The jeet kune do conversations one sees on social media are reminiscent of the Los Angeles freeway system: They lead all over the place. Everyone who posts has his or her own “true” interpretation of what constitutes JKD. Unfortunately, most of it is not based on mastery — or even solid comprehension — of the subject. Instead, it’s based on simple understanding and hearsay. Yet plenty of people out there think what they read is correct.  Among the dubious claims one comes across is this: “JKD is an amalgam of a number of different martial arts, and Bruce Lee picked whatever was useful, dis- carded what was not and called it his own style.” It’s time someone debunked this myth and then explained what JKD actually is. FROM THE SOURCE Initial guidance on the subject comes from an episode of the James Franciscus/Bruce Lee TV series Longstreet that was titled “The Way of the Intercept- ing Fist.” To anyone who knows the meaning of “jeet kune do,” it should come as no surprise that Lee saw the show as an opportunity to explain to American audiences what the name of his system signified. This happened way back in the early 1970s. As a 30-year-old American-born Chinese who previously had played Kato on the popular Green Hornet TV series, Lee had enough clout to influence writer Ster- ling Silliphant to create a screenplay about JKD. To that end, “The Way of the Intercepting Fist” shows Lee’s character giving a blind detective, played by Franciscus, a self-defense lesson.  A visitor shows up at the detective’s home and witnesses the exchange, then questions Lee: “Now, what is this thing you do?” Lee answers, then demonstrates a move while explaining the meaning of jeet kune do. Now, almost 50 years later, people are still confused about part of the explanation — specifically, what the word jeet means. If you still don’t know, watch the episode. Get it straight from the horse’s mouth, straight from the originator of JKD. And continue reading. One of the myths that people propagate nowadays is that Lee studied many martial arts and adopted techniques that he thought were useful. They also claim that this approach was derived from his philosophy, which admonishes us to absorb what is useful and reject what is useless. Lee combined his techniques, they say, and thus became a martial artist who mixed many different styles. This may have been part of his journey in the martial arts, but the most important part is missing. Why did Lee call his martial art “jeet kune do”? Why not “mixed kune do”? During his formative years, Lee gained a solid understanding of wing chun kung fu, but he also stud- ied other Chinese martial arts, as well some Western systems. To him, the name and origin of an art didn’t matter as long as it could be used combatively. This was reminiscent of the old days on the rooftops of Hong Kong, where challenge matches involving different martial arts schools were settled with flying fists and feet. During these fights, the styles of the participants and the techniques they used didn’t mat- ter; what was important was that one person knocked out another. Lee had many such encounters and, consequently, built a reputation as a tough fighter. To avoid trouble, it was eventually decided that he should return to Amer- ica. He settled in Seattle and started teaching. Within a few years, he’d renamed his style Jun Fan gung fu. Note that he created a new name rather than use wing chun, choy lay fut or any other established style’s name. What is Jun Fan gung fu? The Jun Fan portion is Lee’s Chinese name, which means it’s his own way. The style is geared toward being effective in combat and includes all techniques that can be expressed by the human body. In a way, it’s the total expression of the human anatomy. It includes fighting techniques from numerous arts, not just 26 styles of kung fu. That said, wing chun was the predominant part of what he taught. Many of the techniques are mentioned in an early book Lee wrote titled Chinese Gung Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self-Defense. Note that this text is not exclusively about wing chun; it’s a summary of select combative ways of the Chinese martial arts. INTO THE CRUCIBLE Jun Fan gung fu was put to the test when Bruce Lee faced off with Wong Jack Man. The popular version of the account holds that Lee won but that it took too much time, involved too much wasted motion and used too many ineffective techniques. Also, right afterward, Lee noted that he felt winded. All this prompted him to seek out ways to finish fights more quickly. He trained diligently after that match with Wong, and in 1967 Lee unveiled jeet kune do. This was his solu- tion to the problem of needing to end an encounter as quickly as possible. In 1970 Lee started telling the world what JKD is, first through the TV series Longstreet and then through other outlets. In Cantonese, the jeet in jeet kune do means “to intercept.” It doesn’t mean “to mix.” Because intercept is a verb, it refers to a specific action, which entails stopping something or someone from completing an act. In com- bat, it means stopping someone from attacking you. Clearly, intercepting is a far cry from mixing. Lee didn’t want to mix martial arts or learn some “secret techniques” as a means to finishing a fight quickly. He wanted to do so by intercepting. He wanted to stop an opponent cold, to keep him from advancing while he launched his attack — hence, finishing the fight even before it started. Although it may be difficult to finish a fight quickly by intercepting every single time, this is the preferred way. Nevertheless, JKD teaches that at times, one may need to resort to fighting toe-to-toe with an opponent. Lee’s philosophy of absorbing what is useful and rejecting what is useless sounds practical, but it’s a fighting philosophy and not useful as a fighting method. The method of jeet kune do is not to mix but to intercept, or jeet. So if you want to understand Lee’s way of fighting — and I mean the tangible, not the philosophical, way — learn and then master the art of intercepting. IN THE BACKYARD Any discussion of the true nature of JKD would be incomplete without an explanation of its fighting method. The one that follows is based on my 40 years of experience in the art. First, JKD originally was taught in a private or semi- private backyard setting. My own backyard in Monterey Park, California, served this purpose for a year. No advertising was done, and students as well as visitors were carefully selected. The instruction came from first- generation students. These original-JKD classes