As Conor McGregor , one of the most iconic figures in mixed martial arts (MMA), celebrates his birthday, it's the perfect time to reflect on the illustrious career of "The Notorious." Known for his brash personality, unparalleled striking skills, and historic achievements, McGregor has carved out a legacy that will be remembered for generations. Here, we break down his top 10 victories, analyzing the significance, performance, and impact of each win. Here's wishing Conor Mcgregor a Happy Birthday!! 1. Conor McGregor vs. José Aldo (UFC 194) Date:  December 12, 2015 Significance:  UFC Featherweight Championship In what is arguably the most iconic moment of McGregor's career, he faced José Aldo, who was then considered one of the greatest featherweights of all time. The fight lasted only 13 seconds, ending with a devastating left hook from McGregor that knocked Aldo out cold. This victory not only crowned McGregor as the undisputed UFC Featherweight Champion but also solidified his reputation as a knockout artist and a master of mental warfare. 2. Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez (UFC 205) Date:  November 12, 2016 Significance:  UFC Lightweight Championship McGregor made history by becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. He dominated Eddie Alvarez from start to finish, showcasing his precision striking and superior movement. The second-round TKO victory at Madison Square Garden marked a pinnacle in McGregor's career and demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stages. 3. Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz II (UFC 202) Date:  August 20, 2016 Significance:  Redemption Fight After suffering his first UFC loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 196, McGregor sought redemption in an epic rematch. The fight was a five-round war, with McGregor showcasing his improved cardio and strategic adjustments. He secured a majority decision victory, proving his resilience and ability to learn from defeat. 4. Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier I (UFC 178) Date:  September 27, 2014 Significance:  Featherweight Contender Fight Facing a tough opponent in Dustin Poirier, McGregor's performance at UFC 178 was a statement to the featherweight division. He dismantled Poirier with a first-round TKO, showcasing his striking prowess and solidifying his position as a top contender. This victory was a key moment in McGregor's rise to stardom. 5. Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes (UFC 189) Date:  July 11, 2015 Significance:  Interim Featherweight Championship With José Aldo pulling out of the fight due to injury, Chad Mendes stepped in on short notice. McGregor faced his toughest test yet, as Mendes' wrestling posed a significant threat. Despite being taken down multiple times, McGregor remained composed and secured a second-round TKO, proving his ability to overcome adversity and capturing the interim featherweight title. 6. Conor McGregor vs. Diego Brandao (UFC Fight Night 46) Date:  July 19, 2014 Significance:  Headline Fight in Dublin Fighting in front of his home crowd in Dublin, McGregor delivered a spectacular performance against Diego Brandao. He finished the fight with a first-round TKO, thrilling the Irish fans and cementing his status as a rising star in the UFC. The atmosphere and McGregor's performance made this a memorable victory. 7. Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway (UFC Fight Night 26) Date:  August 17, 2013 Significance:  Rising Star Bout In a bout that featured two future champions, McGregor faced Max Holloway in only his second UFC fight. Despite suffering an ACL injury during the bout, McGregor dominated Holloway with his striking and grappling, securing a unanimous decision victory. This fight showcased McGregor's versatility and toughness. 8. Conor McGregor vs. Marcus Brimage (UFC on Fuel TV 9) Date:  April 6, 2013 Significance:  UFC Debut McGregor's UFC debut against Marcus Brimage was nothing short of spectacular. He knocked out Brimage in the first round, announcing his arrival in the UFC with authority. This victory marked the beginning of McGregor's journey to becoming one of the biggest stars in MMA. 9. Conor McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone (UFC 246) Date:  January 18, 2020 Significance:  Return Fight After a hiatus from MMA, McGregor returned to the octagon to face veteran Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone. McGregor needed only 40 seconds to finish Cerrone with a head kick and strikes, reminding the world of his explosive power and skill. This victory was a triumphant comeback for McGregor and set the stage for future high-profile fights. 10. Conor McGregor vs. Dennis Siver (UFC Fight Night 59) Date:  January 18, 2015 Significance:  Title Eliminator In a dominant performance, McGregor defeated Dennis Siver with a second-round TKO, earning a shot at the featherweight title. The victory was highlighted by McGregor's post-fight antics, where he leapt over the cage to confront José Aldo, setting the stage for their historic showdown. Conor McGregor's career has been marked by a series of iconic victories that have captivated fans worldwide. His ability to deliver spectacular knockouts, his charismatic personality, and his willingness to take on all challengers have made him a legend in the sport. As we celebrate his birthday, we look forward to what the future holds for "The Notorious" and the continued impact he will have on the world of MMA.

I started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 1994. Egan Inoue, the first non-Brazilian to win a BJJ world championship, awarded me a black belt in 2006. It’s been a rigorous, humbling and empowering journey. I love sport jiu-jitsu, and I train in it nearly every day. But my original motivation to learn martial arts came when I was a shy 9-year-old walking home at dusk after baseball practice. I took a shortcut across a field when a large young man, probably in his late teens, approached. Without the confidence or training needed to say no to this intimidating figure, I followed his commands and ended up in his sordid lair.  When he finally released me, I was forever changed, damaged mentally and spiritually. And even though that incident still runs through my mind, now I can see the silver lining: I’m absolutely dedicated to making sure nothing like that happens again to me or my loved ones. Those loved ones include every single person I have the privilege of sharing my “for the street” martial arts approach with. My last year of high school, I finally got to train in martial arts — under the legendary Dan Inosanto and Richard Bustillo in kali and jeet kune do. Fifteen years later, I was introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu via Rigan and John Machado, whom I had hired to do fight scenes for Kickboxer 4, a film I choreographed. I dabbled in BJJ for a year, then caught the bug. Although I had success with kali and silat in Dog Brothers stick fighting — I’m known as “Lucky Dog” — I couldn’t make my empty-hand techniques work against Egan or his brother Enson Inoue. Because my directive was to make sure everything I trained in and taught really worked under pressure, I set those arts aside, put my head down and worked hard on MMA and BJJ. Ten years later, I’d become proficient at MMA and earned a black  belt in BJJ. I took a breath and re-examined my life. I loved the sport training because it was honest. We sparred in every class, and no one could pretend to be invincible after getting tapped out over and over. But on reflection, I realized that my goal was not to win a medal or a belt. It was to protect myself and my loved ones from the kind of torture I had endured. It was time to return to my roots — but I decided  to view those roots from a different perspective. I now looked at everything I’d learned and done through the eyes of a fighter.  Street Modifications We all know that the street is different from sport, but over time, I was able to blend self-defense elements from JKD, kali, silat, krav maga and other approaches with the functional foundation provided by MMA and BJJ. Because that’s too much to compress into one article, here I will focus on BJJ for the street. As great as sport BJJ is, it doesn’t address many elements that are found in a savage self-defense situation that has no rules and no honor. This is about more than adding strikes and head butts. It’s about making our skill set an all-out, life-or-death tool. Just as we need to know the rules of a competition we’re entering to prepare for the event, we need to know the parameters of the street to adjust our training for the best results there. One note: Seldom should you initiate going to the ground in a street situation. The goal is to go home safely, and the most efficient way of accomplishing that is to stay on your feet and get out of there. But as the Gracie family pointed out, real street encounters often end up on the ground, and if you find yourself there, your jiu-jitsu is going to save you if you’ve regularly trained to address the following 10 street elements. It’s not enough to merely understand these factors. You need to ingrain your responses to them by working out with a resisting partner — just like in your sport jiu-jitsu training. If you don’t consistently fine-tune these areas, you won’t be prepared for extreme self-defense. Multiple Attackers It’s difficult to handle more than one attacker when standing; it’s exponentially more problematic when you’re on the ground. Therefore, the threat of multiple attackers must be at the top of your mind, especially if you end up on the ground.  I like to place self-defense scenarios into two categories: “dangerous to grapple” and “safe to grapple.” If you’re in an environment where there’s a possibility of additional attackers, that belongs in the danger- ous-to-grapple category. Your goal is to escape as soon as possible.  A safe-to-grapple scenario is one in which you’re in an enclosed area like your home or office and you know it’s one-on-one. Then you can apply all your street-grappling skills.  If you wind up on the ground in a dangerous-to-grapple scenario, guess what’s going to help you escape quickly? Solid jiu-jitsu skills. But they should be street-specific skills that take into account the other elements outlined below. In all of them, the ability to stand up efficiently is essential. Pistols If you’re on the ground in a self-defense situation, what’s the most dangerous thing your opponent can do? Strike you? Break your arm? Choke you out? No. By far, the most dangerous thing is to pull a pistol and start blasting. Since this is clearly the worst-case scenario, you have to alter your jiu-jitsu not just to respond to a pistol threat but also to anticipate it.  You must control the opponent’s hands and use positions that allow you to stifle any attempts to draw the gun so it never even comes into play. That’s the primary goal.  If he manages to present the weapon, you should aim to control him and take away the gun. Just like with other techniques, you must spend time rolling to develop the timing needed to anticipate the draw and then, should that fail, to effect a technique that removes the threat from the gunman’s hand.  The key point for functional pistol defense is that you must grip the gun with both hands in a way that enables you to control the line of fire and keep the assailant from regaining control of the weapon. Then you must apply forward pressure to achieve a leverage point that permits you to strip the pistol from his grip.  