When Did Martial Arts Start? Martial arts started independently in many regions of the world. Some early civilizations that created martial arts as we know them today are from India, Greece, and African tribes. READ MORE: Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris: Who Wins? Quick Guide to Kung Fu Styles Breathe Like a Master The Way of Mastery Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense

The introduction of the mixed team judo competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics marked a significant evolution in the sport. This event unites male and female judokas from each country into cohesive teams, spotlighting both individual prowess and the critical role of strategic teamwork. This format not only diversifies the competition but also intensifies the spectator experience by blending various skills in a collaborative environment. Structure of the Mixed Team Judo Event In this innovative event, each team consists of six judokas—three men and three women—competing across specified weight categories: Men: 73 kg, 90 kg, and over 90 kg Women: 57 kg, 70 kg, and over 70 kg The competition unfolds through six bouts, with one match per weight category. A team secures a victory by winning the majority of these bouts. In cases where teams tie at 3-3, a sudden death bout in a randomly chosen weight category determines the winner. This format adds a layer of suspense and strategy as teams advance through the tournament. Key Rules and Scoring Mechanisms The mixed team judo follows standard judo rules, with each bout lasting four minutes. Victory is achieved either by scoring an ippon (full point) or accumulating two waza-aris (half points). If no clear winner emerges, the bout proceeds to a Golden Score period, where the next point scored wins the match. Essential Elements for Success in Mixed Team Judo Diverse Team Skills : Success hinges on assembling a team with judokas who excel across all weight categories, ensuring robust competition in every bout. Adaptability : Athletes must be capable of adjusting their strategies to counteract various fighting styles, a skill especially crucial in tie-breaking scenarios. Team Cohesion : Emotional and technical support among team members can significantly boost performance, emphasizing the importance of a united team front. Strategic Planning : Coaches play a pivotal role in devising effective match strategies, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of both their own team and their opponents. Mental Toughness : Athletes need resilience to cope with the pressures of team representation and the high stakes of potentially decisive bouts. Physical Condition : Optimal fitness is crucial, given the intense nature of the bouts and the possibility of facing multiple opponents in a single day. As judo continues to evolve, the mixed team event enhances the Olympic judo landscape by combining individual talent with strategic teamwork. This format not only challenges athletes in new ways but also promises exciting narratives of collaboration and triumph in future Olympic Games.

What martial arts does Steven Seagal know? Steven Seagal trained in the Japanese martial art of Aikido . Seagal was the first non-Japanese to open a dojo in Japan. READ MORE: The Golden Era of Martial Art Movies Top 8 Jackie Chan Movies Ranked Greatest Fight Scenes of All Time (One on One) Kung Fu 101 Combating Stress with Martial Arts Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense

The November 1984 Karate Illustrated cover featured a young Keith Cooke before his explosion as action star on the silver screen. Even after 40 years, the cover holds remarkable value with picture perfect form from the late Roger Tung trained wushu expert.

Which martial arts should I learn? The best martial art for you to learn is the one you will practice and become passionate about. It's important to explore different styles and teachers to find what resonates with your comfort and goals. Martial arts are a long journey, so it's best to embark on it with people who encourage your growth. Find schools in our directory section . READ MORE: Chuck Norris: How to Choose a Martial Arts School The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing the Best Martial Arts School Breathe Like a Master Combating Stress with Martial Arts Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense

An intense rivalry is brewing in the BRAVE Combat Federation Super Welterweight division as Eliezer Kubanza has expressed frustration over doubts surrounding his ability to defeat Alex Lohoré. In a recent social media post, Kubanza noted that he could finish Lohoré within three minutes and vowed to silence everyone who doubted him.  “What makes me more angry is the fact that some people still doubt me and think that I can’t beat Alex Lohoré. Now I have to go to war with myself, and once I step in, 3 minutes going to be enough to end him,” Kubanza noted on his Instagram story.  Kubanza’s emotions are rooted in the growing rivalry between himself and Lohoré which kickstarted a while back.  European MMA star Alex Lohoré made an impressive promotional debut at BRAVE CF 83 by defeating former Super Welterweight champion Marcin Bandel in the headliner of the historic event in the Netherlands. Lohoré announced his intention to fight for the BRAVE CF Super Welterweight title following his victory over Bandel. However, Lohoré's path to the title may be complicated by his rivalry with rising contender Eliezer Kubanza. Kubanza has secured his place in the top five of the Super Welterweight division with two consecutive first-round finishes in 2023. He has been vocal about facing Lohoré, especially after his fight was cancelled at BRAVE CF 82. In response to Kubanza's challenge, Lohoré seemed unfazed, dismissing it with the comment, "Eagles don’t fly with pigeons."  Kubanza, however, did not take kindly to this remark and responded on Instagram, accusing Lohoré of underestimating him and claiming that Lohoré does not yet deserve a title shot. And now, the DR Congo star has noted that he can finish Lohoré if provided an opportunity.  The tension between Kubanza and Lohoré adds intrigue to the BRAVE CF Super Welterweight division, where champion Kamal Magomedov awaits his first title defense after winning the title from Marcin Bandel at BRAVE CF 77.

