The Lee family dynasty will continue at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga  on Friday, June 7. 18-year-old Adrian Lee will make his professional debut in ONE Championship like his siblings before him. Adrian Lee will meet Antonio Mammarella in a lightweight MMA contest at ONE 167. The match takes place inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the stacked lineup. Christian Lee, the ONE Lightweight and Welterweight MMA World Champion, announced his brother’s signing to the promotion back in December. Growing up in the Lee household, martial arts has been a way of life. Lee has trained from an early age but is not unaccustomed to competing on a global scale. The talented teen has seen tremendous success as an amateur, including winning World Titles in pankration. Like his siblings, Lee has a drive to consistently finish his matches either on the feet or on the ground. 24-year-old Mammarella enters with a 1-0 professional record after winning his professional debut in December by TKO. The bar is set high for Lee’s professional debut after the astounding success of his siblings. However, Lee’s past performances around the world look as if he will continue the exciting martial arts legacy of the Lees on the global stage come June 7. ONE 167 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, June 7. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.

There was a time when black belts were rarely, if ever, issued to children. But even then, Chong Lee broke through the traditions, earning a first degree black belt in the ji do kwan style of tae kwon do at the age of seven. When most youngsters were playing loosely organized childhood games, Lee was being drawn to public exhibitions of the arts. Before he reached his eighth birthday, he became a noted figure in winning circles in his native Korea. For Lee, tae kwon do became a near obsession. From the first days in the dojang he showed an uncanny aptitude for stylish kicking. Once satisfied that he had enough of a basic background in tae kwon do, he began a search for something that would add to the refinement of his art. He found that something in Thai kickboxing, where he learned more diverse battle techniques to go along with the leg and feet maneuvers he had already mastered. Upon his arrival in the United States, Lee plunged into competition. Because he was more accustomed to the full contact, free form fighting of his homeland, though, he was disqualified time and again for contact. The man who had worked so long and so hard to become a living weapon now had to draw upon all his discipline to stop his action before contact was made. When full contact tournaments began cropping up all over the United States, Lee finally found a niche in the American martial arts world. Yet even at this point, he set a precedent. While most full contact fighters shun forms competition, Lee became involved in both. Though he finds full contact his sport, he does not hesitate to compete in kata where crowds and judges alike find his creativity impressive. While many full contact fighters find hand techniques more devastating than kicking, Lee shows them how wrong they are. In his new book, Dynamic Kicks, Chong Lee reveals the dazzling style that has gained him a valued reputation in the martial arts fighting world. Techniques Basic to All Kicks The following is taken from Dynamic Kicks (OHARA PUBLICATIONS) by Chong Lee. As noted earlier, certain standard principles-based on the laws of physics and the human anatomy-exist to guide all kickers in the most efficient and most powerful use of their legs. The judicious student practices, religiously, certain techniques based on these principles, whether he delivers a roundhouse kick or a side kick, a front kick or a back kick, because he realizes that they apply to almost all kicking executions. The following five precepts are by no means the entire range of techniques basic to all kicking. They do present, however, the more important aspects of kicking movement. Of these five precepts, the first three-using full power only at full extension; raising the kicking knee and leg up high and maintaining a straight line through the body, hips and legs-should be given the utmost consideration. Use full power only at full extension. Many practitioners use full power throughout execution of a technique and, as a result, they must tense their muscles continuously. This tension not only hinders speed of execution but also wastes power. While all kicks should be executed at maximum speed, the entire leg should remain relaxed until the point of full extension. Then, complete power (and by consequence, muscle tension) should be applied in one short, swift burst.  