At 84, Chuck Norris is still at the top of his game, from movies to TV and even endorsements like the latest “Morning Kick” product featuring the Karate icon.  He was born to the worldwide exposure of martial arts on his debut Black Belt Magazine cover in 1967 donning his traditional black piped Tang Soo Do uniform, and since that moment he has not stopped kicking butt and commanding huge audiences wherever he goes. Today Black Belt Magazine gives you 10 reasons (9 movies and one TV show) why we love Chuck Norris. Why we Love Chuck Norris? 1. Even though he is a big star….he is still one of us He emerged from the karate world, owning studios, competing in tournaments, and mingling with us long before his rise to fame. Yet, despite becoming a household name, Chuck Norris remains grounded in his roots, embodying the spirit of a true karate practitioner.  2. Movie Star looks and Assassin Skills    We love Chuck Norris not only for his unparalleled skills and charisma but also for his rugged good looks that have captivated audiences for decades.  3. He fought Bruce Lee  Who can forget the Coliseum? We admire Chuck Norris not only for his iconic roles and martial arts prowess but also for his legendary bout against Bruce Lee,   still today one of the greatest fight scenes of all time. 4. His acting got better with every movie In the gritty crime action drama Code of Silence , Chuck Norris joined forces with the then up-and-coming movie director Andrew Davis, who later helmed "The Fugitive" starring Harrison Ford. In this breakthrough role for Norris, he transitioned from being the good-looking guy who could kick to a formidable force on screen, portraying a heroic figure pitted against the nefarious Henry Silva. 5. He never forgot his Roots Chuck Norris's enduring popularity can be attributed in part to his unwavering connection to his karate roots. Despite achieving superstar status, Norris never forgot his origins in the world of martial arts. He remained deeply involved in the karate community, showing up to events and even promoting his own tournament, and league even when he was already a household name. This dedication resonated with fans, who admired his humility and commitment to the discipline that helped shape his career. Norris's continued presence in the karate scene served as a reminder of his authenticity and grounded nature, endearing him to audiences around the world. 6. He made movies that made us cheer In his portrayal of the iconic Ranger JJ McQuade in "Lone Wolf McQuade," he embodies the epitome of the lone wolf archetype, bravely taking on adversaries against all odds. Fueled by sheer determination, guts, and sometimes a nonchalant beer in hand, Norris imbues the character with a rugged charm and relentless resolve. His portrayal not only captivated audiences but also transformed McQuade into a persona synonymous with Norris himself. This role served as a springboard for Norris to venture into the realm of television, solidifying his status as an enduring action hero. 7. He put his friends and family in his movies and made them famous too Chuck Norris displayed extraordinary generosity by incorporating his friends and family into his movies, thus catapulting them to fame alongside him. From the likes of Bill Wallace and Richard Norton to Howard Jackson, Pat Johnson, Tadashi Yamashita, and the Machado Brothers, Norris surrounded himself with martial arts luminaries, providing them with opportunities in his films and TV shows that not only showcased their talents but also bolstered their careers significantly. 8. He became a household name and still remained humble With the No. 1 TV show in America, Chuck Norris ascended to the status of a household name, yet he remained remarkably humble throughout his meteoric rise to fame. Norris never lost touch with the values that shaped him. He continued to interact with fans graciously, embodying humility both on and off the screen. This down-to-earth demeanor endeared him even more to audiences, cementing his reputation not only as a formidable action star but also as a genuinely genuine and approachable individual. 9. He is a Veteran Chuck Norris began his remarkable journey of service to his country by enlisting in the Air Force in 1958. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, he was stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea, where he served with the 6314th Air Police Squadron. During his time in Korea, he learned Tang Soo Do and continued his duties as an air policeman at March Air Force Base. In 1962, he was honorably discharged with the rank of airman first class, marking the end of his military career.  Norris's dedication and contributions were later recognized when he received the Veteran of the Year 2001 award from the U.S. Air Force, underscoring his enduring commitment to serving his country both in and out of uniform. 10. He made fun of himself despite the fact he was now of legendary status “Once a cobra bit Chuck Norris' leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.”  Yes, and dozens of other jokes and fun facts put Chuck in the middle of pop culture with a new generation. He took it in stride and even used the joke in his cameo in the Sly Stallone action pic.