Bellator Champions Series Dublin  crowned a new champion at the 3Arena in Dublin as  Ramazan Kuramagorammedov  (13-0) defeated  Jason Jackson  (18-5) to extend his unbeaten streak and become the new Bellator Welterweight World Champion in a gruelling five-round battle. Kuramagomedov became visibly emotional after he achieved his life-long dream of becoming a champion following his hard-fought unanimous decision victory. In the co-main event, the Irish crowd were electric as they welcomed Derry’s  Paul Hughes  (12-1) who stepped into the cage for his  Bellator Champions Series  debut and rose to the occasion as he stopped  Bobby King  (12-7) via TKO in the second round through vicious ground and pound. ‘Big News’ lived up to his moniker, and has confirmed to the MMA world that he is the next top prospect to watch for years to come. Australia’s  Arlene Blencowe  (16-10) silenced the 3Arena as she dropped  Sinead Kavanagh  (9-7) and followed up with a guillotine choke to force the tap. The two fighters exchanged heavy hands in the first round, with ‘Angerfist’ landing a strong straight right hand in the second round followed by the successful submission attempt.  The evening also saw  Dalton Rosta  (9-1) get his hand raised after a three-round battle with  Norbert Novenyi  (7-1) after a wildly entertaining Middleweight bout. The pair exchanged heavy offence, with Dalton showcasing his incredible resilience in the third round as he fought through adversity following big elbows from Norbert to secure the majority decision win. The main card kicked off with a win in the Irish column as  Darragh Kelly  (6-0) remained undefeated after he put  Mathias Poiron  (7-2) to sleep after a tight guillotine that brought the home crowd to their feet, with the ‘Moville Mauler’ putting the Lightweight division on notice.  Bellator Champions Series Dublin Main Card Results Ramazan Kuramagomedov  (13-0)  defeated  Jason Jackson  (18-5) via unanimous decision to become the new Bellator Welterweight World Champion  Paul Hughes  (12-1) defeated  Bobby King  (12-7) via second round TKO at 4:50 Arlene Blencowe  (16-10) defeated  Sinead Kavanagh  (9-7) via second round guillotine at 3:02 Dalton Rosta  (9-1) defeated  Norbert Novenyi  (7-1) via majority decision Darragh Kelly  (6-0) defeated  Mathias Poiron  (7-2) via first round guillotine at 1:29 Preliminary Card Results Kasum Kasumov  (16-1) defeated  Matheus Mattos  (14-3-1) via unanimous decision Nathan Kelly  (11-2) defeated  Jose Sanchez  (13-3-1) via first round front naked choke at 3:42 Khasan Magomedsharipov  (10-0) defeated  Tyler Mathison  (6-4) via unanimous decision Sarvarjon Khamidov  (16-0) defeated  Marcirley Alves  (12-4) via unanimous decision Shinobu Ota  (7-3) defeated  Roger Blanque  (5-6) via first round north south choke at 2:18 Michelle Montague  defeated  Karolina Sobek  via first round read naked choke at 2:41 Nate Kelly  defeated  Paul Nolan  via first round tap arm bar at 1:49

