Jonathan Haggerty got to shine again in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 19 . “The General” successfully defended the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title by third-round TKO against Felipe Lobo in an all-out war. Even though he picked up the win, “The General” admitted he does not want to be in those types of brawls moving forward. “If I’m totally honest, I’m not really happy with that performance, but the main thing is we got it done. I’m used to just being in and out, bouncing around, hitting and not getting hit, but a lot of people said to me, ‘It can’t always be your way.’ And I just showed tonight that I’ve got heart,” Haggerty told ONE . “I wouldn’t say it’s enjoyable fighting like that. But I love it. I do love it. I can’t say I’m happy to do it again any time soon, but it is what it is, and I’m happy to get a performance bonus and keep the belt.” The Brit was on the ropes in the first round. Lobo scored a knockdown and took the early lead in the matchup. However, Haggerty was sure he would survive and return the favor against the “Demolition Man.” “There was no doubt he caught me with a big shot. I wasn’t really hurt that bad. I just thought I’d take a little rest and take a seat. I knew I’d get him back. There isn’t any quit in me. There never is, and I showed that tonight,” the bantamweight king recalled. Leading into the match, there was a lot of chatter. The rivalry had built throughout 2023, but once that final bell rang, it was time to put it behind them. Lobo and the division’s titleholder embraced and shared their mutual respect, showing what martial arts is all about. “After the fight, I told him that it’s just business. You’ve got to do what you got to do before the fight to build it up and psyche yourself up,” Haggerty remarked. “At the end of the day, we’re both warriors. I respect anyone who gets in there with me, especially if they put on a performance like he did and stand in the middle of the ring and have a shootout.” “There’s respect there, and I wish him all the best.” With the first title defense of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title under his belt, there are still plenty of opportunities awaiting “The General.” While he called for a shot at three-sport gold targeting Fabricio Andrade’s MMA crown, other contenders like Nico Carrillo, Saemapetch Fairtex, and Hiroki Akimoto wait in the rings. Haggerty is planning on taking some time before accepting his next challenge. “I’m happy to fight anyone, but at this moment in time, it’s back to the drawing board. Forget everyone, I’m the champ-champ. They can all wait in line and discuss it amongst themselves. I’m going to have a little bit of a rest, recoup, and elevate,” Haggerty said.

The agreement begins with unprecedented PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions mega-global event on February 24 The Professional Fighters League (PFL), today announced an expansive, multi-year partnership with U-NEXT, the leading Japanese video streaming platform, to become the home of PFL and Bellator in the country. The agreement begins with the unprecedented pay-per-view   PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions  mega event taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, February 24.  Under the deal, all PFL Global Regular Season, PFL Europe, and PFL MENA event coverage as well as archival content will air exclusively in Japan on U-NEXT. Additionally, the streaming video platform will continue to broadcast live Bellator event coverage, beginning with the first-ever   Bellator Champions Series  event in Belfast, Northern Ireland on March 22.  “A core component of our global expansion strategy is to partner with leading media platforms in key territories around the world, and we couldn’t be more excited about this multi-year agreement with U-NEXT to bring the best in MMA to fans in Japan,” said PFL SVP, International James Frewin.  CEO, U-NEXT Tenshin Tsutsumi said, “We are delighted to announce our strategic partnership with the Professional Fighters League, the world’s most premiere mixed martial arts organization. Beginning with   PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions , U-NEXT will continue to deliver the greatest MMA content to Japanese fans and look forward to solidifying our position as the premiere destination for mixed martial arts.”  As PFL continues to expand rapidly across the globe, it is committed to developing the best up-and-coming fighters from across the country to join its roster of world-class athletes, including Japanese combat sports stars Kana Watanabe and Goiti Yamauchi.