Knives The next most dangerous element is the knife. As much as I love sport training, the truth is that practicing only sport BJJ programs you to not expect a weapon. You do thousands of rounds and never is a weapon drawn. If you’re suddenly in a self-defense scenario, you’ll revert to your sport training. Many people, including those who’ve trained in combat sports, have been stabbed repeatedly in altercations before they were aware that a blade was in play. If you want to automatically expect a weapon under pressure, you must incorporate a training knife into your rolling. Then you need to apply the pressure-tested, functional knife-defense techniques found in BJJ for the street.  The first key is to control the knife arm with both hands. The second is to remember that while positioning yourself, you should make it difficult for your opponent to switch the blade to his free hand. Directive No. 2 is the one most people miss, but you’ll find it essential as soon as you start rolling. I have plenty of real-life video evidence that proves that if you control only the opponent’s knife hand, he or she will pass the blade to the other hand and continue the rampage.  The final step is to apply a proven knife-disarming procedure or know how to control the knife arm until you can make space and escape. Sticks/Bottles/Hammers While not as bad as pistols and edged weapons, blunt-impact devices can render you unconscious in a split second, so in training, you must gain experience dealing with these often improvised weapons, as well. The basic concept is to enter deep and wrap up the weapon arm, rendering the bludgeon nearly useless. Then you go to work striking, applying a takedown and working for a disarm. Again, this has to be practiced with a resisting partner, both standing and on the ground, if you want to be able to respond under pressure. It’s the same training protocol you would use in sport jiu-jitsu — but under street rules.  Eye Attacks I often speak with people who say they could never put their thumb in the eye of another human being. This comes from having a compassionate mind, and I appreciate that. But I believe you should have more compassion for the other victims that a criminal might terrorize if you don’t take care of him now. Imagine you have a wife and daughter, and you’re dealing with a crazed attacker who’s trying to get through you to assault them. Are you really going to limit yourself to IBJJF regulations or the Unified Rules of MMA? That would be a very bad idea, to say the least. As Bruce Lee said, “When you’re talking about fighting, as it is, with no rules, well then, baby, you better train every part of your body.” Eyes are vulnerable to fingers regardless of a person’s size or strength. But never assume eye attacks will be fight-enders. Use them to create opportunities to apply your jiu-jitsu skills. Throat Attacks The highest expression of jiu-jitsu is keeping the opponent where he is, then maneuvering yourself into a position from which you can submit him. Gripping the windpipe is an excellent way to keep a more power- ful person where he is momentarily so you can improve your position. You also can use it to distract or off-balance him to set up a reversal. A person with a strong base who is difficult to move can be coaxed into changing position with a well-executed throat grab. The throat is also an excellent “handle” to use if you want to get off the ground and back on your feet. Groin Attacks Clearly, no man wants to get hit in the groin. In an extreme self-defense situation, targeting the groin can incapacitate an attacker or at least make him change his focus while you escape. But an equally important reason to practice groin attacks is to be able to defend against them. The first time you got caught in a BJJ triangle, you probably had no idea what was happening. “Where did that come from?” was likely what went through your mind just before you tapped. With sufficient time on the mat, however, you learned to expect the triangle and position your- self in a way that made it difficult for your opponent to do it. You need to do the same for groin attacks.  You don’t want to experience the “where did that come from?” moment on the street, especially if it’s because of a groin grab. There’s a famous YouTube video in which two young military men are fighting and the better grappler secures a guillotine from the guard. The one caught in the submission simply grabs the groin of the grappler, and that counters the submission and ends the fight.  On the street, you must modify your positioning so you can protect yourself from all street tactics, including the groin grab. If you roll only with sport rules, you won’t just automatically adapt in a real fight. Your training will kick in, and the only reason you’ll change your tactics is because the assailant lands an attack — and that’s far too late to realize that you brought sport jiu-jitsu to a gun fight.  Bites The teeth are another element you must account for. I know of several cases in which an arresting officer got to the mount position on a suspect, only to be pulled forward and bitten on the chest. The physical damage is bad enough, but the series of antibiotic shots that the officers had to endure afterward must have been horrendous. The mount is great, but for the street, I emphasize the knee mount because it keeps you away from those choppers. It also allows you a better field of view so you can see whether an additional attacker is approaching. Simulating bites during rolling sessions will make you more aware of how you can use positioning or how you can push the opponent’s head away from you to keep teeth from touching flesh.  A person determined to bite you is difficult to deal with unless you have plenty of practice doing just that. Case in point: My 10-year-old daughter loves it when we add bites to our rounds. She’s an expert at grabbing my hands and trying to bite my fingers. This tactic is one you want to have experience with long before it comes up in a fight. People will try to bite. Use positioning to keep them from doing so.   Head Butts You do not want to get hit in the face with a bowling ball. That’s what getting head-butted feels like. Vale tudo competitions allow the head butt, but the sport isn’t as popular as MMA, so most modern martial artists don’t practice head butts or ways to defend against them. Before you add the head butt to your rolling, know that it’s a very dangerous weapon that can cause a severe laceration or more significant damage if a mistake is made. That’s why I always use headgear with a protective face shield. This gives me and my students the ability to safely make contact with a head butt as long as we don’t fire it full power. Headgear protects against cuts and breaks, but it only minimizes brain trauma. So you still must apply the technique gently.  To avoid a head butt in a fight, control your partner’s head by pulling it down and, if possible, pressing your head against his. If you can’t pull it down, keep a hand on his head to stifle and there- fore minimize the power of the blow. Like other street tactics, head butts require you to change your positioning and your positional priorities. Add them to rolling to find out how, but be sure to use a helmet.  Finger Attacks Don’t count on finger breaks to stop a serious assault. Small-joint dislocations and breaks are bothersome and painful, but a person can keep fighting if he’s motivated. The best use for finger attacks is to break a grip and diminish a person’s ability to grab you.  When teaching kids to grapple, I constantly have to tell them to stop grabbing the fingers. If someone has a rear body lock or front head lock on a kid, the child instinctively will grab the fingers to pry open the grip. Although it’s effective, it makes for dangerous training when children — or unpredictable adults — are involved.  However, if your partners have their emotions under control, you can engage in training sessions in which finger manipulation is permitted as long as you agree to stop before an injury occurs. As you develop your awareness, you’ll feel when your partner is trying to grab your fingers and you’ll be able to retract them before they are secured.  Learn More  Modifying sport BJJ for the street involves more elements, of course — such as the physical environment, the lack of weight classes and so on — but these 10 points are the most pertinent to your survival. If functional, pressure-tested self-defense is important to you, I suggest that you buy a copy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the Street, my new book from Black Belt Publishing, and practice what you learn in addition to your sport BJJ. Adapting your BJJ for street use is fun, it breaks up your regular routine, and it makes you more mobile and aware. Whether you’re training with or without a gi, when that rubber knife comes out or your fingers are grabbed in preparation for a break, you’ll instantly be motivated to move. And that will help your grappling skills progress faster than ever.  In the end, it’s not a question of choosing sport BJJ or BJJ for the street. The best answer is to do both.  To order Burton Richardson’s book Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the Street, go to shop.blackbeltmag.com .

This week, as Amanda Lemos approaches a significant milestone—ten years in mixed martial arts—she reflects on her transformative journey from a soccer field to the heights of the UFC's strawweight division. Her mixed martial arts career began serendipitously when a teammate encouraged her to try boxing and MMA, leading her to her first competitive fight on July 17, 2014, where she secured a first-round victory. Now 37, Lemos looks back at her introduction to the sport, her progress, and her aspirations. Her transition to MMA was marked by an early loss to Leslie Smith at bantamweight, a bout that came seven years to the day before this interview. Despite this initial setback, Lemos successfully transitioned to the strawweight class, where she has compiled an impressive record of 8-2 in the UFC. Her career is not just a series of fights but a source of inspiration for her seven-year-old daughter, who actively engages with her training and diet regimen. Lemos appreciates this dynamic, recognizing the influence her career has on providing a better life for her daughter—one that she herself did not have. As she prepares for her upcoming main event clash against fellow Brazilian Virna Jandiroba in Las Vegas, Lemos is not just commemorating a decade in the sport but also focusing on the critical nature of this bout. A victory here could redefine her position in the talent-rich strawweight division and propel her toward another title shot. Jandiroba presents a tough challenge; she comes into the fight on the best run of her UFC career, having accumulated three consecutive wins. Known for her aggressive grappling, Jandiroba's skill set is something Lemos is keenly aware of as she strategizes for Saturday's fight. For Lemos, this isn't just another fight; it's a celebration of ten years of growth, challenges, and achievements in MMA. With her sights set firmly on victory, she hopes to not only triumph in the upcoming bout but also to pave the way for another opportunity at the UFC strawweight championship.

