Black Belt Magazine proudly showcases exceptional martial arts training programs from around the world. This featured list takes in mind 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 Perfection delivered! John Chung Tae Kwon Do - Leesburg, VA Located just 49 minutes from the nation's capital in Leesburg, VA, John Chung Tae Kwon Do is the esteemed school of Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee and former number one forms champion, John Chung. Since the early 1980s, John has been dedicated to executing and teaching perfection in Tae Kwon Do.  John Chung began his journey in martial arts in 1984 when he opened his first school in Long Island, NY, with his brother Howard.  In 1995, he expanded his reach by establishing the Northern Virginia School, where he continues to teach and reside today. Rooted in the tradition handed down to him by his uncle, Jhoon Rhee, the Father of American Tae Kwon Do. He teaches the original Jhoon Rhee ITF system of Tae Kwon Do, while also incorporating elements of the WTF system, creating a comprehensive approach that encompasses the best of both worlds in Korean martial arts. Jeff Smith, who coached Chung in regional, national, and world tournaments, praised him, stating, "John had the cleanest technique of anyone on the National Circuit during his competition years! I still rate him as one of the top form competitors of all time." The pursuit of perfection continues to drive Chung as he coaches his students, ensuring they uphold the same high standards that have defined his illustrious career. Today John Chung Tae Kwon Do operates five days a week, offering a rigorous program that emphasizes competition. Students are encouraged to compete on the open circuit at least four times a year, honing their skills and gaining valuable experience. Staffed by a dedicated team, including Chung’s wife, Yvette Vargas, a 7th-degree black belt with over 37 years of training experience. Together they blend traditional Tae Kwon Do with various weapons training, including bo, tonfa, sai, kama, nunchaku, and escrima. This open-minded approach to martial arts allows students to benefit from a diverse and enriching training experience. With 25 classes a week, John was ahead of his time in incorporating virtual teaching. Even before the pandemic, he offered online classes for nearly a decade. Today, students from Florida, New Jersey, and even Australia join virtually, benefiting from his innovative approach. John Chung's teaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, tradition, and authentic training. "I think there is a market for hardworking, traditional, authentic training," says Chung. "Many people today seek a quick fix, getting a black belt fast and instant gratification, and that’s fine. But my average student takes 5-6 years to earn a black belt, which is longer than most. I believe this journey instills respect and honor for the process, viewing the belt as a symbol of their hard work rather than just a trophy. I still believe in tradition and the life skills martial arts bring—humility, respect, discipline. It's the reason our sign says TKD - Teaching Korean Discipline." John Chung Tae Kwon Do remains a beacon of excellence, blending tradition with modernity to create well-rounded martial artists prepared for both competition and life.

British judoka Nekoda Smythe-Davis recently shared on social media that she did not qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Despite this disappointment, she remains committed to her judo career. Smythe-Davis, a 31-year-old mother, would have added to the notable presence of judo mothers at the Games, alongside athletes like Kim Polling, Moira de Villiers, Mahboubeh Barbari Zharfi, and Natasha Ferreira. Smythe-Davis has a remarkable record in the U57kg category, including a silver medal at the 2018 IJF World Championships in Baku and a bronze at the 2017 Championships in Budapest. She also won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and secured two Grand Slam gold medals. Recent achievements include a third place at the 2023 Grand Prix in Almada and a fifth place at the Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar. However, she ranked ninth at the Doha World Championships, underscoring the intense competition and the tough Olympic qualification process. Smythe-Davis has overcome significant challenges, including a severe head injury in 2019 that led to post-concussion syndrome, sidelining her from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her return in September 2022 underscored her resilience and determination. Despite not qualifying for Paris 2024, she remains focused on her sport and her role as a mother to her daughter Ryia Marr. Smythe-Davis's journey in judo began at age five, inspired by her mother and Olympic athletes like Kaori Matsumoto and Kelly Holmes. Smythe-Davis cherishes her family connections across England, Jamaica, and the United States, sharing the joys and challenges of motherhood with her sisters. While the Paris Olympics will miss her presence, her journey continues as she aims to inspire others and possibly start her own judo academy. Nekoda Smythe-Davis exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and passion in the face of adversity, making her a prominent figure in British judo and an inspiration to aspiring judokas worldwide. This article first appeared on https://www.judoinside.com/

