With a critic score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes , this is a movie with a legend that we can get behind. Starring Jean Claude Van Damme   Directed byJulien Leclercq Jean-Claude Van Damme plays Lukas, a resilient nightclub bouncer facing the challenge of raising his 8-year-old daughter alone. After a heated altercation with a patron lands him in jail and separates him from his daughter, Lukas is unexpectedly approached by Interpol. They offer him a chance to regain custody of his daughter in exchange for his cooperation in dismantling a Dutch crime ring based in Belgium. What makes this especially watch-worthy is being able to still cheer on action stars decades into their careers. Finding roles that tell interesting stories for martial artists in their 60s is no easy feat. Allowing age to play into the role as a feature of it and not a bug (an asset and not just a liability) is not only worth watching, but worth rooting for . Watch "The Bouncer" Amazon's Freevee (Free with Ads ) READ MORE: The Top 5 Martial Arts Families Fitness and Strength Training for Martial Arts The Importance of Slow Twitch Muscle Fibers in Martial Arts Do You Want to Become a Superhero?!

A seasoned combatant with a hunger for redemption, Jordanian veteran Jarrah Al-Silawi, "The Jordanian Lion," prepares to reclaim his rightful place amongst the PFL's elite. Al-Silawi's initial foray into the PFL was a resounding success. A thunderous first-round knockout secured him a coveted spot on the global roster, followed by a decisive victory over the esteemed UFC veteran Gleison Tibau. He established himself as a force to be reckoned with, a dominant presence within the organization. However, a series of unforeseen setbacks necessitated a strategic withdrawal. Unbowed by these temporary defeats, Al-Silawi honed his skills in BRAVE CF, emerging from the crucible of competition re-energized and triumphant. Now, he returns to the PFL SmartCage, a seasoned warrior with a renewed purpose to reclaim his lost dominion. Al-Silawi re-enters the PFL MENA arena on July 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the co-main event of PFL MENA 2.  Facing off against Egypt's Ahmed Sami in the welterweight tournament, he wields his prior PFL experience as a potent weapon, a strategic advantage gleaned from past battles. "I possess the requisite tools to achieve victory," declares Al-Silawi with unwavering conviction.  "Furthermore, I have meticulously diversified my training regimen, fully comprehending the demands of the global stage. I have vanquished some of the most formidable opponents this sport has to offer." Beyond personal ambition, Al-Silawi serves as a champion for Middle Eastern fighters, a beacon of inspiration for those who follow.  "My unwavering dedication to the art of combat, coupled with my exceptional physical prowess and strategic acumen, make me a formidable adversary on the battlefield," he states with a steely resolve. Participation in the PFL transcends mere competition for Al-Silawi; it represents an honor and a platform for regional talent to ascend.  "Being an integral part of this esteemed global organization is a privilege," he proclaims. "The PFL's expansion into Saudi Arabia presents a momentous opportunity for Middle Eastern fighters to showcase their abilities on a grander stage, a stage that demands excellence and recognizes true mastery." The PFL MENA 2 on July 12th marks a pivotal moment for Al-Silawi. Will the Jordanian Lion silence his doubters and recapture the glory that once defined him? The world awaits his answer, a testament to his unwavering spirit and indomitable will.