Last weekend's unexpected changes in the Denver main event have led to Miranda Maverick shifting opponents for this weekend's UFC fight in Las Vegas. Originally set to face Tracy Cortez, Maverick will now take on Dana White's Contender Series graduate Dione Barbosa at the UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba event at the UFC Apex. At just 27 years old, Maverick has rebounded from earlier defeats to Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield by securing four wins in her last five outings, including notable victories over Priscila Cachoeira and Andrea Lee. While not yet at the contender level of Barber and Blanchfield, Maverick is actively progressing towards the upper echelons of the division. A commanding win this weekend could further enhance her standing among the flyweight ranks. Maverick, who has been under the spotlight since her days at Invicta FC, is recognized for her exceptional athleticism and strength in the flyweight division. Initially hesitant in leveraging her skills fully, Maverick has shown marked improvement since collaborating with head coach Eliot Marshall. Now in her prime as a professional athlete, Maverick is poised to make significant strides within the division. Her opponent, 32-year-old Dione Barbosa, is relatively new to the UFC roster but brings momentum from a four-fight winning streak, including a resilient performance in her promotional debut at UFC 301. This matchup presents a unique challenge for Maverick, as she faces a potentially underestimated opponent in Barbosa. This bout is crucial for assessing Maverick's readiness to ascend further in the rankings, as it has all the makings of a "trap game." Her approach and performance this Saturday will be telling of her current form and future prospects in the division. Catch all the action of UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba live from UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The prelims begin at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT, followed by the main card airing live on ESPN & ESPN+ starting at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Don't miss it!

Despite securing three consecutive Performance of the Night bonuses and maintaining a winning streak, flyweight fighter Bruno Silva remains unranked as he prepares to clash with Cody Durden at the UFC APEX this Saturday during the prelims of UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba. Training alongside former two-division champion Henry Cejudo, Silva made waves in 2021 with knockout victories over JP Buys and Victor Rodriguez within a ten-week period, earning bonuses and raising his profile in the 125-pound division. However, a nearly two-year break slowed his momentum until his return last March, where he achieved a submission win over Tyson Nam, marking his third consecutive victory and bonus. After over a year away from the Octagon, Silva is set to return, bringing his formidable knockout power and impressive submission skills to face Durden, a fighter known for his durable, wrestling-heavy approach and relentless cardio. Durden, who has found his footing in the UFC with a series of victories before a recent setback against Tagir Ulanbekov, poses a significant challenge with his grinding style. A victory for Silva could finally place him in the Top 15, opening doors to higher-profile bouts, assuming he can maintain activity in the cage. Catch all the action of UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba, including Silva vs Durden on the prelims, live from Las Vegas. The prelims begin at 5pm ET/2pm PT, followed by the main card at 8pm ET/5pm PT on ESPN & ESPN+. Don't miss out as these fighters vie for ranking and recognition in the fiercely competitive flyweight division.

The October 1974 cover of Fighting Stars featured a 22-year-old Angela Mao Ying in her unforgettable role as Bruce Lee's sister in "Enter the Dragon." The fight scene was one of the first time we witnessed the skills of female martial artist on a Hollywood screen.

The word "promoter" sometimes gets a bad rap when we think of such names like Barnum and Bailey, but in fact the promoter provides one of the most important elements in the landscape of martial arts. If the masters are the soul of martial arts, then the promoter is definitely the tireless body that does the work to amplify the art so all the world can see.  Based upon commercial and historical  significance to the martial arts, this list includes the biggest promoters in the world and important promoters that literally change the history of the martial arts and the way that we watch and enjoy it today.  Dana White, UFC  Love him or hate him, you have to respect Dana White, who is without a doubt the world's greatest martial arts promoter. Although White did not invent the UFC, his brilliant strategies and execution helped grow the brand from a fringe sport, to become the multi-billion dollar powerhouse that is now as mainstream as the NFL, NBA, Premier League or other major league sports. Nobuyuki Sakakibara, Pride/Rizin Founder, CEO, and visionary behind such great brands of Pride and Rizin, Sakakibara's executive management strategy and vision help build and operate some of Japan's biggest and most successful martial arts organizations including Dream and K1. Today his brand Rizin is one of the most successful martial arts combat promotions in the world drawing over 40,000 fans in a single event, he is truly the promoter's promoter. Scott Coker, K1/Strikeforce/Bellator  Since age 19, Scott Coker has been a force in martial arts promotion starting off with kickboxing co-founding the ISKA, led the K1 in the USA as president, and would eventually create the MMA organization Strikeforce, which pioneered the inclusion of women including the likes of Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, and Cris Cyborg.  Coker would go on to sell Strikeforce to the UFC and eventually become the president of Bellator.  Martin Lewandowski, KSW If you are only focused on US-based MMA, then the KSW might be off your radar. But in Europe the KSW reigns king. Martin Lewandowski had been the manager of the Marriott in Warsaw when he met Maciej Kawulski in 2002. Kawulski was the organizer of one of the biggest sports expos in Poland at that time. As both businessmen come from martial arts backgrounds, they quickly found a common subject. Eighteen months later the first KSW show was born. KSW adopted the strategy of having events that are less frequent but bigger, focusing on creating big shows with stacked cards and with great spectacle. In 2017, KWS 39 beat the record for the largest live attendance to an MMA event in Europe. It was the second-largest in history with 57,776 fans, only after the Pride Shockwave in 2002. Today the KSW ranks the 5th most attended MMA event in the world and still going and growing very strong! Chatri Sityodtong, ONE Championship Chatri started as an investment analyst at Fidelity Investments covering a variety of industries. In 2011, he founded ONE Championship and currently serves as its chairman and CEO. Under his leadership, ONE was named Asia's largest global sports media property by Forbes while Nielsen ranks ONE amongst the world's top 10 biggest sports media properties in terms of viewership and engagement. Terry Trebilcock, King of the Cage Founded by Terry Trebilcock in 1998, King of the Cage has proven to be a pioneer in Mixed Martial Arts with over 500 events since its inception. No other production has promoted more fights than King of the Cage and continues to promote shows globally, including the United States and foreign countries such as: England, Singapore, South Africa, Canada, Japan, Australia ,and Philippines. MMA stars who have come up through the King of the Cage ranks including Ronda Rousey, Forrest Griffin, Quinton Rampage Jackson, Daniel Cormier, TJ Dillishaw, Demetrious Johnson, Robbie Lawler, Rory MacDonald, Rashad Evans, Krazy Horse, Keith Jardine, Mac Danzig, Urijah Faber, Joe Stevenson, and Diego Sanchez. Art Davie and Rorion Gracie, UFC In the early 1990s, a groundbreaking collaboration unfolded between Rorion Gracie and promoter Art Davie. Their vision led to the creation of an eight-man single-elimination tournament, designed to showcase the prowess of Gracie jiu-jitsu in comparison to other martial arts. This partnership would go on to revolutionize the landscape of full-contact fighting, giving birth to the iconic Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The tournament embraced a no-holds-barred combat format, reminiscent of Brazil's Vale Tudo, and was set to be televised with the ambitious goal of publicly determining the superior martial art. On November 12, 1993, Rorion's younger brother, Royce, stepped into the main event to represent the Gracie family's martial art. Despite being the smallest competitor, Royce displayed remarkable skill, securing victory in all three of his matches and earning the championship title. Royce's success in subsequent UFC tournaments further captivated audiences. Winning two more early championships, he brought widespread attention to the effectiveness of the Gracie family's jiu-jitsu. This success resonated particularly in America, drawing numerous martial artists to embrace the art that had proven so dominant against the diverse range of styles showcased in the early UFC events. Joe Corley, The PKA The foundation of the Professional Karate Association – originally the brainchild of Joe Lewis – was formed in 1974 by Mike Anderson in association with Don and Judy Quine. This evolved into championing full contact karate, which would later be called kickboxing. In 1977, Corley would join the organization as executive vice president, and through his vision, strategy and execution grew the PKA into one of the biggest martial arts brands through the 1980s and 1990s, becoming  staple on a burgeoning Sports Network network we now know as ESPN. If you watch kickboxing or MMA on television, you can definitely credit Corley for being a pioneer of introducing the sport into our homes. Like Dana White, Joe did not create the PKA but he definitely is responsible for building it into one of the most successful martial arts franchises of its time and launching the careers of such legends like Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Jeff Smith, and Joe Lewis.  