The first half of 2024 has unfolded in unexpected ways for Dustin Poirier, the former interim lightweight champion. After a loss in July 2023 to Justin Gaethje, Poirier contemplated retiring. However, he made a surprising return to the ring in March, accepting a fight against the lesser-known but skilled Benoit Saint Denis. Poirier managed to overcome early challenges from the French fighter, securing a second-round victory. For Justin Poirier, this win paved the way for a title shot against the reigning champion, Islam Makhachev, at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey. Poirier, reflecting on his journey, admits he never foresaw this dramatic turnaround. "It felt like the end of the world last year, and this year I'm on a high," he said, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the sport. Despite facing a tough opponent in Makhachev, Poirier remains determined. His career has been defined by his refusal to accept defeat and his readiness to face any challenge. "I hate losing and I work so hard and I believe that I can beat anybody in the world," he declared. As Poirier prepares for what could be one of the defining fights of his career, he remains focused on his goals. Winning the undisputed title would not only mark a significant achievement in his professional life but also enhance his legacy, potentially securing his place in the UFC Hall of Fame. Poirier also contemplates his future beyond fighting. While a lucrative rematch with Conor McGregor might tempt some, Poirier is clear about his priorities: "I want to be a father, a husband, I want to be home with my family barbecuing. I want a regular schedule. I want to be a civilian again." His ultimate goal is to find contentment, reflecting on a career that has had its highs and lows. This fight against Makhachev might just be the perfect climax to his storied journey in MMA.

It’s no surprise that Amazon and Netflix are investing in entertainment from India. With an industry that rivals Hollywood, incredible and epic films are coming from this region. One that is receiving western fanfare is Captain Miller.  In the era of British India, amidst the fervor of the anti-colonial freedom movement, Esan Aka Annalesan makes a fateful decision to join the British army in pursuit of dignity. The narrative unfolds as Esan leads a rebellion against British oppression, fueled by the brazen massacre of Indians. Hunted as the most wanted individual in the Presidency, he emerges as a defender of his settlement and clan against relentless attacks by the British regiment. In the backdrop of the 1930s and 1940s, a rebellious Captain and his unorthodox band of outlaws embark on audacious heists. Miller finds himself torn between evading capture and confronting the myriad challenges head-on, forcing him to make a pivotal decision about his path forward. Directed by Arun Matheswaran

Black Belt   published a two-part article on Bruce Lee (Green Hornet's "Kato") in 1967. Black Belt received received a flood of letters “concerning him and his style of Chinese Gung Fu.” We reprint some of them here and, in cases applicable, Mr. Lee's replies to them. Bruce Lee Talks Back It has been over two years since I began taking classical Kung Fu. After reading your two articles in BLACK BELT, especially the second part, I started to really think. Our practice at the school consists of standing on the horse stance, practicing classical forms and doing the two menn set - or what your Jeet Kune Do  would call pre-arranged rhythmic sparring. The stress is on good posture, good energy utilization and good (classical) form.  Having read your realistic articles, I began to ask myself, "good for what?" I can see now that all the cramming posture, swinging punches and pretty kicks are too classically involved. There is a world of difference between apply ing these movements with an obedient partner who cooperates and an actual opponent who is bent on destroying you. Without consistent practice in sparring; I find it practically impossible to adjust proper distance or exact timing with a live, non-classical opponent. I know this because I took up some boxing a long time ago. The reason I still continue to practice Kung Fu is because I figured our in structor was testing our patience. Though none of us ever saw him spar or engage in any fast exchange, I know my instructor must be good. After all, he is a pro fessional and I appreciate the saying, "He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know." What do you think? T. Y. Whang San Francisco, Calif. Lao-Tzu is supposed to have said, "He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know." However, he himself wrote five thousand words to explain his doctrine. Does the word "sailor" mean  that a person can swim? And speaking of swimming, can you learn it  by grinding your horse stance and performing idealistic land exercises? What do I think? Forget about this organized despair you have accumulated and go back to your boxing. Hang a heavy bag in your basement and use your legs as you would your hands. Of course, practice as much sparring as you can. You have to get wet in order to learn to swim. Bruce Lee I'm sure I'm not alone in having "likes" and "dislikes" regarding some of your articles. Usually I simply grunt to myself at the articles I particularly dislike or don't agree "vith. This time, however, I just couldn't let an issue go by without comment. I'm speaking of "Kato's Gung F u. " First the comment Brue Lee made: " ... to me a lot of this fancy stuff is not functional." ... is a line I've heard by phonies who "studied" karate for 5 or 6 months then, because they didn't have the patience or the intelligence, quit, opened their own dojo, put on a black belt and attempted to teach "karate." Bruce Lee obviously does not under stand kata. Proof of this is the statement he makes on page 20 ( first paragraph) . There are a hundred comments I'd like to make but these 6 will do for a start. 