Can martial arts be self-taught? Martial arts can be self-taught. However, experts believe in order for the martial artist to reach their fullest potential a live instructor and other participants should be present. This helps to better understand the elements of martial arts training that include timing, control, and contact. Aspects that are difficult if not impossible to learn alone. READ MORE: Drills to Learn Martial Arts Breathe Like a Martial Artist Essentials for Beginners in Self-Defense

Every week Black Belt Magazine keeps you updated with the best martial arts movies, events, and fights from around the world.  This is the Black Belt Watch List for the weekend of June 7, 2024. ONE 167: Tawanchai Vs. Nattawut II, June 7, 2024 Watch ONE 167: Tawanchai Vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video, live from Impact Arena, Bangkok, starts - 8PM ET on June 7, 2024. In the headline attraction, two of the most dangerous knockout artists on the planet meet in a high-stakes rematch – and the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title is on the line. UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Imavov, June 8, 2024 The UFC returns to Louisville, Kentucky, for the first time in over a decade, bringing a thrilling fight card to the KFC Yum! Center. Main Event features middleweights Jared Cannonier vs Nassourdine Imavov. Watch of ESPN+ and Fight Pass. GLORY Grand Prix: 8 Man Light Heavyweight Tournament, June 8, 2024 The eight-man one-night  GLORY Light Heavyweight Grand Prix , set for  June 8  at the Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands, will crown the baddest light heavyweight striker on the planet. BKFC Prospect Series: Venis vs Tabakov, June 8, 2024 BKFC Prospect Series: Venis vs Tabakov is set for June 8, 2024 live from Walker Activity Dome, Newcastle. Event starts at 2 PM ET. Watch on Triller, Fubo and BKFC.com Watch Shamrock FC 355 - June 8th 5:30 PM PST Watch PPV on Triller Watch Blood and Bone Limited time on Netflix (leaving soon)  In Los Angeles, an ex-con takes the underground fighting world by storm  in his quest to fulfill a promise to a dead friend. Starring Michael Jai White and Dante Basco Directed by: Ben Rams ey American Ninja, FREE on Tubi An amnesia-stricken soldier transforms into a one-man fighting machine,  skilled in the art of ninjutsu, to bring down a ring of gun runners. Starring Michael Dudikof and Steve James   Directed by: Sam Firstenberg Watch The Bouncer, on Amazon Prime Video (FREE with ads) A tough nightclub bouncer struggling to raise his 8-year-old daughter, loses control during an altercation with a client and ends up in jail, while his daughter is taken away from him. Things take an unexpected turn when Interpol recruits Lukas to bring down a Dutch ringleader operating from Belgium in exchange for his daughter’s custody. Starring Jean Claude Van Damme   Directed by:Julien Leclercq

Black Belt Magazine proudly showcases exceptional martial arts training programs from around the world. This featured list takes into consideration  excellence in training, facility, and continued growth and achievement in martial arts by their instructors .  Find this school in our directory section. https://www.blackbeltmag.com/schools A Legacy of Excellence: Robinson’s Tae Kwon Do in Sacramento Sacramento, the vibrant capital of California, is known for its rich history and cultural landmarks. Among its many treasures stands a beacon of discipline, tradition, and excellence: Robinson’s Tae Kwon Do. This esteemed institution was founded by U.S. Air Force veteran and Tae Kwon Do Grandmaster Clinton Robinson, and it has been a Sacramento tradition since 1975. Grandmaster Robinson's journey into Tae Kwon Do began in 1966 under the tutelage of Grand Master Myung Kang, a legendary figure in Sacramento's martial arts community. His passion and dedication led him to continue his training even while serving in the Air Force, where he honed his skills in Taiwan and South Korea. Upon his return to Sacramento, Grandmaster Robinson opened his first school in 1975, establishing a foundation built on teaching excellence, personal attention, and a deep respect for tradition. This commitment to quality education and community service has endured for over four decades. “When I opened my school, I made a commitment to serving and empowering the community of Sacramento by teaching children and adults the confidence, leadership, and fitness skills that can only be achieved through martial arts,” said Grandmaster Robinson. Today, Robinson’s Tae Kwon Do has grown into a nine-school chain, led by Grandmaster Robinson and his son, Master Clinton S. Robinson. An 8th-degree Black Belt and accomplished master, Clinton S. Robinson has elevated the school's curriculum to include Olympic sparring, competitive team training, and combat Tae Kwon Do. With 30 classes offered weekly at each location, Robinson’s Tae Kwon Do continues to uphold its philosophy of creating a school free of ego—a place that students can call their second home. “I am fortunate to have my father's foundation in Tae Kwon Do, and I am honored to keep this vision alive with an enjoyable experience where all are welcome,” said Master Robinson. “You can be competitive, but win or lose, the traditions of humility, respect, and discipline are always present.” Robinson’s Tae Kwon Do remains a testament to the enduring legacy of its founder, continuing to empower and inspire the Sacramento community through the timeless art of Tae Kwon Do. https://robinsonstkd.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RobinsonsTaekwondo https://www.instagram.com/robinsonstkd/