Howard Hanson, WKA (World Karate Association) The WKA was founded by Howard Hanson in 1976 and was originally named World Karate Association. The organization was the first non-profit governing body to use an independently controlled rating list, the first to establish a world championship division for women, and the first to include countries from Asia. The organization secured network broadcast in the US and Japan, and became a major sanctioning body for professional karate. Early stars of the WKA included Benny Urquidez, Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Kevin Rosier, and Graciela Casillas.  According to martial arts author John Ritschel, "The WKA became successful by finding common ground between Western and Eastern full-contact fighting culture, thereby creating and defining a culture for the sport that improved the recognition of full-contact competitions. Antonio Inoki, First MMA in Japan/NJPW/IGF/ISM Some say without Antonio Inoki there might not be MMA as we know it. Muhammad Hussain Inoki born Kanji Inoki was a Japanese professional wrestler, martial artist, politician, and promoter of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. He was best known by the ring name Antonio Inoki. Inoki was a twelve-time professional wrestling world champion. He parlayed his wrestling career into becoming one of Japan's most recognizable athletes, a reputation bolstered by his 1976 fight against world champion boxer Muhammad Ali – a fight that served as a predecessor to modern day mixed martial arts.  He founded multiple promotions including New Japan Pro-Wrestling, The Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), ISM, and was also a co-founder of the karate style Kansui-ryū along with Matsubayashi-ryū master Yukio Mizutani. In 1989, while still an active wrestler, Inoki entered politics as he was elected to the Japanese House of Councillors. In 1995, with Ric Flair, Inoki headlined two shows in North Korea that drew 165,000 and 190,000 spectators, the highest attendances in professional wrestling history. Kazuyoshi Ishii, The K1 Kazuyoshi Ishii  is a Japanese master of karate and founder of the K1 fighting circuit, one of the most widely watched International Martial Arts competitions combining Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Taekwondo Kenpo, Boxing, and Karate.  Founded nearly 30 years ago the K1 spread its exciting brand across the world and made a showcase to such great Champions as Mirko Cro Cop, Alistair Overeem and Ernesto Hoost, and Branko Cikatic. Don King, Thrilla in Manila  Yes, the same Don King who is a boxing legend actually goes down in history as a martial arts promoter. As legend tells it, there was a time that Don King had a fascination with kickboxing. Remember, it was the 1970s and Bruce Lee's popularity had changed the world and how we viewed martial arts. Don King would pit his heavyweight fighter Kareem Allah against the current light heavyweight kickboxing champion Jeff Smith and include them on the undercard of the biggest fight of the century. The fight was seen by over fifty million viewers as a preview before Ali vs. Frazier World Boxing Title Fight, known as the “Thrilla in Manila.” Henry Cho, All American  Henry Cho was the creator and promoter of the All American Open Taekwondo/Karate/Kung Fu Championship Tournament. The All American Open was held for 23 consecutive years at Madison Square Garden, and was attended by notable martial artists. At its time, it was the tournament to win and where stars in martial arts were made. It was at this event where Bruce Lee met Chuck Norris for the first time. Aaron Banks, Oriental World of Self-Defense If there was ever the Barnum & Bailey of martial arts it was definitely Aaron Banks. Banks was a martial artist born in Bronx, New York who brought international martial arts under one roof in Madison Square Garden. This show was known as the "Oriental World of Self-Defense," and it played for over 20 years at Madison Square Garden, on ABC Wild World of Sports, NBC Sports World, CBS Sports, and HBO. During his life, he promoted 352 karate tournaments, conducted more than 1,000 demonstrations, and organized over 250 martial arts shows. The show was known by some, for its crazy stunts including a man who caught a bullet in his teeth! It pioneered the original karate vs. Kung Fu match as well as a woman vs. a man match where Beth Bussey faced heavyweight Joe Hess.  Ed Parker, The Internationals   First promoted in 1964 by Grandmaster Ed Parker, The Long Beach International Karate Championships is an international martial arts tournament held at the Long Beach Convention Center.  The tournament has become legendary in the martial arts community as it introduced the world to Bruce Lee, where he demonstrated his famous 1-in punch.  Over the years it became one of the most important martial arts competitions to win. The champions include legends like Mike Stone, Joe Lewis, Steve Sanders, Benny the Jet Urquidez and Enter the Dragon star Jim Kelly.   Jacques Delcourt, European Karate Jacques Delcourt was a prominent sports administrator who was instrumental in creating the European Karate Union which later became the European Karate Federation. This, in turn, inspired the creation of the World Union of Karate Organisations that became the World Karate Federation. He was highly decorated by the French Government, including the award of Officer of the Legion of Honour. Mas Oyama, Kyokushin World Tournament  Masutatsu Ōyama, more commonly known as Mas Oyama, is the South Korean karate master who founded the famed Kyokushin Karate. Considered the first and most influential style of full contact karate.  Kyokushin Kaikan is the martial arts organization founded in 1964 by Ōyama as officially the International Karate Organization. The style and tournaments has continued to spread to more than 120 countries, becoming one of the largest martial arts organizations in the world, and in Japan itself.

Throughout Black Belt's illustrious 63-year history, the flying sidekick has remained among the most revered techniques, the flying side kick first appeared in 1965 and the last in 2014. Earning a place of honor as one of the standout moves performed by the masters and champions featured on magazine covers. In this tribute, we honor the trailblazing pioneers who flawlessly executed this unforgettable maneuver, leaving an indelible imprint on the martial arts landscape. Their expertise and unwavering commitment have solidified the flying sidekick as an enduring symbol of martial arts excellence, inspiring practitioners and enthusiasts across generations. Gordon Doversola flying side kick breaks boards held by Hollywood actor Beau Vanden Ecker known for Hawaii Five-O. The cover of the 15th issue of Black Belt, March 1965 had a photograph of Doversola executing a flying side kick in an Okinawa-te demonstration. According to Doversola, Okinawa-te is thought to have originated with martial arts brought to the Ryukyu Islands from China. Because the Japanese did not allow the locals to practice fighting, they developed methods that seemed harmless but were designed to counter Japanese martial arts and used weapons derived from farm implements. The black and white masterpiece was shot by Oliver Pang and it's the first time the flying side kick was seen on the cover of the March 1965 edition of Black Belt Magazine.  The caption reads “The flying side kick Yoko Tobi Geri one of karate's most devastating surprise attacks, also rates high as an effective counter attack to the side of an opponent's neck." The November 1965 cover credits the style of the kick from Shotokan karate and at the time Black Belt commissioned artists to render their interpretation of the art, this credit goes to C. Voss. Before his rise as a karate mogul, Jeff Smith commanded respect as one of the most formidable tournament fighters nationwide, earning the moniker "DC Bomber." Transitioning from tournament karate, he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest full-contact kickboxers in history. This pivotal moment captures his Korean Taekwondo roots and training under Jhoon Rhee as he launches into the air against a then-young John Worley, who would later establish himself as one of the era's most distinguished champion, teacher and promoter of the famed Diamond Nationals. No photo credit was given for this cover printed in December of 1972. Korean-born Taekwondo master, movie star, and champion Byong Yu established his legacy in Northern California before moving on to Los Angeles to pursue film and teaching. At the time of the photo he was only 38 years old but the article called him a “geriatric” and pointed to his age as a factor to continue as a competitor. Judging by the technique they were wrong. This 1973 cover features his Moo Duk Kwan-style Taekwondo kick against Jimmy Kim. Photo credit Ed Ikuta. We know him as the menacing O'Hara from "Enter the Dragon." The guy with the scar across his face, and later fights Bruce Lee in the legendary garden final scenes. Bob Wall was a Korean stylist-trained martial artist who studied with Chuck Norris, here he demonstrates the flying sidekick photo taken by Ed Ikuta, vintage January 1974.  In what might be one of the most famous silhouette side kick photos of all time, Joe Lewis and Louie Rafti pose against the sun. Photo shot by David M. King for the March 1977 cover. On his fourth magazine cover, the headline asks: "The Next Bruce Lee?" Chuck Norris has forged his unique journey as a movie and TV star and a global ambassador for martial arts. This era marked his emergence onto the movie scene, following years of dominating tournament karate. In this captivating image, he's pictured with his brother Aaron taking the kick and showcasing his signature tang soo do flying side kick. Photograph by David M. King 1977. There is only one 10th Dan Black Sash in each generation who is given the title of “Dojoonim”. Grandmaster Jo Bang Lee is the 58th generation holder of the title as the keeper of the knowledge of the Ancient Hwarang Knights. He is recognized as the Founder of Hwa Rang Do as a modern martial art as he was the first to systemize the martial skills of the Ancient Hwarang Knights as a modern martial art system for the first time in Korean History, officially registering it in the Republic of Korea in 1960.  