1. The dime and penny trick is just that! A trick that anyone, after a little practice, can do. They don't have to have fast or slow reflexes, just practice. 2. The "powerful punch" demonstra tion, where he punches his volunteer into a chair ( pages 18-19) is a f arce. Take the chair away and he'll only be pushed a few feet (w ith or without the "protection" of the 2 inch glove). I've done this at demonstrations ... not to prove the power of it but to prove that the man standing· in a "non-classical" stance is easily "punched" off balance. Had the man in the photos been stand ing in a karate stance, Mr. Lee wouldn't have been able to budge him! And … yes! I'll volunteer anytime!! 3. Bruce Lee goes on ... "When someone grabs you, punch him! ... " Appar ently Mr. Lee thinks a karateist would perform a kata in response. I know what I'd do. But I'm wondering about Bruce Lee ... would he leave a penny in the grabber's hand? 4. As for practicing with "robots" the article states that Bruce Lee “ works"  on stuffed dummies ... I wonder how fast and how varied their counter at tacks are, and if they move around him quickly??? 5. Karate's ultimate goal for techniques of self defense has always been simultaneous strikes or kicks with blocks.   It is nothing new to karate. Anyone who has studied karate for a while is well aware of this common fact. 6. As I see it, Bruce Lee is saying ( and proving) that he doesn't like, believe in or understand ... karate!! Paul Arel Glastonbury Karate Club I am commenting on classical Chinese Gung Fu and not karate. If your particular style is not of the "fancy stuff" or crammed with "deadly" (in the sense of a corpse) techniques, you need not grunt and be upset. I am not even a phony who studied karate for five or six months. In fact, I never did take karate. However, my assistants and I do have quite a few stu dents from your circle taking from us. Whatever you like is your privilege, but I do not teach classical forms because of my understanding of them. As I have pointed out, Jeet Kune Do is interested in feeling what IS and not "doing' what was or what might be . .. in other words, the here and now, the direct experience with one's opponent, the two halves of the whole. Forms cre ate situations which do not yet exist, while what IS is constantly moving, constantly undergoing a transformation … never fixed and always alive. Take, for example, learning to slip a punch. Is there a classical form for that? Isn't slipping a punch a matter of' relationship? It's a different relationship every time as some opponents are fast, some slow, some deceptive, some awkward. It's too bad that out of 100 comments you could make, you come up with only  SIX. 1. That is exactly what it is supposed to be, a stunt of speed. 2. I have demonstrated my punch, with or without a chair, and many reputable gentlemen among your circle will tell you it is not a push. If one stands in a classical stance, he will not be thrown   back as far ... but it will definitely hurt more. 3. I don't know what you will do, but whatever you do, do it quick. 4. There is a difference between BEING a robot and pounding on a robot. If you read carefully you know Jeet Kune Do values actual sparring with a live opponent. However, when one does not have a live partner, he can use these dummies to acquaint himself with the correct distance and exact timing of his punches and kicks. This is realistic synchronization of the self. 5. So it is a common fact that there are no passive blocks in your particular art too. That is   good. I, too, am like you. I do not like to block passively with one hand, with the other on the hip, and then ... and then ... and then ... Bruce Lee I enjoyed reading your articles on Bruce Lee. It is interesting to find out the achievements of one of my Wing Chun "brothers." Today, Mr. Lee is the founder of a new style. Just a few years ago, he was only one of us. I am interested in finding out just how much Wing Chun he still remembers and how much of it is in cluded in his style. From your second article on Mr. Lee I recognized the "sticking of the hands" exercise and the "tucked in elbow." Some of Mr. Lee's moves also reminded me of a northern style I practiced when I was small. If BLACK BELT is willing to find out some answers to my curiosity, I am sure that many other readers will come up with more interesting questions and comments. This is one way of finding out the nature of Gung-Fu. I wish to make a comment on Mr. Lee's philosophy. Zen is very old and many an aggressive style has faded away in it. (If, having learned the art, "a punch is no longer a punch," I would pref er to stay as a student.) Jack Ling Bloomington, Ind. I do not recall you as being one of us just a few years ago, for I left Hong Kong in the early part of 1959 . . . nearly nine years ago. At any rate, "Brother Ling," since you are interested in my Jeet Kune Do, I shall venture to tell you about it. First, however, I should like to comment on the last paragraph of your letter. I do not really care what your pref erence is, but I would like you to re-read carefully on page 18 in the second article. It reads, "Now that I've under stood the art, a punch is just like a punch ... " You don't have to understand it, but read it carefully and, "Brother Ling," do empty your tea cup -first so you can taste my tea. After all, the usefulness of a cup is in its emptiness. The foundation of Jeet Kune Do is very much like Wing Chun in that it advocates elbows in position, the center line and straight punching. Now there are three stages in the cultivation of Jeet Kune Do, each of them interrelated. The first stage is "sticking to the nucleus"; the second stage, "liberation from the nucleus.