Women's Atomweight Main Event: Kayla Hrachi vs. Claire Lopez. Women's Atomweight Co-Main Event: Andrea Meneses vs. Janet Garcia. COMBATE GLOBAL and Fuse Media today announced its complete Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card, including a women’s atomweight (105 pounds) showdown between hard-hitting, world-ranked rivals  Kayla “Kayrock” Hracho  (6-4) and  Claire Lopez  (8-6), live from Miami on Saturday, June 22, and airing exclusively in English on  Fuse at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The winner of the matchup between Hracho and Lopez will become the number one contender for a first-ever COMBATE GLOBAL world atomweight title fight. ’Kayrock’ vs. Claire Lopez will be the fight that proves to the world that COMBATE GLOBAL’s atomweights are, without a doubt, the best and most exciting in the world,” said COMBATE GLOBAL CEO Campbell McLaren. Fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla., Hracho, who turned 33 years of age this month, has been on a tear of late in La Jaula, the COMBATE GLOBAL competition cage, winning her last three fights against Katie Perez, Daniela Hernandez and Andres Meneses, respectively. The gritty and tenacious Hracho, a member of American Top Team, has come a long way since her amateur career that spanned from 2017 to 2018, and saw her fight a total of 9 times over the course of those two years. Prior to re-locating to South Florida to pursue her MMA career dreams, Hracho, originally from Reading, Penn., was an amateur boxer, competing in nearly a dozen fights. Lopez, a 35-year-old native of Beziers, France and a part-time resident of London, England where she trains with Great Britain Top Team, spent 2023 in Japan, where she represented COMBATE GLOBAL in competition in Rizin Fighting Federation, Asia’s most prestigious fight promotion led by PRIDE founder, Nobuyuki Sakakibara.  Lopez exploded onto the scene in Japan on April 29 of last year, pulling off a massive upset victory over Japanese superstar Rena Kubota, taking Kubota deep into the fight, before submitting Kubota with a knee bar at the 4:21 mark of the third and final scheduled round of the bout. The show’s co-main event will also feature a women’s atomweight bout between two-time national Karate champion  Andrea Meneses  (5-2) and unbeaten striker  Janet Garcia  (2-0). The 27-year-old Meneses of Gava, Spain holds a Kyokushinkai Karate black belt, and is a member of Team Uppercut, the Barcelona-based fight camp that competed in the 2022 COMBATE GLOBAL ‘Exclusivos’ competition reality series. Garcia is a 33-year-old upstart out of San Francisco, Calif. and a member of Team AKA, the famed camp led by trainer and former world kickboxing champion Javier Mendez, who has produced and mentored a slew of MMA champions and other superstars. Garcia, to date, is unbeaten in La Jaula, since defeating Mariah Castro and Katie Perez, respectively, in 2023, with both wins coming by way of unanimous decision. In a featured bantamweight (135 pounds) contest, unbeaten  David Camacho (1-0) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. will take on former amateur knockout artist  Danny Martinez  (0-0) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