Jozef Chen from ONE Championship has been taking the grappling world by storm. The 19-year-old will get the biggest challenge of his young career on Friday, July 5, when he meets Tye Ruotolo in a 186-pound catchweight submission grappling matchup at ONE Fight Night 23 on Prime Video. For Chen, this is just the first of many meetings against Ruotolo, as he expects the two to tangle more times as their careers are just starting. “I have a good idea of what he’s going to do. But, I mean, the best way to test out a lot of these ideas on what may work or may not work is actually having the match,” Chen told ONE. “I mean, he’s very young. I think he’s a bit older than me, but I assume in our careers, it won’t be the only time we cross paths. So I think it’s a great opportunity for me to test a lot of the stuff I’ve been working on.” While Chen may be a teen, he already shows he is wiser than his years indicate. The South African articulated that experience is the biggest difference between the two grapplers. “I think his style comes as a result of how long he’s trained and kind of the upbringing in jiu-jitsu he’s had. I’m coming up on six years in jiu-jitsu, so I wouldn’t say I have as much intuition with what I necessarily need to do, and so that kind of manifests itself into what could be perceived as a methodical, slower approach,” Chen explained. “Whereas I feel like, since he’s been training for so long, he has a very good idea of what he wants to do in certain positions. So that’s where a lot of this more intuition and dynamic movement really comes into play.” ONE Fight Night 23 will be a tremendous debut for Chen, no matter what. Competing against Ruotolo will give him a benchmark for the future. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t gunning for the win—the 19-year-old plans to push the American throughout and put him in unfamiliar territory. “My idea is definitely to try and test a lot of the skills that I’m trying to work on. So standing position is definitely one that I’m going to try to see what works, see what doesn’t, and try to play from that,” the talented grappler remarked. “Because if I can get to top position on top of Tye, it’ll be very winning from there. Just generally, you see him want to do his best work from top. So being able to put him in bottom, I think this will be a good strategy for me if I’m able to do that.” Since coming into the sport, the South African has looked up to the Atos BJJ star. Competing against Ruotolo is a treat in and of itself for Chen. “Tye is definitely one of the more exciting and one of the more well-accomplished grapplers in the sport,” Chen said. “So, especially for me, outside of how good he is and the level that he’s on, I think one of the things that makes it exciting for me is that I’ve been watching him for, man, since I was a yellow, orange belt. So being able to compete against him, it’s a very cool experience.” The allure of gold drives many competitors, but that is not the case for Chen. The South African loves achieving the greatest heights of the sport. Still, his ultimate goal is simply to showcase the beauty and skill of jiu-jitsu each time he steps onto the mats. “I’m very proud to be able to compete at this level at this point. I think it’s very cool, because, generally, for me, jiu-jitsu, I wanna have very good jiu-jitsu. The competition is more secondary to my jiu-jitsu. Being able to compete and display my jiu-jitsu, that’s what really makes me happy,” Chen stated. “It’s very awesome to be able to compete against someone that you looked up to for so long.” Chen doesn’t think the first trip to the global stage will make him nervous. Although just 19, he has already competed against some of the sport’s top stars. The South African expects he will be able to put the bright lights aside and focus on the task at hand. “It’s not the first time. You know, when I first came to the U.S., like two years ago, and then just having trained with and competed with so many people that I’ve studied a lot … you know, it’s not a new experience to me,” the teen said. ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov airs live and free on Prime Video to all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada on Friday, July 5, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Michelle Waterson-Gomez, known affectionately as ‘The Karate Hottie’, bid an emotional farewell to her fighting career on Saturday night, following a unanimous decision defeat to Gillian Robertson during the UFC 303 prelims. Launching her professional career in February 2007, the 38-year-old retires with a record of 18 wins and 13 losses, including a 6-9 stint in the UFC. These numbers, however, scarcely capture the significant imprint she has left on the sport, her standing within the UFC, and her popularity among fans. Waterson-Gomez entered MMA when female fighters had to be driven by pure passion, as there was little financial incentive and no major North American promotions dedicated to women’s MMA. Her early career included gritty competitions in notable regional circuits like Ring of Fire in Colorado and King of the Cage. After racking up a 9-3 record, she joined Invicta FC, an all-female MMA promotion founded by Shannon Knapp, which proved crucial for many fighters, including Waterson-Gomez. She won the atomweight championship by submitting Jessica Penne and successfully defended it, marking her as a formidable competitor before moving to the UFC. Her UFC tenure began with a victory over Angela Magana and was highlighted by a high-profile submission win against Paige VanZant. Waterson-Gomez faced the elite of the strawweight division, including champions like Rose Namajunas, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and Carla Esparza, cementing her reputation as a tough and skilled fighter. Despite a record that fell short of her ambitions, Waterson-Gomez's list of opponents speaks volumes about her tenure at the top of the UFC’s strawweight division, where she consistently faced and often triumphed against the best. Beyond her fight record, Waterson-Gomez's undying passion for martial arts and her joy in competition were evident each time she stepped into the Octagon—often exiting bruised yet triumphant, embodying the heart of a true fighter. Her decade in a higher weight class than ideal—had the UFC established an atomweight division, she would have likely dominated—highlights her adaptability and skill. Remaining a ranked contender for nearly ten years showcases not just her abilities but also her enduring presence as a top fighter in her division. Waterson-Gomez's legacy extends beyond her fight stats, embodying the spirit of martial arts and competition. As she closes this chapter, the MMA community will surely miss her indomitable spirit, though her impact on the sport will resonate for years to come.

William Cheung the famed Wing Chun master graced the cover 20 years ago, with his wooden dummy moves, photo credit by Rick Hustead.

