In 2023, Stamp Fairtex became a three-sport World Champion to make martial arts history when she captured the ONE Atomweight MMA World Championship. The remarkable feat captured the attention of fans around the world, and another Thai legend took notice as well. Buakaw Banchamek has been immensely impressed with the ONE Championship  athlete. Recently, the striking legend broke down her history-making performance against Ham Seo Hee in a video where his praise of Stamp was expressed. “Stamp has won many belts, even the ONE kickboxing and Muay Thai [world titles]. Whether it’s MMA, Muay Thai, or kickboxing, she’s a master in all three. If you asked me [what makes Stamp great], it’s a matter of adaptability due to the different regulations. But she’s definitely got it,” Buakaw said. One of the many ways Buakaw was impressed was knowing it was something that he himself could never accomplish. The Thai superstar admitted he did not have the ability to adapt his skills across multiple disciplines at that high of a level. “Even I couldn’t do that [attempt being a world champion in MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing]. So, I got to give it up to her. Congratulations to her. I wish she keeps up the good work,” the icon continued. In 2024, Stamp wants to get her Muay Thai title back around her waist. It is something that Buakaw believes could happen, as he continued to point out her elite striking skills. By accomplishing history, Buakaw expressed his admiration for one of martial arts’ biggest global stars. “Stamp is one of the best strikers I have my eyes on and one that I actually admire. She’s super tough. Her fighting style is on point. She’s at the top-ranked among Thai female strikers,” Buakaw said.

In life, drawing corollaries between related subjects is interesting and often enlightening. In particular, corollaries between warfighting and personal combat can teach us much. by Kelly McCann Just as any true martial artist should read Musashi’s Book of Five Rings , any combatives practitioner should read the U.S. Marine Corps Field Manual 1 Warfighting . FM1 was written in the late 1980s at the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Warfighting Center in Quantico, Virginia, while I was assigned there to the Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict office as the counterterrorism/counternarcotics officer. A young captain named John Sullivan was a contemporary of mine and a project officer on the development of the manual. The book was written with direct input from the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. A.M. Gray. Through John, I had the opportunity to review it as a work in progress, and it left a lasting impression. Below are some of the most interesting corollaries. FM 1: “It is critical to keep in mind that the enemy is not an inanimate object to be acted upon but an independent and animate force with its own objectives and plans.” Combatives Corollary: Train with an active partner and not someone who’s robotic or remains fixed in place while you execute a technique. Never allow the use of staged pillar assaults to support your technique. Encourage your partner to move freely because your attacker will. FM 1: “The object of war is to impose our will on our enemy.”  Combatives Corollary: Ditto. FM 1: “Friction is the force that makes the apparently easy so difficult.”  Combatives Corollary: No technique works on the street as easily as it does in training. FM 1: “Friction is the force that resists all action and saps energy.”  Combatives Corollary: Fighting for your life saps your strength much more quickly than training or competing does. FM 1: “Friction may be mental, as in indecision over a course of action.”  Combatives Corollary: Don’t learn too many alternative techniques because it will result in indecisiveness under duress and increase your reaction time. See Hick’s law. FM 1: “Friction may be self-induced, caused by such factors as lack of a clearly defined goal ... [or by an] unclear or complicated plan.”  Combatives Corollary: Rely on your index position to trigger your commitment to attacking. Visualize your plan of action. Keep your techniques brutally simple. FM 1: “While we should attempt to minimize self-induced friction, the greater requirement is to fight effectively despite the existence of friction. One essential means to overcome friction is the will; we prevail over friction through persistent strength of mind and spirit.” Combatives Corollary: Your sheer will to prevail is unequivocal and a core characteristic of combatives. FM 1: “We can learn to fight effectively despite [uncertainty] by developing simple, flexible plans; planning for likely contingencies; and fostering initiative.” Combatives Corollary: Avoid complex or intricate techniques. Take the initiative when warranted and pre-emptively attack. Strike unexpectedly or in an unexpected way. If a technique fails, immediately branch and explode into another. As quickly as you recognize them, exploit new targets of opportunity. FM 1: “One important source of uncertainty is a property known as nonlinearity ... minor incidents or actions can have decisive effects.” Combatives Corollary: An innocuous action taken early in a confrontation can completely change its outcome. Use pre-emption, incidental striking and your