-,; the third stage, "re turning to original freedom." Classically speaking, sticking to the nucleus is merely based on the interior/ exterior straight line and rejects the curved line on the idea that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. True, the straight line is very efficient ( depending on the circumstances, that is), but rejection of the curve will lead to separation from the whole and the totality will not be achieved when men stubbornly cling to one partial view of things. After all, a good martial artist should be able to strike and kick from all angles and, with either hands or legs, take advantage of the moment. Therefore, straight punching in Wing Chun becomes a means to an end, but not the end itself, and it should be reinforced and supported by other com pact angle punches and kicks as well, thus, as a whole, making one's style more flexible without confinement or limitation. Like western boxing, Jeet Kune Do is most fluid and the fluidity of movements lies in their interchange ability. By combining the first and second stages we have the natural returning to a straight puncher; sometimes the straight is useful, sometimes the cure, depending on the circumstances. In the eyes of combat there is no set course, but the totality of action, and in this totality there is nothing to choose and nothing better or worse. One can say that the pilot of Jeet Kune Do passes through the center where the curve and straight converge and, in the ultimate, Jeet Kune Do is a circle without circumference. "In the landscape of spring there is neither better nor worse; The flowering branches grow naturally; some long, some short, a Zen saying. Bruce Lee The reason for this letter is that there are rumors that a man in Connecticut by the name of Bruce Fleetwood is spreading around. He claims to have defeated Bruce Lee twice in public and many times in private sparring. I have never seen this person before, but I feel it would not be that easy to beat Bruce Lee. Also, I don't recall ever hearing of Bruce Lee competing in public. Please give me your opinion about this so I can set things straight with the karate people in Connecticut. William J. Chung New York City .  Who's he???? Bruce Lee. I would like to commend you on your very fine article on Mr. Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do. There have been persistent rumors about this young master. Some are subtle and some are ridiculous. The latest rumor floating around concerns Mr. Lee being killed by a gung-fu master in Hong Kong. I would like for BLACK BELT to clear the air for me. Did Mr. Lee get killed before or after your fine article was written about him? If he was killed, was he killed by a master of the classical mess or a master of the simple touch system or a master of whatafumo? All of these systems, I understand, are quite deadly. In fact, there are no instructors who teach them. Leo Fong Stockton, Calif. Before the Green Horn et show there were many tales of my defeats as well as glories, and these tales came from various states - some of which . I have never set foot in. After the show hit the nation, incredible tales began to come in by the dozens and I have supposedly been sent to the hospital about once every three months. In fact, a recent Hong Kong newspaper reported that I had gloriously defeated a "master" in England! Now this latest one is refreshing. This is the first time I have actually been killed by a "master" in Hong Kong. Well, let's see. I must have been dead now for over two years. You see, the last time I was in Hong Kong was in 1965  Bruce Lee I am 18 years old and interested in karate and some of the other martial arts. I subscribe to your magazine and just received the October issue. While looking through it I came across the article, on Bruce Lee and read it all through. Before I began working nights ( to earn enough money to join a dojo) , I never missed watching "The Green Hornet,” on TV. Could you send me Bruce Lee's address? I like his style of karate. I hope to gain black belt rank in both judo and karate - and others, if possible. Bruce Lee is all you say and more. He is my favorite karate man. Can you tell me what rank he is? Dennis Totten After reading Mr. Bruce Lee's article in the November '67 issue of your magazine, I decided to renew my subscription to your magazine. It has been a few years since I was a subscriber so you may have trouble finding my name in your files. You did, however, publish an article my wife (Carol) wrote on the "First Pittsburgh Karate Championship" in your July-August 1964 issue. I am also sending for your October '67 issue to read the first part of Mr. Lee's article. If at all possible I would like Mr. Lee's address so that I may write to him myself to tell him how I enjoyed his articles. James C. Lynn, Jr. Pittsburgh, Pa.