Raise the kicking knee and leg up high. All kicks should be initiated with the knee raised as high as possible, poised for speedy flexing. Execution can then follow in one smooth motion, with the leg extending as is appropriate for the specific kick involved. This upraised position is most favorable because: (a) Kicks exert greater penetrating power when the angle between the extending leg and a line running horizontally through the target is decreased. (b) It gives your opponent less time to react: with the knee raised high, the kick can shoot out to a wider range of targets (high, medium, low). As a result, it becomes increasingly difficult for the opponent to anticipate quickly the kick's ultimate target. (c) A kick initiated from this position is harder to block. When the kick is driven up from the ground directly to the target, the opponent need only lower his forearm to counter the blow. With the leg raised high and closer to the opponent's body, he cannot block with such simple effectiveness. He cannot readily anticipate the line traveled by the extending leg and, consequently, cannot rapidly decide on a suitable block. In conjunction with the above, the wise fighter never begins by bringing his kicking foot back to the knee of his supporting leg. This sort of movement diminishes speed and wastes power. For example, consider the fighter faced with an opponent's approaching head punch. He spots an opening to the opponent's rib cage and, hoping to deliver a side kick before the punch lands, cocks his foot back to the knee of his supporting_leg. At this point, he begins to appreciate the stupidity of this initial move. Before he can raise his knee and execute the kick, the opponent's punch connects. The fighter should have raised the knee of his kicking leg while thrusting the side kick forward. Then, even if his kick was too slow to land effectively in and of itself, the opponent's advance would have been stopped and his punch nullified. Maintain a straight line through the body, hips and legs. (a) Power and speed are primary qualities of strong, solid kicks. However, if only the leg muscles work to execute the kick, power and speed are generated by these muscles alone. On the other hand, when the hips are also thrust forward in line with the extending leg, the whole body contributes to the force of the kick. The thrust created by using the hip multiplies the speed of the leg and a tremendous amount of power results. b) In addition, even if the hip is thrown in the same direction as the extending leg, power and speed are drastically reduced unless the body follows in this line also. For example, assume that in a side kick delivered to a brick wall, the hip and extending leg are in line but the body is not. The brick wall is immovable so the force of the kick is redirected back toward the kicker. At this point, the body and leg function as separate units connected by the hip joint: the extended leg moves back with the redirected thrust. This force is absorbed by a backward spring in the hip joint but the body still continues its movement forward. In the end, total power is lost as it is diverted along several different directional linessome of these moving away from the intended target. Also, the varying lines of force work against each other, diminishing speed. If, on the other hand, the body, hip and extending leg are held on the same line, all move in same direction-either through the wall (breaking either the wall or the kicker's foot) or away from it in the opposite direction. In both cases, the power and speed generated are not diverted but move in one line. Power and speed here may be redirected altogether but neither is diminished, divided or reduced. Keep sudden changes in rhythm and movement to a minimum. Before and during initiation of any kicking technique, the fighter's eyes and body should not undergo any sudden, discernable change. If, while free-fighting, his body constantly moves, this movement should be maintained for as long as possible before the actual kick begins. If, however, the fighter's stance is rigid and without movement, his body should be kept perfectly still and only the leg should move (albeit, very swiftly) at the start of the kick. The point here, in any case, is keeping the opponent from obtaining any foreknowledge of an upcoming kick. Use eye feints and peripheral vision. Because eyes (quick glances, visual preoccupations, etc.) often betray a fighter's up-coming targets, noting the opponent's eye movements can . provide clues to his immediate intentions. The clever fighter, then, watches his opponent's eyes but uses eye feints to disguise his own intentions. He also uses peripheral vision as much as focused eyesight since this gives him a wider range of visual awareness. Narrowly focused eyesight, on the other hand, necessarily leads the fighter to concentrate on only one area at a time, causing him to neglect other spots open to attack.

