flies fast, hits hard and leaves you relatively safe in the event of a shortfall. Such a blow, delivered to the jaw, the temple or the occipital region of an opponent’s skull, can do serious damage, including a knockout that instantly eliminates the threat.  Kicks  No one, including this writer, would advise any martial artist to forgo learning kicks for use in self-defense. Leg techniques are more powerful and have greater range than hand techniques. Furthermore, the best strikers know how to blend kicks with punches to form seamless combinations. That said, when it comes to threat removal, kicks fall short according to the afore- mentioned three criteria of efficiency.  My observations result from the fact that, with the exception of leg kicks, a kick is fairly easy for an opponent to detect. Therefore, a kick is typically harder to land and has a higher rate of failure. And when a kick fails, it leaves you in a more vulnerable position. Often, you’re standing on one leg momentarily while you struggle to regain your balance. At that moment, you’re more susceptible to being knocked down by a strike or taken down with a throw. In contrast, if your punch misses, you still have both feet on the ground.  If your kick is blocked, you’re also left off- balance. Making matters worse, you’re at risk of injuring your foot or leg the moment it impacts the blocking tool. Of course, the same risk is present when your punch is blocked, but it’s better to injure a hand than a foot in a fight. Why? Because if you hurt a hand, you still can punch and grab with the other one. But if you hurt a foot, you probably won’t be able to kick with your other foot/leg because that action will entail post- ing on the injured limb. What’s more, an injured foot/leg also makes it difficult to maneuver for a punch, move out of the way of a strike and run away if you need to. The likelihood of a punch being caught mid throw is not very high, assuming it’s executed correctly. However, a good grappler can catch even a fast kick that’s aimed at a target higher than knee level. Additionally, if you find yourself being grabbed by the arm, you’ll still have two feet under you, which facilitates throwing a punch with your free hand and wrestling the captured arm away. In contrast, if your kick is caught, it will leave you standing on one leg while your foe has the other leg tucked under his armpit. This is not good at all.  Final kick comment: If your opponent has your kick- ing leg trapped, forget about countering with a fancy technique that entails jumping and then kicking with your free leg. It will work only against an inexperienced, extremely fatigued or totally untrained opponent. Against anyone else, it will land you on your back. And despite the success Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners enjoy when they find their foe in their guard in a match, in a street fight, your back is the last place you want to be, mostly because said foe might have friends nearby.  Chokes  When you’re seeking to render an opponent unconsciousness, chokes are a great option. They’re easy to learn, and opportunities to use them while grappling are numerous and frequent. All martial artists who are interested in self-defense should master basic grappling, which includes choking techniques. However, you shouldn’t let the success of chokes in MMA competition convince you that they’re always the best choice in self- defense. In reality, there are multiple reasons why punch- ing is superior on the street.  As mentioned above, despite the effectiveness of grappling in some one-on-one encounters, street fights seldom unfold with a balance of power. Although it’s true that most fights end up on the ground, that doesn’t mean it’s where you should choose to be. When you’re on the ground, you have no idea who’s going to step up and stomp on your head. This is especially true when you’re lying on your back, trying to effect a choke. Yes, some chokes can be executed while standing, but the majority are finished when both parties are horizontal.  Another monkey wrench is introduced when you con- sider that a choke requires more time and a relatively large amount of energy to complete. It’s widely taught that even the best choke takes at least four seconds to render a person unconscious. Meanwhile, a perfect punch can do the same in the blink of an eye.  And if your chosen choke fails? Well, you’ve spent a fair amount of time and energy on something that didn’t work, and your opponent is very close to you — perhaps even on top of you — raining down blows. Not good.  A popular adage holds that the best way to beat a striker is to grapple with him. The reverse is also worth remembering: The best way to beat a grappler is to strike him. And when it comes to striking, punches are faster, safer and more useful from a greater variety of positions than any other technique.  Gouges  An eye gouge is simple to execute and quick to take effect. Capable of blinding an opponent, the technique can be administered by anyone, regardless of age, gender or body size — which makes it a staple in most self- defense courses. But it’s not perfect, especially when compared to a punch.  Yes, it takes time and effort to develop an effective punch, but the same can be said of the eye gouge. While a gouge may seem so basic that anyone can learn it in five minutes, it will require regular drilling for speed, timing and accuracy.  If an eye gouge fails to achieve the desired effect, the defaulting scenarios are less than desirable compared to the punch. With the gouge, your hand will be open, whereas with a punch, it will be in a closed fist, which is comparatively safer. That stems from the fact that if the attacker evades the gouge by ducking — the most common way to avoid a strike — you’re likely to jam your fingers into his forehead. If he blocks the gouge with his hands, you run the risk of having your fingers grabbed. With your fingers in his grasp, you won’t be able to escape and, even worse, you might suffer some broken digits. The latter will make it hard to throw an effective punch or apply an effective choke.  Furthermore, an eye gouge won’t necessarily remove the threat. Its purpose is to create space and time for you to escape by interfering with your attack- er’s vision, but the technique won’t put him to sleep. You may still have to close the gap to accomplish that — unless you’re carrying a defensive weapon like pepper spray, which I recommend. A gouge can result in permanent blindness, but in most cases, it only blinds the person temporarily. And if you’re in a clinch, an eye gouge won’t guarantee your escape while a knockout will.  Additionally, the eyes present much smaller targets than do the zones that are typically punched (the jaw, temple, ribs, kidneys and solar plexus, among others). For this reason, accuracy with the eye gouge is more difficult to achieve in comparison to the punch.  Considerations  By no means is punching the be-all and end-all of self-defense. A good martial artist strives to master a variety of strategies, techniques and delivery methods with the goal of being able to choose the right one for any situation in a heartbeat.  It is my opinion, however, that based on the achievable outcomes versus the rates of failure and taking into consideration the defaulting scenarios that are probable if failure occurs, punching is the superior self-defense tool in most situations. Clearly, it can remove a threat with greater efficiency and safety than kicks, chokes and eye gouges.  Surely, this is why karate, taekwondo, Western box- ing, muay Thai, savate and numerous other martial arts emphasize the punch as a primary component of self-defense. It’s why your training should emphasize it, as well.  Tommy Cowan has studied the martial arts for more than 20 years. He’s competed in taekwondo, wrestling and MMA, and he’s worked as an MMA journalist. Born in California, he recently completed his master’s degree at the University of Amsterdam.