We talked to 7 martial arts combat experts who shared their experience on the best hand strike to stun an opponent. Here is what we learned. Here are the best hand strikes. In the realm of martial arts lore, the notion of the Death Touch or Dim Mak once held a mystique that captivated practitioners and spectators alike. Tales of masters possessing the ability to incapacitate adversaries with a mere touch fueled imaginations and fueled debates on the true extent of human potential. While such legends persist, modern martial arts have shifted focus towards practicality and effectiveness in self-defense. Today, seasoned practitioners emphasize the importance of proven tactics over elusive mysticism. Rather than dismissing the concept of Dim Mak entirely, they integrate a sense of realism into their training methodologies. The objective is clear: equip individuals with techniques that can deter or neutralize threats without resorting to lethal force. Before delving into the age-old debate of Dim Mak's existence, it's crucial to consult experts who navigate the intricate landscape of combat strategy. They offer insights into striking techniques tailored not for fatal blows, but for stunning adversaries sufficiently to facilitate escape—a philosophy befitting the ethos of the peaceful warrior. Let's embark on a journey through the wisdom of these martial arts practitioners, as they illuminate the pathways to effective self-defense through the art of striking. Graciela Casillas  Brachial Stun In my perspective, the most effective move for stunning is the brachial stun. By disrupting the blood flow to the brain, it operates independently of pain compliance, rendering it a highly efficient means of halting an individual in their tracks. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to be executed with a gross motor movement, employing the forearm to strike the targeted area with precision. Jim Arvantis  Lead Straight Punch  The lead straight features a forward hand delivery and lands vertically with the impact focused on the bottom three knuckles of the fist. Applied at close range, it delivers full power penetration — unlike the snapping motion of the boxer’s jab. During execution, your rear heel is raised and your hips twist in the direction of the punch, which puts your body behind the blow and generates the greatest force. The main target for the lead straight is the solar plexus. Burt Richardson Two-Hand Palm Slap  Let’s assume that we are in a face-to-face scenario instead of squared off at kickboxing range. My personal go-to at this distance is a sudden, explosive two-handed palm slam into the mandible of the aggressor. Accomplishing this with a forward step and lean to create leverage (the “dive entry” from Silat) delivers tremendous power in an instant. It is a very efficient and effective initial salvo that may end the fight, but will at least stun the opponent, giving you that precious free moment to overwhelm him with follow-ups of your choice.  Jared Wihongi  Open Hand Palm Hook  An open-handed palm hook has been one of my favorite hand-based techniques for stun purposes. Target areas could vary from the back of the jaw, eardrum, back of the skull (nape), or nose. An open hand protects the bones of the hand more than a close-fisted punch, and the hooking strike allows for significant power generation much like a Boxer's hook. Harinder Singh Finger Jab The best move to stun an opponent is a quick finger jab to the eyes, an opponent who cannot see is one who cannot attack you.   This movement can attack from any angle, and in almost any situation, its purpose is to steal a beat in time by causing a moment of pain.   Even if you miss, you will create a flinch response and the head will snap backward exposing the groin for a follow-up.   Make sure to keep your fingers together and practice whipping mechanics like a Mohamed Ali-style jab." Tom Callos  Palm Strike After breaking my hand a dozen times and hitting hard objects with my fists, I have transitioned to palm strikes as my preferred method of empty-hand striking.  The amount of power that can be generated with an open-handed straight line (straight right) or circular punch (hook) is staggering, literally. If the opportunity presented itself in a confrontation,  I would aim an open palm strike to the side of the jaw with the intent of knocking my opponent unconscious —or at the very least stunning him enough to facilitate an escape. And in some cases, a good hard shove of an opponent, into or over something, can buy enough time to exit the situation.  Bram Frank "Karate Chop" The best actual strike to the limb would be the " karate chop" of the movies.  A shuto or bottom rifle hand to the radial nerve of the bad guy. This literally can stun the whole bad guy from the nerve induction shock of the strike .. and "stun" the arm so it can't be used against you.   "HIYA," chop that arm.

Long before the advent of social media, Fighting Stars Magazine was a cultural touchstone, shaping the narrative of martial arts cinema and sports for over a decade. Its pages were a portal into a world of action, excitement, and inspiration, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of fans around the globe. Launched in 1973 by the creators of Black Belt Magazine, it quickly became the go-to source for fans hungry for the latest news, interviews, and insights into the world of martial arts cinema, and sports. Let's take a journey through the pages of this iconic publication, tracing its trajectory from the breakout success of "Enter the Dragon" to its final bow in 1987. The Birth of a Phenomenon  The birth of Fighting Stars coincided with a seismic shift in popular culture – the release of Bruce Lee's groundbreaking film "Enter the Dragon" in 1973. Suddenly, martial arts were thrust into the spotlight, captivating audiences worldwide. Fighting Stars was there from the beginning, chronicling Lee's meteoric rise and the ripple effect it had on Hollywood. Soon, everyone from Sean Connery and Roger Moore was getting in on the action, fueling the public's obsession with martial arts cinema. Even Star Trek's own William Shatner jumped in on the dragon's tail with his own brand of Captain Kirk Kwon Do. The Rise of Icons As the 1970s rolled on, a new wave of martial arts stars emerged. Jim Kelly burst onto the scene with his electrifying performances in films like  Black Belt Jones, Three the Hard Way, Golden Needles and Black Samurai carving out a niche for African-American martial artists in Hollywood.  Meanwhile, Chuck Norris became a household name with hits like  The Octagon, Breaker Breaker, Good Guys Wear Black, and Force of One cementing his status as an action cinema icon. The Global Impact  The early 1980s saw the global expansion of martial arts cinema, thanks in no small part to the discovery of Jackie Chan. His breakout role in "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" showcased his unique blend of comedy and action, captivating audiences worldwide. Fighting Stars played a role in introducing Chan to Western audiences, helping to fuel the international martial arts craze that would define the decade. Enter the Ninja and Hollywood's big move to action: The 80s saw the craze of the ninjas. Former World Karate Champion Mike Stone penned the original screenplay which set off a global movement we could not get enough of. For a moment it was nothing but Ninja’s, everywhere and Hollywood was delighted. The Golden Age of Sports Stars (1985) As the mid-1980s dawned, Fighting Stars shifted its focus to the world of martial arts sports. Legends like Cynthia Rothrock, Ernie Reyes, and Benny Urquidez graced its pages, inspiring a new generation of athletes and performers. These pioneers paved the way for the future of martial arts entertainment and a generation of movies and stars still to come.  A Farewell to Legends  Fighting Stars Magazine bid farewell to its readers with a final cover in 1987 after switching formats to Fighting Stars Ninja. Though the magazine may have ceased publication, its legacy lives on in the countless stars it helped to make and the indelible mark it left on pop culture.