emphasized the lead punch and side kick. Footwork was also an important part of the training. In fact, I’ve never seen footwork that’s as comprehensive as this, which enabled us to evade danger and then close quickly to unleash a side kick. We spent time learning how to perceive an attack with our vision, as well as through stickiness and body sensation as taught in chi sao. We worked on modified trapping, with repetitions of hand techniques rather than forms. We used equipment such as the giant kicking shield, traditional wooden dummy and steel dummy. We learned to generate speed, timing and power with the lead punch effected from an extended position and from just 1 inch away from the target. We endeavored to recognize telegraphic movements and, regardless of style, intercept them with our lead hand and lead foot. We were told to keep our techniques simple, effective and direct, as well as to chisel away nonessential body movements. This involved using linear body mechanics that would yield maximum power. If we had to deliver an attack that deviated from a straight path, we trained to travel the path that entailed the shortest distance and smallest deviation. We also employed broken rhythm, changing cadences and first timing. In these original-JKD classes, the central theme was to learn to intercept swiftly and accurately with knock- out power. FROM OTHER ARTS The JKD-concepts curriculum consisted mainly of Jun Fan gung fu and Western boxing, which made use of deflecting, the four corners and counterattacks. We also practiced leg locks, takedowns and ground fight- ing. Leg checking and destruction techniques were covered, as well. Muay Thai techniques were taught later by other instructors, but they weren’t part of the curriculum. Training emphasized full-contact sparring with protective equipment, including mouth guards, shin pads, finger gloves, hockey gloves, headgear, and knee and elbow protectors. A typical sparring session was a grueling workout that included punching, kicking, trapping, grappling, ground sparring, and even two or more people against one defender. Bloody noses, broken teeth and kicked groins were not uncommon, even if they were unintentional. The sessions would typically end with condition- ing exercises such as punches to the stomach, shin kicks to the thighs, neck bridges and finger push-ups. Some students, myself included, chose to compete in full-contact tournaments. Even if a student didn’t, the JKD-concepts class imparted self-confidence in the use of all techniques in a full-contact environment. The training taught us about different styles and techniques and offered excellent physical conditioning while facing a variety of opponents. When this was coupled with what the original-JKD class offered — a unique way of fighting that focused on intercepting — we all saw incredible growth as martial artists. In an effort to pass along the lessons that helped me grow during this period, I present the following five rules for jeet kune do study. RULE NO. 1: SWIM IN THE WATER. In JKD, the goal is to cut to the chase and learn the basic elements of combat. Novices, however, should begin with the curriculum of Jun Fan gung fu, which was the starting point of Lee’s journey of self-discovery and the style he practiced before he founded JKD. For the most part, it involves punching, kicking, grabbing and throwing. Once you have the know-how, you can begin to imple- ment what you’ve learned in sparring. As Lee used to say, if you want to swim, get in the water. Sparring is an essential component of any basic JKD curriculum. Of course, you should wear protective gear and take safety precautions. Aim to improve combat skills but also to minimize injuries. RULE NO. 2: BEAT THEM TO THE PUNCH. The shortest distance from point A to point B is a straight line. That’s why JKD teaches you to attack by going straight to the target. Although this strategy might not be totally effective all the time, you still must strive to be simple and direct, launching your technique the first instance an opportunity pres- ents itself.  For beginners, learning to apply jeet should be the central theme. One of the most important ways of mastering this is to rely on reflexive action. If you practice a reaction in a certain way, that way will become your natural response whenever a challenge comes. Say you spend years practicing blocking. All of a sudden, you try to learn to intercept instead of block. Your nervous system still will try to block because that response is ingrained. The result: You will not react with an interception; you will react with a block. And that’s an ineffective way to do JKD. It’s much better to learn to intercept from day one. RULE NO. 3: REMEMBER THAT THE PHILOSOPHY IS NOT THE METHODOLOGY. Yes, the basics of Taoism will help you comprehend the philosophy of JKD, and that’s an essential part of the curriculum. However, don’t make the mistake of trying to use the philosophy as a methodology. The phrases “Use no way as way” and “Having no limitation as limitation” don’t really mean you should absorb useful techniques and discard use- less techniques. The philosophy of JKD implores people in general to seek their own path, but that causes confusion because it doesn’t mean that everyone on a JKD journey must create a unique path. While that may be spiritually enlightening, it makes it easy to neglect the true application of JKD, which is to intercept. RULE NO. 4: KNOW THAT JKD TERMINOLOGY MAKES THE ART TANGIBLE. It goes without saying that you should strive to keep your techniques fast, accurate and powerful yet simple, direct and effective. Clearly, JKD is a tangible entity that has its own terminology for communicating such details about its training methods, tools and techniques. Some of that terminology is derived from wing chun, boxing and fencing. However, none of it comes from the karate or muay Thai lexicons. There is a tangible JKD lead straight punch and not a specific, effective straight punch that’s different for each practitioner. There is a tangible JKD lead side kick that’s not an amalgam of freestyle kicks. Equally important are other JKD terms such as the stop-hit, stop-kick, on-guard position, elliptical path, pendulum step, fighting measure, lead side weapon, broken rhythm, reverse mechanics, non-telegraphic movement and five ways of attack. Understanding them is crucial to understanding the art. Once you grasp the terms, you can start to apply the techniques and principles. In short, make certain that you’re guided solidly by JKD as you seek to improve your