The 1979 cover featured Joe Bang Lee flying side kick against five cement blocks photo by Ed Ikuta. Salem Assli demonstrates the flying side kick French style. The 1989 cover story said it all “Is Savate the best style for the street?" The French kicking art is pretty but also deadly, don't be deceived by the aesthetic flowing appearance, Savate can be highly effective in the ring or the street, pretty but it's very deadly. It is the Savage Savate for the streets. Cover shot by Doug Churchill. LA Dodger Jim Gott, the Hapkido stylist, went to the mound at Dodger Stadium for this cover. Photo captured by long-time staff photographer Doug Churchill November 1993. The five-time undefeated world forms Champion Cynthia Rothrock shows off her style from her years of training that included Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, Eagle Claw Kung Fu, and Wu Shu but for this cover, it's all out Hollywood with signature black boots. The 1995 cover was shot by a living legend of martial arts photography Doug Churchill. Kenpo and Wushu stylist Christine Bannon Rodrigues, 9th degree Black Belt under famed Don Rodrigues (former nine-time world karate champion), the blazing red gi flying side kick was captured by Doug Churchill for the August 2000 issue. Simply known as "Benny the Jet" to millions, one of his many but very memorable covers features the Jet in a flying side pose. Urquidez has had training in nine styles including Judo, Kajukenbo, Shotokan, Taekwondo, Lima Lama, White Crane Kung Fu, Jujutsu, Aikido, and American Kenpo. He is the founder of Ukidokan Karate. Captured in 2014 by Robert Reiff photographer. This was the last flying side kick to appear on the cover of Black Belt Magazine

In the dynamic realm of martial arts, a new generation of super athletes is emerging and they're rewriting the script on what it means to excel in this ancient discipline.  These remarkable women have devoted their lives to the art of combat, and their dedication is yielding extraordinary results. Through teaching, competition, and captivating movie performances, they are not only pushing the boundaries of their sport but also inspiring countless others along the way. As we shine a spotlight on these trailblazers, we pay tribute to their unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and boundless passion for martial arts. From mastering intricate techniques to breaking down barriers in traditionally male-dominated arenas, these female martial artists are leaving an indelible mark on the global stage. Join us as we celebrate the best of the best, the fearless warriors who are redefining the landscape of martial arts and paving the way for future generations of athletes. It's time to meet the women who are transforming the world of combat sports one kick, punch, and submission at a time. Here are the the women in martial arts - the next generation of legends. The list does not constitute ranking Uta Abe   Anissa Meksen Caitlin Dechelle  Rayna Vallandingham Kiyou Shimizu Yorgelis Salazar Janice Hung Julia Moreci Guanzon Randa Richards Jewelianna Ramos Ortiz Ffion Eira Davies Smilla Sundell Mackensi Emory Women in Martial Arts Uta Abe   Home: Japan  Style: Judo  Titles: Olympic gold medal and quadruple world champion In her mid-20s, Abe Uta is already considered legend status, and on her way to GOAT status in Judo.  Abe Uta, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of judo, has etched her place in history as one of Japan's most formidable athletes. Born and raised in the heart of Tokyo.  She made history in 2017 by clinching victory in Düsseldorf as the youngest-ever winner of an IJF World Tour event, a feat that underscored her prodigious talent and indomitable spirit.  Her success at the World Junior Mixed Team Championships in the same year further cemented her reputation as a rising star in the judo world. Uta's meteoric rise to prominence reached its zenith at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, by clinching the coveted gold medal, captivating the hearts of her nation and the admiration of judo enthusiasts worldwide. A quadruple world champion, she dominated the international judo scene in 2023, 2022, 2019, and 2018, consistently showcasing her unparalleled skill and mastery of the craft. Remarkably, many of her victories coincided with those of her esteemed brother, Hifumi Abe, adding a unique familial dynamic to their shared success. As she continues to carve her legacy in the annals of judo history, Abe Uta remains an inspiration and global ambassador for the sport of Judo.  Copyright: IJF  Anissa Meksen Home: France/Thailand Style: Kickboxing  Titles: ISKA, WAKO and Glory World Champion Record:  118W  35KOs One of the most decorated female kickboxers in the world, Anissa has won 118 matches with 35 KOs and is considered the top women’s pound-for-pound kickboxer since 2017.  She is also equally as good in other combat sports, as she also owns a World Championship in savate and holds a French Boxing Championship. At age 12, Anissa Meksen took a liking to kickboxing thanks to her brother, Mehdi, and it’s something that she pursued for the rest of her life.  But despite becoming one of the top teenagers in the sport of kickboxing, Meksen never put her schooling on the side. The Parisian would obtain two degrees – one in Sports Performance and the other in Training Methodology.  In 2014, Meksen became the WMPF Muay Thai World Champion and was also named the MuayThai TV Fighter of the Year. Two years later, she claimed the WAKO Pro Flyweight World Championship, and the French striker would follow that up by winning the Glory Women’s Super Bantamweight World Title and the IKSA K-1 Bantamweight World Championship. Caitlin Dechelle Home: Atlanta GA Style:  Karate Titles:  NASKA World Champion  Caitlin Dechelle is an actress, stunt woman, and world champion martial artist that has appeared in over 40 film and TV productions.  She began her martial arts training at 6 years old and throughout her competitive career went on to win 94 NASKA and World Titles, making her one of the most decorated female martial artists in the modern day era.  Born in Miami, FL and is based in Atlanta, GA. She is a brand ambassador for Rockstar Energy, Century Martial Arts and Garden of Life. She co-starred with Jackie Chan in "Chinese Zodiac." She played "The Geneticist" on MTV's "Teen Wolf" Season 5. She is an award winning stunt woman; recognized for "Hawkeye," "The Mandalorian," "The Hunt," "Agents of Shield," "Altered Carbon," "Wonder Woman," "Midnight Texas," "Furious 7," and many more. Rayna Vallandingham Home: USA Style: Tae Kwon Do Titles: Tae Kwon Do and XMA world championship Rayna Vallandingham is the youngest black belt martial artist to attain 12 World Championship Titles. In 2011, at age 8, Rayna won 4 World Titles in Little Rock, Ark making her the youngest black belt ever to win a Championship. The next year (2012) she won 6 more world championships (Triple Crown in Traditional, Creative Weapons, XMA Forms, and XMA Weapons), and in 2013 she won the XMA Forms World Championship. She appeared in Phillip Rhee's film "Underdogs" as Leticia. She is a Brand Ambassador for the American Tae Kwon Do Association. Today she has a massive international following across social media with over 2M followers. Kiyou Shimizu Home: Japan Style: Karate  Title: Kata Champion/ JAPAN National Team   Kiyou Shimizu , a Japanese karateka competing in the women's kata event. She won the silver medal in the women's kata event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. She is also a two-time gold medalist at the World Karate Championships and a three-time gold medalist at the Asian Games. Yorgelis Salizar Home: Venezuela/Miami  Style: Karate Titles: 7-time Pan-American Champion, 2 time K1 Premier League Champion  Salazar is a world's top-ranked Karate athlete in the -50kg category, number 1 in the -50kg category for female Kumite in the World Karate Federation (WKF).  She started practicing karate at a young age in Venezuela. Known for her signature “hook kick” she is an international star on the rise and new to the the radar of many Black Belt readers.  Janice Hung Home: Philippines Style: Wu Shu Titles: International Wushu Champion, 10x Gold Medalist in Wushu Commercial model and actress based in the Philippines, Hung began in Wushu as a child in elementary school when the Wushu Philippine Team came to her school and demonstrated Wushu. She fell in love with this sport and over the course of two decades has mastered the art form and now is taking to the silver screen.  Julia Moreci Guanzon Home: USA Style Tae Kwon Do  Titles:  World Champion Martial Artist, Tricker, Former NFL Cheerleader A former competitive gymnast and  NFL Raiders Cheerleader. She was inspired by her father and brother to begin her journey in martial arts. Her dedication has achieved a 4th degree black belt.  Her world titles include NBL world title champion in musical open forms, she also competed on the NASKA circuit and brought home five grand champion titles.   Julia Moreci is also the founder and owner of Infinity Martial Arts in San Jose, CA where she dedicates her time and energy to the craft of martial arts and teaching others. Randa Richards Home: UK Style: Ninjutsu Title: 10th Degree Black Belt Randa Richards is one the highest ranking female Ninjutsu masters in the world certified by the Grandmaster of Ninjutsu Masaaki Hatsumi of Japan. With a more than 200,000 followers on Instagram, Randa and her partner Michael Jones are building a modern movement for Ninjutsu practitioners. They run Kunoichi/Shinobi Dojo, Cardiff Martial Arts Academy in South Wales, U.K., and currently conducts training seminars around the world preserving this ancient art.  