There has been a sea change in thinking among practitioners of the traditional martial arts in the past 30 years. Previously, students faithfully accepted what they were told and furiously practiced those methods — which might be of questionable utility based on the interpretations commonly assigned to the movements within the kata. Then Taika Oyata showed that the common interpretations were not at all what kata were supposed to be about. Oyata’s teachings made only modest inroads into the martial arts com- munity until Black Belt Hall of Famer George Dillman began training with him. Dillman took what Oyata taught and pushed it out to the world. The result: Teachers everywhere are now exploring realistic and practical uses for kata movements. (Such interpretation of kata movement is commonly referred to as bunkai‚ which means “analysis‚” or less frequently as oyo‚ which means “application.”) But while the traditional empty-hand forms of the martial arts increasingly have been the subject of careful and thoughtful reassessment, the same has not been true of the kata of karate weapons, or kobudo. In this area of practice, students and teachers continue the “traditional” prac- tice of clacking weapons against weapons in noisy — although emotionally satisfying — sequences of attack-block-counter. Perhaps it is time to read the kobudo kata anew and reassess the use of these defensive tools.  What We Think It’s said that the weapons of karate are simply common implements used for self-defense. But this is not exactly the case. Some weapons do fit into this category, such as the kuwa (field hoe), the kama (hand sickle used for rice harvesting) and the eiku (oar).  Others seem to have started as implements and evolved into weapons, like the nunchaku (which might have evolved from an agricultural flail or a horse bridle) and the tonfa (the side-handle baton, which might have evolved from a grinding-wheel handle). But there are some that are purpose-built as weapons and have no other function. The best example of this is the sai. The sai was an Okinawan weapon of law enforcement. Like its Japanese counter- part the jutte, the sai functioned as an all- around weapon for subduing and arresting criminals and as a symbol of authority. (Only the local constable carried a pair.) The origin of the sai might lie in China, where it was known as the “iron ruler.” Evidence of this comes from a photograph that dates from 1895 and is now part of the John Charles Oswald collection at the SOAS University of London. Taken in Fuzhou province, China, the photo shows two Chinese con- stables with a condemned prisoner. Each constable is holding a sai, and the sai are of the same design as modern versions.  What We See With this understanding as a starting point, a few important conclusions can be made. One: The sai is neither a dueling implement nor a battlefield weapon. The image frequently seen in movies of a black-clad ninja who is armed with a sai and taking on an opponent who is armed with some other weapon is a fabrication. The sai is a law-enforcement tool of pre-emption, control and arrest.  Two: The sai, as a weapon of the constabulary, has the capacity for applying varying degrees of force. Many of the techniques of the sai are brutal and even lethal, but the sai also can control, trap and restrain with remarkable effectiveness. (A pair of sai can even be used as handcuffs.)  Three: It’s often believed that ancient martial arts masters trained so diligently that they attained levels of skill that are impossible today. This is a myth. The reality is people haven’t changed all that much. How many modern police officers train in arnis because they carry a baton as part of their tactical arsenal and want to be highly skilled in its use? Most law-enforcement personnel have limited training in the use of their weapon, which is why police departments require periodic requalifiction. In general, officers count on the weapon to compensate for any lack in skill and practice. For this reason, we might reasonably expect that sai techniques would require only a moderate level of skill to perform. Otherwise, they would be useless for an ordinary person to use during a stressful encounter. And so it should be expected that the design of the sai enhances the effective- ness of such techniques. Four: Blocking is a bad idea. Yes, it’s better than getting smashed or slashed, but the concept of blocking as a strategy is naive. If a blow is merely blocked — as most sources on the sai argue — all one can hope for is a do-over. But this is a poor premise to work from because a katana, for exam- ple, is a subtle weapon. Yes, it’s great for hacking off limbs, but it’s far more effective for feinting in hopes of eliciting a block, after which a follow-up cut becomes the killing blow. Five: Distance is the friend of long weapons, and proximity is the friend of short weapons. In a duel, with opponents meeting on an open field, it’s wise to bet on the longer weapon. So for the constable with a sai, it would have been important to crowd a suspect, to charge forward when acting to subdue. The object was not to trade blows with an opponent — block, counter, block, counter. The object was to dominate the encounter in such a way that when the moment to strike arrived, the opponent was helpless to defend. But control had to be total, with the sai itself doing most of the work. Six: The first strategy in using the sai was to prevent the subject from drawing a weapon. Since the weapon a constable was most likely to face was a sword, the old kata could reasonably be expected to devote a significant amount of practice to methods for stopping the draw. And that is precisely what we see. What We Do The traditional sai forms known as chatanyara- no-sai, tawada-no-sai, hamahiga-no-sai and tsukenshitahaku-no-sai are fundamentally the same. With the exception of one or two moves that are unique to each kata, the majority of the motions and sequences are identical. This makes sense because there would be a reliable set of techniques for the weapon that had proved their usefulness and thereby earned a place in every sai kata. When these movements are examined from a law-enforcement perspective, a majority of them can be seen — as expected — as methods for dealing with a sword as it’s being drawn. We will consider three here. One: When the sai is held with the point forward, the assumption is that it’s used as a simple stabbing tool. In reality, the very shape of the sai allows tremendous control as a subject draws a sword. The method is to thrust forward with the point of the sai slightly elevated so the weapon intercepts the sword at the hilt, with the shaft of the sai serving as the contact point. When this is done, the collision of the thrusting sai and the sword-drawing motion forces the sword hilt to slide into the yoke of the tine and pull the tip of the sai down onto the drawing hand. Continued forward movement traps the sword and the hand against the subject’s body.  