The First Time I met Joe Lewis was in 1985 at a sparring seminar he gave in Corona, California. It turned out to be a great experience — even though he lambasted all traditional stylists (like me) who used formal stances (the horse stance, for example) in their training. His comments didn’t bother me, however, because by then I’d learned to regard statements from martial artists with his impeccable credentials as constructive criticism. So I listened intently as he spoke, even though I never stopped doing those stances. The next time I sat down face to face with Lewis came a decade and a half later. By that time, I was a regular writer for Black Belt, and I’d penned a few features about him after conducting telephone interviews. I had become a real fan — Lewis was a great champion, a smart fighter and a gifted teacher. For that second meeting, the editor of Black Belt had arranged for me to meet up with Lewis in Las Vegas, where I would conduct an interview and do a photo shoot for an article. The champ was scheduled to teach at a training camp that was taking place at the Sunset Station. The plan called for Lewis to give his seminar, after which I would link up with him. Then one of his people would drive us to his dojang to do the photo shoot. The story would be on Lewis’ latest and greatest fighting techniques. Everything unfolded as planned, and I even got to spend time with some of the other martial arts celebs who were teaching, including Bill Wallace, Ken Penland and Larry Lam. I’d spent a lot of time around Wallace, much more than with Lewis. That’s probably why I found it fascinating to see Lewis and Wallace together. Even though a bunch of people were present, Lewis continually razzed Wallace. Now, Wallace is usually the one razzing to the rest of us, but on this occasion, “Superfoot” proved he could take it as well as dish it out. He didn’t allow himself to get bothered at all and poked back when he could. It was all in good fun.  By sheer luck, on my last evening in Vegas, I got to hang out with Lewis and Penland, whom I knew pretty well and had trained under some years before. The camp had concluded for the day, and the three of us meandered around the hotel lobby before finding our way to the slot machines. I deposited some coins in a few slots, then turned to watch as a commotion developed near where Penland was playing. He’d just won a jackpot — more than a grand, I found out later. We all were excited for him. Afterward, we moved to the steakhouse.  After dinner, we milled about the hotel, first visiting some shops and then wandering back to the casino floor. At one point, I noticed a blackjack table nearby where a guy was playing multiple $100 chips per hand. I said to Lewis and Penland, “Let’s watch this guy lose his stack.” Unfortunately, the man overheard my comment — and proceeded to curse at me. My response was less than admirable: I jawed back at him, which caused him to unleash a few more choice words in my direction. Part of the reason I engaged the blackjack player was I had come with two of my martial arts seniors, so to speak, and I didn’t want to back down in front of them. So I figured, what the heck?! I let loose with a flurry of syllables and gave him the mean face. The change in the guy’s body language instantly upped my alert level from yellow to orange. I knew he was about to do something.  That’s when Lewis took action. He walked over to the guy and said, “We’re real sorry.” Sensing that the man was not about to acquiesce, Lewis pressed his hand on the gambler’s shoulder. With that deep Southern voice, he said, “Sir, please don’t stand up. I promise you it won’t end well.” And that was that. The gambler relented, I decided I’d better keep my mouth shut and things were cool. We did garner the attention of the pit boss, but Lewis took care of that, too — again, with words only. I was relieved because I knew I was in the wrong for helping escalate the situation. When all was done, Lewis just looked at me and said, “Hmmm.” It was another lesson I was privileged to learn from the champ.  Neither Lewis nor Penland said another word about it. We closed the night with lots of martial arts talk at one of the lounges. Later, I wrote the story, which was published in the June 2000 issue of Black Belt. Lewis didn’t call me to say the article sucked, so I deemed the col- laboration a complete success. Although I would never see Lewis again, I will never forget that wild and crazy weekend and the lesson I learned about the role self-control should play in the life of a martial artist.

What Martial Arts Does Jason Statham Know? Jason Statham practices a combination of martial arts, with his techniques and performance often influenced by the action director of each project. His repertoire includes Karate , Taekwondo, Krav Maga , and several other disciplines. READ MORE: Top 8 Jackie Chan Movies Ranked Greatest Fight Scenes of All Time (One on One) Kung Fu 101 Combating Stress with Martial Arts Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense

2024 PFL Lightweight Semifinals Brent Primus vs. Clay Collard Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Michael Dufort 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Semifinals Impa Kasanganay vs. Josh Silveira Rob Wilkinson vs. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov 2024 PFL Global Season action continues Friday, June 28 from Sioux Falls, South Dakota across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and via DAZN in Canada, Europe and additional premium sports platforms internationally. The Professional Fighters League (PFL), resumed 2024 PFL Global Season action live from the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The twelve-fight card featured the Lightweight and Light Heavyweight divisions. The evening’s co-main event featured 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, Impa Kasanganay, squaring off with Jakob Nedoh. The two battled back and forth until Kasanganay landed a flurry of devastating punches leading to a doctor's stoppage after the second round. Kasanganay continues his million dollar journey with a berth in the 2024 PFL Global Season Playoffs. In tonight's main event, Clay Collard and Mads Burnell went the three-round distance. Burnell took control of the action with a superior ground game, nullifying Collard’s striking advantage. Burnell earned a unanimous decision playing the spoiler in Collard’s hometown return. Former Bellator Lightweight Champion Patricky Pitbull faced Bruno Miranda in a Lightweight Global Season bout with Miranda defeating Pitbull by split decision. Unfortunately for both fighters, Miranda and Pitbull were eliminated from the PFL Playoffs due to points. 2022 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion Rob Wilkinson met 2023 Runner-Up Josh Silveira in Global Season action. The two battled for three rounds showcasing their technical acumen. In the end, it was Wilkinson taking the razor thin split decision victory. Both competitors clinched 2024 PFL Playoffs berths. Turkmenistan’s Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov squared off with Cameroon’s Simon Biyong in a Light Heavyweight PFL Global Season matchup. After three intense rounds, Yagshimuradov was judged as the superior fighter, winning by unanimous decision. As a result, Yagshimuradov clinched a spot in the 2024 PFL Playoffs. “The Professional Fighters League’s debut in Salt Lake City was an unforgettable event featuring the best athletes in MMA as they continued their million dollar journey,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “The PFL Season format makes every fight a must win giving us an unparalleled connection to the fans, while providing unrivaled action with the highest stakes in the sport.” “Salt Lake City saw eight athletes qualify for the 2024 PFL Global Season Playoffs in a night of non-stop PFL action,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations at PFL. “We look forward to next week's 2024 PFL Regular Season finale in Sioux Falls.” Antônio Carlos Jr. and Alex Polizzi met in Global Season Light Heavyweight action. Polizzi earned a hard fought unanimous decision. The decision ended both fighters' hopes of moving on to the 2024 PFL Playoffs. Brent Primus defeated Solomon Renfro by submission in the third round in a Lightweight PFL Global Season matchup. Primus clinched a 2024 PFL Playoff berth with the victory. Sadibou Sy faced off against Andrew Sanchez in a Light Heavyweight Global Season bout. In an action packed fight both men traded strikes until Sy ended the affair in the third round by TKO. In a Lightweight Global Season matchup, it was win-or-go-home time for Gadzhi Rabadanov and Elvin Espinoza. The fight went the distance, with both fighters trading shots for three rounds. In the end it was Rabadanov who left the PFL SmartCage victorious after a unanimous decision, earning a spot in the 2024 PFL Playoffs. In Lightweight PFL Global Season action, Adam Piccolotti defeated Michael Dufort by split decision in a hard fought matchup. The victory was not enough to put Piccolotti into the postseason, Dufort however, did eventually earn his first trip to the PFL Playoffs. In an exciting PFL Global Season Lightweight alternate bout, Sergio Cossio defeated Anthony Romero by unanimous decision in his PFL debut. The win extends former Lightweight Champion Cossio's winning streak to nine. The first fight of the night, a Featherweight Showcase Bout between undefeated fighters Brahyan Zurcher and Julian Ruiz resulted in a second round KO by Zurcher. Zurcher improves to 9-0 as a pro with seven stoppage wins. 2024 PFL Global Season continues Friday, June 28 from Sioux Falls, South Dakota with Featherweight and Welterweight action across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and via DAZN in Canada, Europe and additional premium sports platforms internationally. All 2024 PFL Global Season events are live across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and DAZN in Canada and Europe with additional international premium sports platform distribution reaching 150 countries globally. COMPLETE RESULTS PFL Salt Lake City Main Card Results Mads Burnell (19-6) def. Clay Collard (24-13) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Impa Kasanganay (17-4) def. Jakob Nedoh (8-3) by 2nd Round TKO (doctor stoppage/ 5:00) Bruno Miranda (17-5) def. Patricky Pitbull (25-14) by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) Rob Wilkinson (19-2, 1NC) def. Josh Silveira (13-3) by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (23-7-1) def. Simon Biyong (9-5) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Alex Polizzi (11-4) def. Antônio Carlos Jr (16-6, 2 NC) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Early Card Results Brent Primus (14-3) def. Solomon Renfro (11-6) by 3rd round submission (3:21) Sadibou Sy (18-8-2, 1 NC) def. Andrew Sanchez (14-8) via 3rd Round TKO (4:02) Gadzhi Rabadanov (22-4-2) def. Elvin Espinoza (10-1) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Adam Piccolotti (15-6) def. Michael Dufort (13-5) by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) Sergio Cossio (27-9-1) def. Anthony Romero (12-3) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Brahyan Zurcher (9-0) def. Julian Ruiz (4-1) via 2nd round KO (1:26)