Jewelianna Ramos Ortiz Home: USA Style: Karate  Titles: World NASKA Champion At the tender age of 3, Jewelianna embarked on her martial arts journey under the guidance of her parents. Hailing from Miami, Florida, with Puerto Rican roots, she honed her skills and began competing at the age of 8, swiftly amassing multiple prestigious world titles. Her passion for martial arts led her to traverse the globe, not only as a competitor but also as a revered seminar instructor. Transitioning seamlessly into the realm of film, Jewelianna made her mark after relocating to Atlanta in 2018. Since then, she has crafted an impressive portfolio within the action industry, boasting notable credits including "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," "Miss Marvel," "DC’s Blue Beetle," "CBS True Lies," "Red One," "Wolf Pack," and a myriad of other projects. As a multifaceted talent, Jewelianna continues to evolve, excelling as a stunt performer, actress, and influencer in the martial arts. Ffion Eira Davies Home: Wales / USA Style: BJJ Titles: 2x World IBJJF champion gi, 4x No Gi world champion, ADCC world champion Ffion Davies , hailing from Wales, is a distinguished grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt under the tutelage of Darragh O’Conaill. Recognized as one of the premier featherweight competitors of her era, Davies initially honed her skills as a judo player for the Wales National Team during her formative years. Transitioning to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, she quickly made a significant impact within the sport, accumulating notable victories on the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) circuit. Representing the esteemed East Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy (ECJJA), Davies solidified her reputation as a formidable force in the world of BJJ. Smilla Sundell Home: Thailand Style: Muay Thai  Titles: Muaythai World Champion and 2 One Championship Champion. Smilla Sundell is a Swedish Muay Thai kickboxer currently signed to ONE Championship , where she is the current ONE Women's Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion. In 2022, Sundell became the youngest person to ever win a world title in Muay Thai by defeating Jackie Buntan to win the inaugural ONE Women's Strawweight Championship at 17 years and 5 months. In 2023, she is ranked as the number one female featherweight (57.153 kg) Muay Thai practitioner in the world by the WBC Muay Thai. Mackensi Emory  Home: Los Angeles, USA Style:  Kenpo Titles: Multiple NASKA World Champion  Mackensi Emory started training in martial arts at the age of 6 and is currently a 3rd degree black belt in Kenpo through Kyoshi Dave Kovar of Sacramento and is also the creator of the Flow System with kamas.  She is a member of Team Paul Mitchell Karate and has traveled the world performing, competing, teaching seminars & private lessons. Today she resides in Los Angeles pursuing a career as a stunt woman.  Acting and stunt credits include “The Women King," "Star Wars Jedi," "Survivor," "Yellow Jackets" and "The Gray Man."

We are celebrating the most influential and accomplished Judoka females on the planet. From their remarkable performances on the mat to their impactful roles as ambassadors and advocates for the sport, we pay tribute to these legendary females for their enduring contributions. Here are the Most Influential Female Judoka.  The list does not constitute ranking: Ronda Rousey Kayla Harrison Uta Abe  Rafaela Silva  Clarisse Agbegnenou Marti Malloy Daria Bilodid  Ryoko Tani  Kye Sun-hui  Ingrid Berghmans  Lynn Joyce Roethke  Driulis González Morales  Maria Pekli Telma Monteiro Most Influential Female Judoka  Ronda Rousey  Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ In the realm of combat sports, Ronda Rousey's name rings loud and clear, synonymous with titles in MMA, blockbuster movies, and electrifying WWE performances. Yet, beneath this star-studded persona lies a foundation built on the disciplined art of Judo. Rousey's journey to greatness in Judo reached its zenith when she secured a bronze medal in the 70 kg class, etching her name in history as the first American woman to achieve such a feat since the sport's inclusion in the Olympics in 1992. Transitioning seamlessly into the world of mixed martial arts, Rousey's prowess continued to dazzle. With an impressive streak of 12 consecutive victories, her trademark move, the armbar, proved unstoppable, often sealing her triumphs within the opening round. This technique, honed during her formative years in Judo, became her signature, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the cage. Ryoko Tani Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Ryoko Tani nee Tamura is maybe the best female judoka ever in judo. The Japanese lightweight was seven times World Champion U48kg and won two Olympic titles in 2000 and 2004. She lost the finals of 1992 and 1996. She is a superstar and politician in Japan. Standing at a mere 1.46 meters tall, Japan's Ryoko Tani burst onto the international stage at the tender age of 15, she clinched victory at the Fukuoka Cup, defeating the four-time world champion Karen Briggs. From there, Tani's dominance in the extra-lightweight category (-48kg) spanned two decades. Tani's legacy is unparalleled: she is the first female judoka to compete in five Olympic Games, and she stands alone as the only one to secure a medal at each appearance. Her remarkable streak of 12 years without defeat at the international level, from 1996 to 2008, saw her triumph in every major competition she entered, solidifying her status as a judo legend. Kayla Harrison Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Kayla Harrison an American professional mixed martial artist and Olympic and world champion judoka, currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Name synonymous with excellence in the world of Judo. Her legacy was sealed when in 2012 at the London Olympics she took gold in the 78 kg (172 lb) weight category.  The then 22-year-old Harrison. A former training partner of 2008 bronze medalist Ronda Rousey, was pitted against Great Britain's Gemma Gibbons in the final round of the women's 78kg (172 lbs) division. With the crowd firmly rooting for Gibbons, Harrison scored two yukos during the match to take the victory.  After the 2016 Olympics where she took her second gold, she moved into mixed martial arts and she was the former Professional Fighters League lightweight champion. In March 2023, Harrison was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame. Uta Abe Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Japanese judoka Abe Uta became Olympic Champion at Tokyo 2020. She is the quadruple world champion of 2023, 2022, 2019 and 2018. Abe was the Junior World Champion in 2017. She won the Grand Slams of Japan four times. In 2017 she won in Düsseldorf as the youngest ever winner of an IJF World Tour event. 2023 she became the International Judo Federation's 2023 Female Judoka of the Year.  With a string of impressive accomplishments on the international platform, Uta Abe's hunger for victory continues undeterred. Yet, her ambition transcends mere triumphs; she aims to showcase her formidable strength. Despite being dubbed "Japan’s Cutest Athlete" by some pundits, Uta is resolute in her quest for a different kind of recognition. "I WILL EARN THEIR DESCRIPTIONS OF 'STRONG,' 'A MONSTER,' 'THE MOST POWERFUL.'" Marti Malloy Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Originally from Whidbey Island in Northwestern Washington, Marti has been immersed in the world of judo since the tender age of six. Alongside her older brothers, she dove into the sport headfirst, learning Judo on a Naval Base. It didn't take long for her talent to shine through, as she clinched first place in her debut match mere months after starting, igniting her ambition to become an Olympic champion. Marti's journey led her to San Jose State University, where she honed her skills under the tutelage of the renowned Sensei Yosh Uchida. During her tenure, she captained the team for three years while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in advertising, all while gearing up for the 2012 Olympics. Furthering her education, Marti pursued a Master's in Mass Communications at San Jose State, where she experienced consecutive banner years in 2012 securing a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in London and 2013. She clinched gold at the Miami Grand Prix, followed by silver at both the World Championships and the illustrious Tokyo Grand Slam. Fast forward two decades, and Marti's name resonates throughout the judo community, both nationally and internationally, with a slew of victories under her belt. She currently holds the prestigious title of the top-ranked American player in her weight class. Today, Marti's legacy endures as she serves on the Board for US Judo, passionately advocating for the sport. Professionally, she channels her expertise into marketing endeavors with The Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, seamlessly merging her passion for judo with her professional pursuits. Rafaela Silva  Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Rafaela Lopes Silva is a Brazilian judoka. She won gold medals at the World Judo Championships of 2013 and 2022 and at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the –57 kg weight division. In August 2013, she was the first Brazilian woman to become a world champion in Judo. Born amidst poverty, violence, and crime, Rafaela's childhood in Cidade de Deus painted a grim picture of her future. Judo became more than just a sport for Rafaela—it became her escape route.  