A proper combat mindset is about the “will to win,” or perhaps more aptly, the “will to destroy.” It’s the core essential attribute that empowers your self-defense response in a dangerous situation. Now, this nutshell definition may suffice for those who intrinsically have it in their nature already. However, for those who haven’t fully tapped their potential, it’s not enough. For these people, if the goal is to truly develop and optimize self-defense ability, having an indomitable will to win is a must; without it, skill development is nearly useless. In this article we asses purpose, fear and mindset. Like with fear, a combat mindset has various elements to address before coalescing into an entity that will empower your physical skills. The first element is the mental component. This relates to what motivates you to fight with all your heart and soul. It’s about cognitively having maximum violent intent and a full, uninhibited commitment to destroying your adversary. What can empower you to exert this violence of action? It goes back to purpose. Using myself as an example, I’ve decided that I will fight to the death because of my love for my wife and children. I want to grow old and enjoy my time with them. I won’t allow anyone to criminally take this away from me. Clearly, this is a powerful motivation. That’s why I recommend that all martial artists define their purpose now and let it serve as motivation and inspiration to fight with a will to win that’s  second to none. The next element of combat mindset is the emotional component. It expresses the mental component through the feelings you engender in yourself for combat. It’s the demeanor you project while executing your physical skills. It’s what fuels your intent and commitment. That said, there’s no one best feeling to adopt. The one you should use depends on your personality and behavioral traits. Generally speaking, there are two types of demeanor that can work: a controlled/ channeled aggressive state of being or a calm, detached, machine-like state of being. Maybe you already know what works best for you. If not, it can be sussed out through the physical component. The final element of combat mindset is the physical component. It synergistically merges all three parts into one. With the first two components, it’s about intellectually defining and understanding the basis of what constitutes a combat mindset. With the third, it’s about actualizing all that in a physical manner. There must be physical effort put forth in an adversarial setting such as what you encounter in the combat sports or, more direly, in real-life self-defense situations for you to need a will to win. Just having a cognitive understanding is insufficient. True combat mindset can be felt, tested and improved only by immersing yourself in physical experiences involving an adversary. So how should you physically express your will-to-destroy feeling in personal combat? And how do you train to develop a higher level of this attribute if you need to improve it? The answer to the first question depends on your demeanor, your state of being when you fight. If you’re of the controlled/channeled- aggression ilk, the will-to-destroy and will-to-win feeling is one of fierce determination to destroy your adversary as you unleash an uninhibited, all-out attack. You’re in a focused, striving, empowered, attack-mode zone. Imagine barraging an assailant who just attacked your spouse or child. Visualize and then feel that channeled rage as you unleash a full-on, two-hand, rapid-fire barrage attack (a la Vitor Belfort vs. Wanderlei Silva) to and mentally through your adversary’s head. Or envision yourself as Dan Henderson when he executed that vicious leaping punch to the head of an already supine and unconscious Michael Bisping. Watch a video of that bout, and you’ll see Henderson oozing will-to-destroy venom. Two other fighters who exemplify this are Mike Tyson and Nigel Benn. On the other hand, if your state of being in combat is one of calm detachment, the will to destroy feeling is perhaps best expressed in a coldblooded, machine-like manner in which you dispatch your adversary like an assassin. It’s akin to having a business-as-usual approach. A person who tends to fight like this has a natural predisposition that’s often coupled with experience. Two people who exemplify this are James Toney and George Foreman. To be continued…. To order Lito Angeles’ best-selling book Fight Night! The Thinking Fan’s Guide to Mixed Martial Arts, visit shop.blackbeltmag.com . This article originally appeared in a 2021 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

If you haven't heard of Pavel "The Experiment" Dailidko, now's the time to tune in, because this heavyweight is making waves and how! Born in Lithuania and currently fighting out of Boston, England with Team Kaobon London, Dailidko is a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world. Since stepping into the BRAVE CF ring in 2022, Pavel has turned heads with his fierce determination and undeniable skill. Despite a rough start against Shamil Gaziev at BRAVE CF 65, Dailidko didn't let this set him back. Instead, he bounced back in 2023 with a streak that can only be described as phenomenal. Let's talk about his comeback year. Pavel kicked off 2023 at BRAVE CF 70 with a stunning first-round KO of Luka Podkrajšek, setting the tone for what was to come. At BRAVE CF 74, he maintained his dominance, finishing Salim El Ouassaidi with a series of decisive punches, again in the first round. But he didn’t stop there; at BRAVE CF 79, he claimed victory just 13 seconds into the fight against Janos Csukas due to a knee injury. With an impeccable record in 2023, Pavel is gearing up for his next big challenge at BRAVE CF 81 in Slovenia this coming Saturday, April 20. His opponent, Valdrin Istrefi, is also a seasoned fighter, promising a clash that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Why should you keep an eye on Pavel? Not only does his track record this year speak volumes, but his fighting style—quick, decisive, and ruthless—makes him a standout athlete in the heavyweight division. Pavel "The Experiment" Dailidko isn't just fighting; he's putting on a masterclass each time he steps into the cage. As BRAVE CF 81 approaches, MMA fans everywhere are buzzing with anticipation. Can Pavel maintain his undefeated streak in 2023? Will Istrefi pose the threat that finally tests Dailidko's mettle? One thing's for sure: it's going to be an explosive bout. So, mark your calendars for April 20, and get ready to witness one of the most exciting fighters in the heavyweight division. Pavel Dailidko is not just a fighter to watch; he's a fighter to remember. Watch BRAVE CF 81 on the BRAVE TV App for FREE.