The main event features Valentin Moldavsky taking on Linton Vassel in the heavyweight division The co-main event features a battle between Women's Flyweights Dakota Ditcheva and Chelsea Hackett The 2024 PFL Global Season will continue on Thursday, June 13, broadcasting live from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut on ESPN platforms in the U.S. and on DAZN in Canada, Europe, and other premium sports platforms worldwide The Professional Fighters League resumes 2024 PFL Global Season action with its fourth event tonight, June 13 on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S., DAZN in Canada and Europe and additional premium sports platforms internationally. The first event of the second half of the 2024 PFL Global Season will be live from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, and feature action in the Heavyweight and Women’s Flyweight divisions. Heavyweights Valentin Moldavsky and Linton Vassell square off in the main event, while Women’s Flyweight Dakota Ditcheva goes head-to-head with Chelsea Hackett in the co-main event. All 2024 PFL Global Season events can be seen across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and via DAZN in Canada, Europe and additional premium sports platforms internationally. 2024 Uncasville: Heavyweight and Women’s Flyweight (All times ET)

The city of Oakland is set to pay tribute to the legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee by renaming an intersection where he once established a martial arts studio. The crossing of Garnet Street and Broadway will soon be known as "Bruce Lee Way." Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan has championed the resolution to rename the intersection and install a commemorative plaque in Lee's honor. Last week, the City Council's Special Rules and Legislation Committee voted to advance the resolution, and it is anticipated to receive full approval at the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday. Bruce Lee, born in San Francisco and raised in Hong Kong, moved to Oakland in 1964 to live with James Yimm Lee, a respected Chinese martial artist who was twenty years his senior. Together, they founded the second Jun Fan martial arts studio in Oakland, marking a significant milestone in Lee's career and contributing to his enduring legacy. Lee's influence extended beyond martial arts; he was a groundbreaking figure in combating racist portrayals of Asians in film and television during the 1960s and '70s. His efforts paved the way for more authentic and respectful representations of Asian characters. Tragically, Lee's life was cut short at the age of 32 due to an allergic reaction to painkillers. Despite his untimely death, his impact on martial arts and popular culture remains profound. The renaming of the intersection is a fitting tribute to Lee's legacy and his contributions to the Oakland community.

Are Martial Arts Actually Effective? Martial arts are only as effective as the practitioner. Training requires time, patience, and dedication; it demands consistent effort, mental fortitude, and the willingness to continually improve one's skills and understanding. Success in martial arts is not just about physical strength but also about mastering technique, developing discipline, and maintaining a strong mind-body connection. READ MORE: Karate Basics Mastering BJJ Cutting Edge Techniques for Self-Defense

England's Dakota Ditcheva has emerged as one of the most rapidly rising stars in the PFL today. The undefeated Women's Flyweight contender has an impressive record of 11 professional fights, six of which took place within the PFL. Known for her exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and knockout power, she has garnered a strong fan base and is considered a formidable candidate for this season's PFL Women’s Flyweight World Championship. Let's revisit some of Dakota Ditcheva's standout moments in the PFL: A Stellar Debut: Ditcheva vs. Holm (PFL Paris, 2023) Dakota Ditcheva's first appearance in the PFL was a striking masterclass. Competing against the seasoned Cornelia Holm, she demonstrated her precise footwork and rapid combinations. A well-timed knee strike in the third round led to Holm's defeat, marking Ditcheva's successful debut on the grand stage. Watch the fight here Resilience and Grit: Ditcheva vs. Hermansson (PFL Newcastle, 2023) Victory is not always easy. In her match against the resilient Malin Hermansson at PFL Newcastle, Ditcheva engaged in a tough battle. Both fighters displayed their endurance and determination throughout the three rounds. Despite facing challenges, Ditcheva's superior striking and relentless pressure secured her a hard-earned decision victory, showcasing her ability to overcome obstacles. European Triumph: Ditcheva Secures PFL Europe Title (2023) Dakota Ditcheva's dominance peaked in 2023 when she claimed the PFL Europe Women’s Flyweight Championship. Her journey to the title was marked by impressive wins, solidifying her position as the premier female flyweight in Europe. This championship triumph established her as a rising star and a top contender for the PFL World Championship. Preparing for Global Recognition With the PFL's acquisition of Bellator in 2024, Dakota Ditcheva is poised for an even larger platform. Her unwavering confidence, evident in interviews such as this one , indicates her readiness to compete against the world's best. Fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming challenges in the PFL's global season. As she targets the PFL World Championship, Ditcheva's future is filled with potential. Her commitment to training and continuous improvement make her a formidable opponent. She is set to face Chelsea Hackett at PFL: Connecticut this Thursday, June 13th, with a spot in the PFL Playoffs up for grabs. As the PFL season progresses, it is evident that Dakota Ditcheva is a name to watch, and her journey to the top is far from over.