environment to give you the decisive advantage. FM 1: “Risk is equally common to action or inaction.” Combatives Corollary: You must risk being hurt in order to hurt. As an attack gestates, you’re at risk if you use violence and if you don’t. FM 1: “Part of uncertainty is the ungovernable element of chance. Chance is a universal characteristic of war and a continuous source of friction.” Combatives Corollary: You can do everything correctly and still lose if only by chance. Remember that your attacker may have the advantage and also lose. Since you can’t account for chance, don’t worry over it. Focus on influencing chance by creating your own advantages. FM 1: “The constant potential for chance to influence outcomes in war, combined with the inability to prevent chance from impacting on plans and actions, creates psychological friction. ... However, we should remember that chance favors neither belligerent exclusively.” Combatives Corollary: Seek every advantage to prevail. Never fight fairly because there’s no such thing. Never give an attacker a break. If you do, you may not live to regret it. FM 1: “Since war is a fluid phenomenon, its conduct requires flexibility of thought.” Combatives Corollary: Rage with reason. Keep your wits about you in order to see and then exploit the fleeting opportunities discussed above. Stay flexible in the attack. Rely on your rapid-targeting thought process and quickly branch from one technique to another to overwhelm your attacker. FM 1: “As the situation changes continuously, we are forced to improvise again and again until finally our actions have little, if any, resemblance to the original scheme.”  Combatives Corollary: There’s a saying in the military: “No operations order survives the first shot.” Similarly, no kata survives the first punch. Faced with disorder, establish order with overwhelming ferocity. Once you have the momentum, stay on your toes and keep your attacker backing up on his heels. Ruthlessly and relentlessly close with and finish him. FM 1: “Since war is an act of violence based on irreconcilable disagreement, it will invariably inflame and be shaped by human emotions.” Combatives Corollary: Channel your rage but rely on your training. FM 1: “Violence is an essential element of war, and its immediate result is bloodshed, destruction and suffering. While the magnitude of violence may vary with the object and means of war, the violent essence of war will never change. Any study of war that neglects this basic truth is misleading and incomplete.” Combatives Corollary: Your primary goal is to avoid, and your secondary goal is to escape unharmed. Unfortunately, depending on the severity of the situation, sometimes it will be necessary to seriously injure or perhaps kill an assailant in order to prevail. For that reason, you must never confuse combatives with a “gentle art.” This was excerpted from Kelly McCann’s Combatives for Street Survival.

Time for a pop quiz in philosophy! Have you ever questioned why--in systems that teach us wounding, arresting, and potentially even killing techniques--we often place a focus on philosophical ideas such as understanding the self and exorcising our ego? I mean, has navel gazing ever actually stopped an angry drunkard's fist from claiming your face as its new residence? No. But believe it or not...introspection and deep thought does help martial artists in many other ways, some of which actually can influence the fight. Let's delve into why so many black belts are married to philosophical study and find out what mental switch we can make to begin truly progressing in our training! Recognized Wisdom From Ninjutsu to American Karate, most martial art systems and schools have a student creed they recite at the beginning and/or end of class. In fact, the idea of a code of ethics and guiding morality is so intertwined with the martial arts, adults and children alike typically expect character improvement to be a natural part of training when they begin their martial art journey. Nowadays, we all want to learn how to think and live like Mr. Miyagi. There are many reasons for this interplay of philosophy and martial arts training. Some of this has to do with the elusive nature of self-perfection and how naturally it aligns with the constant struggle to perfect physical tactics. Of course, some of this also has to do with how the study of warfare and combat has weaved through times of peace and prosperity. There are historical reasons for why many Japanese arts shifted away from the suffix "-jutsu", a reference to methods and technique, to the more philosophical suffix of "-do", referencing Taoism and alignment with a spiritually correct path. In traditional martial arts framed with hierarchy, it is helpful to have a moral compass guiding your path.When learning skills which can be lethal, it is wise to contemplate the weight of a life taken or lost. Just like a fire safety plan, these are ideas we want to properly flesh out and recognize before being forced to consider them in a fleeting moment under stress. The body can only effectively do what the mind accepts--consciously or unconsciously. Otherwise, we are fighting ourselves just as much as we are the opponent in front of us. Understanding Conflict As we seek to understand combat, we are studying ourselves and how we react--by