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make its historic debut in Saudi Arabia with UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov on Saturday, June 22, at the Kingdom Arena. This landmark event, featuring a stacked card with 11 bouts, marks a significant milestone as UFC continues to expand its global footprint. Fans can tune in to the action starting at 12 PM ET, available on ESPN, ABC in the US, and UFC Fight Pass globally. Main Event: Middleweight Showdown The main event of the evening pits former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker against the formidable Ikram Aliskerov. Whittaker, known for his precise striking and resilience, looks to reaffirm his status at the top of the middleweight division. Aliskerov, on the other hand, enters this fight with a reputation for his grappling prowess and knockout power, promising a clash of styles that fans won’t want to miss. Co-Main Event: Heavyweight Collision In the co-main event, heavyweight contenders Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov will battle it out. Both fighters are known for their striking abilities, with Pavlovich showcasing explosive power and Volkov bringing exceptional reach and technique. This fight is expected to have significant implications for the heavyweight rankings. Main Card Breakdown Welterweight Bout: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez Gastelum, with his wrestling base and boxing skills, faces Rodriguez, who is noted for his striking and durability. This matchup is anticipated to be a dynamic and aggressive contest. Featherweight Bout: Muhammad Naimov vs. Felipe Lima Naimov, an emerging talent with a well-rounded game, takes on Lima, a seasoned fighter with a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This bout could be a technical display of mixed martial arts. Light Heavyweight Bout: Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir Known for his spectacular knockouts, Walker meets Oezdemir, who has proven his power against top-level competition. Expect fireworks in this high-stakes light heavyweight clash. Preliminary Card Highlights Middleweight Bout: Shara Magomedov vs. Joilton Lutterbach A stylistic matchup, with Magomedov’s grappling against Lutterbach’s striking versatility. Lightweight Bout: Nasrat Haqparast vs. Jared Gordon Both fighters are known for their pace and aggression, making this likely a crowd-pleaser. Welterweight Bout: Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nicolas Dalby Fakhretdinov’s strength and grappling skills are set to test Dalby’s experience and striking ability. Bantamweight Bout: Muin Gafurov vs. Kyung Ho Kang Gafurov’s power and aggressiveness face Kang’s technical grappling skills in this exciting bantamweight matchup. Light Heavyweight Bout: Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Brendson Ribeiro Expect a clash of raw power as both fighters look to establish themselves in the division. Tournament Finals | Bantamweight: Long Xiao vs. Chang Ho Lee This tournament final features Xiao's dynamic striking against Lee’s grappling acumen, crowning the next potential star in the bantamweight division. UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov is not just a significant event due to its location but also for the depth of talent on display. As UFC makes its Saudi Arabian debut, this event promises to deliver thrilling matches across all weight classes, showcasing the very best of mixed martial arts to a global audience.

ONE Fight Night 23 has a new main event following Jackie Buntan's exit due to injury. The talented American striker was set to face Anissa Meksen for the inaugural ONE Women's Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. That match will have to wait. Instead, Ok Rae Yoon and Alibeg Rasulov will take the main event slot on Friday, July 5. The five-round main event will crown one of the two men ONE Interim Lightweight MMA World Champion and send them on a path to unify the belt against Christian Lee when he returns to action later in 2024. Ok is looking to reclaim the top spot in the division. After stunning Marat Gafurov in his ONE Championship debut, the South Korean followed it up with a win against Eddie Alvarez to earn a shot for the gold. He made good on that first attempt by upending Lee to take the undisputed crown and begin their competitive rivalry in the Circle. After losing the gold back to Lee, Ok returned to the win column with a dominant performance over Lowen Tynanes. Now, he is ready to show the world he is ready for a trilogy with Lee by taking care of the promotional newcomer. Rasulov is attempting to steal a page out of his opponent's book by making a huge debut against a top contender. The Turkish star is a perfect 13-0 in his professional career, but joining ONE will be a huge step up in competition for the athlete. Rasulov can become an instant star by knocking off Ok and setting up a future date to unify the gold. ONE Fight Night 23 airs live and free on Prime Video on Friday, July 5. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.