It wasn’t so long ago that it was considered rare that a woman would train in the martial arts, specifically in the West. Even rarer are the women who became masters, champions, and mothers. This article is to honor all the women who’ve accomplished both. While there are simply too many extraordinary mothers to name, here is a shout out to some of the legends - moms who are martial arts champions. Graciela Casillas  Daughters Selena and Alexandra Undefeated boxing and kickboxing world champion Graciela Casillas did it all train, win, teach, and raise two amazing daughters Selena and Alexandra, all while earning two masters degrees in her spare time. Malia Dacascos Sons Mark and Craig Malia Dacascos Bernal was a world champion in forms and fighting in the 60s and the first woman to compete in the men’s division, Her 1974 cover marked the first female competitor ever to grace the cover of Black Belt magazine all while raising two sons, Mark and Craig. Cynthia Rothrock  Daughter Skye The Queen of Karate, Cynthia Rothrock has stood the test of time as a relevant figure in the martial arts world of entertainment and teaching. The former Scranton Pennsylvania native made her way to the Silver Screen in the 1980s and never looked back at one point was the most successful female martial arts film star in the world with a list of hundreds of credits she paved the way for women today her work includes movies television books and of course a claimed career is a five-time undefeated world champion and black belt Hall of Fame all hail the queen. Mother to her daughter Skye, she’s balanced many roles as wonderfully as she has mastered forms.  Cat Zigano Son Brayden Cat Zigano is an American mixed martial artist. She is signed to Bellator MMA, competing in the Women's Featherweight division. Zingano also competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and on April 13, 2013, she became the first woman to win a UFC fight by technical knockout (TKO). She’s notable for another first: being the first mother to compete in the UFC! Cris Cyborg Daughter Gabby Undefeated for 13 years in a row Cris Cyborg is one of the greatest ambassadors for MMA male or female.  The former Brazilian handball athlete turned professional fighter, she continues to compete at the highest level and now even ventures into boxing.  Beyond that, Cyborg is mother to her daughter Gabby, surely continuing to inspire future generations of girls and women.

We asked 7  legendary kickboxing promoters and champions to give us their opinion on the world’s greatest kickers in the ring or full contact era. The response spanned 7 decades of the greatest kickers who gave it their all! List in Alphabetical Order: BuaKaw Mirko Cro Cop Peter Cunningham Raymond Daniels Demetrius Havanas Brad Hefton Andy Hug  Rick Roufus Bill Wallace Mike Warren Raymond Daniels a force across all sports made multiple lists. Bill "Superfoot" Wallace made multiple lists and will go on to be known as one of the world’s greatest kickers. Scott Coker  Bellator/K1/Strikeforce Peter Cunningham was one of the greats with amazing combinations and kicking skills. Cro Cop was just pure devastation with his kicks. However a BuaKaw may be one the greatest of all time. The Muay Thai champion boasts a record of  243-24 74KOs BuaKaw Peter Cunnigham Mirko Cro Cop BuaKaw Sombat Banchamek is a former two-time Omnoi Stadium champion, Lumpinee Stadium Toyota Marathon champion, former number 1-ranked fighter in Lumpinee Stadium, Thailand Featherweight champion, two-time K-1 World MAX champion and 2011 & 2012 Thai Fight tournament champion. He is regarded as one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time. Peter Cunnigham handled his business in both Full Contact and Muay Thai, and retired with an amazing record of 53-1  Graciella Casillas Undefeated World Champion  Boxer and Kickboxer  I've had the privilege of training and observing some of the finest in the ring. When it comes to kicking, three fighters stand out in my memory. Of course, there's Bill Wallace, legendary in his own right. Then there's the remarkable Howard Jackson, whose skills were truly exceptional. But there's also one fighter who might have faded from memory for some: Demetrius Havanas, hailing from Texas. His life was tragically cut short, but his prowess, particularly in kicking, was unforgettable. Demetrius was remarkable, especially considering his size, and his kicking technique was simply extraordinary. And of course Andy Hug who’s time passed too quickly.  Bill Wallace Demetrius Havanas Andy Hug Demetrius “The Greek” Havanas, 1950-1981, seen with Chuck Norris was one of the greatest kickboxers and most feared fighters ever to hail from Texas. Even though he stood only 5’7” he took on opponents much larger with tremendous success. In 1975, entering full-contact competition, he won the PKA U.S. Welterweight Championship. He amassed a record of 39-4 with 24 knockouts, and the Star System ranked him number-one world welterweight contender in 1980-81. Andreas "Andy" Hug (7 September 1964 – 24 August 2000) was a Swiss karateka and kickboxer who competed in the heavyweight division. Considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight kickboxers of all time. A southpaw, his trademark kicks included the axe kick and the "Hug Tornado", a low spinning heel kick targeting his opponents' thighs. Jeff Smith World KickBoxing Champion World Champion Jeff Smith has seen it all from the early days to the present, but his list was clear. Michael Warren, a fighter from the 60s-70s full contact point era, he was a marvel to watch with his Tae Kwon Do skills. Wallace ahead of his time and kudos to Raymond Daniels who can do it all! Mike Warren Bill Wallace  Raymond Daniels Michael Warren was the unsung champion of his era, starting at age 16 fighting men twice his age, during his point reign beating fighters like Bill Wallace, Albert Cheeks and Joe Hayes, the Tae Kwon Do athlete and fighter was legendary and considered one of the greatest of his era.  Mike Sawyer  Promoter Co-Founder of the ISKA and successful promoter of nearly 40 years Mike Sawyer has a unique view from the front row.   This is based on how effectively they used their kicks under all circumstances. Many bouts ended with kick KO’s, especially of lower-ranked contenders who they were likely to KO one way or another. Against higher-ranked contenders their kicking versatility, speed and accuracy were used as a second set of hands, with many kicks landing along with punches in a decision win. Even if a KO  were by a punch, many times it was set up by superior kicking skill.  