Under the mentorship of Brazilian judoka Flávio Conto and the transformative programs of the Institut Reaçao, a champion emerged like a phoenix from the flames, inspiring her nation and those she encountered on the tatami. Clarisse Agbegnenou  Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ By securing her sixth world judo title, Clarisse Agbégnénou solidified her position as one of the most prominent gold-medal contenders for the 2024 Paris Games, marking a remarkable comeback to the sport's pinnacle just 11 months after welcoming her daughter, Athena. Hailing from France, Clarisse Agbegnenou is a double Olympic Gold Medal Champion in U63kg and mixed teams in Tokyo 2021. She also won Olympic silver in Rio 2016. Clarisse is a six-time World Champion of 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2014 and runner-up in 2013 and 2015 as well as a six-time European Champion in 2013, 2014, 2018-2020. She won European and World Team titles with France. Agbegnenou won the Grand Slam of Paris 7 times from 2013-2024. Agbegnenou won the World Masters in 2018 in Guangzhou and 2021 in Doha. She was the flag bearer at the 2020 Olympic Games for France. Daria Bilodid Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com Daria Hennadiyivna Bilodid is a prominent Ukrainian judoka. She clinched the gold medals at both the 2019 World Championships and the 2019 European Championships in the 48 kg division. Adding to her achievements, she secured a bronze medal in the women's 48 kg event at the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan, showcasing her exceptional talent on the global stage. Telma Monteiro Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Telma Monteiro, the Olympic bronze medalist in Rio (2016), is a six-time European Champion and four-time Vice World Champion. With five World medals and fifteen European medals, she's a judo powerhouse. Victories include Grand Slam titles in Paris (2012, 2015) and Ekaterinburg (2018), plus bronze at the European Games (2019) and IJF World Masters (2019). As a flagbearer at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, she's aiming for her sixth Olympics and secured silver at the Grand Slam in Baku (2022). Kye Sun-hui  Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Born in Pyongyang, North Korea, Kye Sun-Hui enjoyed a highly successful judo career, earning acclaim with three Olympic medals across different weight categories. At the tender age of 16, she secured the gold medal in the -48 kg category by defeating Japan's Ryoko Tamura in the final at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, thereby becoming the youngest judo champion in Olympic history. Continuing her prowess on the global stage, four years later in Sydney, she added a bronze medal to her collection, followed by a silver at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, thus completing her Olympic medal collection. In addition to her remarkable Olympic achievements, Kye Sun-Hui also clinched four world championship titles, solidifying her status as one of the most formidable judokas of her time. The North Korean phenomenon Sun Hui Kye was a triple World Champion and Triple Olympic medallist from 1996-2004. In Atlanta 1996 she defeated Ryoko Tamura and became the youngest gold medalist in judo. Won six World Championships medals and starred at four Olympic Games until 2008. Kye was inducted into the IJF Hall of Fame in 2018. Ingrid Berghmans  Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Ingrid Berghmans is considered the most successful Belgian judoka, and one of the best. She was six times World Champion between 1980-1986 and won the 1988 Olympic title in Seoul, as well as a 7 times European Champion 1983-1989 and the first of a great Belgian generation. She won the gold medal in the –72 kg class at the 1988 Summer Olympics, where women's judo appeared as a demonstration sport for the first time. She was married to fellow Belgian judoka Marc Vallot. She was inducted into the IJF Hall of Fame. Lynn Joyce Roethke  Lynn Joyce Roethke  is an American female judoka. Among her most notable accomplishments, Lynn is a two-time Olympic athlete, a Pan American gold medalist, and a World Champion Silver medalist. She was the first female inducted into the 1989 Black Belt Hall of Fame as Judoka of the Year. She competed in the −61 kg division for most of her competitive career in the early 1980s through the late 1990s. Lynn competed in the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea where she won the silver medal in the -61 kg (134 lbs) division. This would make her the first American woman to compete in the finals. During these Olympics, women's judo was a demonstration sport, therefore did not count towards the USA's total medal count. Lynn was also a member of the Olympic team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Lynn is also a Pan American Games Champion in Sambo. Today she is still active as owner of Club Olympia Fitness in Wisconsin. Driulis González Morales  Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Cuban judoka Driulis Gonzalez Morales is a triple World Champion (1995, 1999, and 2007) and the 1996 Olympic Champion from Atlanta.  She is the winner of four Olympic medals from 1992-2004 and seven World Championships medals. She won 11 Pan American titles. Gonzalez dominated U57kg and U63kg. Driulis claimed 32 World Cup medals and she estimates her medal haul over 200.  The Cuban fighter was inducted into the IJF Hall of Fame in 2015. She carried the flag for her native country at the opening ceremony of the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Along with Australia's Mária Pekli and Japan's Ryoko Tamura-Tani, Driulis is the first female judoka to compete at five Olympics.  The only other judokas to compete at five Olympics are Belgian Robert Van de Walle and Puerto Rican judoka-bobsledder Jorge Bonnet. Maria Pekli Photo courtesy of  https://www.judoinside.com/ Maria Pekli was born in Budapest, but in 1996 she moved to Australia she got in conflict with the Hungarian Association which cost her 3 years of competition. Now reading in Melbourne she won a 2000 Olympic bronze medal. A five-time Olympic participant. She was inducted into the IJF Hall of Famer in 2015. Today she is the Australia Judo National Director.

It’s an all-out brawl, no guns allowed,  what weapon would you bring to a fight  and why?  We asked some of the top experts in combatives and got their opinions. What's yours? Weapon of Choice of Oliver Gruner Olivier Gruner is a man of many talents. A French former naval commando, actor, director, producer, screenwriter, martial artist, and pilot. Born in Paris, France, he moved to the United States in 1988 after serving in the French military and competing as a professional kickboxer, during which time he won a World Championship silver medal. Gruner made his acting debut in the 1990 film Angel Town. The former Special Forces veteran also spends time between films as a sought-after tactical instructor.  When asked about his weapon of choice. “I like the Karambit. It's great for deterring, easy to conceal and safe to carry, great for survival, anyone can stab anyone with no training.” Said Gruner.  Jared Wihongi Jared Wihongi is internationally recognized as an authority in the area of Close-Quarters Combat Instructor (CQC). His specialization is the integration of firearms, impact weapons, edged weapons, and empty-hand combat with an emphasis on police, military, and self-defense applications.  He has 20 years of experience working as an Operator on three USA SWAT Teams, which has heavily influenced his approach to teaching and applying close-combat tactics. When asked his weapon of choice Jared responded.  “My weapon of choice would be a knife with a blade of around 10 inches in length. It should be shaped to a point designed for thrusting, and with a sharpened false edge on the spine that can be used for back edge cuts. The pommel would be pointed enough to be utilized for striking at close range.” A weapon of this kind is long enough to provide a significant stand-off distance in open space for long-range fighting but short enough to still be effective in close-quarters fighting. All 4 sides of the weapon can be used for thrusting (point) slashing (primary edge and back-edge) and blunt trauma (pommel.) The other primary reason for this choice is it's a weapon I've been training to fight with for the last 30 years. Burt Richardson Burton traveled the world extensively to pursue his passion. Well known for his many years with Dan Inasnatos he also has expanded his knowledge with under greats Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo, Master Tony Diego, and Master Christopher Ricketts. BJJ with many top exponents, including the Machado Brothers, Carlson Gracie, Baret Yoshida, Charuto Verissimo, and Marcelo Garcia. And even journeyed to South Africa several times to train with Zulu warriors in their method of stick fighting. When asked about his weapon of choice, his answer may surprise you. “A high-quality fighting knife is an obvious answer due to its lethality and ability to better prepare you for multiple opponents, but let’s think beyond that,” said Richardson.  “If I couldn’t have a firearm, I would choose a shield that had points and edges that made it a formidable offensive weapon as well. If an attacker has a knife and is very aggressive, you will have a very difficult time keeping that knife out of your body if only countering with a knife of your own. Sure, all the techniques work great when drilling with a cooperative partner, but if you have someone who is out of their mind and intent on getting to you, stopping them with a knife is actually quite difficult. Spar it and see.” This is where the shield comes in. You can use a shield in one arm for both defense and offense. While you employ that shield, you can use your other hand to strike, grab, or ward off.” Black Belt Magazine clarified, "You mean even a garbage can lid” and Master Burton replied  “Yes”  “In an extreme self-defense scenario, I would definitely choose an offensive shield, and then back that up with a weapon on the other hand, if possible.”  Graciela Casillas Graciela Casillas is a true trailblazer in martial arts. In 1979 she became the first fighter to hold world titles in both boxing and kickboxing by taking the World Women's Boxing Association's and the World Kickboxing Association’s bantamweight championships. Casillas retired undefeated in 1986. With training and personal tutelage with such legends as Angel Cables, Cliff Stewart, and Dan Inosanto, Graciela has paved a path as a sought-after master trainer.   