Denis Puric has finally secured his dream match against Rodtang Jitmuangnon. At ONE 167 , the two flyweight strikers will meet in a kickboxing contest and put on a show for the fans. Puric is coming off a phenomenal win over Muay Thai contender Jacob Smith at ONE Fight Night 11. “The Bosnian Menace” made it back-to-back wins on the global stage in just five months. As he rides momentum into the matchup against “The Iron Man,” Puric will need to stay in top form. Rodtang’s return will be exciting for everyone as he looks to erase the taste of defeat. Rodtang was last seen in a catchweight super-fight against Superlek Kiatmoo9 last September. In the biggest bout in Muay Thai history, the Thai star was edged by his contemporary in a thrilling contest that wowed audiences around the globe. The Thai superstar was initially slated to welcome Takeru Segawa to the organization. However, an injury prevented Rodtang from stepping through the ropes. Now fully healthy and ready to make his climb back inside the ring, Rodtang will be able to continue his own chase for two-sport gold. The kickboxing battle will have a lot at stake for both men, and it will be added flavor to an already stacked lineup from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. ONE 167 airs live on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.

Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver" premiered in select U.S. theaters for a one-week exclusive run starting April 12, 2024. The film is set to debut on Netflix on April 19, 2024. In an era where cinematic universes are expanding and evolving, "Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver," directed by Zack Snyder, has taken theaters by storm. Building on the momentum of its predecessor, this sequel has not only met but exceeded expectations, offering a thrilling ride through Snyder's ambitious universe. "Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver" picks up where the first film left off, deepening the lore of its interstellar conflict and enriching its ensemble of characters. The plot, centered on a renewed battle against tyrannical forces in the galaxy, adds layers of complexity and emotion to what was already a rich narrative tapestry. With a runtime extending beyond three hours, the movie ensures every subplot and character gets their moment in the limelight, making for a compelling watch. Here are some interesting facts: The film boasts an even larger budget than the first installment, with significant investments in visual effects and set design. The cast features actors from over twelve different countries, highlighting the film's global appeal and diverse representation. Snyder employed new virtual production technologies that were pioneered during the pandemic, blending CGI with live-action seamlessly. The soundtrack is a collaborative effort featuring contributions from multiple acclaimed composers, adding a rich auditory layer to the cinematic experience. Audience reactions to "Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver" have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans particularly praising its breathtaking visuals and intricate storytelling. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about the film’s most shocking moments and the deeper themes woven into its plot. Critics, too, have lauded the film for its ambition and scope, though some have pointed out the challenging length as potentially daunting for casual viewers. Cinema chains report strong box office returns, signaling robust viewer interest which could translate into a solid performance through its theatrical run. Moreover, the movie has sparked renewed interest in the first part of the series, with streaming views also seeing a significant uptick. It's clear that Zack Snyder has not only envisioned a new galaxy but also cemented his place in the pantheon of genre-defining filmmakers. With hints at further expansions in future installments, the journey through Snyder's cosmos is far from over.