Two: Another common technique in sai kata is a movement performed predominantly with the left side: gedan-uke. Typically, this is interpreted as blocking a low strike. However, a more practical application is to counter the movement one sees when a person is reaching for a sword.  It’s often said that “there are no left-handed samurai.” That stems from the notion that Japanese culture, like European culture, saw left-handedness as an aberration to be suppressed, which meant that everyone who learned the sword learned the right-hand version. (It’s been suggested that the great Miyamoto Musashi may have been left-handed but that because of the cultural stigma, he learned right-handed sword techniques — with the result being that he became ambidextrous. This supposedly led to the development of his famous nito-ryu or “two-sword method.”) Because of this cultural element, one could predict that a sword would be drawn with the right hand from a scabbard on the left side. The sai response with gedan-uke is to advance with the left leg while holding the left sai ver- tically (supposedly a position preparing to block) and smacking the subject’s right wrist with the shaft of the sai. With the draw stopped, the right hand then is used to grasp the sword by the hilt. The downward sweeping movement of the gedan-uke is executed, not as a block but as an action to hook and yank the subject’s hand from the sword. At the same time, the constable’s right hand moves strongly to the right hip, pulling the sword clear of the scabbard. Three: Our final example is called furi-uke. In the kata, this technique is performed by swinging the sai in the open position, from low to high diagonally toward the outside. The typical explanation is that the sai is swung up to catch a downward sword cut in the yoke and that this is followed by an outward roll and forward strike, which deflects the sword to the side before the shaft of the sai strikes.  But using the context of pre-emption and control — the agenda of the con- stable — a more interesting application becomes apparent. Furi-uke lays the forward-facing shaft of the sai against the blade of the sword as the draw is being executed. The architecture of the sai guides the blade into the yoke, while the swinging movement removes the subject’s hand from the sword. The outward rolling movement hurls the blade away, leaving the subject defenseless against the follow-up strike. (Note: This technique is for use in settings in which no unauthorized people are present to pick up the cast-off sword. There are other interesting methods using this same movement that return the sword to its scabbard as a finishing blow is delivered.)  What We Can Conclude When we speak of Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, we might speak of two approaches. One could be called the traditional approach and the other the classical approach. The traditional approach — for which the term budo (warrior path) would be apt — asks a question of orthodoxy: What is the correct way to do this? For this question, there is but one answer, one correct way, one authorized method. The traditional arts do not describe their particular orthodoxy as necessarily the only way. They simply understand that within their own lineage, their own ryuha (style or stream), there is only this particular way. What other ryuha do is their own business. The classical approach — and here the term bujutsu (warrior method) would apply — asks questions of functionality: How can we effectively use this skill? This wide-open inquiry is not an appeal to a higher authority or an attempt to follow an unbroken preservation of style. It’s a search for practical, efficient and effective solutions to real-world problems. And this means that within the classical ryuha, many possibilities are recognized and accepted and new solutions are not considered challenges to the integrity of the system.  What has been presented here is a classical approach to the use of the sai — aka sai-jutsu — that seeks to place the application of the weapon into its historical setting. And such an approach inevitably yields methods that differ from what one sees in modern, traditional expressions of kobudo. Chris Thomas is a frequent contributor to Black Belt, a renowned instructor of kyusho-jitsu (pressure-point fighting), the co-author with George Dillman of the definitive books on that subject, and a student of martial arts with more than 50 years of experience. His website is kjk-karate.com . READ MORE: Drills to Learn Martial Arts Breathe Like a Martial Artist Essentials for Beginners in Self-Defense

The UFC is back at the APEX for a pivotal strawweight clash, featuring the No. 3 ranked contender Amanda Lemos and No. 5 ranked Virna Jandiroba, with both fighters eyeing a potential title opportunity. Additionally, fan-favorite Dooho Choi makes his return to the Octagon, taking on Bill Algeo in an exhilarating featherweight matchup. Initially scheduled for three rounds, the fight was upgraded to a main event slot, signifying its importance in the strawweight division's landscape. Both fighters are coming off impressive victories, with Lemos securing a unanimous decision win over Mackenzie Dern and Jandiroba riding a three-fight win streak. Lemos (20-3), currently ranked #3 in the strawweight division, is looking to bounce back from her failed title bid against Zhang Weili last year. Meanwhile, Jandiroba (14-3-1), ranked #5, aims to continue her momentum and potentially secure another title shot with a win over Lemos. This matchup promises fireworks, with both fighters known for their aggressive styles and well-rounded skillsets. The winner could very well be next in line for a shot at the strawweight championship. UFC Vegas 94 is shaping up to be an exciting event for fight fans, with several other intriguing matchups on the card. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements in the lead-up to this highly anticipated event.