Roufus and Hefton scored many decisions due to kicking, many kick-KOs, and many TKOs with kicks, even against very high-ranked contenders. Wallace goes without saying. Though his career was short - he retired from Title Defenses early into the 1980’s - it’s accurate to say every opponent he ever faced had to make kick-defense their # 1 priority during their bout. Bill Wallace  Brad Hefton Rick Roufus Three words described the Heavyweight Kickboxing scene of the 80s “Bad Brad Hefton." Joe Corley  Promoter  Promoter and Fighter who faced Bill Wallace put his former ring nemesis at the top of the list.  Wallace was amazing simply put. But hats off to Raymond Daniels who crossed over from Point to Kick Boxing to MMA. Finally Michael Warren who’s legacy from over 50 years ago still holds memories today. Bill Wallace  Raymond Daniels Mike Warren Raymond Daniels is one the few fighters ever to successfully crossover from point karate to kickboxing to MMA. Cory Schafer  President ISKA As president of one of the largest and most respected kickboxing sanctioning bodies in the world, Corey Schaefer has stood witness and presided over more kickboxing events than  probably anyone on the planet. His list of greatest kickers read legendary.  Bill Wallace Andy Hug Mirko Cro Cop  Mirko Cro Cop's signature move was his lightning-quick left high roundhouse kick, once famously described as "right leg, hospital; left leg, cemetery." He was a successful amateur boxer and medalled numerous times in international competition, and was also a member of Croatia's world team when he competed at the 1997 Amateur Boxing World Championships. Hillary Sandoval  Promoter I was fortunate to witness a great era in kickboxing promoting 23 world title fights.  When it comes to the best kickers. Wallace, Roufus and Daniels are the three greats from three eras. Bill Wallace Rick Roufus Raymond Daniels Nicknamed "the Jet," Rick Rufous left an incredible legacy during his long run inside the ring.

Jarred Brooks suffered his first defeat in ONE Championship in his last outing. However, it would be erroneous to suggest that he was clearly beaten. Due to a takedown where Joshua Pacio’s head was spiked onto the canvas, Brooks was disqualified and lost the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title in the Circle at ONE 167. While Pacio is on the mend, Brooks is set to return against Gustavo Balart at ONE Fight Night 24 for the ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Title. “The Monkey God” is ready to return and show everybody he is still the cream of the strawweight crop. “It just makes me even hungrier. God puts these tests in front of me, and I have to knock them down. I’m humbled by the experience,” Brooks stated to ONE. “I think that people are going to see a different version of Jarred Brooks this time around. I know that my capabilities speak louder than my words, so hopefully you guys will see my capabilities in full steam against Gustavo Balart.” Brooks is not lacking motivation for this bout. Not only is he spurred by the result of his last match, but the Michigan resident is also intent on dominating Balart after trading social media barbs. “Gustavo disrespected me on so many levels. Dude, I called this guy a boss baby. Then he puts his face on my body and says that he’s the real champion. OK, that’s very disrespectful,” the American star said. “Whatever you’re trying to be, ‘Monkey God 2.0.’ No, bro. You’re not even close. You’re 37 years old. You’re an Olympian. You did what you did. But MMA is my game. I played wrestling when I was in college. And now I just go with that with that punch-kick style. You’re gonna get everything.” Brooks is not used to holding a significant physical advantage in his bouts as a strawweight. However, Balart’s 4’11” stature will give him the height and reach edges when the bell rings. But that doesn’t mean he won’t still use all of the tools that brought him to the dance. “He is a smaller guy. He’s not somebody that I’m used to fighting, so stylistically, you’re going to see a different portion of me,” the former ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion remarked. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m gonna bring out the wrestling and everything like that, but just because Gustavo is 4-foot-11, it doesn’t mean that guy isn’t a G. He’s a boss baby. He looks like a baby, but he’ll beat that a**.” Balart is coming in riding a winning streak, and with Olympic-caliber wrestling, nobody should sleep on his skills. Brooks certainly isn’t. The Cuban athlete has also been showing off his improved hands with immense power. “The Monkey God” is aware of the explosive nature of his opponent and sees that as a sign that he can tire him out after a blistering start that could drain his foe’s energy. “[Balart] is like a torpedo that first two rounds. You can hit him, and he’s just gonna keep on coming forward. He doesn’t care. He’s just gonna hit you with those leg kicks and try to swing for the fences until he can reach your chin. So he’s tough in that aspect,” Brooks said. “But he’s very beatable. You could catch him with a kick to the body or kick to the head. I think the kicks are going to be a big factor in this fight.” “And even in the wrestling exchanges, this is a five-round fight. I don’t think he’s going to have the cardio to really hang with me. His legs are super thick. The acid that builds up in his legs is gonna end up making him tired if he doesn’t literally sprint five miles a day.” “Me, I got jackrabbit legs. I can go forever with these legs. So Gustavo’s in for a really bad time when it comes to August 2.” Brooks is chomping at the bit to get the gold back over his shoulder, and Balart is standing in his way. On August 2, “The Monkey God” is coming to reclaim a part of the throne and send a clear message to Pacio that their trilogy will be locked in for the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship. “I have like a Jedi mind trick when I face other fighters. I make them calm down with my body language and how fast I might come at them. Aggression meets aggression,” Brooks stated. “Let’s see who’s the bigger dog right now. I’ll get him in that corner. And then when I have that little dog in the corner, he’s done.” “I’m looking forward to showing everybody in the world that I can knock somebody out cold.” ONE Fight Night 24 airs live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, August 2, from Bangkok. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.