Qi, known as ki in Japanese and qi or ch'i in Chinese, is often translated as "life force" or "vital energy". Before venturing into the realm of energy balls or McDojo-style hand gestures, it’s essential to delve into the research. The Chinese character for qi is versatile, appearing in contexts related to weather, fuel gases, and even emotions like anger. Similarly, in Japanese, it forms part of the common greeting "How are you?" (元気ですか; "Genki desu ka?"). The character 氣, frequently used to denote qi, also pops up in numerous non-medical contexts. Breaking it down etymologically reveals interesting components: the character for rice (symbolizing nourishment) and steam (powering engines), suggesting qi as a potent source of energy. Temporarily setting aside mystical notions, replacing "qi" with "energy" makes the concept more approachable for Western audiences. From a scientific standpoint, energy encompasses various forms like kinetic, thermal, and nuclear, and discussing it opens up a wide range of topics from food's impact on health to the biomechanical benefits of friction. The multifaceted nature of qi is why it has become a catch-all term, sometimes attracting skepticism. This article won't cover all dimensions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or internal martial arts like taiji, but it offers a snapshot of the broad and often misunderstood concept of qi. Highlight reels on platforms like TikTok showcase ordinary people achieving the extraordinary—trick shots, flips, and extreme flexibility. While replicating these feats seems impossible to most, it’s not—it's just very challenging. Moreover, the right mindset can lead people to perform seemingly miraculous feats. This applies across various fields, from law enforcement scenarios to athletic achievements like the four-minute mile, a barrier broken by Roger Bannister in 1954, demonstrating the power of belief. Visualizing qi can serve as ideokinetic training, aligning intention with movement. To quote a famous martial artist: "Don't think, feeeeeel!" A study by sport psychologist Judd Biasiotto showed that mental practice could nearly match physical practice in effectiveness. Participants visualizing free throws improved almost as much as those who physically practiced them. Imagine combining mental and physical training. Paying close attention to our actions enhances coordination and effectiveness, highlighting how an integrated approach can enhance performance. While qi may not directly equate to Western concepts of energy and matter, understanding it from a practical standpoint provides a fresh perspective on an ancient idea. This isn’t just about whether qi is real, but about exploring our own potential and capabilities, urging us to believe in and extend our limits.

The Martial Arts History Museum, the world's first and only of its kind, has triumphantly reopened its doors in a new, significantly larger locale within Glendale, CA. Following its closure in late 2023, the museum welcomed visitors once more on April 6, 2024, unveiling a spacious facility four times the size of its former home in Burbank. Photo credit: Mario Prado Enthusiasts of martial arts and museum aficionados alike reveled in the captivating timelines adorning the walls across various sections of the new venue.  Photo credit: Mario Prado Representing destinations such as China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, African countries, and even Hawaii, the museum offered a comprehensive exploration of the art's global heritage.  Photo credit: Mario Prado Notable pioneers like Ernie Reyes, Gene LeBell, Tino Tuiolosega, Fumio Demura, Bill Ryusaki, Richard Bustillo, Tak Kubota, Cynthia Rothrock, George Chung, Ralph Castro, and others are honored with their uniforms displayed along the museum's walls. Photo credit: Black Belt Magazine Legendary fight champions like Graciela Casillas and Lilly Rodriguez are prominently featured with representation and acknowledgment of the great female martial artists in history. Photo credit: Black Belt Magazine Michael Matsuda, the museum's president and founder, led the charge in transitioning to the expansive new setting and personally crafted its design. "This marks our 25th year of the museum. My vision remained steadfast throughout, and now we've taken a monumental leap into a new realm. I'm eager to continue pushing boundaries," remarks Matsuda. "I view this as a significant milestone towards an even grander future." Photo credit: Mario Prado The museum serves as an educational hub, shedding light on diverse cultures and the distinctive roles martial arts have played in each nation's evolution. Notable enhancements include the addition of a museum theater capable of accommodating over 100 attendees. Photo credit: Mario Prado As a nonprofit charitable organization, the museum welcomes donations and grants to support its mission. For more details, visit MAmuseum.com