As summer arrives, the UFC is set to deliver an exceptional month of mixed martial arts in June 2024, highlighted by International Fight Week and the return of Conor McGregor at UFC 303. This season offers not just the sun but a series of captivating battles that promise to ignite the passion of fight fans worldwide. Here’s your guide to the top 10 bouts to watch: Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Joshua Van Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira Farid Basharat vs. Montel Jackson Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Macy Chiasson Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier — Newark, New Jersey - June 1, 2024 Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa : This matchup is a striking enthusiast’s dream. Both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and high strike volumes, making this an expectedly fiery contest. Strickland aims to rebound from a title fight loss, while Costa looks to break a tough streak and reclaim his status as a top contender. Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier : The lightweight championship is on the line as Makhachev, riding a 13-fight win streak, defends against Poirier, a seasoned challenger hungry for the title. This fight represents a classic clash of styles, with Makhachev’s grappling prowess versus Poirier’s striking skills and resilience. UFC Fight Night — Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, June 8 Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov : In the middleweight division, veteran Cannonier takes on the rising Imavov. With both fighters looking to climb the ladder, this bout could determine the next title contender. UFC Fight Night — Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, June 15, 2024 Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Joshua Van : A fascinating flyweight duel featuring Ulanbekov's grappling against Van's striking. This bout could propel the winner into the top 10 rankings. Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira : Perez, a seasoned contender, faces the young and unbeaten Taira in a battle that could shift the future landscape of the flyweight division. UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Chimaev — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, June 22 Farid Basharat vs. Montel Jackson : A key bantamweight clash with both fighters looking to break into the upper echelon of a stacked division. Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov : A heavyweight encounter that features two of Russia’s finest as they vie for a potential title shot. Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev : Middleweight titans clash as former champion Whittaker seeks to reclaim his spot at the top against the formidable Chimaev, whose ascent has captivated fans worldwide. UFC 303: McGregor vs. Chandler — Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, June 29. 2024 Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Macy Chiasson : Both fighters aim to prove themselves in this critical bantamweight matchup, making it a fight with high stakes and higher expectations. Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler : This highly anticipated bout is not just a fight but a spectacle, as both fighters are known for their explosive fighting styles and charismatic personas. With both coming off losses, they are eager to return to winning ways in what promises to be an unforgettable clash. June 2024 stands out as a monumental month for the UFC, blending top-tier talent and compelling narratives across multiple events. Each fight offers a unique storyline, promising fans thrilling action and unforgettable moments inside the Octagon.

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 . Weekend of May 31, 2024. Friday, May 31, 2024 Watch ONE Friday Fight 65 on May 31 live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, free on Youtube One Championship channel starting 5:30 AM PT | 8:30 AM ET. Friday, May 31, 2024 Watch BKFC live from Denver on Triller and FUBO on May 31st, 2024, also on BKFC.com Saturday, June 1, 2024 UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier, Live from Prudential Center, Newark, NJ. Watch on ESPN+ PPV and Fight Pass. Prelims start 6 PM ET. Watch  Force: Five , featuring an all star martial arts cast featuring Joe Lewis, Bong Soo Han, Richard Norton and Benny the Jet Urquidez. Force Five a martial arts classic FREE on Tubi.  Watch Way of the Dragon with Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris for FREE on Pluto TV Watch A Good Man with Steven Seagal on Amazon Prime. Watch the Japanese Samurai spectacular Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning Japanese action film based on the Rurouni Kenshin manga series now streaming on Netflix.