fighting skills and that you’re not guided by profound-yet-unrelated Chinese philosophies. RULE NO. 5: MASTER THE ART AND THEN GO BEYOND. Through the cultivation of your interception skills, you will excel in it and see how it represents the ulti- mate way of fighting. When you’ve mastered the art of intercepting, you might even come up with a more advanced form of fighting. Although the world has yet to see any martial artist who even approaches the level of Bruce Lee, it is possible that a person can go beyond using his methods. It’s unfortunate that many present-day interpretations of JKD merely lead to different approaches to Lee’s system based on the person’s experience. So how can the novice know if a technique or method is effective for him? You need to start with the basics and the informa- tion presented here. Remember to focus on the jeet, the intercepting, because that’s the path to mastery of jeet kune do. Dr. Z has taught JKD for 30 years. He attended UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television in the 1990s and has produced 13 feature films. His 11th feature, titled The Stop Hit II: The Art of Invincibility, will be released in April 2020. Born and raised in China, Dr. Z started his martial arts training at age 5 under the guidance of his grandfather. He grew up practicing tai chi chuan, wing chun, choy lay fut, Northern Shaolin boxing and Western boxing. After coming to America, Dr. Z learned JKD from Dan Inosanto and Ted Wong and was a classmate of Brandon Lee. He fought full-contact bouts out of Benny Urquidez’s The Jet Center.  This article originally appeared in a 2020 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

Recently, someone said to me, “The combatives landscape is changing.” I immediately thought, That’s interesting. What exactly is changing? SO I LOOKED UP some examples of this person’s training, and lo and behold, there wasn’t anything that could be called groundbreaking or that could be construed as “forward leaning.” There were obvious influences from boxing, escrima and Brazilian jiu- jitsu, as well as other disciplines — as there is in most combatives instruc- tors’ curricula. The “attacks” used to set up the demonstrations weren’t novel or unique in any way. Some incorporated weapons, some were multiple-assailant situations, some were transition events (standing to ground, ground to standing) and some were confined-space situations. I THOUGHT A LOT about his statement and remembered World War II foot- age of U.S. Marine Raiders training with Filipinos to learn the essential elements of escrima, arnis and kali. Similarly, I remembered James Hip- kiss’ World War II–era instructional charts and books on incorporating jiu-jitsu into the training of the Brit- ish forces. Another resource that came to mind was Lt. Jack Dempsey’s (U.S. Coast Guard) contribution to World War II combatives by way of boxing. I could continue with more examples because the list is long, but you get the point. There’s nothing new under the sun when it comes to fighting. The pursuit of how to best and most efficiently protect yourself is one of the longest-running concerns of human beings because everyone is aware that predators exist and nothing will ever change that. Nevertheless, I came to agree with the person I mentioned in the opening paragraph in some respects because the landscape is changing — just not the way he meant it. THERE’S CERTAINLY nothing new about assault, robbery, rape and murder and the myriad ways these heinous crimes are committed. But there are some things that are very different about learning how to cope with them. The first is the notion that self- defense, combatives or traditional martial arts (when someone intends them for use in self-defense) can be learned effectively without actually fighting. Although you can certainly practice a technique or learn a princi- ple without fighting, that’s only half of what’s required to achieve proficiency. The other half of the equation is to actually perform under duress in situations that have consequences. Being able to do this reliably and consistently in a variety of situations indicates true proficiency. THE SECOND CHANGE is the advent of the “influencer” age. Today, virtually anyone with a smartphone can put themselves forward as an authority on any subject. There are many aspects to this phenomenon, but I’ll try to capture a few here. Consider any technique that’s relatively simple. We can agree that there are probably only a handful of ways to do the technique, and although there are always nuances and variations, the technique would remain unchanged. Now think about how many tens of thousands of Instagram and Facebook personalities post training information, each trying to distinguish himself or herself from the others. How do they achieve that? Well, in a variety of ways. Some efforts to be noticed have no impact on the technique itself (training back- drop, use of props, the way they dress, etc.). But some have a direct impact on the technique, and when the attempt to distinguish themselves is done by people who are demonstrably incompetent, it becomes problematic because the technique is unnecessarily corrupted — not for the sake of efficiency but for the sake of bringing attention to the instructor. So the narrative becomes long- winded. The instructor impugns other more-qualified sources to attract attention. And so it goes.  I’ve written before about the “buyer beware” mentality that’s needed when you’re learning self-defense, but for someone who’s seeking answers to questions about dangerous situations and has no experience to base his or her judgment on, this is a real issue. ANOTHER LANDSCAPE change is that people have come to view YouTube, Instagram and Facebook as replacements for firsthand training with qualified instructors. This is nothing new, but in the recent past, at least they would have to find and then purchase the information on VHS or DVD. At least it required an effort. Nowadays, however, as a result of free and instantly accessible information, people believe there’s no need to actually attend training. They believe they can mimic performances to full proficiency. Having published more than 30 training courses over the years, I always explain that although remote learning can be effective, it can never — and should never — replace in-person instruction with a qualified teacher. Everyone needs someone else’s eyes on them to make adjustments and speed up the proficiency process. I’m including instructors in this statement, as well. Any instructor who doesn’t routinely have his or her peers review relevant performances isn’t operating at peak efficiency. No one is above that. So, yes, I agree. The combatives landscape is changing. But it’s not necessarily in ways people think. Part of the issue is undoubtedly rooted in the millennial “boomer” discussion. Some of it is in the way we look at analog and digital differences. Some of it is the mental block associated with accepting how anything in black and white could be relevant in an HDMI reality. I get it. Just remember, however, that murder has always been murder. And a fight is always going to be just a fight. To order Kelly McCann’s Combatives for Street Survival, go to blackbelt mag.com/store . To sign up for his online course, visit madrills.com .  This article originally appeared in a 2020 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