As the UFC gears up for another spectacular event, all eyes are on the highly anticipated rematch between UFC Welterweight World Champion Leon Edwards and challenger Belal Muhammad. UFC 304: Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad is set to take place on July 27 at the Co-Op in Manchester, United Kingdom. This clash of titans promises to deliver an electrifying showdown, rekindling the fierce rivalry that began over two years ago. The Backstory: A Rivalry Reignited Leon "Rocky" Edwards (21-3, 1 NC) and Belal "Remember the Name" Muhammad (23-3, 1 NC) first met in the Octagon in March 2021. That bout ended in a disappointing no-contest due to an accidental eye poke by Edwards, leaving fans and fighters alike with a sense of unfinished business. Since then, both athletes have been on impressive winning streaks, solidifying their positions at the top of the welterweight division. Leon Edwards: The Reigning Champion Edwards, the current welterweight champion, is known for his well-rounded skill set and tactical prowess. Hailing from Birmingham, England, "Rocky" has been a dominant force in the division, boasting victories over the likes of Nate Diaz, Rafael dos Anjos, and Vicente Luque. His striking accuracy, combined with his grappling and clinch work, makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the welterweight class. Edwards' journey to the top has been nothing short of inspirational. After securing the belt with a stunning knockout victory over Kamaru Usman, he successfully defended his title against top contenders, proving his mettle and silencing any doubters. With a home-country advantage, Edwards will be looking to put on a show for the Manchester crowd and cement his legacy as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history. Belal Muhammad: The Determined Challenger Belal Muhammad, on the other hand, has been on a mission to earn his shot at the title. The Chicago native's relentless pursuit of victory has seen him overcome tough opponents like Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, Demian Maia, and Vicente Luque. Known for his incredible cardio, pressure fighting, and wrestling acumen, Muhammad is a nightmare matchup for anyone standing across from him. Muhammad's journey has been marked by resilience and an unwavering belief in his abilities. After the unfortunate no-contest against Edwards, Muhammad rebounded with a series of impressive wins, showcasing his improved striking and grappling skills. Now, with a chance to avenge the controversial ending of their first encounter, Muhammad is more motivated than ever to seize the welterweight crown. Breaking Down the Fight This rematch promises to be a technical and strategic battle. Edwards' striking precision and ability to control the distance will be tested against Muhammad's relentless forward pressure and wrestling. Edwards will look to utilize his reach advantage and keep the fight at range, using his crisp jab and powerful kicks to wear down Muhammad. On the other hand, Muhammad will aim to close the distance, initiate clinches, and take the fight to the ground where he can utilize his grappling prowess. His relentless pace and conditioning will be key factors, as he will try to tire out Edwards and impose his will over five grueling rounds. Predictions: Who Will Emerge Victorious? Predicting the outcome of this rematch is no easy task, given the high level of skill and determination both fighters bring to the Octagon. Edwards' striking and tactical approach give him a slight edge, especially if he can maintain the fight at his preferred range. However, Muhammad's relentless pressure and wrestling could be the X-factor, potentially disrupting Edwards' rhythm and control. Ultimately, this fight could come down to who can implement their game plan more effectively and make the necessary adjustments on the fly. While Edwards has the tools to retain his title, Muhammad's hunger and tenacity make him a very live underdog. UFC 304: Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, filled with high stakes and intense action. As the MMA world eagerly awaits July 27, fans can expect a thrilling night of fights culminating in a main event that could define the welterweight division for years to come.