Paulo Costa, a formidable presence in the UFC middleweight division, is determined to leverage his growing fighting skills for a second shot at the UFC middleweight title. This Saturday night at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey, Costa faces former champion Sean Strickland in a pivotal five-round co-main event. The clash of these two major personalities in the 185-pound division promises to elevate the victor towards a championship bout later this year. Strickland's bold character contrasts sharply with some, yet Costa finds common ground, admiring his patriotism and zeal. "He's a bit crazy, but it's good for promotion," Costa remarked during a media event, anticipating the thrilling showcase both fighters will deliver. Following a decision loss to Robert Whittaker at UFC 298, Paulo Costa makes a quick return to the Octagon in UFC 302, marking a significant pace change from his previous yearly fight schedule. Energized and injury-free from his last match, Costa is enthusiastic about maintaining his momentum. "Why not keep the progress, and not lose all the work that I did for that fight?" he reasoned. Costa also highlighted improvements in his fighting technique, supported by his coach, Captain Eric Albarracin's insight on seeing "a different Paulo Costa" this weekend. Costa is excited to demonstrate the enhancements made since his last fight, promising an array of new techniques, including the unexpected, like the spinning back heel kick seen in his recent bout. This match offers Costa an excellent chance to rebound and enhance his standing within the division. With another high-profile middleweight fight between Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev on the horizon, Costa is focused on delivering a standout performance that could lead directly to a title opportunity, depending on the outcomes of the upcoming fights. Costa also playfully commented on his ranking in an AI-generated list of the most attractive UFC fighters, where he was placed second, just behind Conor McGregor and ahead of Strickland. "I'm the best-looking fighter ever!" he joked, lightening the mood as he prepares for a critical battle in his career.

There's a palpable energy surrounding Kevin Holland during fight week of UFC 302. Just three months after his defeat to Michael "Venom" Page at UFC 299, Holland is back, this time returning to the 185-pound middleweight division. This rapid return wasn't initially in the plans for "Trailblazer" Holland, but when the opportunity arose just before UFC 301, he seized it. Known for preferring short, fun training camps, Holland adapted quickly to the unexpected call to action. His previous stint at 170 pounds yielded mixed results, with a record of 4-4, including losses to Page and Jack Della Maddalena. However, Holland's middleweight record boasts a more successful 8-4 with 1NC. Holland humorously credits his increased weight for added knockout power, which he plans to leverage in his upcoming bout against Michal Oleksiejczuk. With 14 of his 25 victories coming by way of knockout and an additional seven by submission, Holland is a versatile fighter, capable of ending matches with strikes or on the ground, as demonstrated in his submission win over Michael Chiesa at UFC 291. His opponent, Oleksiejczuk, also carries significant striking power, with 14 of his 19 wins by knockout. This matchup is anticipated to be a striking duel, much to the excitement of UFC fans. Moreover, Holland is driven by a personal motive for redemption. Oleksiejczuk previously defeated Texan fighter Chidi Njokuani, adding a layer of regional rivalry to this encounter. Holland, also training in Texas, is eager to avenge his fellow state fighter's loss. Holland's strategy for victory is straightforward but confident: deliver powerful straight right hands. His enthusiasm and readiness are clear: "I can't base to go out there and go bang bang with this guy. I can't wait to get the job done." With his sights set on a comeback, Holland's blend of upbeat energy and focused combat strategy could very well see him triumph in this middleweight contest.

Through his first 13 UFC bouts, Michal Oleksiejczuk has experienced what many young fighters encounter when entering the organization in their early twenties, spending seven years discerning his place within the competitive hierarchy. Kicking off his UFC stint on the last but one day of 2017, the 29-year-old Polish contender saw his rise to prominence accelerate in 2019 after securing swift victories over Gian Villante and Gadzhimurad Antigulov. These performances marked him as a burgeoning talent in the light heavyweight ranks. However, such promising starts often lead to accelerated challenges, exemplified by his subsequent matchup with veteran Ovince Saint Preux, who defeated Oleksiejczuk using a tactful ground game and a Von Preux choke submission. A similar defeat followed, but after a couple more wins and a unanimous decision loss to Dustin Jacoby, Oleksiejczuk opted for a weight class change. Transitioning to the middleweight division seemed a natural fit, and he quickly made an impact with consecutive, decisive victories, replicating his initial light heavyweight success. However, the middleweight path also mirrored his earlier experiences, with Oleksiejczuk alternating between wins and submission losses, including recent defeats to Caio Borralho and Michel Pereira before his upcoming bout at UFC 302 against Kevin Holland. Reflecting on his middleweight challenges, Oleksiejczuk noted, "Borralho and Pereira are top fighters in my category. I made some mistakes, but I believe that I will one day become UFC champion." His swift defeat to Pereira at UFC 299 was particularly harsh, ending in just 61 seconds—a reminder of the sport's unpredictability and the intensity of preparation contrasted with the potential for rapid disappointment. Despite these setbacks, Oleksiejczuk remains resilient, stating, "I had a great training camp, and it's a pity I didn't show a good fight. But I don't give up and I still believe in myself. After a defeat, I always aim to win at all costs, and that will be evident on Saturday." His upcoming match against Holland, who is returning to the middleweight after mixed results at welterweight, represents a significant opportunity. Oleksiejczuk expressed his excitement about fighting on the main card of a major event, appreciating Holland's striking abilities but dismissing the need to prepare for in-fight verbal tactics.