When violence happens, it’s explosive and often catches you off-guard. However, there are some simple tactics you can use to survive the initial onslaught. Practicing these things daily as part of your lifestyle will go a long way toward mitigating the threat. Making them part of your martial arts training while honing your situational awareness is even better. In a shocking moment of violence, the dump of adrenaline can feel like a wild force surging through your body. Your immediate challenge is to regain control of yourself and your role in the altercation. When someone is determined to harm you and possibly take your life, doing that can be quite a challenge — imminent danger is an incredibly strong force to confront. First, you must have the will to survive. That means deciding ahead of time that no matter what, you won’t quit. You’ll fight back and, as they say, do whatever it takes to win. Second, you must seek to control your inhalation and exhalation. Respiration is the only function of the autonomic nervous system that you can alter consciously. Normally, when adrenaline surges through the body, breathing becomes shallow and rapid. It does this to ensure that muscles are supplied with oxygen so you’re able to fight or flee. Inhaling slowly and deeply into your diaphragm counteracts that. It helps neutralize the fight-or-flight response so you can stay present and in control. That enables you to make the best decision in the moment. Yes, that decision could involve running away, but it might entail defending yourself and then counterattacking. Either way, your brain will have the oxygen it needs to focus. This is one reason it’s often said that the mind and breath work together — where one goes, the other follows. It’s also the reason meditation lessons often focus on breathing. A third essential is to find your center, aka the hara or tan tien. Asian traditions teach that it lies 2 inches below the navel and about 2 inches inside the body. To increase your calm under duress, direct your awareness to this point. Envision a gravitational pull down to your center as if it were a magnetic anchor. This will help you stay anchored inside yourself in the eye of the storm — no matter what chaos unfolds around you. When you practice this type of focused concentration in daily life, it becomes second nature, which means it’s more likely to be there in times of turmoil. “The abdominal and waist region coordinate all parts of the body and act as the center or generator. Therefore, you can promote the ability to control the body’s actions and master your will more easily.” — Bruce Lee, The Art of Expressing the Human Body Self-defense and combat share many similarities. Both are unpredictable. Both feature a battlefield that’s always moving, requiring you to be fluid and “switched on.” In combat, special operations forces learn to pause, breathe and assess the situation rapidly using what’s been called “battlefield patience,” and that can benefit martial artists like you, as well. When under fire, both groups must be able to hold onto the details without neglecting the big picture. For example, military personnel must be able to look through the sights of a rifle while maintaining situational awareness that encompasses the rest of their unit as well as the enemy. This enables them to see what needs to be seen and do what needs to be done to survive. For martial artists, being present and able to rapidly make decisions is equally important for survival. “Whoever can handle the quickest rate of change is the one who will survive.” — Sun Tzu, Art of War For military members and martial artists alike, one of the best ways to promote situational awareness is to use the OODA loop, the initials of which stand for observe, orient, decide and act. It was created by U.S. Air Force Col. John Boyd, who devised the concept while analyzing air combat. The OODA loop can guide you from stimulus to response over and over again. It teaches that in any violent encounter, the following steps must happen in rapid succession. Observe: Scan your environment. Look 360 degrees around you and engage your brain. Have you been in a similar scenario or perhaps read about one? How did it play out? Could there be multiple attackers? Keep your powers of perception open. What new information is presenting itself? What opportunities exist? Take a mental snapshot of the space, then home in on the smaller details. What is your peripheral vision revealing? What’s happening right next to you? What’s coming from 10 feet away? Your mental snapshot and subsequent assessment are crucial for your survival. Orient: You must position your body according to the threat. What kind of fight is about to begin? Is the space open or enclosed? Can you escape? Do you have your hands raised in a nonaggressive gesture to de-escalate the situation? Are they ready to defend yourself if need be? “Orientation isn’t just a state you’re in; it’s a process. You’re always orienting.” — Col. John Boyd Decide: You must determine what the optimal course of action is. Should you keep your distance? Staying out of arm’s reach of a potential attacker is usually best. Using that mental snapshot, find a space you might be able to escape into. Leave immediately if you can. If you cannot escape and the situation is escalating, you’ll need to make the decision to defend yourself. Act: Do it with intention, whether it involves fight or flight. If you’re being hit, you likely have no choice but to defend yourself. Just don’t stop defending yourself until the hits stop — they usually don’t stop after just one. Use your adrenaline to counterattack with all your strength. Be open to changing your plan of action and, if necessary, reorienting