our nature and by our nurturing--to violence. It roots back to the now-clich idea of why martial arts are still prevalent: we may not need to study Israeli knife fighting to kill or to take a hostage for intel everyday, however we will need to understand how we deal with conflict on an everyday level. Are you a hothead who ignites when somebody directs an off comment your way? Do you become stubborn and hold your ground when a person tries to take your spot in line? Do you tense up, flinch, or run away when faced with even an aggressive speaking tone? The rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that martial art training provides gives you a peek into who you truly are and how you react to situations. Said poetically, peer into the valley of death and defeat and you will find your life reflected. Martial art training is often tough. Like, really tough. You may not go on a musha shugyō, or warrior's pilgrimage, to test your mettle, however the path of a martial artist is still paved with blood and sweat. By tasting the bitterness of harsh training, you better appreciate the sweetness of life and ordinary moments. Proper training sharpens the spirit and provides a platform for deep meditation. As you lend thought to personal meaning and human impermanence, you are casting aside the characteristics which often act as a catalytic for a fight: ego and anger. Confidence and compassion become tools in your arsenal instead. Empathy for others is aided by awareness of your self. To be cognizant of how you naturally respond, how you naturally move, how you naturally accept or deny a route to improvement is the path to understanding the actions of others. The Ego Problem For some reason, numerous people, especially us guys, tend to believe that we can defeat anybody--especially if we have had a beer or three. There is the self-belief that when punches start to get thrown, we'll just see red and soon bodies will be on the floor. Er, not quite. Everybody has survival instincts which can help keep them safe, however we also all have many impurities in our fighting technique. At times, training can be about learning what not to do more than it is about learning what to do. When you are going through a process of refinement that strips away as much as it gives, it is easy to become defensive. Don't misunderstand; the correct mentality is important and some people carry a disposition which helps them fight much better than others. High level performance in the martial arts isn't solely a result of nature however, nurturing is also involved. The methods and ideas we choose to accept affect how we train, and thus how we fight. This highlights a problem for those carrying the wrong mentality to training: once we believe we know everything, we eliminate the possibility to learn anything else. By meditating on universal concepts and human nature, we expand our mind to be more receptive to new ideas. We realize how little we actually understand, relatively speaking, and see that the intricacies of life run deeper than superficial thought can see. To learn something new means admitting that you didn't know it previously. That, my friend, can be an understandably hard pill to swallow. At the end of the day though, recognizing how little we know is a challenge worth undertaking. Take a moment to accept where you are truly. Know yourself, so that you may properly train your mind and spirit as much as you train your muscles and skills. This is the road to mastery.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), make their highly anticipated return to the Tampa, FL area on Friday, April 12  with BKFC Fight Night Clearwater headlined by a can’t miss light heavyweight clash  between Former Interim BKFC Light Heavyweight World Champion, Mike ‘The Marine’ Richman, (5-2), and Fast-Rising Contender, Erick ‘El Travieso’ Lozano, (2-2).   BKFC Fight Night Clearwater emanates from the Orange County Chopper’s Roadhouse and Museum, adjacent to the popular Bert’s Barracuda Harley Davidson, 10525 49th Street N., Clearwater, FL 33762. Ticket information can be found at BKFC.com .   “We’ve had some of our best BKFC events in the Tampa area including our epic first KnuckleMania in 2021 and we’re very excited to return on Friday, April 12,” said David Feldman, President and Founder of BKFC. “Mike Richman and Erick Lozano have consistently proved that they are among the toughest fighters in BKFC and both will be ready for war in Tampa on April 12.”   Following a successful run in Bellator, Mike Richman, fighting out of Rosemount, MN stormed through his first four BKFC fights, winning each by stoppage. Among the victories included Isaac Doolittle (BKFC-31), David Rickels (BKFC-23), Dakota Cochrane (BKFC-21) and Marcel Stamps (BKFC-17). The hard-hitting southpaw will be looking to bounce back against Lozano after losing two hard-fought fights in 2023 against No. 1 Pound-for Pound Fighter Lorenzo Hunt and BKFC Middleweight World Champion David Mundell.   A native of Zeeland, Michigan, Erick Lozano looks to stay in the win column fighting in the squared circle following a thrilling third round knockout of Mike Jones on December 2, 2023 at BKFC-56. He also holds a first-round knockout over Francesco Ricchi at BKFC-38.   Additional fights for BKFC Fight Night Clearwater will be announced shortly.