In addition to forgetting, one of the problems with aging, oddly enough is remembering. "I remember when you could get a cup of coffee for 10 cents." "I remember when gas was 25 cents a gallon." After hearing me make a few statements like that, a young student asked, "What about Judo?" This is the way I happened to experience it - Judo, Back in the Day.. Early Days of Judo in America... Decade - The 1940s Setting World World II erupts and then ends when first Germany and then Japan are defeated. The United Nations in created. Casablanca and Citizen Kane are released, as are Disney's Dumbo and Pinocchio. In Judo The grappling art is relatively unknown and mysterious. There's barely a hint of a national organization in the USA. Several Regional Clubs get together and call themselves The Judo Black Belt Federation. The art is practiced mostly in areas with high concentrations of people of Japanese ancestry, such as Hawaii, Los. Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco. Judo is viewed as an event that fosters cultural identity, putting it in the same category as flower arrangement, tea ceremony and sumo. Japanese parents take their children to Judo class to instil pride, discipline and respect - qualities that are important in any culture but particularly so for first-generation Japanese so far from their homeland. Judo competition follows the Kohaku format, basically a winner-stays-in system. In Other words, you keep going as long as you can score at least a half point or until you run out of steam and lose. The judoka with the most wins wins. Prizes for winning are often sacks of rice, soy sauce or maybe sake if you are a senior competitor. Trophies haven't debuted. Decade - The 1950s Setting The Korean War hits, the Cuban Revolution unfolds and elsewhere the Cold War transpires. The United States becomes an Economic power. The transistor takes off, resulting is radios for every person (and every vehicle), which gives people easy access to the tunes of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Chuck Berry. NASA is created, and polio is on its way to being eradicated. In Judo At Tournaments, which are becoming more popular, you line up and then sit cross-legged around the perimeter of the mat until your turn comes - it can take hours. Once you're called, you stand and immediately feel pins and needles as blood gushes back into your extremities. One pleasant aspect of participating in tournaments is you always get a free lunch. Sometimes it's a tuna sandwich, sometimes baloney or peanut butter and jam. More than sustenance for the body, it's food for the soul. The message this sends judoka is, "You're part of our community." It reminds the predominantly Japanese student body that their culture is intact. This sows the seeds for the character-building aspects and general spreading of goodwill that are part and parcel of modern judo. Even now, judo clubs promote reverence and respect. It's exemplified by the act of bowing - towards one's opponent, one's instructor and the very room in which one works out. The rationale is, without any of these elements, progress could not occur. Without a partner, whom would you practice with? Without an instructor, how would you learn? Without a proper place to train, how would you learn to fall and throw? During this time, you look down when bowing and often notice "old timer's feet." There are some messed up toes in the dojo - bent and gnarly, some facing east while others look west. That comes from years of stubbing toes on uneven surfaces like horsehair mats and wrinkled canvas coverings. A few such dojo can still be found if you look hard. Decade - The 1960s Setting The Vietnam war is in full swing, and the Beatles rule the music world. A president and his brother are assasinated. The Watts riots find soldiers guarding the streets of Los Angeles. A man walks on the moon. In Judo An activity that was dominated by the Japanese no longer is. A Dutchman named Anton Geesink dispels that myth when he wins the World Championship in 1961 and again in '65 - and the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in between. At each event, he bests Japan's strongest Heavyweight champs. The defeats strike a blow to Japanese pride, but they are a boon for judo around the world. Now, other countries have hope that the seemingly invisible Japanese can be beaten at their own game. This initiates a shift from judo-as-a-cultural-activity to judo-as-an-international sport. Today, its practiced in more than 180 countries and ranks second only to soccer in terms of participation. In the United States, early non Japanese judo stars include "Pop" Roy Moore Sr., and later Roy Moore Jr. and his adopted brother Mel Bruno. They do much to expand the art. Bruno goes on to coach the famous Strategic Air Command judo team that includes George Harris, Lynwood Williams, Tosh Seino and Paul Maruyama. Other servicemen returning from Japan also help popularize the art, including Hal Sharp, Phil Porter, Donn Draeger and Ben "Nighthorse" Campbell, who eventually becomes US Senator. During this time, I have a close encounter with Campbell. While living in California, he serves as head instructor at the Sacramento Judo Club, an entity sorely lacking funds. A member of the club, I qualify in 1965 to be on the US Team that will attend the world championships, but to do so, I'll need to secure my own funding. As a student, I deem it impossible to scrape up enough money to fly to Brazil, but Campbell makes me a promise: "By God, I'm going to get you there. How could our organization not send their best players?" And he does. Everyone in the club - myself included - pitches in by selling candy and soliciting donations from the community. In Rio De Janeiro, I tie for 5th place. Were it not for the leadership of Campbell and the generosity of the community, I would not have the opportunity to represent my country. It instills in me a primal lesson of Judo, that we should pay back to the world what we get from practicing the art. The lesson is driven home by Campbell's leadership style at the Sacramento Judo Club, which I've tried to emulate throughout my career as a judo instructor. Decade - The 1970s Setting President Nixon resigns, and Elvis does his last song seated. Two rich kids Patty Hearst and Paul Getty are kidnapped while a third, Bill Gates found Microsoft. Everything on television can be recorded on a new device called the VCR. Star Wars becomes an instant hit. In Judo If you look at a group photo of judoka taken before 1972. you'll see mostly male faces. A new law referred to as Title IX mandates equal opportunities for women to participate in sports. At the beginning, it affects only government agencies receiving federal money, but the spirit of the act is adopted by judo. Before that, women who competed in judo were frowned upon. They would compete only in kata competition, where they were asked to wear a black belt with a white stripe down the centre lengthwise. It was referred to as "skunk belt". But all that has changed. Early female champions include Diane Pierce, Bonnie Korte, Maureen Braziel, Lynn Lewis and, of course, Rena "Rusty" Kanokogi, who competes in the men's division at the local YMCA tournament but is later disqualified when the officials discover that she is a she. Kanokogi is a Jewish-American judoka from Brooklyn who eventually brings to the International Judo Federation table the notion that women can compete for gold at the Olympics. Perhaps no other American judoka changes the face of the art as much as she does. Many discount her as just a brash woman, but others admire her dedication, tenacity and bravery as she fights for what she believes in. Every female judoka who's ever won a medal at the Olympics owes her a debt of gratitude. Decade - The 1980s Setting Mount St. Helen erupts, killing 57 people. Midway through the decade. the space shuttle Challenger explodes in the sky. On