IN 1932 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unified, after which it became recognized as a nation. Although young, the country has deep roots. Part of those roots is the warrior culture that was created by a series of battles. With such a history, it comes as no surprise that Saudi Arabia is now establishing itself as a top breed- ing ground for martial artists and combat-sports athletes. In an effort to foster that and to boost the health and fitness of his nation’s youth, Prince Abdullah looked for inspiration to the United Arab Emirates and its promotion of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. That’s when he decided to invest in the martial arts in Saudi Arabia. In 2010 two advisers from the Arena Group traveled to the United States to conduct research and network with various American martial arts teams. That led to the decision to join forces with me to build the largest martial arts facility in the world in Jeddah. Known as Arena Saudi, it spans more than 100,000 square feet, and its construc- tion is recognized as a milestone in advancing martial arts, combat sports and fitness. In 2014 Arena merged with an entity known as 22. Mohammed Fayez, who worked as a banker and owner of 22, took over the administration of the martial arts facility. Now the CEO of the Arena Group, he’s vowed to continue to improve the quality of life for all Saudis through the martial arts.  — Ricardo Liborio  WHAT IS YOUR HISTORY WITH THE ARENA GROUP?  Mohammed Fayez: Arena began in July 2014, concentrating mostly on martial arts. I was running my own facility. Ultimately, we merged with Arena, rebranding 22 to be Arena. This allowed the facility to become more of a specialized functional training center and offering martial arts like BJJ and muay Thai.  In Saudi, we aim to get people off the couch and bring them in. We have established different branches across the city. There is an investment in the sport of MMA. You are not allowed to use weapons, so martial arts is a source of combat and self-defense. We are producing more fitness programs and now the first program for women.  IN GENERAL, HOW ARE THE MARTIAL ARTS PERCEIVED IN SAUDI ARABIA?  Fayez: The government wants to increase the percentage of active citizens. There was a survey which reported [that] 13 percent of the general population in Saudi is physically active for 20 minutes per week. There is an initiative to increase this to 20 percent by 2020 and then 40 percent by 2030.  The government is catering to a new generation. Martial arts is a fun activity. Outside of the business perspective, it’s important to introduce sports activities to children at a young age. This will improve their level of activity overall, not only for boys but for girls, too. The students will improve in discipline, respect, self-esteem and development of character through jiu-jitsu and other martial arts.  WITH THE GENDERS BEING SEPARATED, WHAT DOES THE TRAINING LOOK LIKE — FOR FEMALES AS WELL AS FOR MALES?  Fayez: We have separate facilities for each gender. As you get older than 7, it is culturally accepted to segregate.  Islam promotes brotherhood and being respectful — a lot of what the jiu-jitsu program is about. It teaches you to be respectful to the coaches and colleagues and practitioners. Regard- less, you practice nonaggression. You have that power, but it does not mean that you bully people around and use them for your advantage.  You try to instill the level of maturity. You have the background and training to hurt someone, but you don’t need to use it. It’s not necessary unless you are physically attacked. That discipline and culture is Islam.  WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT FOR CHILDREN IN YOUR NATION?  Fayez: Growing. The feedback from the youth site produced very positive results in character. On the social and family level, you help develop a bet- ter version of the child that already exists. A child has better self-esteem and self-confidence. Women are proud of their sons’ accomplishments and see major changes through the sport. They ask what we have done to their child and how he has completely made a turnaround. I think it is something that the country is looking for.  WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF ARENA? Fayez: We want to grow in all aspects of the business. We run various facilities [now]. Martial arts with kids has been the most profitable, and it only makes sense. Socially, we get to help develop and grow the next generation of youth — instill the proper foundation and lead them through.  We are establishing after-school programs and increasing the buy-in. I want to grow the sport while concentrating on growing the business until we can venture off into more initiatives. BJJ has not been around for a very long time, so we bring in top talent. Finding the trainers and convincing them has been challenging. Running the business is challenging in finding the talent and keeping the talent.  COULD YOU EXPLAIN YOUR CONNECTION WITH THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE?  Fayez: The Olympic Committee has put in a lot of effort to restructure and introduce reform into [differ- ent] areas. There are a lot of areas to develop and set new standards.  I am good with micro-level, targeting specific federations — specifically judo and jiu-jitsu with you [Ricardo Liborio] in Abu Dhabi and the Asian Union and the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation. From the micro- level of the committee, we reached out to establish how to overcome hurdles in participation for women. There is a foundation of framework for coming in and requesting a license. There is an education front, federation front and reform front. We want to improve and concentrate on mass participation and its benefits with the rationale to have more people active. A lot of people don’t understand the benefits of doing an activity [like martial arts] and how it affects your happiness and general life.  This interview originally appeared in a 2019 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