Phetjeeja Lekjaoporongtom has been known as "The Queen." After ONE Fight Night 20 on Friday, March 8, that moniker is more than just a nickname. Phetjeeja battled Janet Todd for five hard rounds and came away with her hand raised to become the undisputed ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion. It was made even more special by being the American's final match under the bright lights. "It's such an honor to fight Janet Todd in her retirement fight. I'm very happy that I was part of her last fight so she can remember me, and I can remember her. It's a historic moment for both of us." Phetjeeja said after the event. "The Queen" has been virtually untouchable since arriving in ONE. Her knockouts on ONE Friday Fights earned her global notoriety and eventually led to the interim title bout against Anissa Meksen. Those experiences helped prepare her for the main event contest against Todd, but Phetjeeja still had to calm her nerves before stepping through the ropes to unify the gold. "Of course, there was a lot of pressure for me because she [Janet Todd] was also the champion. I just kept telling myself not to think about the fight and not to stress out as much and to just go with the flow," Phetjeeja recalled. The Thai star must be considered one of the best pound-for-pound strikers on the planet. Her string of victories against the elite cannot be ignored. Those wins will also open new opportunities for her in 2024. At the top of the list for the 22-year-old is the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship. "The art of eight limbs" is Phetjeeja's bread and butter, and with all of her wins tallying up, she stands as one of the biggest threats to Allycia Hellen Rodrigues. "I think there's a high chance of us facing each other soon. Champion versus champion. I think it's more likely that I'll go for the Muay Thai belt," the undisputed atomweight queen predicted. Even with the gold over her shoulder and eyes on the next challenge, Phetjeeja believes her ONE Fight Night 20 performance had an even bigger meaning. The match, held on International Women's Day, was a shining example to women around the world of what they can achieve. "I'm happy about my victory, but more importantly, I feel like it's rare to see women showing others that we can choose any path, and it's important to show that we can choose any career that we love, and it doesn't have to be anything traditional anymore. I loved seeing the confidence of the women coming out and being inspired by us," Phetjeeja said.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest media platform to air all PFL and Bellator programming, including PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Europe and PFL MENA. The Professional Fighters League (PFL), today announced a media rights deal with SuperSport, the largest broadcast network in Sub-Saharan Africa, for all PFL and Bellator programming to air across SuperSport channels. The partnership kicked off in thrilling fashion as fans in the region were able tune into the opening event of the 2024 PFL Europe Season on March 7 when global superstar Cedric ‘The Best’ Doumbe took on Baissangour ‘Baki’ Chamsoudinov at the Accor Arena in Paris.  Through the partnership, all PFL programming - including live coverage of PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Europe and newly announced PFL MENA - will be available on SuperSport, Africa's premier sports broadcaster.  The promotion is set to launch its third international league - PFL Africa - in 2025. Through its exclusive global strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou, the world’s greatest combat sports athlete today and the baddest man on the planet, the linear heavyweight champion will be an equity owner in and Chairman of PFL Africa, the region’s premier MMA league.  Events will be staged in key countries across the continent live in primetime to meet the major demand for premium and consistent MMA content. More details will be announced later this year. “Sub-Saharan Africa represents a priority market for the Professional Fighters League as we continue our rapid global expansion,” said PFL SVP, International James Frewin. “We’re thrilled to partner with SuperSport so viewers across the region can watch premium PFL and Bellator MMA content all year-round on SuperSport.”