yourself. “Between stimulus and response, there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” — Viktor E. Frankl Keep in mind that in a violent encounter, rapid cycling through the OODA loop is normal. The four steps might seem to happen simultaneously. During this time, adrenaline will adversely affect your fine-motor skills, so have simple but effective gross-motor movements you can rely on. If you’re being attacked at close quarters, you must protect your vital areas immediately with your forearms. Think of it as framing your head, face and throat with your limbs. Place your hands on the crown of your head. The heels of your palms should be just above your hairline. Keep your chin down and look through the gap that exists between your forearms. Make sure that gap is big enough to allow you to see the strikes coming in but not so big that an attacker’s fist can penetrate. With your arms bent at a 90-degree angle and your hands braced against your head, your limbs can absorb an incredible amount of force. The arrangement of nerves in your forearms means you’re unlikely to feel much pain on impact. Even if you do, it’s better to feel blows on your forearms than to let your brain pay the price. If your command-and-control center is compromised, the defensive options described in this article will be severely limited. Katherine de Boda is an Arizona-based martial artist and writer. This article originally appeared in a 2021 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

Here are the Current Glory Kickboxing Rankings. More details on: https://glorykickboxing.com/fighters?page=1 Glory Kickboxing, often simply known as GLORY, is a premier kickboxing promotion company founded in 2012. It is renowned for promoting the sport on a global scale, featuring some of the world's best stand-up fighters. The organization holds events worldwide, with a focus on kickboxing rules that prioritize striking techniques from a stand-up position. Fighters compete in a variety of weight classes, and the events are known for their high-energy, action-packed matches that appeal to a broad audience of martial arts enthusiasts. GLORY's events are characterized by a combination of traditional kickboxing elements and modern production values, making it a significant player in the combat sports arena. Here are the current GLORY Kickboxing Athlete Rankings: Current GLORY Kickboxing Rankings: Featherweight Rank Name of Athlete Pro Record Knockouts Champion Petch 169-39-3 27 1 Abraham Vidales 16-2-0 13 2 Denis Wosik +2 39-8-1 9 3 Berjan Peposhi. +2 29-4-0 16 4 Jan Kaffa -2 20-4-0 7 5 Ahmad Chikh Mousa. -2 59-10-1 28 6 Bobo Sacko 76-6-1 30 Current GLORY Kickboxing Rankings: Lightweight Rank Name of Athlete Pro Record Knockouts Champion Tyjani Bestati 26-4-0 9 Current GLORY Kickboxing Rankings: Welterweight Rank Name of Athlete Pro Record Knockouts Champion Chico Kwasi 43-5-0 23 1 Endy Semeleer 36-2-0 18 2 Teodor Hristov +6 17-3-0 7 3 Hamicha 41-2-0 30 4 Jay Overmeer -1 29-7-0 15 5 Robin Ciric 22-7-0 7 6 Mehdi Ait El Hadj 32-4-2 8 7 Ismail Ouzgni 4-2-0 1 8 Alim Nabiyev 52-9-0 21 9 Murthel Groenhert 70-26-3 40 10 Don Sno. +1 4-1-0 2 Current GLORY Kickboxing Rankings: Middleweight Rank Name of Athlete Pro Record Knockouts Champion Donovan Wisse 21-1-0 10 1 Michael Boapeah +1 17-4-1 7 2 Sergej Braun 44-13-0 27 3 Ulric Bokeme -1 32-5-0 17 4 Serkan Ozcaglayan 45-10-0 36 5 Juri De Sousa 44-8-1 20 6 Iliass Hammouche 34-6-0 7 7 Mohamed Touchassie 16-02-0 12 8 Ivan Galaz 58-11-1 15 9 Ramy Deghir 6-1-0 1 10 Brice Kombou 18-3-0 3 Current GLORY Kickboxing Rankings: Light Heavyweight Rank Name of Athlete Pro Record Knockouts Champion Tarik Khbabez 50-10-1 28 1 Donegi Abena 27-10-0 7 2 Sergej Maslobojev 36-6-0 21 3 Stefan Latescu 17-2-0 8 4 Ibrahim El Bouni 41-9-1 22 5 Bahram Rajabzadeh 67-2-0 59 6 Pascal Toure 20-6-0 7 7 Bogdan Stoica 58-13-0 40 8 Mohamed Amine 29-7-0 16 9 Luis Tavares 63-10-0 21 10 Mory Kromah +1 29-2-1 17 Current GLORY Kickboxing Rankings: Heavyweight Rank Name of Athlete Pro Record Knockouts Champion Rico Verhoeven 64-10-0 21 1 Levi Rigters 18-2-0 8 2 Bahram Rajabzadeh 67-2-0 59 3 Antonio Plazibat 22-5-0 16 4 Tariq Osaro 25-4-1 13 5 Sofian Laidouni 36-3-1 18 6 Nordine Mahieddine 28-15-0 13 7 Nabil Khachab 28-5-1 4 8 Uku Jurjendal 20-9-0 16 9 Nikola Filipovic 11-2-0 6 10 Cihad Kepenek 23-6-0 16

A superfight between former longtime GLORY welterweight world champion  Endy Semeleer (36-2, 18 KO)  and current GLORY lightweight world champion  Tyjani Beztati (26-4, 9 KO)  has been confirmed for the main event of  GLORY 93  on July 20 at the Topsportcentrum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GLORY fans have been debating about this potential match-up for years and now we will finally get to see it happen. The fight will be contested at welterweight and, therefore, will be a non-title bout. Between them, they have competed in an incredible thirteen GLORY world title bouts, have eight title defenses, and over 1,500 combined days as champion. The fight marks Beztati’s long awaited venture to the 170 lbs division where the recently crowned Chico Kwasi reigns as champion. The co-main event of GLORY 93 will feature an international superfight as the reigning GLORY featherweight world champion  Petch (169-40-3, 27 KO)  goes head-to-head with RISE national champion  Kento Haraguchi (25-3-1, 14 KO) . This is in addition to recently announced fights between top ten welterweights  Mehdi Ait El Hadj (32-4-2, 8 KO)  and  Don Sno (4-1, 2 KO) , a rematch between  Robin Ciric (22-7, 7 KO)  and  Diaguely Camara (24-6-1, 10 KO)  following their controversial outing at GLORY 91, and an explosive featherweight contest between  Abraham Vidales (16-3, 13 KO)  and  Miguel Trindade (58-6, 24 KO) . Register here for presale tickets for GLORY 93. GLORY 93 will be available to watch exclusively on Videoland in the Netherlands, Bally Live & Stadium across the United States & Canada, DAZN in France & Belgium, and on U-Next in Japan. For full global broadcast listings and all event information, please visit  GLORYKickboxing.com . GLORY 93 Fight Card Main Event Welterweight Superfight No. 1 Endy Semeleer (36-2, 18 KO) vs. LWC Tyjani Beztati (26-4, 9 KO) Co-Main Event Featherweight Title Champion Petch (169-40-3, 27 KO) vs. Kento Haraguchi (25-3-1, 14 KO) Welterweight No. 5 Robin Ciric (22-7, 7 KO) vs. Diaguely Camara (24-6-1, 10 KO)   Welterweight No. 6 Mehdi Ait El Hadj (32-4-2, 8 KO) vs. No. 10 Don Sno (4-1, 2 KO) Featherweight No. 1 Abraham Vidales (16-3, 13 KO) vs. Miguel Trindade (58-6, 24 KO) More fights to be announced.