Maintaining optimal function of your heart, muscles, and nerves is crucial, and potassium is a key mineral in achieving this. However, most Americans fall short of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for potassium, which ranges between 3500-4700 mg. The average intake is only around 2400 mg per day. A deficiency in potassium can lead to severe health issues, including cardiovascular diseases. This is due to its critical role in ensuring strong muscle contractions and effective nerve signaling. In this article, we present a delicious Potassium Smoothie recipe that packs 3160 mg of potassium, which can significantly bolster your daily intake. You don’t need to consume it all at once; divide it into 3-4 servings throughout your day. Incorporating a cup of white beans and a cup of coconut water can help you meet the RDA. Potassium is especially important for athletes and active individuals because it is lost through sweat. Consuming our Potassium Smoothie post-workout can help reduce fatigue, restore energy levels, and maintain stable blood sugar—benefits that also promote weight loss and are ideal for athletes preparing for competitions. Moreover, potassium is vital for preventing various health complications. Low potassium levels are associated with heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, digestive disorders, and stiff arteries, all of which increase the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Proper potassium intake is essential for healthy insulin release and blood sugar control. Here’s how you can make the Potassium Smoothie to combat heart disease and diabetes: Mango (200g): 338mg potassium Avocado (200g): 970mg potassium Banana (200g): 616mg potassium Chia seeds (1 tablespoon): 57mg potassium Flaxseeds (1 tablespoon): 85mg potassium 1% Milk (3 cups): 1098mg potassium (note that lower fat milk has higher potassium content) Add a scoop of vanilla whey protein for enhanced protein synthesis, which potassium aids in. Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of sugar for extra sweetness, though the vanilla whey protein may suffice. The smoothie alone contains 3164mg of potassium. You can complement this with a cup of coconut water (330mg potassium) and a cup of white beans (320mg potassium) to fully meet your daily needs. It’s crucial to balance potassium with sodium in your diet. While sodium is easily overconsumed, leading to stiff and tense cardiovascular systems, potassium helps moderate sodium’s effects and promotes overall health. Aim to limit sodium intake to 2300mg per day, as excessive sodium can hinder potassium’s beneficial effects and escalate health risks.

A week following his impressive victory against Mitch Ramirez on March 16, Thiago Moises returned to his homeland of Brazil, buoyed by his performance and anticipating his next challenge in the UFC. This marks a typical rhythm for a rising lightweight fighter in one of mixed martial arts’ most competitive divisions—a pace Moises embraces wholeheartedly. Moises, who is no stranger to the demands of his sport, stressed the importance of balancing rigorous training with necessary downtime. “I just want to get better, keep improving, and show a better version of myself in my next fight,” Moises commented. He also emphasized the need for recovery, stating, “It’s crucial to rest the body and mind after the stress of camp, fight week, and the fight itself.” Now splitting his time between Brazil and Florida, where he trains at American Top Team, Moises enjoys the support of his family, who prefer the closeness of their Brazilian roots. “My wife wanted to be closer to our family. That’s why we are here,” he explained, adding humorously that domestic harmony is key to his mental well-being and, by extension, his professional success. Moises’s recent fight with Ramirez, who stepped in for Brad Riddell on short notice, posed a unique set of challenges. It was a high-risk scenario with little apparent reward, as a loss would harm Moises’s ranking, but a win wouldn’t provide much advancement. “This was high risk, zero reward,” Moises admitted, acknowledging the pressure to not only win but to dominate, which he managed by securing victory in the third round. Looking ahead, Moises is expected to face Ludovit Klein in his next bout, a fight that continues to stoke his competitive fire. Despite not getting the opponent he originally called out, Dan Hooker, Moises’s focus remains unwavering. “We get paid to fight,” he stated. “I’ll fight anybody, just tell me where and against whom. I'll be there.” As Moises continues to ascend in the lightweight rankings, his journey is a testament to the resilience and dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of MMA. His story is far from over, with the next chapter anticipated to unfold in June.