China’s Fujian province is famous for being the home of the Southern Shaolin Temple and many powerful styles of traditional kung fu. Because most of these systems focus on close-quarters combat, they typically emphasize sophisticated hand techniques as the solution. Among this myriad of southern styles, white crane is one of the most prominent. While white crane is a famous fighting art — and perhaps an ancestor of traditional karate — one branch of it is not so well-known. Called fei he chuan (English translation: flying crane), it’s been passed down from the founder through five generations of the Lee family. Only recently has it started to gain a foothold in North America. Flying crane is one of the four original branches of white-crane kung fu — along with “feeding crane,” “crying crane” and “ancestral crane.” From these, other notable systems have been created, including the famous “five ancestors” style (wu zu chuan). For this reason, it’s worth delving deeper into white crane. Heaven Sent Although accounts of the origins of the white-crane style vary, they all consider the founder to be a woman named Fang Chi-Niang. Fang lived in the 18th century and developed her style after failing to shoo away a bothersome crane while wielding a staff. As she attempted to make the bird take flight, she was amazed that it could defend itself with ease — despite her extensive knowledge of lohan kung fu. When she poked at the bird, it would deftly fly backward while pecking down at the pole, its wings spread menacingly. If she poked again, the bird might sidestep and deflect the strike with its wings. Yet another staff strike might cause the crane to absorb the blow and then grasp the weapon with its claws. Legend has it that Fang began practicing daily with what she interpreted to be a heaven-sent creature and that she went on to create a martial art based on the movements and spirit of the avian. Thus was born white-crane kung fu. Unfortunately, the flying-crane branch of white crane disappeared in mainland China early in the 20th century, a victim of the widespread political turmoil that afflicted the nation. Fortunately, a third-generation grandmaster named Lee Kiang-Kay preserved the art and started teaching the public after he moved to Malaysia in 1940. Without his efforts, this precious martial heritage might have been lost. Today, the style is especially strong in Canada, where I’m based, because Lee’s son, fourth-generation grandmaster Lee Joo-Chian, and I developed a close bond. He taught me a great deal until his death in 2020. Now I’m endeavoring to share this knowledge with the world through articles like this. Lower Body Flying crane focuses on tricky footwork, effective pressure-point strikes and powerful hand techniques. Its stances have the feet in a straight line with the rear leg bent. These stances are designed to protect the groin while maximizing stability and maneuverability. The art also includes a unique side stance, called ba tse ma in Chinese, that enables the practitioner to sidestep from a neutral position. All of white crane’s renowned strikes — with the hands, feet, elbows and knees — are included in flying crane, but perhaps the most famous are the finger jab and phoenix-eye fist. These techniques concentrate power in small areas of the opponent’s body with devastating effect. Both normally rotate into the target. In other words, the strikes are “screwed in” rather than being “hammered in.” In large part, this accounts for their remarkable effectiveness. Flying crane also encompasses numerous cutting motions that are aimed both high and low in combat. Practitioners “cut” to the neck, throat, spine, elbows and so on. To ensure that they’re well-rounded, they condition their bodies to be able to “deliver the merchandise” without suffering injury. This means that beginners at the very least condition their forearms and phoenix-eye fists on a daily basis. Senior practitioners typically also condition their fingers and shins with help from traditional herbal lotions. The kicks taught in the art are varied. They target pressure points on the opponent’s body, but their use is limited to only situations in which the success of the kick is certain. The logic is as follows: Standing on one leg so you can hit with the other leg is risky, so don’t do it unless the timing is perfect. Fighting conservatively makes even more sense when you consider that in training, counterkicking the groin or knees is encouraged. Flying crane includes one double flying kick, in addition to several ground-fighting kicks that resemble the rolling one sees in break dancing — complete with flip-ups! If you’re surmising that those ground-fighting kicks are best-suited to younger students, you’re right. More senior practitioners prefer to focus on getting in close and finishing the job with a hand technique. Smart Fighting Flying crane’s combat strategy reflects the fact that white crane’s founder was a woman. Because she was small in stature, her approach revolved around avoiding the use of power to fight power. Rather, she chose to deflect, unbalance and control while using the enemy’s strength against him. Then she would overwhelm the person with superior technique, including control methods and pressure-point strikes. All