Teaching Kung Fu is art work, it truly a display of a painter painting a beautiful portrait. It is a complex art form and to truly be good at it the small detail things must be learned and displayed. Therefore it makes the learning process truly difficult but effective when learned and displayed properly. This could be the reason why there is more karate schools then Kung Fu schools because Karate is simple and easy to learn. And some of the so-called Kung Fu schools around have had to sacrifice one or the other. Meaning focus more on the big move and less on the small detail thing and keep students longer or focus on detail and have a hand full of students. You see most Americans want things fast and right away so you lose them when it becomes hard and difficult. In that is a shame because that is when the real learning begins. So over the years we have had to adapt and change the required curriculum taught in order to keep students for long periods of time. And this approach which has allowed martial arts as a hole to thrive, it has effected the quality of black belts, because the requirements are not as high. To get even more detailed, if the students are not being rewarded then they will move on to another school so there goes loyalty. You see 9 out of every one hundred students are truly dedicated to true value of Kung Fu and will stay around regardless of what. And every good school needs a few strong human beings, to be an example to the masses. The teacher's mission is on going it is so hard today because, in the old days you give your heart and soul to the student and leave a legacy to your senior disciple. But not today students just jump from school to school when personal growth gets tough and that party is disrespecting the instructor. So l learned to become tough skin and not to personalize their departure, but it still hurts if you're truly a dedicated instructor. The long term teaching plan has to always be the goal along with the personal expression of the student's true self. The teacher must use their expression of the traditional techniques taught in order to bring life to the curriculum. Because Kung Fu is moving and adapting like nature, it is alive and well. And among 100 students in a class each must be taught personally. The traditional protocol allows the instructor to control the class structure and have everyone moving as one the big level but growing as an individual internally. The rules of protocol are things like bowing before entering and leaving the school, meditating before class, shows respectful attitude and body language at all times. Do not interrupt instructors doing class, hold questions until first experiencing the drill and most importantly no chit chatting during class. This is from the old school of thought, forget that first name bases stuff, it should be shifu, sir or mam use for everyone even the 2-½ year old kids. Also when the students are taught to show respect, the instructor must give respect in return. By starting class on time not teaching past the time and not asking them to do things they would not do themselves. Each class must be taught with a teaching plan that must be formatted before each class. I mean everything must be written down in detail. It is your map for progress; it allows your instructor not to loose point of what is important for the student. The "class agenda" as we call them should be made up based on the student's struggle in and outside of class the days or weeks before. You see class is not just about the physical skills needed but life skills and philosophy as well. It covers individual basics such as strikes, footwork, stances, kicks and sweeps and then blocks on trapping skill at least three days a week. Then there is the forms, two person fighting set, weapons, sparring grappling and self-defense for the next three days. Also warm ups, cardio, strength, and flexibility is a part of every class, the tempo of each class varies from high intensity to medium intensity all the way down to slow. Each of these levels of class serve a purpose for example the high intensity is to exhaust them to a point where they can't think about the next move but just flow in the medium pace. One it allows them to work hard and think in the present, while the slow pace allows the student to correct there skill and work on the small details. Detail notes on each student should be kept along with good job cards that should be mailed daily along with student's attendance. Compliments on students progress on in activities in and outside the school, showing them how they compliment one another is important to student's longevity. These things make Kung Fu a way of life and it can not be taught any other way. Constant calls and regular private lessons along with group ones are key to help the student feel confident about the learning process of this complex art. The key to helping the students learning process remain enjoyable is keeping them in the now, helping them to not let their minds wonder to what could be or what is going to happen, only on what is going on that moment. They have to think about nothing, so therefore the mind must be empty and allow that present moment to fill it up. The true secrets of teaching Kung Fu is having all the things needed for class but do not lose the freedom of creative expression. This is what makes class fun- your ability to be open to new ideas as a teacher in order to experience what the student are presenting you with. It is like a dance and you follow their steps and lead them to the goal in a harmonious manner. Through this method of teaching we promote the growth process of true human potential and through their every effort and action inner strength is gained. And as a teachers we must recognize that the student's emotion that are expressed through the technique, is about reading their body language, facial expression and eyes. You see Kung fu can not be learned or taught in a lazy manner or with a closed mind because then everything become rigid and stiff. Kung Fu is free flow and must flow and be use to bring forth the students great spirit from within. A spirit that greater than ambition, confidence, determination, vision, etc. Everything is transcended by it, it is the chi of life a true expression of ones inner self into the outward. As a teacher we must remember that we are only guided to inner truth and we are never the giver. So as a catalyst we must continue to strive for the true expression of this complex art. And what is art; an expression of life that transcends both time and space.