Karate’s roots are not in feudal Japan, where the katana was ubiquitous. Yes, there were plenty of swords in old Okinawa, but as an art directed mostly at unarmed combat, karate emphasizes movements and strategies that are, in many ways, incompatible with those used to make the sword an effective weapon. It’s odd and sometimes unnerving to watch karate demonstrations given by sword “experts.” Assuming that a person can use a sword just because he or she has experience in karate is like assuming that because your basketball skills are excellent, you’ll be a good lacrosse player — they’re both sports that use a ball, after all. In short, karate and swordsmanship are both fighting arts, but there’s little in the way of technical or strategic overlap. Nevertheless, it’s useful for the karateka who wishes to gain a wider perspective on combat to know a few basics about the katana. At the very least, the karateka will benefit from having the knowledge needed to distinguish a legitimate sword demonstration from a poor one. In that vein, here are some of those basics about japanese sword for karate students. First, it might seem that the katana, given its fearsome reputation, cuts easily. It does not. Actually, it’s technically challenging to cut effectively, especially when comparing the katana to a weapon like a Viking longsword. Given the mass of the heavy Viking blade, if you swing it hard enough, you will inflict injury. You might cut only superficially, but the percussive damage done by swinging that big blade will crush flesh and bone. To cut effectively and efficiently, a katana must be wielded with its edge perfectly aligned with its spine, which is where most of the mass of the blade is located. (This is why in cross section, a katana looks like a miniature hatchet, with a thick ridge that provides stability and that narrows to a fine edge.) Yes, a Japanese sword will cut even if the edge is not perfectly aligned with the spine. However, if you also factor in armor — or even clothing worn by an enemy — you can imagine how difficult it could be to make a proper cut that inflicts enough damage to eliminate a threat. For this reason, a fundamental term in sword work is hasuji, which refers to correctly aligning the blade as it moves to the target. Without good hasuji, the weapon can twist or deflect. Even when cutting soft targets in practice, this can cause wrist injuries. It’s also important to understand that the katana cuts by slicing, by moving horizontally at least slightly, through the target. Swordsmen in Japan sometimes demonstrate this by tapping the edge of their blade against the palm of their hand without doing any damage — so long as they make no pushing or pulling motion at all. (Do not try this! If you pull or push the blade even a millimeter, you’ll risk not just a nasty flesh wound but also potential tendon damage.) Different schools of swordsmanship approach this matter of slicing in different ways. Some cut in arcs that pull the sword back just at the moment of contact. Others teach you to extend the arms in a shoving action. However it’s achieved, the result of a well-delivered strike from a katana are gruesome. Skin and the layers of flesh beneath it have a tension that’s maintained by muscles. A cut interrupts that tension. Make a batch of gelatin and, when it sets, run a sharp knife along the surface. You’ll see the “skin” split and widen. This is what happens when a katana strikes. Historically, it was discovered that this effect was intensified when a blade had a wider spine that added weight. Old teaching scrolls sometimes use poetic language to describe the result, refer- ring to “scarlet blossoms blooming,” proving that even hardened warriors felt some queasiness at the prospect of such horrible consequences. The aftermath of these cuts — skin split into a wide “V” — meant that wounds healed slowly and poorly, if at all. Photographs of samurai from the final years of feudalism show jagged scars that arc like miniature mountain ranges. They were the lucky ones, in a sense. The more common outcome, aside from bleeding out in a matter of moments if an artery was severed, was a long, hideously painful death from infection. Hand someone a katana and ask him or her to swing it using both hands. It’s almost guaranteed that the person won’t do it effectively. Chances are the top (right) hand will supply the power. Because most of us are right-handed, this propensity is exaggerated even more. Watch videos of people cutting straw mats or bamboo, and you can see this dramatically. The left hand seems to be just along for the ride. A katana swing, however, is most effective when the left hand generates the power and the right hand guides the movement of the blade. One of the most challenging aspects for teachers to address is to get students to use their left hand and arm to generate power.  Speaking of those videos — the ones that display awesome tameshigiri feats that entail hacking through objects — I once heard a teacher who had just watched such a video say, “This isn’t tameshigiri, or test-cutting; it’s tameshi-kudaki, or test-smashing.” Yes, it’s impressive to see a blade go through rolls of wrapped straw. Likewise, it’s impressive to see a hammer smash a walnut. However, the second “feat” isn’t terribly productive if you want to eat the walnut’s meat, which will be smashed, as well. The goal of a sword cut is to inflict deliberate, focused damage. One feat that demonstrates this kind of control is cutting a roll of straw placed horizontally so the blade goes through all but the bottom few strands. That allows the roll to break in half yet stay connected. This is control. This is focused energy. It’s an example of how powerful a sword can be when used properly — and how delicate is its destructive touch. Dave Lowry has written Karate Way since 1986. For more information about his articles and books, visit blackbeltmag.com and type his name into the search box.