What many still don't realize is that she is also one of the leading few female tactical trainers in the world with proficiency in firearms, and bladed weapons and sticks with certification as one of the first women under the ESI Training program. When asked about her weapon of choice. “If I were to engage in a confrontation, I'd opt for the versatile CRMIPT by my side. Initially conceived as a rescue tool, its innovative design mimics that of a folding blade, offering a myriad of functionalities. When folded, its sharp edge serves to swiftly slice through seat belts or shatter a windshield in the event of vehicular entrapment. Additionally, in this folded state, it doubles as a striking, blunt-force implement, capable of targeting various vulnerable points on the body. Conversely, when unfolded, it transforms into a means of controlling an assailant, all while maintaining legality and eschewing the classification of a conventional blade.” Harinder Singh He is a 23rd Generation Tai-Chi Master and is responsible for spreading Bruce Lee's Martial Arts and Philosophical Legacy. He is the teacher of Military, Special Forces, Secret Service, SWAT, and over 100 Law Enforcement Agencies across the globe.  When asked about his choice of weapon "The most versatile weapon I carry with me everywhere I go is a Spyderco Police Model Tactical Folder. It has a sleek easy to carry design, and when folded it is 5.4” which allows it to be used as a force multiplier like a palm stick or kobo. When open it has an overall length of 9.5” which allows for effective usage in traditional and ice pick grip for both close quarters, long-range, and multiple opponent applications."  Bram Frank First generation personal student, and disciple of the late Grandmaster Remy Presas. Bram has studied various fighting arts such as Wing Chun, JKD, and American Freestyle Karate for over 40 years. Over the last several years Bram has concentrated on the use of edged weapons/tools as a principal instrument of self-defense and its use in Military, Police, and Anti Terror applications. When asked about his weapon of choice. ”I'm a tool user. What makes humans special is we have found a way to innovate, translate, and improve on simple tools. Many animals actually use simple tools to accomplish work or projects more easily. We specialize in making new tools to utilize energy more efficiently to accomplish more work at any given time. A weapon is a specialized tool designed to harm humans: that's intended to harm others or kill others. Tools? Everyone loves tools..and tools can accomplish much more than harming people. I grew up carrying pocket knives, simple-edged tools.” These edged tools work because they're designed to fit in a human's hands comfortably. A pocket knife can cut rope, and paper, cut foods, whittle, and clean wounds, used in farm work, hunting, fishing, and craft projects including sculptures. Pocket knives need no permit or certificate to carry and no permission to carry in one's pocket. A pocket knife by legal definition is designed to be carried inside one's pocket..and is NOT a weapon nor a concealed weapon in one's pocket.  Over the years I've designed picket-edged tools that do many functions especially to be used closed as impact tools. Mas Ayoob in 2000 said my Gunting knife was a historical day in the history of knives: a knife designed to be used closed as an impact tool with my patented ramp..which many like Doug Marcaida like to affectionately call " the Bramp" So my choice is a pocket knife. Examples of Bram Franks Gunting Knives

In the words of Bruce Lee: "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." We asked some of the most decorated martial arts experts in the  world “what is the best kick to stun an opponent?“ Some were in alignment others not. What move would you choose? Best Kicks to Stun your Opponent Ron Van Clief - Front Kick The front kick would be the most applicable to self-defense. Kicking the groin, knee, and or thigh (upper leg) this stop-gap kick gives enough time to get away. Jim Arvantis  - Side Kick / Downward Front Kick  The opening kick should take the opponent by surprise making it difficult for him to adequately defend against. In no case should it pass above the belt line. It must be simple and economical to facilitate strong follow-up offensives if necessary. The type of kick depends on one’s positioning in relation to that of his opponent and the distance encountered. From long range, if you find yourself at an angle to your adversary a ravaging downward side kick to the knee will both stun and stop him in his tracks.  If you’re more squared to him, then a downward front kick to the knee will be most effective. The ancient Greek pankratiasts emphasized the latter since it was both practical and direct, and often caught their foe off-guard and unprepared to detect such a move.  Jeff Smith - Front Kick  The best kick to throw in a street situation is a front kick aimed at the groin or stomach(solar plexus) to stop your attacker. This will keep him at a distance where he can’t punch you while your kick is extended and your hands are ready to follow up with a punch or block (if necessary).  Make sure your hands stay up in your guarding position during the kick. This will drop his guard so you can follow up with a jab and a cross to the head/chin.  It’s a 100% success rate if you have a strong enough kick and punch. When I was 18 and weighed 150lbs it stopped a 250lbs attacker before. I never started a street fight but I finished quite a few. Nowadays I like to use my verbal Karate to get out of a difficult situation but you always need a backup plan just in case!  Joe Corley - Rising Front Kick I believe that the most effective kick to use in self-defense would be the “rising front kick“ to the groin, with the top of your foot, the tip of your shoe, or your shins making as much contact as possible in the testicles in case of a man or the body parts located in the same area if it were a woman attacker.  As to Why, the answer is that this strike would deliver immediate and debilitating pain to one of the attacker’s most vulnerable body part areas ( the other being the eyes) that would allow the defender to either escape quickly or to follow up with additional attacks or counter attacks that would further neutralize the threat and/or the attacker. John Chung - Front Kick  The best kick in self-defense must be a ‘quick and simple’ kick. Therefore, the Front Kick is the best kick in the self-defense situation.  One can use a Front snap kick to ‘stun’ the opponent while the Front thrust kick can drive the opponent away as well as keep them away from you like a ‘stiff arm’ in football.  In addition, since Front kick is a straight technique, you will have the best balance to be able to assess the situation with your hands/guards prepared for any unexpected attacks.  So, hands down The Front Kick is the King of kicks in self-defense. Harinder Singh - Front Snap Kick (to the groin) "The best kick to stun an opponent is a quick lead leg snap kick to the groin. Especially after hiding it by feinting a lead hand finger jab to the eyes. With shoes on you can use the toes to quickly stab or flick at the groin and attack from a greater distance. Since you have a shoe which is your weapon, you do not need much power. If you mismanage the range, the instep, and shin can also be effective. Use your longest weapon to the closest target and employ a keen sense of distance, accurate timing, and effective angles to ensure success. Graciela Casillas - Oblique Kick One of the most potent kicks to incapacitate an opponent is the oblique kick directed towards the shin, particularly when executed with a sturdy sole shoe. The shin, with a myriad of nerve endings, proves to be a vulnerable target, rendering the recipient to excruciating pain upon impact.   However, within the confines of the ring, I can attest to the efficacy of a well-placed kick aimed at the superficial peroneal nerve situated in the thigh, delivering a debilitating blow. Such was the case in my memorable kickboxing encounter with Cheryl Wheeler, wherein a strategic thigh kick knocked her down. Burt Richardson - Oblique Kick First, we must ensure that we have footwear that can aid in our kicking. I suggest a shoe or boot with a hard toe, heel, and inner/outer edges that you can put to work for you. As the late, great street savate master Daniel Duby told me many years ago, “If you have a weapon in a street fight, you should use it!” The particular kick would depend on distance and the ability of the defender. If I could only choose one, I would go with the JKD oblique kick to the shin or knee (similar to the coup de pied bas of savate). It can be used from various distances, you can maintain your balance and defensive hand position while deploying it, the kick does not require great athleticism, it is difficult to counter, and slamming that hard edge of the shoe or heel into an unprotected shin or knee produces a tremendous effect. That is why if I could choose only one highly versatile and effective kick with the shoe on, it would be the oblique kick. Bram Frank - Oblique Kick Growing up in ice and snow where it is easy to slip, one must be aware of environmental surroundings. The best kick to stun would be a Wing Chun or Chinese-style Kung Fu oblique low kick.  As Bruce Lee talked of a stop kick..to the bad guts knee, shin, ankle, or foot.  No mobility, no threat, and I can do an oblique kick even nose to nose with a bad guy while using my hands and not slip and fall myself. Jared Wihongi  - Muay Thai-style Roundhouse A round-house kick is very versatile, with or without shoes. Power generation is significant, especially with a Muay Thai-style round kick. It can cause a significant stun for anyone unaccustomed to being kicked in the thigh. With shoes on, the same kick can be extremely devastating when delivered to the liver with the toes. When delivered to the head, this kick has a high knock-out probability.  Tom Callos - Roundhouse (to the thigh) Even though I could kick body or head level with extraordinary speed, power, and precision, off the mats and/or out of the arena, I would not kick above the waist. A well-delivered knee or thigh kick, be it a roundhouse, side-kick, or stomp, right on the money, would be the key to stunning someone enough to facilitate an escape. I’d like to add the idea that escape is not fighting, meaning the strategy and movement in escaping a conflict is going to look and feel differently than in a situation where escape isn’t a consideration.