a positive note, Mikhail Gorbachev institutes glasnost and perestroika, easing tensions around the world. The Berlin War falls. In Judo The Amateur Athletic Union's hold on Olympics sports also falls. A new law requires the U.S. Olympic Committee to deal directly with each sport's governing body, and judo is one of them. For its first leader under the new system, the USOC selects Frank Fullerton. They chose wisely. Turns out Fullerton is an attorney as well as a judoka. He creates an umbrella organization to include all factions of the Judo community, including the U.S. Judo Association and the U.S. Judo Federations, as well as all state organizations, boys clubs and girl clubs, the Scouts and the armed services. The original name of the organization is United States Judo Inc., but now it's known as USA Judo. For 14 years, Fullerton leads the United States to more medals in international judo competition per year than the country has ever seen. The Wins include America's first world judo championship in 1984 by AnnMaria De Mars and another by Mike Swain in 1987. During Fullerton's tenure, more teams are sent abroad than ever before, they use the experience they gain to improve their teaching and coaching methods at home. With an iron fist in a velvet glove, Fullerton brings to the table the various factions of the judo world. In addition to the original judo organization, the tradition bound USJF, there's now the more progressive USJA. There are also potentially 50 state judo organizations to deal with. Translation: For the serious judoka, at least three organizations are normally joined because each offers a different service. The perception that each judo organization serves a specific subset of the population develops. USA Judo, with its ties to the USOC, basically services elite athletes, the top 5 percent of the nation. The USJF and the USJA deal mainly with recreational players - those who want to keep fit, delve into a cultural activity, learn discipline and self defense, and generally strive to better their station in life. Decade - The 1990s Setting Cell phones, Laptops and the World Wide Web are Born. Dolly, the cloned sheep, Monica Lewinsky and O.J. Simpson are in the news. The country also witnesses the Rodney King riots and the collapse of the Soviet Union. In Judo When the Fullerton era comes to an end, a succession of Presidents must deal with ever changing social conditions, including waning support for athletes. Whereas once USA Judo sent even third string teams abroad to gain competition experience, support for this is slowly disappearing - along with the nation's medal count. Say Hello to "self funding". Those whose dream it is to make the U.S. Olympic Team can do so - if they have the talent and the money. First, they have to qualify at major national events and gain the necessary points. Then if they're designated the top point player, they need to have the money to get to the next level of international competition. If they don't have enough money to fly, the next highest point-getter with enough will be offered their spot. These international tournaments are important to gain experience and to earn points to qualify for world and Olympic events. Luckily, there are two international competitions held in the United States - the U.S Open and the New York Open - which entail much lower travel cost. International Judo Rules are in flux as some common techniques are eliminated. One of the first to go is the kanibasami, or crab scissors. Other include the morotegari, kibisudaoshi, kataguruma, and any technique that involves grabbing a leg or touching below the waist. Decade - The 2000s Setting The big event is also a dark one - September 11, 2001. It changes our way of life and brings to light the fact that terrorism can strike anywhere. The Human Genome Project is completed. Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, and Saddam Hussein is executed. The iPhone changes the world. The United States elect its first African-American President. In Judo In an effort to streamline the political processes, the USOC in 2006 encourages many Olympic sports to downsize. Some refuse, but others, like judo, comply. The grappling sport's leaders vote by a narrow margin to shrink its board from 120 members to 10 members. It essentially goes from a democratic system to an aristocratic system and loses the pulse of US Judo Community. On June 2005, 2008, Frank Fullerton leaves us for good, but leaves behind a legacy of excellence in providing for American judo athletes. One of his passions was to provide financial support to athlete teams in need, which he did for 14 years, beginning in 1980. He was supported by his executive director Bill Rosenberg, who rather than receiving remuneration for his services donated his pay to U.S. judo teams traveling abroad. Together, their efforts help athletes understand that to do well in judo, you have to do what other judoka who are doing well are doing - and then some. As the Japanese adage states, "If you want a lion's cub, you have to enter the lion's den." Because of Fullerton and Rosenberg, more martial artists are beginning to realize this. Unfortunately, it's still a costly undertaking. To get an idea of what's involved, it pays to look at the road record of one of our elite athletes from this era: Ronda Rousey, who wins a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics. In the four years leading up to the Games in Beijing, her judo path entails traveling to and competing in the U.S. Open and the Pan-American Games, as well as numerous events in Greece, Canada, Belgium, Hungary, Sweden, Finland, Brazil, Germany and Great Britain. Not including continental, world and Olympic championships, it frequently costs a judoka $1,500 in out-of-pocket expenses to attend one tournament. U.S. athletes must bear the additional burden of crossing an ocean to get to Europe or Asia, where many competitions take place. (It's rumored that Travis Stevens, the American judoka who won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Games, racks up more than $70,000 a year in travel expenses, and that's not counting time taken off from work.) Decade - The 2010s Setting The iPad is introduced. Japan is devastated by a 9.0 earthquake that spawns a tsunami and eventually a nuclear disaster. The global population reaches 7 billion but drops by one when Osama bin Laden is shot by SEAL Team Six in Pakistan. Windows 8 is released, and the Mayan calendar comes to the end of its cycle, but the world and judo continue. In Judo Joy and relief are in abundance at the 2012 Olympics when Kayla Harrison becomes the first American to win judo gold. (No doubt she will have many "back in the day" stories a few decades from now.) Part of the credit for her success goes to coach James Pedro Sr. and his son Jimmy Pedro Jr., who won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics and the world championship in 1999. To be sure, the experiences they acquired over the years help Harrison navigate her way to the top of the podium in London. At first, the U.S. judo community has high hopes that an Olympic gold medal will boost the popularity of the art and increase membership, but that proves not to be the case. Instead, judo rides the wave created by another female judoka: Ronda Rousey, aided by her mother AnnMaria De Mars and judo/ MMA pioneer Gene LeBell. Rousey, probably not wanting to have her mother continue to fund her judo competitions so she might make the next Olympics, decides to take matters into her own hands and enter the world of MMA. She's undefeated for 12 fights and is considered the No. 1 female athlete in the world until November 2015. Despite two recent losses in the octagon, she's still admired by judoka and MMA fans around the world. As you can see, every era of every pursuit has its "back in the day" stories. Stick around in the martial arts long enough, and you'll have some, as well.