UAE Warriors returns later this month with another double header weekend of international MMA action live from the Adnec Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE. ‘UAE Warriors 51’  takes place Saturday,  July 27 , and will features undefeated Russian  Amru Magomedov (8-0)  making the first defense of his UAE Warriors lightweight title as he welcomes the challenge of Kazakhstan’s  Ali Kabdula (9-2-1)  in the main event. Magomedov heralds from the world renowned Nurmagomedov team where he is teammates with the likes of Khabib and UFC champion Islam Makhachev. With an unblemished record so far in his MMA career, the 25-year-old is riding an impressive streak of four straight first round finishes. In the co-main event, in-form Italian  Walter Cogliandro (14-4-1)  will be aiming to build upon his three-fight win-streak when he takes on Peru’s  Vicente Vargas (21-6) , who is stepping in on late notice to replace the injured Ben Royle. Also announced for UAEW 51, the undefeated  Khabib Nabiev (8-0)  faces the biggest test of his budding career as he takes on PFL veteran & former Jungle Fights champion  Bruce Souto (16-5)  and, the always entertaining Aussie,  Trent Girdham (14-5)  is back in the UAE Warriors arena once again, this time facing former CFFC champion  Vilson Ndregjoni (9-3) . The following night, Sunday,  July 28 , we will see  ‘UAE Warriors 52: Arabia’ take place with a barnburner main event as France’s  Kevin Oumar (9-4) collides with  ‘King John’ Mohamed Juma (9-6)  at a 95kg/209 lb catchweight. The co-main event will see Egypt’s  Mahmoud Abd El Raouf (5-1)  welcome Finnish based Lebanese fighter  Abdul Hussein (9-2)  in to make his UAE Warriors debut. UAE Warriors 51 and UAE Warriors 52: Arabia will be available to watch live around the world on UFC FIGHT PASS and on Abu Dhabi Fight in the UAE.

The summer blockbuster event, GLORY 93, takes place this Saturday, July 20, from the Topsportcentrum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Final tickets are available for purchase right now through  GLORYKickboxing.com . The card is headlined with two superfights as former GLORY world champion  Endy Semeleer (36-2, 18 KO)  welcomes current GLORY lightweight world champion  Tyjani Beztati (26-4, 9 KO)  up to welterweight for the first time in the main event and reigning GLORY featherweight world champion Petch (169-40-3, 27 KO)  goes head-to-head with RISE national champion  Kento Haraguchi (25-3-1, 14 KO)  in the co-main event. Two former middleweight title challengers collide as the number one ranked  Michael Boapeah (17-4-1, 7 KO)  takes on the number three ranked  Ulric Bokeme (32-5, 17 KO) , both fighters chasing a rematch at champion Donovan Wisse. Top Dutch star  Tayfun Özcan (86-10-3, 28 KO)  will make his highly anticipated GLORY debut against French champion  Majid Amarouche (25-2-1, 10 KO) . Elsewhere on the main card,  Robin Ciric (22-7, 7 KO)  welcomes  Nikola Todorvic (29-3, 16 KO)  back into the GLORY ring and an explosive featherweight contest goes down between  Abraham Vidales (16-3, 13 KO)  and  Miguel Trindade (58-6, 24 KO) . In the GLORY 93 prelims, top ten welterweights  Mehdi Ait El Hadj (32-4-2, 8 KO)  and  Don Sno (4-1, 2 KO)  battle, the always exciting  Juri De Sousa (44-8-1, 20 KO)  welcomes France’s  Frangis Goma (21-6, 10 KO)  to GLORY, and heavyweight debutants  Asdren Gashi (16-4-1, 8 KO)  and  Fabrice Gnedre (25-3, 14 KO)  collide in the opening bout of the night. GLORY 93 will be available to watch exclusively on Videoland in the Netherlands, Bally Live & Stadium across the United States & Canada, DAZN in France & Belgium, and on U-Next in Japan. Preliminary card begins at 6:30pm CET/12:30pm ET with the main card starting at 8:00pm CET/2pm ET. GLORY 93 Fight Card Main Event GLORY Welterweight Superfight #1 Endy Semeleer (36-2, 18 KO) vs. #LWC Tyjani Beztati (26-4, 9 KO) Co-Main Event GLORY World Featherweight Championship #C Petch (169-40-3, 27 KO) vs. Kento Haraguchi (25-3-1, 14 KO) Middleweight #1 Michael Boapeah (17-4-1, 7 KO) vs. #3 Ulric Bokeme (32-5, 17 KO) Catchweight 73.5 kg | 162 lbs Tayfun Özcan (86-10-3, 28 KO) vs. Majid Amarouche (25-2-1, 10 KO) Featherweight #1 Abraham Vidales (16-3, 13 KO) vs. Miguel Trindade (58-6, 24 KO) Welterweight #5 Robin Ciric (22-7, 7 KO) vs. Nikola Todorvic (29-3, 16 KO) Preliminary Card Welterweight #6 Mehdi Ait El Hadj (32-4-2, 8 KO) vs. #9 Don Sno (4-1, 2 KO) Middleweight #5 Juri De Sousa (44-8-1, 20 KO) vs. Frangis Goma (21-6, 10 KO) Heavyweight Asdren Gashi (16-4-1, 8 KO) vs. Fabrice Gnedre (25-3, 14 KO) Main Card: 8pm CET | 7pm BST | 2pm ET | 11am PT Prelims: 6:30pm CET | 5:30pm BST | 12:30pm ET | 9:30am PT