The February 1979 cover featured a 32-year-old Tae Kwon Do Master Jun Chong performing a perfect jumping front kick on a 22-year-old Simon Rhee who would go on to become one of Hollywood's most respected stuntmen. The photo was shot in the Black Belt Burbank studio by Ed Ikuta.

A few like-minded associates and I recently were comparing notes on the historical blade work of some indigenous cultures — for example, sword, knife and tomahawk skills. WE NOTICED that much of what’s called “indigenous” seems to have a mighty close parallel to Filipino blade work or European sword-and-dagger traditions. Now, this simply could stem from one or more of the following: Human movement is finite, and battle efficiency dictates common- alties in tactics. When cultures commingle, it can lead to apparent commonalties that result from “idea exposure.” It’s tempting to transplant one’s assumptions when the historical record is found to be meager, which amounts to re-branding old sauce in new bottles. Note that I said some blade work, not all blade work, seems to share these commonalties. In no way am I condemning all historical weapons skills as not on the level, but I will be honest: The deeper my research goes, the more I find that historically specious material abounds. A prime example of this is the blade work of the Roman gladiator, who used the archetypical weapon from which the warrior class earned its name: the gladius. IT COULD BE because of the influence of programs like Showtime’s Spartacus and the dictates of constructing entertaining fight choreography. Maybe it’s because of the spread of Filipino fighting principles around the world. But when I encounter what’s claimed to be authentic gladius work, for the most part, I see the usual numerical angles of attack that follow the common arnis-derived 8-12 pattern and that rely heavily on the slash with far less weight given to the thrust. (This does not apply to all situations and practitioners. Good on those who go for accuracy!) Consider the following, if you will. In the gladiator’s arsenal, the twin to the gladius was the shield, more often than not. The tools used in tandem, not as separate implements. The gladius and shield were like the boxer’s jab and cross. They were meant to be used together, to set up each other and most definitely to not get in the way of each other.  The Roman legionnaires’ influence on gladiator training is heavy, and their use of the shield and sword is illuminating. The centurions would form tight battle lines with shields interlocking or at least in a very close formation. This led to the tactic of emphasizing the thrust over the slash. There were several reasons for this: The thrust could come from behind the shield and move forward at different angles. The thrust did not expose the weapon hand, which would be the case with a slash moving in a wide arc. The thrust did not require the same recovery motions, reducing the time it took to return to an attack position. Regarding that last item: We’re talking about a weapon that was heavier than a tactical folder, one that weighed between 1 and 3 pounds, depending on the sword used. As such, we must remember that weight and inertial forces would slow all recovery motions. IF WE ASSUME that gladiators adopted the same tactics as were used by the majority of the empire — and the historical record suggests this — again‚ why is there so much slashing in “his- torically accurate” work? Some might say that the lack of a tight shield formation allowed this freer movement and led to the slash flourishing inside the arena. Could be. But it’s better to look to forensic science, which has examined the wounds suffered by gladiators as evidence by their skeletons. Fabian Kanz, PH.D., and Karl Grosschmidt, Ph.D., both of the Medical University of Vienna, applied their skills to skeletons unearthed in Ephesus. They found that in a majority of instances, the cause of death was blunt-force trauma to the head. This information would seem to belie the assumption that a slash to the head would cause such a fate. But the doctors found little blunt-force trauma over the rest of the bodies. That is, they discovered virtually no slashes or hacks to the bodies or limbs that preceded the killing blows.  NOW, THERE ARE a few possibilities as to why the head-trauma evidence exists. One, a gladiator with a gladius in his hand was the boxing equivalent of a “headhunter.” That is, he valued strikes to the head over all others. Hmm, really? In a fight for your life, would you eschew qualitatively suc- cessful tactics and skip attacks to the legs, arms and torso? We’re talking about fights to the death, not fights for points. Two, perhaps thrusts were used almost predominantly as indicated by the Roman military tradition. Thrusts usually penetrate vital organs and soft tissues that don’t survive as long as skeletal components. Decomposition would render evidence of soft-tissue trauma not there to be added to the ledger.  If this is so, how do we explain the preponderance of head trauma? Well, the doctors and those of us who know our gladiator history may recall Dis Pater. Who or what is Dis Pater? The phrase translates to “father of the gods.” Once a gladiator had fallen and could not or would not return to the fray, Dis Pater, a comrade assuming the role of the economical culler of the worthless wounded, would step in, hammer in hand and deliver a death blow to the head – hence, the observed frequency of head trauma.  WITH ALL THIS SAID, I’m not against historical recreation in the martial arts. On the contrary, I’m a huge proponent of it. What I am a little leery of is assumptions or declarations that don't jibe with the historical record or with science. I’m equally skeptical of information that claims a bit too much when the records and the science are lacking. Let us investigate our martial pur- suits with gusto and with an eye on truth. Let us allow the legends and the assumptions to slough away when they don’t mesh with reality. Only in this way will the truth about the origins of the martial arts be pre- served for future generations. Mark Hatmaker’s website is extremeselfprotection.com . This article originally appeared in a 2020 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