ONE Championship  is ready to light up Bangkok once again with ONE Friday Fights 65  on Friday, May 31. Flyweights Puengluang Baanramba and Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi will take the main event distinction at the event. Puengluang has been perfect thus far in his ONE tenure, with a 6-0 record on ONE Friday Fights. Jaosuayai has found consistency a bit harder to come by with a 3-2 record. Still, he has shown himself well against talented strikers and could steal one away on Friday. A victory over the surging Puengluang would go a long way to moving him closer to a six-figure contract. In a 128-pound catchweight Muay Thai matchup, Petphupa Aekpujean meets Longern Sor Sommai in the evening’s co-main event. Both men are coming in off recent losses and are motivated to use this opportunity to get in the win column and build momentum. In a featured contest, Ilyas Musaev will do battle with Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri once again. The two previously met in an entertaining Muay Thai showdown in December 2023. The same is expected in the rematch. Yod-IQ earned the nod by a split decision back in December. Musaev will look to even the score, while Yod-IQ hopes to electrify the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium crowd with an even more commanding victory. Two exciting MMA bouts will also happen on the card. Ryosuke Honda takes on Ryosuke Noda in a strawweight contest, and Carlo Bumina-ang meets Chayan Oorzhak at bantamweight. While Muay Thai takes the spotlight, these two MMA matches have the chance to steal the show on Friday. ONE Friday Fights 65 airs Friday, May 31, on ONE’s official YouTube channel . The action begins at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT. ONE Friday Fights 65 Full Card Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi vs. Puengluang Baanramba Petphupa Aekpujean vs. Longern Sor Sommai Petnumkhum Phundakrataburi vs. Watcharaphon PK Saenchai Petnongnoey Nokkhao KorMor11 vs. Tahaneak Nayokatasala Jongangsuk Sor Theppitak vs. ManU Sitjanim Jingreedtong Kelasport vs. Samransing Sitchalongsak Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri vs. Ilyas Musaev Tun Min Aung vs. Dmitriy Kireev Zhang Jinhu vs. Soichiro Arata Carlo Bumina-ang vs. Chayan Oorzhak Ryosuke Honda vs. Ryosuke Noda Hao Shuai vs. Shiga Masahiro

This detailed analysis delves into the careers of twelve exceptional fighters, all aged 23 or younger, who are forecasted to become the leading figures in UFC. Their combination of youthful ambition and emerging skills is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of the UFC. Here are the UFC Rising Stars. Raul Rosas Jr., 19 years old Known as "El Nino Problema," Raul Rosas Jr. made a significant impression on Dana White during the sixth season of Dana White's Contender Series, which led to his historic signing as the UFC’s youngest fighter. Currently holding a professional record of 8-1, Rosas has demonstrated resilience and skill in the bantamweight division, overcoming a defeat to secure a recent victory by stopping Terrence Mitchell in the first round. Rei Tsuruya, 21 years old An undefeated champion from Japan, Rei Tsuruya emerged victorious in the second season of the Road to UFC flyweight tournament. Boasting a flawless 9-0 record, Tsuruya consistently impresses with dominant performances, showcasing his prowess and potential to become a top contender in the flyweight division. Francisco Prado, 21 years old Hailing from Argentina, Francisco Prado entered the UFC with an impressive background, quickly making his mark despite an initial setback. With a professional record of 12-2, Prado has demonstrated his knockout capability in the lightweight division, underlining his potential for rising through the ranks. Iasmin Lucindo, 22 years old At just 22, Iasmin Lucindo represents the youngest female fighter on the UFC roster, already seasoned with a 16-5 professional record. Lucindo has rebounded from her debut loss with multiple victories, showcasing a blend of technical skill and strategic acumen expected to lead her to a standout year in the UFC. Tereza Bleda, 22 years old Tereza Bleda of the Czech Republic, with a 7-1 record, transitioned from a promising start in Dana White's Contender Series to securing wins in the UFC. Her tactical approach and fighting skill make her a notable athlete in the flyweight division. Joshua Van, 22 years old Joshua "The Fearless" Van has not only maintained an undefeated record in the UFC but has extended his overall record to 10-1. His most recent victory was a display of striking prowess, solidifying his status as a formidable contender in the flyweight division. Cameron Saaiman, 23 years old Cameron Saaiman from South Africa, known as the "Most Savage Player," has a record of 9-2. His impressive performance in Dana White's Contender Series and subsequent victories highlight his potential to rise as a well-known figure in the bantamweight division. Nurullo Aliev, 23 years old The "Tajik Eagle," Nurullo Aliev, has maintained an impeccable 9-0 record, impressively continuing his winning streak within the UFC's competitive lightweight division. His high-level grappling skills have consistently proven effective, hinting at his potential for climbing higher in the rankings. Felipe Dos Santos, 23 years old Brazil’s Felipe dos Santos, with a record of 8-1, 1 NC, has showcased formidable performances since stepping in as a late replacement at UFC 293. Training with top-tier fighters, he has positioned himself as a notable contender in the flyweight division. Yusaku Kinoshita, 23 years old Yusaku Kinoshita, despite experiencing early losses, remains focused on his goal of obtaining a UFC title. His commitment to improving and adapting his strategy in