Bodybuilder, model and influencer, Jun is back to his first love of martial arts as he aims to get a world title shot in Slovenia The world of MMA is rich with men and women displaying a grand array of skills but for most, these talents are not given but rather the hard-earned product of the trials and tribulations they have had to endure in their life: The story of BRAVE CF 81 headliner Erko Jun is no different.  Born in 1990 amidst the chaos of war-torn Bosnia, Erko's life began on uncertain ground. Fleeing the ravages of conflict, he spent the early years of his life in a German refugee camp before settling in Belgium with his family. It was there that Erko Jun’s indomitable spirit first began to take shape. While he was lucky enough to escape war-torn Bosnia with both his parents, Erko’s childhood and teenage years were not all about sunshine and rainbows. With things at home not going that well, he found himself constantly in scuffles in the streets.  Amidst all this chaos, Jun found solace in one thing – Martial Arts. He started with Taekwondo and Kickboxing and martial arts training presented itself as a saving outlet for Erko to channel his pent-up frustration with life. When everything started to settle down for Erko, tragedy struck again. He suffered a devastating leg-injury which paralysed his leg from the knee down and the doctor's recommendation pushed him to bodybuilding out of necessity. Young Erko trained to overcome his injuries and, in the process, “fell in love with the iron” in his own words. Having already had his life uprooted once at a young age, he was compelled to undergo that experience again following the divorce of his parents.  He went on to live with his mother in a small rat-infested apartment with scarce furniture and during the rehab of his leg injury, another turning point of his life happened: he found the mentor he needed in Bill Richardson, an old-school legend who played a crucial role in his future.  Under Bill's tutelage, Erko learned the basics of transforming his body, leaving him stunned at the quick and magnificent physical progression. Bill pushed Jun to take his long-standing reputation as the ‘big bad boy’ from out in the world and channel it into the gym which was a humbling and key turning point. “Everybody has tough moments in their life, I think these tough moments were the moments that made me the person who I am now, made me build my character,” Erko Jun said when recalling the tough phase that he had to go through.  Erko credits his mother for bringing structure to his life when she found a job for him in the fitness industry, Eventually, he started earning more through personal training and along with his mother moved to a new house with furniture and no rats.  “I wanna make my mother proud,” says Erko.  With his mother's unwavering support and a newfound sense of purpose, Erko embarked on a journey that would take him from the world of bodybuilding to the glitz and glamour of the modelling industry. Yet, amidst the bright lights and celebrity status, his heart yearned for something more—a return to his roots, a rekindling of his passion for combat sports. A trip to Germany to meet-up with his friend back in 2018 proved to be the tipping point. Erko ended up making his MMA debut in front of a huge crowd and after this, there was no turning back. “You know everything in life, there will be ups and downs. Doors will close but there will be new doors that open as long as you are open to it. You need to believe it because if you put negative energy on you, you will have a negative life.”  Since then, he has amassed a very impressive 7-2 record in MMA and has established himself as one of the biggest names in European MMA. Eyes from around the world were on him at BRAVE CF 70 as well when he knocked out Marko Drmonjic to announce his arrival in the organization. And now, Erko is all set to write the next chapter in his journey with BRAVE Combat Federation at BRAVE CF 81 where he will fight Mohammed Said Maalem in the main event.  This new opportunity could very well be another turning point for Jun, who could be on the path to greatness in yet another field. A win over former title contender Said Maalem makes him a strong candidate for a world title shot. A championship title under the most global MMA organization in the world would be the achievement of his lifetime.  For Erko, the journey has been long and arduous, filled with trials and tribulations. But through it all, Erko Jun has emerged victorious, a true testament to the spirit of martial arts.

In the heart of India's cultural heritage lies Kalaripayattu, one of the world's oldest martial arts, with roots stretching back to the 3rd century BCE. This ancient practice, born in the lush landscapes of Kerala, is not merely a form of combat but a discipline integrating spiritual, physical, and mental development. Its journey from the historic battlefields to its modern-day application in fitness regimes and the Bollywood industry is a testament to its enduring legacy and adaptability. The Ancient Beginnings and Founding Fathers Kalaripayattu, often referred to as the "Mother of All Martial Arts," is believed to have been developed by the sage Parasurama, a warrior-saint who is credited with creating the land of Kerala itself. Parasurama is said to have established the martial art to train his disciples, setting the foundation for a practice that would evolve over centuries. The martial art was intricately linked with the social and cultural fabric of Kerala, serving as a system of self-defense, a method for physical development, and a spiritual practice. The Evolution Over the Years Throughout its history, Kalaripayattu underwent periods of flourishing and decline. During the colonial rule in India, the practice faced suppression but managed to survive, thanks to the dedication of Gurukkals (masters) who continued to teach it in secret. The post-independence era witnessed a resurgence of interest in Kalaripayattu, as India sought to revive its cultural heritage. Today, it is not only practiced in Kerala but also across India and the world, celebrated for its holistic approach to health and wellness. The Martial Art Form: Techniques and Training Kalaripayattu is distinguished by its fluid, almost dance-like movements that mimic the motions of animals. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, including strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry, alongside healing practices and the use of medicinal oils. Training in Kalaripayattu begins with an intense physical conditioning phase, designed to make the body supple, strong, and capable of executing complex movements with grace and power. Central to Kalaripayattu is the concept of the inner force or energy, known as "marmam," which practitioners learn to harness and control. This knowledge is not only used in combat but also in healing, as the martial art includes the treatment of injuries and the maintenance of health through traditional Ayurvedic methods. Modern Kalaripayattu: A New Era In contemporary times, Kalaripayattu has found a place in fitness centers and wellness retreats, appealing to those seeking an alternative form of exercise that balances physical fitness with mental and spiritual well-being. Its principles of flexibility, agility, and mind-body integration have made it a popular choice among athletes, dancers, and martial artists worldwide. Current Prominent Practitioners The legacy of Kalaripayattu is carried on by dedicated Gurukkals and practitioners who have gained recognition both in India and internationally. Figures such as Lakshman Gurukkal, C.M. Sherif, and Sajeevan Kalaripayattu have become synonymous with the martial art, contributing to its growth and adaptation in the modern age. These practitioners not only teach Kalaripayattu but also innovate, blending traditional techniques with contemporary fitness trends. The Bollywood Connection Kalaripayattu has also made its mark in the evergreen Bollywood industry, where its dynamic and visually striking techniques have been featured in numerous films. Actors and stunt coordinates train in Kalaripayattu to perform complex action sequences, bringing an authentic and thrilling edge to cinematic fights, introducing its beauty and power to wider audiences and inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts.

In a recent announcement during the UFC 299 broadcast, the final bout was added to the landmark UFC 300 event, set to take place on April 13 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Lightweights Renato Moicano and Jalin Turner are poised to face off in what promises to be an electrifying match. Moicano is on the hunt for his third consecutive victory in the 155-pound division following a submission win against Brad Riddell and a unanimous decision victory over Drew Dober this past February. On the other side, 28-year-old Jalin Turner, a seasoned competitor from the Contender Series, aims to continue his momentum after a knockout victory over Bobby Green. This win was a significant turnaround for Turner, who had experienced two close split decision losses against Matuesz Gamrot and Dan Hooker. Before these setbacks, Turner had secured five consecutive victories, making a significant impact in the lightweight category. The inclusion of the Moicano vs. Turner fight brings the total number of bouts at UFC 300 to thirteen. The main event features a light heavyweight title fight, with the current champion Alex Pereira defending his title against Jamahal Hill, ensuring an unforgettable night of fights for MMA fans.

First leg of the 2024 European Tour takes place in Ljubljana, with BRAVE CF 81 taking place on April 20 and headlined by huge Light Heavyweight clash between Erko Jun and Said Maalem. The full fight card is here for BRAVE Combat Federation’s first event in 2024 and it will see top European MMA talent having the global opportunity to showcase their skillsets. BRAVE CF kicks off its 2024 European Tour in style as it lands for the third time in Slovenia with BRAVE CF 81, taking place on April 20, in association with WFC. And fans can expect a truly international fight card, with 13 nations represented. Fighters from Bosnia & Herzegovina, Algeria, Morocco, Brazil, Slovenia, England, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Albania, Poland, Ireland, Serbia and Italy will be seen in action on the BRAVE CF 81 card which will be the latest chapter in BRAVE CF’s journey of bringing a new era of MMA in Europe. The main event will see a Light Heavyweight clash between European superstar Erko Jun and one of the biggest MMA names from the MENA region, Said Maalem. Erko Jun comes into the fight on the back of his win in the main event of BRAVE CF 70 where he stopped Marko Drmonjic in the first round and is riding an overall 7-2 pro record, and is ready to glide into the vacant title conversation with another win in a main event in Slovenia. Algeria’s Said Maalem, on the other hand, has been a mainstay in