Get ready for SUPER RIZIN! Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring for a three-round exhibition bout at Super Rizin 3 against Rukiya Anpo on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. This match is part of the Super RIZIN 3 event, featuring a featherweight main event with Mikuru Asakura versus Ren Hiramoto. Since retiring from professional boxing, Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao has stayed active in politics and various exhibition bouts. On July 28, he faces a kickboxing champion in RIZIN under special rules: Similar to boxing Allows spinning back fists Three-round exhibition match Japan’s Rukiya Anpo, known for his striking and highlight-reel knockouts, has a background in national karate and professional kickboxing, holding multiple K-1 World GP titles. However, in this bout against Pacquiao, kicking will not be allowed. In fact If the Japanese-born striker Anpo throws a kick at Pacquiao, he will find himself with quite a hefty fine of $5 million dollars. Super RIZIN 3 will stream live on RIZIN pay-per-view (PPV) starting at 12 a.m. ET (5 a.m. UK time). The ring walks for Pacquiao vs. Anpo are scheduled for 5 a.m. ET (10 a.m. UK time). Note that these times are approximate and may change depending on the preceding fights. International fans can stream the event directly from the promotion’s website. https://rizin.tv/ Super RIZIN 3 fight card and PPV lineup Mikuru Asakura vs. Ren Hiramoto 146 lbs Manny Pacquiao vs. Rukiya Anpo Yutaka Saito vs. Yuta Kubo 146 lbs H. Ougikubo vs. Makoto Shinryu 126 lbs Hideo Tokoro vs. Hiroya Kondo R. Ashizawa vs. Koji Tanaka 134 lbs John Dodson vs. Takaki Soya Rena Kubota vs. Kate Oyama Hiroaki Suzuki vs. Ren Sugiyama 146 lbs Tai Emery vs. Charisa Sigala Suguru Nii vs. K. Majima 146 lbs

Black Belt Magazine  proudly showcases exceptional martial arts training programs and events from around the world. Find this event in our Directory Section  and list your event free to a worldwide audience. AmeriKick Internationals August 15-17 Atlantic City New Jersey  With a rich history spanning 42 years, our tournament has earned a reputation as the “competitor’s tournament,” embodying excellence in sport martial arts.  Last year’s event included athletes from 10 different countries and 39 states.   Seasoned competitors or new competitors to the tournament scene, there are divisions tailored to your level, ensuring an inclusive and exciting atmosphere for all. New features for 2024, including the World Underbelt Championship Titles, increased prize money, and special awards for Black Belt Jr Grands . We’re also hosting a martial arts business summit, providing valuable insights for school owners and managers, and world champion training seminars.

Liverpool’s biggest mixed martial arts star, Paddy Pimblett, is set to return to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2. Pimblett will face his first Top 15 opponent since joining the UFC in 2021, taking on the seasoned veteran Bobby Green in Manchester. In just under three years, Pimblett has risen steadily in the lightweight rankings with five consecutive victories, including three finishes. His most recent triumph was a dominant unanimous decision win over lightweight legend Tony Ferguson. Pimblett is known for electrifying arenas with his walkout, whether in London or Las Vegas. "When I walk out, there’s nothing like it," Pimblett said. "When my song comes on, everyone goes wild." Despite his success, Pimblett faces constant online criticism. Since his debut, some have doubted his ability to break into the lightweight Top 15. As he prepares for his bout against Green, Pimblett remains unfazed by the skepticism. “I’m looking forward to proving my fans right and shutting all the haters up,” Pimblett stated. “People said I’d never be ranked, and now I’m about to take a ranking. It’s quite funny.” In April, Pimblett and his wife welcomed their newborn twins, Betsy and Margot, providing him with additional motivation. "I’ve got to put food on the table for my kids," Pimblett said. "When I’m in that Octagon and it gets tough, I know all I got to do is think of my two daughters Betsy and Margot, and I’ll push through anything." After a seven-month hiatus following his win over Ferguson, Pimblett is eager to return to action. Meeting former Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp in May gave him an extra boost of energy. “He’s the only person who’s ever starstruck me,” Pimblett shared. "He called me the machine, which is hilarious. Meeting him was a surreal moment." Regarding his fight with Green, Pimblett acknowledges his opponent’s experience and longevity but believes Green underestimates his striking game. “He’s had nearly 50 fights, so I wouldn’t say I’m bringing something he hasn’t seen, but my style of grappling and striking is different,” Pimblett said. “People are underestimating my striking skill and power, and it’s going to pay dividends on Saturday night. It would be lovely to knock him clean out.” Catch all the action of UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2, live from Co-Op Live in Manchester, England. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, and the main card kicks off live on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.