the welterweight division indicates a promising turn around in his upcoming fights. Lucas Rocha, 23 years old Lucas Rocha, holding a record of 17-1-0, delivered a spectacular performance on Dana White's Contender Series. Poised to make his official UFC debut, Rocha is anticipated to bring dynamic striking and tactical intelligence to the bantamweight division. Muhammad Mokaev, 23 years old Muhammad "The Punisher" Mokaev, currently ranked No. 6 in the flyweight division, has leveraged his superior wrestling skills to dominate his adversaries in the UFC. With a perfect 12-0 record, his mastery of ground techniques and submission holds make him a formidable contender and potential future champion. These athletes represent not just the next generation of UFC fighters but also the potential future leaders of the sport. Their diverse backgrounds, remarkable skill sets, and relentless pursuit of excellence set the stage for a new era in UFC history.

The 1979 Karate Illustrated throwback features Bill "Superfoot Wallace" with PKA Heavyweight Champion Ernest Hart .

BRAVE Combat Federation hosted its debut event in the Netherlands on 25 May 2024 with BRAVE CF 83 which saw Alex Lohoré securing a huge win in the main event BRAVE Combat Federation’s historic debut event in the Netherlands, BRAVE CF 83 is in the books and the event delivered some exciting action for the fans in attendance and around the world. Here are the detailed results of BRAVE CF 83. In the main event, Alex Lohoré made a significant impact in his promotional debut by defeating former Super Welterweight champion Marcin Bandel in under two minutes of the opening round. Despite Bandel's aggressive start with heavy punches, Lohoré countered with a powerful right hand that knocked Bandel down, prompting the referee to stop the fight. Bandel was visibly unhappy with the stoppage, while Lohoré expressed his interest in competing for the Super Welterweight title during his post-fight interview. Noach Blyden put on a striking clinic in the co-main event of the night as he dominated Oskar Herczyk before finishing the fight in the first round with a body shot.  Oskar, who took up the fight on short notice, was in constant search of a takedown but failed to break through the excellent defence of Blyden who piled up offense before landing the finishing touches. This is the fourth straight first-round finish for the kickboxing superstar who transitioned into MMA on the back of an undefeated kickboxing career.  Striking legend Youssef Boughanem made an impressive BRAVE CF debut by defeating Saad Touijar. The opening round saw Saad challenging Youssef with his grappling skills. However, Youssef, a multiple-time Muay Thai World champion, gained momentum and landed several significant strikes to close the round. He carried this momentum into the second round, winning by ground and pound and maintaining his undefeated professional MMA record. Muhammad Idrisov returned to BRAVE Combat Federation with a quick first-round submission win against Zaka Fatullazade. Despite a significant weight difference, Idrisov dominated from the start and secured an arm-triangle choke three minutes into the first round. In the night's opening fight, Chequina Noso Pedro earned a crucial submission victory over Ali Isajew, handing the Austrian his first professional MMA loss. Ali nearly finished the fight in the first round with a rear-naked choke but could not complete the submission. In the second round, after a failed guillotine attempt by Pedro, he reversed the position and locked in an anaconda choke to secure the win. This marks Pedro's second consecutive victory in BRAVE Combat Federation. BRAVE CF 83 Results Super Welterweight Alex Lohoré def. Marcin Bandel via KO (punch) - 1m20s - Round 1 Middleweight Noach Blyden def. Oskar Herczyk via TKO (body shot) - 4m17s - Round 1 Catchweight 72kg Youssef Boughanem def. Saad Touijar via TKO - 2m10s - Round 2 Catchweight 63kg Muhammad Idrisov def. Zaka Fatullazade via submission (arm-triangle choke) - Round 1 -  3m04s Super Welterweight Chequina Noso Pedro def. Ali Isajew via submission (Anaconda choke) - 4m36s - Round 2

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 Honoring a Legacy: TKD-Ameris New Kensington PA Located about an hour from Pittsburgh, TKD-Ameris is celebrating its 47th year of operation. Founded in 1977 by a then 15-year-old Philip Ameris, this Pennsylvania institution has flourished over the decades. As a family-run business, TKD-Ameris stands as a cornerstone of New Kensington with a dedicated student body of nearly 200 active members, it weathered the pandemic, demonstrating resilience and community spirit. This family-run operation includes the husband-and-wife team of 9th-degree Grandmaster Philip and his 6th-degree wife, Jeanne who runs day to day operations as the program director and two sons Phillip 4th degree black belt and Jimmy 1st degree black belt, a true family run operation. TKD-Ameris offers classes six days a week and features three large training areas, a complete weight room, private lesson rooms, multiple classes running simultaneously, morning and evening offerings, and classes for seniors. Innovative programs created by Phillip Jr. also include the Fit 2 Fight program a 12 week training camp blending authentic kickboxing & progressive strength training.  