After a tumultuous three-and-a-half years marked by a series of canceled fights and opponent changes, Alex Perez made a notable return to the UFC. Starting with a promising victory over Jussier Formiga at UFC 250, Perez's journey saw him face only two more fights amidst 10 schedule disruptions due to injuries, weight issues, and medical emergencies. These hurdles included losses in a championship bout against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255 and another against current champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 277. Reflecting on his career, Perez realized his identity extended beyond the octagon. "It was good to realize on my end that I don't need fighting; fighting doesn't define me as a person," he remarked. Despite the challenges, Perez maintained a positive outlook, influenced by his roles as a father and business owner. Perez's resilience shone through in March when he faced Muhammad Mokaev. Although he didn't win, the fight displayed his ability to compete with top talent, a theme that continued in his subsequent bout. Just seven weeks later, Perez replaced Manel Kape on short notice and claimed a decisive victory over Matheus Nicolau, showcasing his striking skills and ending a significant winless streak. Now, Perez is set to headline this weekend's event UFC Vegas 93 at the UFC APEX against undefeated prospect Tatsuro Taira. He faces a well-rounded opponent but feels confident in his wrestling and striking skills. Perez is focused on taking on all challengers to affirm his position in the flyweight division, driven by a wrestler's mentality of relentless competition. After this weekend's fight, Perez plans to take a well-deserved break to spend time with his son, though he remains prepared to return to action should an opportunity arise. Catch all the action of UFC Fight Night: Perez vs Taira live from Las Vegas, with prelims starting at 7 PM ET and the main card at 10 PM ET.

Ikram Aliskerov, a rising Russian middleweight, has adapted to the unpredictability of fight schedules with grace and resilience. Since his knockout debut victory over Phil Hawes at UFC 288, Aliskerov has navigated through two fight cancellations and multiple opponent changes. Despite these setbacks, he has managed to maintain a focus on performance, claiming a single victory over the past year. Aliskerov, speaking through his translator, expressed his determination to stay active and compete, regardless of the frequent opponent swaps. Originally set to make his 2024 debut earlier, he had to withdraw from UFC 298 due to unforeseen circumstances. The replacement for his next fight also changed after his initial opponent suffered an injury, leading UFC to bring in Antonio Trocoli as a last-minute substitute. Despite these challenges, Aliskerov remains undeterred, eagerly accepting any competitor to ensure his participation in scheduled events. He values the recognition of facing reputable opponents and sees every match as an opportunity to prove his prowess and advance in the middleweight ranks. His journey in UFC so far includes memorable bouts against seasoned fighters like Warlley Alves and a disrupted matchup with Paulo Costa. Now, poised to face Trocoli, Aliskerov views this fight as another chance to showcase his skills and aim for a top 10 opponent in his future bouts. As Aliskerov prepares for his bout this weekend at UFC APEX, he is not just focused on the fight but also on the broader landscape of the middleweight division, especially with significant matches like Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev on the horizon. Catch all the action live from UFC Fight Night: Perez vs Taira, starting with prelims at 7 PM ET followed by the main card at 10 PM ET, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.