The UFC returns to Manchester, England, on July 27 for its first event at the Co-op Live Arena, featuring a lineup of formidable fighters for the highly anticipated UFC 304 card. Here are the Weigh in Results for UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2. The event schedule is as follows: Early Prelims : 6:15 pm ET / 3:15pm PT on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass Prelims : 8pm ET / 5pm PT on ESPN2 and ESPN+ Main Card : 10pm ET / 7pm PT exclusively on ESPN+ PPV Official Weigh-In Results for UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2 Main Card Main Event - Welterweight Championship : Leon Edwards (170) vs. Belal Muhammad (169) Co-Main Event - Interim Heavyweight Championship : Tom Aspinall (251) vs. Curtis Blaydes (256) Lightweight Bout : King Green (154.5) vs. Paddy Pimblett (156) Middleweight Bout : Christian Leroy Duncan (185) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185) Featherweight Bout : Arnold Allen (145) vs. Giga Chikadze (146) Prelims Featherweight Bout : Nathaniel Wood (145) vs. Daniel Pineda (146) Strawweight Bout : Molly McCann (116) vs. Bruna Brasil (116) Bantamweight Bout : Jake Hadley* (137) vs. Caolán Loughran (136) Light Heavyweight Bout : Modestas Bukauskas (204) vs. Marcin Prachnio (205) Early Prelims Welterweight Bout : Oban Eliott (170) vs. Preston Parsons (169) Flyweight Bout : Muhammad Mokaev (126) vs. Manel Kape (125.5) Welterweight Bout : Sam Patterson (170) vs. Kiefer Crosbie (171) Heavyweight Bout : Mick Parkin (264) vs. Lukasz Brzeski (245) Strawweight Bout : Shauna Bannon (115) vs. Alice Ardelean (116) *Note: Jake Hadley weighed in above the bantamweight limit of 136 lbs and will forfeit 20% of his purse to Caolán Loughran. The fight will proceed as scheduled. Don’t Miss UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2 Catch all the action live from Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England. The Prelims begin at 8pm ET/5pm PT, and the Main Card kicks off on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.

Regarded as one of the greatest judokas in history, Teddy Riner had the prestigious privilege of illuminating the Olympic flame in Paris, a significant moment he shared with fellow Guadeloupean athlete Marie-José Pérec. This occasion represents the peak of Riner's career, as he gears up for what may be his final Olympic participation. Furthermore, renowned French judo icons Clarisse Agbegnenou and David Douillet were among the last athletes to pass the flame to Riner and Pérec. Riner's judo journey has been truly exceptional. Born in 1989 in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, he relocated to Paris with his family as an infant. Encouraged by his parents, Riner explored various sports, such as athletics, basketball, football, golf, mountain climbing, squash, and swimming. At the age of 15, he made the pivotal decision to concentrate solely on judo, a choice that would lead him to unparalleled success. His Olympic achievements are unmatched, with gold medals in the men’s +100 kg category at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, as well as bronze medals at both the 2008 Beijing and 2021 Tokyo Games. Additionally, he clinched gold in the mixed team event at the Tokyo Olympics. Riner's dominance extends to the IJF World Championships, where he has secured eleven titles, the most by any judoka. His victories span from 2007 to 2023, in various cities including Doha, Budapest, Astana, Chelyabinsk, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Tokyo, and Rotterdam. Riner's preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics has been intense. He participated in five tournaments in 2024, achieving first-place finishes in Dushanbe, Antalya, and Paris. In 2020, his training regimen underwent significant changes, incorporating a new diet and additional stretching exercises to enhance his mobility and recovery. These adaptations have kept him at the peak of his performance as he strives to add another Olympic title to his illustrious career. Standing at 204 cm, Riner's formidable presence on the tatami is complemented by his technical expertise, with preferred techniques including uchi-mata, o-soto-gari, and harai-goshi. He trains under the guidance of coach Franck Chambily at Paris Saint-Germain Judo, a club that recognized his potential early on.