The school provides training in traditional Tae Kwon Do classes, honoring the system created by Grandmaster Hee Il Cho. “I embraced the hardcore traditional training under Grandmaster Cho," Ameris reflects, "which included innovative cross-training elements such as boxing, alongside a strict Tae Kwon Do curriculum. “Grandmaster Cho firmly believed in the benefits of incorporating boxing techniques to enhance the Taekwondo system." Today, I am proud that my son has been able to innovate my teaching methods and create his own successful program, Fit 2 Fight. He has elevated his knowledge to a new level, incorporating fitness training and even extending his expertise to training professional MMA fighters like Cody Law. That philosophy remains integral to our approach to martial arts training today," says Ameris. This blended methodology has cultivated a dedicated student body, with Ameris attributing this enduring success to the robust foundation laid by his remarkable teachers. Black Belt publisher George Chung was recently quoted saying, "I had the honor of training alongside Philip over 40 years ago. Without a doubt, he is one of the most talented Black Belts I have ever seen, both in execution of technique and his ability to apply these skills expertly in full-contact fighting. He embodied the Cho style of training naturally. His physical skill was matched only by his passion for the humility and respect he consistently demonstrated for the art." Chung added. "I am very proud to know Philip.  His approach to teaching martial arts by embracing the traditions of his teacher, gives me great confidence that martial arts will thrive for generations to come." Philip Ameris Grandmaster and owner operator of TKD-Ameris is also President, Business Manager at Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania representing over 27,000 laborers in the Great Commonwealth State.

The anticipation for UFC 303 is mounting as Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler are scheduled to make their first official appearance together at a press conference. This event will take place on June 3 at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, announced UFC CEO Dana White. Admission to the press conference will be free, allowing fans to get up close and personal with the fighters. McGregor, taking pride in his Dublin roots, expressed his enthusiasm on Instagram: “MY FIGHT! MY HOME TOWN!” Similarly, Chandler shared his excitement, saying, “This is going to be fun! See y’all there!” UFC 303 is set to occur on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, featuring a five-round, non-title welterwight bout between McGregor and Chandler as the main event. Both fighters previously served as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31. McGregor, 35, a former two-division champion, is returning to the octagon after a hiatus following a broken leg injury in July 2021. Despite his sporadic appearances since his 2016 championship victory, McGregor remains a significant figure in MMA, boasting victories over several notable opponents. Chandler, 38, a former Bellator lightweight champion, is also making a comeback after a break since his November 2022 match against Poirier. Since joining UFC, Chandler has had a mixed record, securing wins against Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson but facing defeats in other significant bouts.

Raquel Pennington's first significant victory in the UFC occurred on November 30, 2013, when she triumphed over Roxanne Modaferri by unanimous decision at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate Finale in Las Vegas. This win elevated her professional record to an even 4-4. Over the next decade, Pennington fought 17 times, overcoming numerous injuries and challenges that might have deterred others. Her resilience and determination culminated in winning the UFC bantumweight title, marking a long-awaited and celebrated moment in her career. Pennington's entry into mixed martial arts began during her recovery from a severe back injury sustained during a snowboarding accident in high school. This event set her on a path toward a professional fighting career. Her journey wasn't straightforward or without its challenges, including a significant fall on ice shortly after her injury, which fundamentally altered her life's trajectory. During her recovery and academic pursuits in pre-med at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Pennington found solace and support in her mother, Rose, who has been her steadfast supporter through every stage of her athletic career. This bond was instrumental when Pennington decided to explore mixed martial arts, a decision sparked by watching a female fight while visiting her father in Florida. Pennington's amateur debut in MMA came in 2009, and by 2013, she had entered the UFC through The Ultimate Fighter, overcoming significant battles and setbacks, including a tough fight against Leslie Smith and uneven results in subsequent matches. Her determination saw her through injuries and intense bouts, including a notable victory against Miesha Tate at UFC 205, which was a career highlight. Despite injuries and surgeries that followed, Pennington's career faced more hurdles, including a severe ATV accident that nearly ended her career. Her comeback was fraught with physical and mental challenges, exacerbated by a thyroid issue and the stress of seeing her peers, including her partner Tecia Torres, continue to compete. Her road to recovery and eventual championship was marked by not just physical training but also significant mental and emotional rebuilding, aided by her coach Justin Hougton and the support of her family and team. Pennington's story of overcoming adversity climaxed when she finally claimed the UFC bantamweight championship, a testament to her unyielding spirit and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Pennington's journey reflects not just the physical demands of professional fighting but also the mental resilience required to overcome personal and professional challenges. Her story is a vivid illustration of tenacity, making her a source of inspiration for many within and beyond the world of mixed martial arts.