the Light Heavyweight division of BRAVE CF and even held the world title for a short period of time before the result of his title winning fight against Mohammad Fakhreddine was overturned to a No Contest. Ismail Naurdiev and Luiz Cado will lock horns in the co-main event of BRAVE CF 81 in a high-stakes Super Welterweight bout. Naurdiev will be making his return to the 175-pound division after his latest outing took place in Middleweight. Cado, meanwhile, will be looking to build on his three-fight winning streak in the organization and start 2024 on a good note. Hometown hero, Slovenia’s own David Forster and England’s Chad Griffiths will fight it out in a Super Lightweight battle on the main card. David Forster has an opportunity to bounce back from his loss against Mohsen Mohammadseifi which happened at BRAVE CF 79 and won the fan vote for 2023 Fight of The Year. Chad Griffiths has a contrasting storyline compared to his opponent as he will be coming into BRAVE CF 81 after his win over Abbas Khan at BRAVE CF 80. Pavel Dailidko’s showdown with Valdrin Istrefi will serve as another major attraction. Pavel is one of the best up-and-coming heavyweights in Europe and has already made a name in BRAVE CF by winning his last three fights in the organization through stoppages – he actually became the first fighter to have three victories by KO under the BRAVE CF banner on the same calendar year. Valdrin Istrefi will be making his promotional debut at BRAVE CF 81 and will be looking to utilize the global exposure that the organization brings to the table. The female Strawweight fight between Monika Kucinic and Silwia Juskiewicz is scheduled to be the main card opener and this fight is bound to set the tone for Women’s MMA in BRAVE CF for 2024. Along with these action-packed fights on the main card, the preliminary card will feature four fights and will have names like Gerard Burns, Danijel Spoljaric and Haris Aksalic. BRAVE CF 81 will mark the start of an exciting year of action for the organization as nine events have been announced so far for 2024 with BRAVE CF also returning to Slovenia on 19 October. BRAVE CF 81, Slovenia Full Fight Card Main Card Light Heavyweight: Erko Jun vs Said Maalem  Super Welterweight: Ismail Naurdiev vs Luiz Cado Super Lightweight: David Forster vs Chad Griffiths Heavyweight: Pavel Dailidko vs Valdrin Istrefi Strawweight: Monika Kucinic vs Silwia Juskiewicz Preliminary Card Heavyweight: Haris Aksalic vs Rick Luchtenberg Heavyweight: Agron Smakici vs Patryk Dubiela Super Welterweight: Domen Drnovsek vs Andrian Murug Flyweight: Gerard Burns vs Danijel Spoljaric

In an illustrious ceremony that spotlighted the achievements of mixed martial arts' finest, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, the former Strawweight Champion, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2024. This accolade is a testament to her incredible journey, relentless dedication, and the indomitable spirit she brought into the octagon. Joanna Jedrzejczyk's path to greatness is nothing short of inspirational. Hailing from Olsztyn, Poland, Joanna embarked on her martial arts journey with a passion for Muay Thai, securing numerous championships and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. Her transition to mixed martial arts marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where she would eventually become one of the most feared and respected fighters in the UFC. Signing with the UFC in 2014, Joanna quickly made a name for herself with her striking precision, agility, and unparalleled work ethic. By March 2015, she had captured the Strawweight Championship, a title she defended successfully five times, showcasing her dominance in the division. Joanna's fights were more than just bouts; they were displays of artistry, with her striking technique and footwork captivating fans worldwide. However, Joanna's career was not without its challenges. Her journey saw ups and downs, including intense battles inside the octagon that tested her resolve. Notably, her rivalries with fighters such as Rose Namajunas and Zhang Weili were marked by epic encounters that are remembered as some of the greatest in the sport's history. Despite any setbacks, Joanna's perseverance and dedication to her craft never wavered, underlining the heart of a true champion. Behind Joanna's success were the figures who shaped and supported her career—her family, who instilled in her the values of hard work and resilience; her coaches, who honed her skills and strategy; and her team, who stood by her through every high and low. This network of support was instrumental in her journey, providing the foundation upon which her achievements were built. Joanna Jedrzejczyk's induction into the UFC Hall of Fame is not just a recognition of her accomplishments within the octagon but also an acknowledgment of her impact on the sport. She has inspired countless aspiring fighters with her dedication, proving that with passion and perseverance, the pinnacle of martial arts excellence is within reach. As Joanna Jedrzejczyk takes her rightful place among the legends in the UFC Hall of Fame, her legacy as one of the greatest strawweight fighters in the history of the sport is cemented. Her journey from a small town in Poland to the pinnacle of MMA is a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the extraordinary achievements possible through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering spirit. Congratulations to Joanna, a true legend of the sport.