Lumpinee Stadium hosted the latest edition of ONE Friday Fights on Friday, July 26. ONE Championship brought 11 exciting martial arts matchups to the table. Here are the Full Results of ONE Friday Fights 72. Kongsuk Fairtex and Joachim Ouraghi battled for the full nine minutes in the evening’s main event. The Lumpinee Stadium crowd was roaring with every strike thrown. After the final bell, the judges awarded the match to Kongsuk. The entertaining battle capped off a fun night in Bangkok and moved Kongsuk another step closer to a six-figure contract. It seemed like a feeling-out process between Petnamkhong Mongkolpet and Lookkwan Sujeebameekiew was going on, but a picture-perfect right hand from Petnamkhong zipped down the middle and ended the bout. It was an example of patience paying off, as Petnamkhong never got in a hurry. The highlight-reel finish came at the 2:48 mark of the first round. Beybulat Isaev got the first-round TKO win over Alex Roberts, but not in the way he expected. The two clinched in the corner, and as they moved, Roberts suffered an injury to his leg and dropped to the mat. He was unable to stand, and the match was called, awarding Isaev a victory. Freddie Haggerty took his brother Jonathan’s words to heart as he exploded for a first-round knockout over Kaichon Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang right before the bell. However, it was not easy. The two exchanged knockdowns in the round and were on a level playing field. That all changed with one right hand as Haggerty flattened Kaichon and picked up another big win. ONE Friday Fights 72 opened up with a lightweight submission grappling match, and Craig Hutchinson surprised Banpot Lertthaisong inside of two minutes. Hutchinson slyly dropped to the mat while pulling Banpot down with an armbar. It was locked in, and Banpot had to tap immediately. If you missed any of the action from Bangkok, relive ONE Friday Fights 72 on demand on ONE’s official YouTube channel. ONE Friday Fights 72 Full Results Kongsuk Fairtex def. Joachim Ouraghi by unanimous decision Theptaksin Sor Sornsing def. Jelte Blommaert by unanimous decision Pentor SP Kansart Paeminburi def. Thongsiam Lukjaoporongtom by split decision Petnamkhong Mongkolpet def. Lookkwan Sujeebameekiew by KO at 2:48 of the first round Muanglao Kiattongyot def. Songpandin Chor Kaewwiset by unanimous decision Beybulat Isaev def. Alex Roberts by TKO (referee stoppage) at 0:33 of the first round Freddie Haggerty def. Kaichon Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang by KO at 2:59 of the first round Pataknin Sinbimuaythai def. Majid Karimi by unanimous decision Akif Guluzada def. Haruto Yasumoto by unanimous decision Sumit Bhyan def. Will Drewitt by split decision Craig Hutchison def. Banpot Lertthaisong via submission (armbar) at 1:57 of a the first round

Today marks the birthday of one of Hollywood's most iconic action stars, Jason Statham. Known for his rugged charm, intense screen presence, and unparalleled martial arts skills, Statham has carved out a unique niche in the film industry. As we celebrate his birthday, let's take a look at five movies that prove he is a great martial artist. Happy Birthday Jason Statham... 1. "The Transporter" (2002) "The Transporter" is the film that catapulted Jason Statham to international stardom and established him as a leading action hero. Statham plays Frank Martin, a professional driver who specializes in transporting dangerous and illegal goods. The movie is packed with high-octane action sequences that highlight Statham's martial arts skills, particularly his proficiency in kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His precise and powerful fighting style, combined with his ability to perform complex stunts, made "The Transporter" a benchmark for action films. 2. "Crank" (2006) In "Crank," Statham takes on the role of Chev Chelios, a hitman who has been injected with a poison that will kill him if his heart rate drops. The film's frenetic pace and relentless action sequences showcase Statham's agility and endurance. His background in martial arts is evident in the film's many fight scenes, where he utilizes a mix of street fighting techniques and hand-to-hand combat. "Crank" stands out as a testament to Statham's ability to perform intense action sequences with finesse and precision. 3. "Safe" (2012) "Safe" features Jason Statham as Luke Wright, a former elite operative turned cage fighter. The film's plot revolves around Wright's mission to protect a young girl from various criminal organizations. Statham's martial arts training is on full display in this movie, with expertly choreographed fight scenes that incorporate elements of mixed martial arts, including striking and grappling techniques. His ability to seamlessly blend different fighting styles underscores his versatility and depth as a martial artist. 4. "The Expendables" Series (2010-2014) Statham joins an ensemble cast of legendary action stars in "The Expendables" series, where he plays Lee Christmas, a former SAS soldier and expert in hand-to-hand combat. Throughout the series, Statham's character is involved in numerous combat sequences that highlight his proficiency in various martial arts disciplines. His dynamic fight scenes, often involving knives and close-quarters combat, are a highlight of the series. Statham's performance in "The Expendables" solidifies his reputation as a top-tier action star. 5. "The Mechanic" (2011) In "The Mechanic," Statham portrays Arthur Bishop, a highly skilled assassin known for his methodical and precise approach to his work. The film's action sequences are meticulously crafted to showcase Statham's martial arts capabilities, with a particular emphasis on his striking techniques and acrobatic skills. The movie's blend of intense action and intricate choreography provides a platform for Statham to demonstrate his martial arts prowess, making it a standout in his filmography. Honorable Mention: "Furious 7" (2015) Although primarily known for its high-speed car chases, "Furious 7" features some of the most memorable fight scenes in the "Fast & Furious" franchise, thanks to Jason Statham's portrayal of Deckard Shaw. Statham's combat skills are showcased in several thrilling sequences, including a brutal showdown with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. His ability to perform complex fight choreography with precision and intensity adds a new dimension to the film's action-packed narrative. Jason Statham's martial arts expertise has been a defining element of his career, and these movies are a testament to his dedication and skill. As we celebrate his birthday, we look forward to many more years of breathtaking action and unforgettable performances from this remarkable actor and martial artist.