As Virna Jandiroba steps into the UFC APEX this Saturday for her main event bout against Amanda Lemos, it's a pivotal moment for the Brazilian strawweight. This occasion marks her first active year since joining the UFC, battling multiple injuries that slowed her promising career. Jandiroba, who debuted in 2019 against Carla Esparza, has faced setbacks with only sporadic appearances in 2022 and 2023 due to injuries. “The past couple of years were tough with back-to-back injuries, but now, I'm hopeful to maintain an active presence in the Octagon,” Jandiroba reflects. Her return to action comes quickly after a win over Loopy Godinez in March, suggesting she's overcome the physical hurdles. Jandiroba’s commanding victory showcased her superior grappling skills, a testament to her recovery and readiness. Reflecting on her journey and recent challenges, Jandiroba shares, “Every fight teaches me something about my resilience and strength, especially coming back from surgery. This journey has strengthened me not just as a fighter but as a person.” Her recent victory not only boosted her confidence but also her standing within the strawweight division. Jandiroba's win halted Godinez rise, setting her up for more significant challenges, starting with Amanda Lemos. Lemos, a formidable opponent, comes off a decisive win against Mackenzie Dern at UFC 298, despite a setback against Zhang Weili for the title. “Amanda is a formidable competitor, and I look forward to facing her in the cage,” Jandiroba states, recognizing the caliber of her opponent. This matchup isn't just another fight; it's a milestone for Jandiroba, marking her first main event and a battle against a compatriot at the pinnacle of UFC. “It’s a significant phase in my career, fighting another top Brazilian contender. It underlines the strength of Brazilian women in MMA,” she acknowledges. With aspirations high, Jandiroba eyes a title opportunity with a win over Lemos. “A victory here should ideally place me as a top contender for the title, ready to challenge champions like Zhang Weili,” she ambitiously declares. Known for her grappling prowess, Jandiroba hints at her strategy, “While I always look for submissions, I’m prepared for striking to surprise my opponent.” Don’t miss the action at UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba, broadcasting live from Las Vegas. Tune in to the prelims at 5pm ET followed by the main card at 8pm ET on ESPN & ESPN+.

Last night, the UFC brought an electrifying lineup of bouts to Denver's Ball Arena, where a sold-out crowd of 16,884 fight fans witnessed a series of compelling and dynamic matches at UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez. With ticket revenues hitting a whopping $2,374,303, the event not only drew an enthusiastic live audience but also set the stage for some unforgettable moments in the octagon. Here's a detailed breakdown of each fight, results of UFC Fight Night: Denver Main Event: Flyweight Showdown Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez In a highly anticipated flyweight battle, Rose Namajunas emerged victorious against Tracy Cortez through a unanimous decision. Namajunas showcased her superior strategy and stamina, controlling the pace and maintaining her composure throughout the intense rounds. Co-Main Event: Welterweight Clash Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov The co-main event saw Muslim Salikhov win over Santiago Ponzinibbio by a split decision in a closely contested welterweight matchup. Both fighters exchanged powerful strikes, but Salikhov's precision and timing earned him the edge in the judges' eyes. Main Card Highlights Drew Dober vs. Jean Silva The lightweight bout ended dramatically when Jean Silva secured a win via KO/TKO due to a doctor's stoppage in the third round, following a severe cut on Drew Dober. Silva's aggressive tactics paid off, marking a significant victory in his career. Gabriel Bonfim vs. Ange Loosa In another welterweight fight, Gabriel Bonfim defeated Ange Loosa through a unanimous decision. Bonfim’s technique and relentless pressure were the keys to his success, as he outmaneuvered Loosa throughout the contest. Christian Rodriguez vs. Julian Erosa Julian Erosa captured a quick victory against Christian Rodriguez via submission in the first round, securing a guillotine choke at 4:49. Erosa's swift and decisive finish was one of the night's highlights. Cody Brundage vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan This middleweight fight ended in a no contest, leaving the crowd hungry for a conclusive battle between the two fighters. Preliminary Card Fights Joshua Van vs. Charles Johnson Charles Johnson delivered a stunning KO/TKO victory with a right uppercut just 20 seconds into the third round against Joshua Van, showcasing his knockout power. Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Fatima Kline Jasmine Jasudavicius claimed a unanimous decision victory over Fatima Kline, dominating the flyweight bout with superior grappling and control. Montel Jackson vs. Da'Mon Blackshear Montel Jackson executed a swift victory, knocking out Da'Mon Blackshear with a straight left only 18 seconds into the first round, demonstrating his explosive striking ability. Luana Santos vs. Mariya Agapova Luana Santos defeated Mariya Agapova via submission in the first round, utilizing a rear-naked choke to finish the fight at 3:27. Josh Fremd vs. Andre Petroski In a tactical battle, Andre Petroski emerged victorious over Josh Fremd by unanimous decision, showcasing his well-rounded skills and determination. Evan Elder vs. Darrius Flowers Evan Elder secured a submission win over Darrius Flowers with an arm triangle choke in the second round, adding another impressive finish to the night's lineup. UFC Fight Night in Denver not only lived up to expectations but exceeded them, delivering a series of bouts that will be remembered for their intensity and skillful executions. Fans left the arena buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the next event.