Smilla Sundell may look unassuming to most, but the teen has terrorized the ONE Championship strawweight Muay Thai division since her arrival. The 19-year-old has been a dominant force and wears the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship around her waist. At ONE Fight Night 22 , Smilla Sundell, the Swedish striker will defend the crown against Natalia Diachkova. She is preparing for the next title defense by sitting under the learning tree of the greats, including ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai. “I did his seminar in Bangkok at PK Saenchai with my friend Matt. We went there and wanted to learn some new skills and see how he did seminars because I want to go to America after my fight to do seminars. I’ve done one now, and I like teaching, so it was fun,” Sundell told ONE . “I just wanted to see other people doing it too. He had some good tricks, so I learned some new stuff. He taught me some small tricks, like how to do a push kick differently, which was cool.” After the seminar, “The Hurricane” even got to experience 60 seconds inside the ring against her fellow ONE World Champion. It was an experience she will never forget. “We did drills and a one-minute sparring with him. He’s very fast and strong. He didn’t go full power in the sparring, but wow,” Sundell remarked. “There’s no competition in it. He’s like a cat playing with a rat. It’s too easy for him sometimes – he doesn’t even try.” Sundell gets to rub elbows with many other greats at her gym, Fairtex Training Center. One of her close friends is three-sport queen Stamp Fairtex. Although Stamp has seen international fame grow with her success, Sundell says everything has stayed the same with the dynamic Thai superstar. “She’s always been a happy girl and trains hard every day. She’s basically the same, funny girl. Still hungry (to get wins),” Sundell admitted. Being around greatness is an educational experience. Sundell has been able to see what makes legends as she crafts her own legacy, allowing her to learn and grow more quickly than others. Watching Stamp ascend to the height of the sport has inspired even more confidence to take advantage of every moment in the gym. “I think I learned that you can achieve whatever you like as long as you put in the work. But I learned that from my parents too. But maybe more practical, in a sense, because Stamp did it in martial arts,” Sundell said. ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video airs live on Friday, May 3, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.

Gatka, a traditional martial art form rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Sikhism, has mesmerized audiences with its dynamic blend of spirituality and physical prowess. This ancient martial art, which is not just a means of self-defense but also a spiritual practice, provides a unique glimpse into the valor and discipline of the Sikh warriors of old. The origins of Gatka can be traced back to Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, who introduced this art as a form of physical and spiritual practice. This martial art became a sacred duty for the Khalsa Sikhs, a warrior community established by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. Gatka was not only a tool for physical combat but also a symbol of resistance against oppression, embodying the Sikh tenet that taking up the sword is justified when all other means have failed. Gatka is characterized by its rhythmic, acrobatic movements involving swords and shields, often performed to the beat of a drum. This art form teaches more than just combat; it is a holistic approach that involves mastering various weapons and understanding the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Beginners start with wooden sticks, progressing to more complex weapons like swords and shields, each tailored to individual needs and skill levels. Witnessing Gatka is akin to watching a theatrical performance, filled with quick, mesmerizing movements and the clashing of swords and shields. Performers, adorned in traditional attire, showcase their skills in akharas (arenas) where the legacy of Gatka is passed down through generations. The synchronization of movements with the dhol beats and the echoing war cries (jaikare) create a captivating spectacle that draws in the audience, making every display a vibrant celebration of Sikh heritage. Today, Gatka remains a vital part of Sikh culture, especially visible during festivals like Hola Mohalla in Anandpur, where it is performed with great fervor. It has been formally recognized as a sport and is taught worldwide, ensuring that this ancient art continues to inspire and educate. The International Gatka Federation and the Gatka Federation of India play crucial roles in promoting and preserving Gatka, emphasizing its importance as a cultural treasure. The best places to experience the art of Gatka are at Sikh festivals and in specialized Gatka academies. These events not only showcase the martial art but also offer a taste of Sikh traditions through hymns, processions, and communal meals. Whether at a festival or a local akhara, the experience of watching Gatka live is truly unforgettable, as it beautifully encapsulates the martial spirit and cultural pride of the Sikh community. Gatka is a living history, a spiritual journey, and a vibrant cultural expression. It offers a profound look into the Sikh way of life, emphasizing values such as bravery, righteousness, and spiritual devotion.