After a frenetic June with UFC fights every Saturday, July 2024 brings a slightly slower pace but promises high-quality action with several must-watch matchups at the UFC. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most exciting fights this month. UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs Cortez — Saturday, July 13 (Denver, CO) Viviane Araujo vs Jasmine Jasudavicius Ranked flyweights clash as Brazilian veteran Viviane Araujo faces Canada’s rising star Jasmine Jasudavicius. Araujo has become a gatekeeper in the division, a tough test for anyone looking to ascend the rankings. Jasudavicius, fresh off a third-round stoppage win over Priscila Cachoeira, is eager to break into the top 15. This bout is a classic "Are they ready?" test for Jasudavicius, who has only lost to top contenders Natalia Silva and Tracy Cortez. Julian Erosa vs Christian Rodriguez Count this among the potential gems of the month. Julian Erosa, known for his entertaining, aggressive style, takes on the well-rounded Christian Rodriguez. Erosa's recent first-round submission win over Ricardo Ramos highlights his unpredictability and danger. Rodriguez, moving up to featherweight after consecutive weight misses, is on a three-fight winning streak, including a split decision win over Isaac Dulgarian. Expect high-paced action and potential fireworks in this matchup. Rose Namajunas vs Tracy Cortez Rose Namajunas headlines her hometown card against streaking late replacement Tracy Cortez. Namajunas, the former strawweight champ, seeks to solidify her status as a contender in the flyweight division after a unanimous decision win over Amanda Ribas. Cortez, replacing Maycee Barber, is on an 11-fight winning streak and looks to seize the biggest opportunity of her career. This bout will determine if "Thug Rose" is a title contender or if Cortez will launch herself into the championship conversation. UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba — Saturday, July 20 (Las Vegas, NV) Cody Durden vs Bruno Silva An intriguing flyweight bout hits the UFC APEX as Cody Durden welcomes Bruno Silva back to action after more than a year. Durden, a no-nonsense grinder, aims to rebound from his recent loss to Tagir Ulanbekov. Silva, on a three-fight winning streak with Performance of the Night bonuses in each, brings a blend of strong grappling and striking. This bout pits Durden’s wrestling against Silva’s knockout power and submission skills, making for an interesting stylistic clash. Amanda Lemos vs Virna Jandiroba Brazilian contenders Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba headline the event in a strawweight bout. Lemos, recovering from a failed title bid against Zhang Weili, secured a unanimous decision win over Mackenzie Dern. Jandiroba, on a three-fight winning streak, most recently halted Loopy Godinez’s rise. This striker vs. grappler matchup will hinge on whether Lemos can keep the fight standing or if Jandiroba can take it to the ground. Their conditioning will also be crucial if the fight goes into the championship rounds. UFC 304 — Saturday, July 27 (Manchester, England) Muhammad Mokaev vs Manel Kape Flyweights Muhammad Mokaev and Manel Kape meet in what could be a title eliminator. Mokaev, now 6-0 in the UFC, continues to show growth and promise as a future contender. Kape, on a four-fight winning streak, has struggled with consistency and weight issues but remains a top talent. With no clear No. 1 contender in the division, a dominant performance could position either fighter for a title shot against champion Alexandre Pantoja later this year. Arnold Allen vs Giga Chikadze Featherweights Arnold Allen and Giga Chikadze aim to reestablish themselves among the elite. Allen, who won his first 10 UFC bouts, looks to bounce back from two consecutive losses. Chikadze, returning from an injury, aims to build momentum after a win over Alex Caceres. Both fighters need a win to maintain their top 10 rankings in a competitive division, making this a crucial bout for their careers. Bobby Green vs Paddy Pimblett Fan-favorite Paddy Pimblett faces veteran Bobby Green in a lightweight bout that promises entertainment. Pimblett, a perfect 5-0 in the UFC, faces his toughest test yet against the experienced and unpredictable Green. Known for his