Here are some Judo Facts and Highlights of Paris Olympics 2024 Teens Competing at the Paris Games At the Paris Olympics, eleven teenagers will be competing, a notable increase from the two teens at the 2020 Tokyo Games. The youngest participant is Nera Tiebwa of Kiribati, aged 15. Mariama Koroma of Sierra Leone is the second youngest at 17. Other notable teen competitors include Tara Babulfath of Sweden and Ibrahim Tataroglu of Turkiye, both aged 18, along with Gerard Takayawa (FIJ-18), Savita Russo (ITA), Maysa Pardayeva (TKM), Michel Augusto (BRA), Khuslen Otonbayar (MGL), Tais Pina (POR), and Binta Ndiaye (SUI), all aged 19. The oldest participant is Will Tai Tin of Samoa, aged 39, making him the oldest competitor of this century. Sibling Sets at the Games Three sets of siblings will compete in the Olympic judo tournament. Well-known champions Uta and Hifumi Abe, along with Christa and Kelly Deguchi, will participate, with the Deguchi sisters fighting for Canada due to their Canadian father. Kosovan siblings Akil and Nora Gjakova will also compete and carry their country's flag at the opening ceremony. Youth Olympic Games Champions Four former Youth Olympic Champions will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. In the -63kg category, three champions will participate: Miku Takaichi (2010, JPN), Szabina Gercsák (2014, HUN), and Szofi Ozbas (2018, HUN). Hifumi Abe (2014, -66kg JPN) remains in his category. Top Medal Collectors Teddy Riner, the most decorated judoka, continues to be a major presence. Czech rival Lukas Krpalek has the most World Cup medals (43), followed by Rafaela Silva of Brazil (42). Idalys Ortiz of Cuba has collected 40 medals. Riner holds the most World Cup titles (29) since 2008, when the World Judo Tour began. Mayra Aguiar of Brazil also has significant achievements, including her first major win in Warsaw. Aguiar and Lasha Shavdatuashvili each have three Olympic medals. Idalys Ortiz and Teddy Riner are the only current participants with four Olympic medals. Judo Mothers Six judo mothers will participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games: Kim Polling (ITA), Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA), Jacqueline Solis (GUA), Natasha Ferreira (BRA), Mahboubeh Barbari Zharfi (EOR), and Zeddy Cherotich (KEN). Missing World Champions Not all World Champions are participating in the Olympics. Japan, for example, didn't send their number one team despite winning several world titles. Ryoma Tanaka (-66kg) and Goki Tajima (-90kg) are absent, although Tanaka won the world title in Abu Dhabi this year. Margaux Pinot, a world champion, will compete in Paris. Japanese heavyweight Wakaba Tomita also won a world title but will not compete. Overall, 46 world champions or former world champions will compete in Paris. Near Misses Portuguese judoka Telma Monteiro narrowly missed qualifying for the Games, holding the record with five Olympic Games alongside Ryoko Tani. Teddy Riner, Idalys Ortiz, and Mayra Aguiar will be present for their fifth Olympics since 2008. Inspirational Athletes The Paris Olympics feature many inspiring stories, including athletes who have overcome personal losses and those with unique hobbies like producing or reading anime. Many athletes were inspired by former judokas and global sports icons like Ayrton Senna, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Muhammad Ali, and Roger Federer. These athletes' stories add depth and emotion to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, showcasing not just their athletic prowess but also their personal journeys and inspirations.

Tom Aspinall was always destined to fight in UFC’s return to Manchester at UFC 304. Even if it meant putting his interim heavyweight belt on the line against Curtis Blaydes, his "worst matchup," while the division waits for Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic to clash. For Aspinall, the most important thing is fighting in an Octagon just 20 minutes from his home, 200 miles north of London. “Anybody who thinks that I'm going to go to a UFC event in Manchester and just watch is absolutely insane,” Aspinall told UFC.com . “If the UFC come back in 20 years and I'm like 50 odd years old, I'll probably still try and have a go.” The Atherton resident’s commitment is understandable. At 23, he watched Michael Bisping defend his middleweight title at UFC 204 with a 5-2 MMA record. Since then, Aspinall has added nine more wins and the interim heavyweight title to his resume. Despite his success, he doesn’t feel much has changed in his daily life. His 6-foot-5 frame makes him stand out regardless, and he remains low-key, usually going to the gym and spending time with his kids. Fighting at home, however, is different. Aspinall compared fighting in London’s O2 Arena to a “salad starter” compared to the “steak” of defending his UFC belt at Co-op Live. While he admits the location adds pressure, his three headlining bouts in London have prepared him for the atmosphere expected on July 27. “That's what it's all about for me. I wanted to fight in Manchester, of course. Obviously, being a champion and defending it in Manchester is massive. That's an experience that no one will ever take away from me. I'm really looking forward to it.” The fight also holds unfinished business with Blaydes. Their first encounter in July 2022 ended abruptly after 15 seconds due to Aspinall’s knee injury. Now, Aspinall aims to rectify that and face Blaydes’ strength, speed, and high-level wrestling. “If it goes as planned, the fight will be as short as possible with me taking absolutely no damage,” Aspinall said. “If I can get in and out of there in 15 seconds with me getting my hand raised, I'll do that every time.” This isn’t just talk. Five of Aspinall’s eight UFC bouts have lasted less than 90 seconds. Despite his knee injury against Blaydes, he has mostly avoided significant damage. He anticipates a tougher challenge against Blaydes, one of the division’s most proven fighters. Aspinall, his father Andy, and his Evolution Fitness XL teammates have prepared rigorously, but execution on fight night is key. After July 27, Aspinall isn’t sure what’s next. Defending the interim title feels like uncharted territory, and whether he fights Jon Jones or someone else depends on future developments. Carrying the weight of a city and becoming the face of a nation’s MMA scene is no easy task. Aspinall shares this responsibility with fellow Mancunian Bisping, welterweight champion Leon Edwards, and Paddy Pimblett. While Aspinall’s fight is third-to-last before the welterweight title bout, it’s expected to be the loudest reception of the night. This is Aspinall’s dream, and he intends to savor every moment as he strides to the Octagon. An athlete of his caliber expects high-pressure situations, but doing it in Manchester is a dream come true. Don’t miss UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2, live from Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the main card kicking off on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.