this makes the art rather unforgiving. For example, in flying crane, there’s no such thing as a punch to the face or a kick to the leg; rather, there are strikes to precise points in those areas, which amplifies the effect on the adversary. Fang was petite, which quickly taught her to leave nothing to chance in an altercation. Not surprisingly, she learned to avoid combat whenever possible. She also learned to feign weakness when she needed to. She learned to wait for the right opportunity, then strike with speed and accuracy. All this she picked up from observing the crane. If you ever have a chance to watch one in action — perhaps while it’s hunting — you’ll see how it stays absolutely still until it detects an opening to strike, and usually kill, its prey. Absorbing this cool, calm predatory frame of mind is what’s meant when kung fu students talk about imitating the crane’s spirit. Clearly, this combination of characteristics makes flying crane a true self-defense system. In a testament to its efficacy when it was created, the art in the modern era remains virtually the same, unadulterated by martial arts fashions and trends. Also of note is that the art has preserved its traditional methods of armed combat and, in fact, still features training in more than 18 classical weapons. Theoretical Base Flying crane encompasses many principles in fighting. These include floating, sinking, swallowing, pouncing, tossing, lifting and springing. These methods are combined with the five-elements theory (gold, wood, water, fire and earth). After intensive study, it becomes apparent that the difference between pros and amateurs often lies in the ability or lack thereof to integrate and use the theories of the art. When my teacher moved, he was as light as a gazelle and maneuvered like a flying crane. Over time, I realized that he was simply applying four of the art’s 13 combat theories (absorbing and exerting, floating and sinking) to his footwork. The flying-crane system uses both single and double stickinghands training. This method teaches practitioners to use their techniques in close-quarters, hands-on scenarios. They start with their hands touching, then try to apply their techniques freely. Although it’s not sparring, it certainly is a step closer to actual combat. With regular training, practitioners can become more comfortable fighting at close quarters. Throughout this phase of training, the goal is to maintain a strong bridge to the opponent and “listen” with the arms. Once students can do so, they find it easier to use flying crane’s offensive techniques. Having a theoretical base is all well and good, but most modern students of the martial arts demand real-world self-defense from the system they study, and in this regard, flying crane does not disappoint. Increasing numbers of people whose work involves frequent exposure to danger are gravitating to the art — as are civilians who are seeking a genuine martial tradition and all that it entails. Worst Case Before his death in 2020, Lee Joo-Chian often said that when it comes to striking, the three main targets in flying crane are the eyes, throat and groin. This also implies that a practitioner needs to protect these three points when he or she strikes. The art teaches many more points — 108 in total — but these are considered fight- enders. Naturally, attacks to them are deemed acceptable only in dire circumstances. Despite its inclusion of deadly fighting techniques, flying crane features an additional bit of wisdom, which is reflected in some advice that Lee imparted to me: “Never play.” By that, he meant one should avoid conflict at all costs by being quick to step back and remain humble in any situation that has the potential to escalate. However, he would explain, when real trouble is imminent, don’t fool around. Do what needs to be done — perhaps by using one of the aforementioned techniques aimed at the eyes, throat or groin. This imperative is fine-tuned in sparring. Flying-crane students are taught not to be too rough but not to fool around, either. When they train with the mindset one needs to be serious or even predatory, they have the best chance of victory. That this final bit of wisdom applies to any martial art offers further proof of the genius of Fang Chi-Niang, Lee Joo-Chian and all the instructors who came in between. Lorne Bernard is a closed-door disciple of Lee Joo-Chian (1958- 2020) and the official heir of the flying-crane branch of whitecrane kung fu. He’s also in charge of propagating flying crane around the world. In 1993 Bernard wrote the first English-language book about white crane. Ten years later, he wrote Shaolin White Crane Kung Fu: A Rare Art Revealed. He’s also produced a series of DVDs. His most recent book, titled Authentic White Crane Kung Fu, is co-written by Lee and was published in 2021. For more information, visit kontactsports.com or plumpub.com . This article originally appeared in a 2021 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

In his 4th cover of Black Belt, Tae Kwon Do Master Hee-il Cho demonstrates his jumping twist kick in a cover shot by Doug Churchill who also designed the backdrop and color scheme. Read more in the Black Belt Magazine section https://www.blackbeltmag.com/free-magazines