trash talk and animated fighting style, Green aims to spoil Pimblett’s streak on home soil. This fight could either elevate Pimblett’s status or reaffirm Green’s place as a gatekeeper in the division. Tom Aspinall vs Curtis Blaydes Interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall defends his title against Curtis Blaydes, the only man to defeat him in the UFC. Aspinall claimed the interim belt by stopping Sergei Pavlovich in just over a minute. Blaydes rebounded from a loss to Pavlovich by knocking out Jailton Almeida, earning his first shot at UFC gold after eight years. This rematch comes two years after their first bout ended in a knee injury for Aspinall, setting up a high-stakes encounter for both fighters. Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad The welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad headlines UFC 304. Edwards, unbeaten in his last 13 fights, solidified his standing with a unanimous decision win over Colby Covington. Muhammad, on a five-fight winning streak, seeks to avenge their previous no contest due to an accidental eye poke. This bout will determine if Edwards retains his title or if Muhammad will dethrone him, closing the month with a thrilling conclusion. Will the champions retain their belts, or will we see new titleholders emerge? Stay tuned for a thrilling month of UFC action!

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is gearing up for its third consecutive year in the French capital, with a thrilling event scheduled for Saturday, September 28, at the Accor Arena. The landmark event marks the organization's continued commitment to the French market, following successful inaugural events in 2022 and 2023.  The UFC has partnered once again with Fédération Française de Boxe (FFB) to bring this exciting night of fights to Paris. While the full fight card is yet to be announced, fans can expect a lineup packed with both local and international talent, showcasing the best of mixed martial arts. Tickets for the event will go on general sale at 10 am CEST on Friday, July 5, via Accor Arena. Don't miss your chance to be part of this electrifying night of combat sports action.

“Reug Reug” Oumar Kane has a massive showdown with triple-World Champion Anatoly Malykhin set for ONE 169: Atlanta later this fall, but that won’t stop him from stepping inside the ring this Friday, July 5. At ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov, “Reug Reug” will try to settle a score with fellow Senegalese sensation Boucher Ketchup. And it’s safe to say that Ketchup is excited for his chance to step up onto the global stage in the heavyweight kickboxing encounter. “I’m known in Senegal for the electrifying atmosphere I bring to combat sports, from the press to the faceoff up until the arena. It’s never a dull moment when Boucher Ketchup is around,” Ketchup told ONE Championship. The matchup with Senegal’s biggest star has long been in the plan for the 34-year-old. It is a point of pride to deliver a message back home that there is more than one martial arts superstar from the country. “I am fighting ‘Reug Reug’ to show the Senegal fans and the world that I am greater than him. It was always a fight to be made, and it’s now finally happening,” the Senegalese star stated. The two share even more than just a home country. The two have roots in Senegalese wrestling. However, this will be a kickboxing contest, challenging both men outside their comfort zone. Still, Ketchup feels the familiarity will lend itself well in the matchup this Friday. “His strengths are similar to mine as we have the same combat origin. He transitioned into MMA before me, but it’s the same origin,” Ketchup remarked. “His weakness is fighting someone who knows him from Senegal wrestling. I know every move he’s going to make.”  While all eyes will be on the top heavyweight contender, Ketchup is not coming to lay down. He is expecting a huge upset in his debut to shake up the martial arts scene and state his own arrival on the global stage. “I’ll knock him out in the second round and show ONE I can do it. Boucher Ketchup is here,” Ketchup said. ONE Fight Night 23 airs live and free on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, July 5, to all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.

Tim Tackett  used to be a schoolteacher, but he should have been a principal. Why? Because he knows all about principles — as in, the foundational principles of jeet kune do. You can sense that within minutes of starting an interview with him about Bruce Lee’s martial art. You can even sense it when you initiate a discussion about such an interview. “Lots of articles are based on things like the five kicks of taekwondo,” he said while brainstorming. “JKD is different because it’s more principle-based. The kicks we do are similar to kicks everybody else does. It’s the principles that guide us in the study of Bruce’s art. Let’s do an interview about the principles.” Your wish is my command, sir!  Principle No. 1: Know the Fighting Measure “The basic principle of jeet kune do is called the fighting measure. It’s the distance between you and your opponent. Unless he has a projectile weapon, to touch you, he will need to take a step forward with his lead leg. That gives you time to react to his attack. All this, of course, makes the fighting measure very important. “To maintain the fighting measure, you must have as much mobility as possible, both for the ring and the street. You can think of the fighting measure as the optimum distance for attack and defense because, if you know what you’re doing, you can attack efficiently from there and you can defend effectively. “Footwork gives you that ability. It can be a boring thing to practice, but it forms the foundation of every good fighter. It allows you not only to dodge and enter for the attack, but also to have the ability to time your counterattacks and place your weight perfectly for the most powerful and well-timed strikes. “To do this, you have to practice a lot — until you can do it without thinking. You have to be able to measure that distance against any opponent, whether it’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Billy Barty. The fighting measure is different for each person, so you have to train to automatically recognize it. You must be able to see somebody and basically determine your safe distance. “Sometimes you might want to have a little more safe distance. For example, you see some JKD people who stand [with] their front hand a little bit low. If you’re going to do that, you need to be farther away so the per- son can’t finger-slice you before you can move or block. For those who don’t know, the finger slice is an open- hand technique that targets the eyes. When you do it and twist your rear foot, you gain the extra distance you need to make contact.” Principle No. 2: Use Economy of Motion “JKD always stresses economy of motion. Another way to think of this is being direct and using the fact that the shortest distance to the target is a straight line. As Bruce Lee used to tell Bob Bremer, one of my teachers, ‘Always take your closest shot.’ Wherever you are, the closest shot is the one that’s most efficient. “You can learn a bit about this principle by discuss- ing the cleanest, shortest attacks possible in any given situation with your classmates and instructors, but the only real way to understand economy of motion is to spar. This is crucial for all martial artists, not just JKD people, because it can give you an advantage in any fight. The principles of jeet kune do are universal; Bruce just put them down in an organized way. Unfortunately, a lot of that has been lost because these days there’s so much focus on technique.” Principle No. 3: Train With Emotional Content “In training, many people get into the habit of just punching at focus pads and heavy bags. What they should be doing is putting emotional content into it so it develops the skills needed in a fight. To prevail, you’ve got to let the beast loose. You have to turn on that attitude. “Bruce used to say it was like a light switch. You turn it on and then turn it off — it goes off that fast. You have to practice this in a way that works for you. When I do it, I visualize something that really pisses me off — like Hitler’s face on that focus glove. “It helps to imagine there’s an opponent in front of you. Attack the pads as if you’re defending your loved ones against that opponent. To maximize your versatility, don’t practice this way just against martial artists who use attacks from your own art. That happens way too often — it amounts to practicing against yourself. It’s fine until you run into a grappler and all your stand- up isn’t working. You try to throw a jab, and he goes under it and takes you down. “These days, it’s easier to find training partners who have skill in other arts. It was much worse back in the 1960s. I had students who would go to tournaments where it was all karate versus karate. That can be limiting for anyone interested in realism. It was Ed Parker who opened it up to all the arts. Of course, we didn’t have much in the way of the grappling arts back then, but we do now. What the Gracies did was a good thing because it added a whole new element that we needed to know about.” Principle No. 4: Train Realistically “When I was studying to be a teacher in the 1960s, I had to go through a number of education courses. They never taught me anything useful — except for a lesson I learned from a man named Neil Postman. He said everyone needs to have a built-in BS detector. This applies as much to martial arts as it does to education. “In JKD, we always went out of our way to find out if what we thought would work actually did work. If it didn’t, why were we practicing it? You should do the same. “I once gave a seminar in New York. I spent the first day teaching the progressive indirect attack and a bunch of other stuff. The students really got into it. I would throw a hand strike, and they would block it. Then I would throw another hand. If they moved, I would do a hook kick, and so on. They worked on it all and got good. “Then, on the second day, I told them to do what they had learned. When they tried, I did a leg obstruction and blew the whole thing away. (laughs) I said, ‘What you learned was good, but actually maybe it’s not.’ I was trying to teach them the concept that realistic training means being ready for anything.” Principle No. 5: Follow a Realistic Training Progression “I think it was Chris Kent who came up with the triangle as a symbol for this principle. Basically, you start at the bottom of the triangle with stance and footwork. Then in the second phase, you learn tool development. Let’s say it’s the lead-hand punch. You practice the punch, doing it on a focus glove. You learn three things: attack, counterattack and defense. How do you attack with the punch? How do you defend against the punch? How do you counterattack with the punch? The third part is focusing on tactics and strategy: when to use it and how to use it while sparring. “So with one technique — in this case, the lead-hand punch — it might take a year to get through the training. Then you move on to the backfist, combinations and so on. What you should be dealing with is principles and training methods. It’s not techniques; any art can do techniques. “The thing is, this requires patience. That’s why there are so few people who can do JKD well. But once you get it, it becomes really easy. But to get it, it’s really difficult. (laughs) “Once you learn all the tactics and strategy, you have to start throwing things away. Think of a daily decrease instead of a daily increase. Your goal is to have a few things you can do very well. “I’ve got all of Bruce’s notes from when I was part of the Bruce Lee Educational Foundation. When he would work out, it was 500 finger jabs, 500 hook kicks, 500 this and 500 that — not too many techniques, but he wanted to do those things well. That’s how you develop yourself. “On the subject of throwing things away, some people wonder if you can throw away too much. Of course. If you leave yourself with just the finger jab, for instance, it probably won’t be enough for you to use in self- defense all the time. If you’re Bruce, it might be, but who has that skill level? “For most people, you have to cover your bases. Let’s say I want to learn something. The first thing I do is try to learn it. Then I learn what I’m leaving open when I do it and how I can defend against it. Do I even have a defense against it? This is what it means to look at something in a realistic manner. “You want to look for openings and weaknesses. I used to train with a great grappler named Lloyd Kennedy. He would say, ‘Look, I’m going to show you some things. If there’s anything that you can find a counter to or a weakness in, please let me know because I’d rather learn it here than on the street.’ “A big part of following a realistic progression is learning to take what’s offered. If your opponent is offer- ing you something — and [no one] can attack [another person] without leaving an opening — you should take it. That’s the whole key to intercepting. Know that the body is always going to be open when somebody attacks you. He can’t extend a limb to touch you without leaving an opening. So you intercept it. That’s the mean- ing of jeet kune do. Tim Tackett began training in the martial arts in 1962 when he was stationed in Taipei, Taiwan, while in the U.S. Air Force. When he returned to California several years later, he opened a kung fu school. After seeing Bruce Lee in 1967 at Ed Parker’s Long Beach International Karate Championships, Tackett decided to take up jeet kune do. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to begin JKD training until after Lee’s Chinatown school had closed. To fill the void, in 1971 he joined the class Dan Inosanto was running in his backyard. Tackett continued to refine his skills with first-generation JKD student Bob Bremer. He was named Black Belt’s 2017 Instructor of the Year.

ONE Championship rolls on in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, July 5, from Lumpinee Boxing Stadium with 12 exciting bouts for ONE Friday Fights 69. A “Left Meteorite” will land in the main event when Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai takes on Nabil Anane in a crucial bantamweight Muay Thai matchup. The 25-year-old had his three-bout winning streak snapped by Nong-O Hama and will look to rebuild his momentum off the towering Anane. After a difficult debut against Superlek Kiatmoo9, Anane has looked outstanding in the ONE ring. The Thai star has back-to-back wins over Nakrob Fairtex and Muangthai PK Saenchai to reestablish himself as a threat in the division. Nontachai Jitmuangnon and Alessio Malatesta will slug it out in the co-main event, while Maisangkum Sor Yingsharoenkarnchang tries to net a six-figure contract with a sixth consecutive win when he meets Petsansuk ChotBansaen. Pongsiri PK Saenchai makes his return to the ring to meet Soe Lin Oo, who is unbeaten on the global stage thus far. The two met in a Lethwei match in 2020, but the match went to a draw. This time, in Muay Thai, there will be a winner. Plenty of more Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA action will highlight the exciting event. The action gets underway at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT on ONE’s official YouTube channel on Friday, July 5. ONE Friday Fights 69 Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai vs. Nabil Anane Nontachai Jitmuangnon vs. Alessio Malatesta Buakhiao Por Paoin vs. Raksiam Sor Boonmeerit Maisangkum Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang vs. Petsansuk ChotBangsaen Sunday Boomdeksean vs. Chusap Sor Salacheep Mungkorn Boomdeksean vs. Kaenlek Sor Chokmeechai Pongsiri PK Saenchai vs. Soe Lin Oo Elbrus Osmanov vs. Miao Aoqi BM Fairtex vs. Ikko Ota Avazbek Kholmirzaev vs. Changy Kara-Ool Celest Hansen vs. Masami Jung Jun Hee vs. Katsuaki Aoyagi