When escrima — which is often used interchangeably with the terms arnis and kali — was introduced to America, it was done mainly as a seminar martial art. Of course, there were a few schools, mostly near large Filipino communities around the country, but most martial artists were not exposed to the arts of the Philippines until Remy Presas, Leo T. Gaje Jr., Dan Inosanto — all members of the Black Belt Hall of Fame — and others began doing seminars. Unfortunately, to make escrima more marketable, some instructors presented it in a way that caused people to get the wrong idea about what it really was. In some cases, the martial art was simplified to make it easier for seminar students to learn. In others, things were actually changed to fit the legal atmosphere of the United States. One of the biggest mistakes was in marketing the martial art as an add-on to other arts. Many magazine articles claimed that stick training would add to a student’s taekwondo or jujitsu skill set. This helped foster a climate in which even instructors began to believe some of these incorrect ideas. This five-part post exposes the most common fallacies about the Filipino martial arts. Misconception No. 1: Stick Fighters Must Contend With Separate Fighting Ranges The idea that there are specific and separate fighting ranges, and that escrima practitioners focus on and train in only one range (i.e. long range, middle range or close range) is untrue. The fact is, all styles developed according to the restrictions of the local terrain and the body type and physical ability of their creator. Additionally, nearly every real self-defense encounter involves all fighting ranges at some point. Escrimadors (escrima practitioners) from heavily forested or jungle areas developed thrusting styles and used longer sticks because slashing and striking were not practical in the heavy foliage. Movements were also completely dependent on the vegetation. The styles that developed in the rice-farming areas used linear footwork patterns, where circular and sidestepping movements were impossible because the small raised paths between rice paddies limited the options. The escrimador could not make very heavy strikes because the ground would be slippery, so the style focused on blocking techniques and middle-range measured blows. The styles that developed in open areas or on plantations were able to take advantage of the terrain and use more aggressive slashing and striking attacks, along with more complicated footwork. These practitioners would have begun an encounter at long range, looked for openings and then closed to middle or close range to strike. If they were still able, they would have immediately moved back out to long range to prepare a new attack. The systems that now claim to be close range developed within the cities. Fighting in doorways, alleys and small open areas determined the length of the weapon and the most effective techniques. The increased use of the stick instead of the blade also dictated a closer range because now one could grab the stick. If these escrimadors were taken out of the city to one of the other types of terrain mentioned above, their fighting style would have quickly adapted because a close-range urban style in heavy jungle or wide-open fields would have been disadvantageous if the practitioner had no closing or other long-range skills. The opposite is also true: The jungle fighter would have quickly shifted to a more effective style after moving to the city. The point is that escrima is a style of fighting that takes whatever the environment gives — and makes it work. To call oneself an escrimador means not limiting oneself to a single fighting range or a particular weapon, and any system that makes that distinction is doing a disservice to its practitioners. Real fights constantly flow back and forth between all the ranges, and one must be prepared to handle whatever happens wherever it happens. Misconception No. 2: Sinawali Will Make You Ambidextrous The idea that a beginner should practice with his off-side hand to become ambidextrous, or the idea that the double-stick sinawali exercise (as taught in the United States) is going to make someone a good fighter with his off hand, is ridiculous. The fact is, to learn to fight effectively with even one’s strong hand takes years of instruction and practice. To make the claim that one can be a better fighter by taking practice time away from the strong hand is silly. Some people ask, “What happens if your strong hand is injured in a fight?” Think about this: If your opponent is good enough to injure your strong hand or disarm you, what makes you think your weaker hand would have even a remote chance against his attack? A practitioner's time would be better spent working on empty-hand techniques that work against weapons, since they at least have applications of their own. The idea that the skill will transfer to empty-hand fighting is flawed because in any style of fighting, there are strong and weak sides, and a good fighter will always adjust his style to take advantage of his strong side. Even in the Philippines, double-stick fighters are very rare. Among those who do use double sticks, the style often consists of using one stick strictly as a blocking tool while fighting with the other. There is nothing wrong with doing the sinawali drills (or the broken-six drill, heaven-and-earth drill, or whatever a particular style calls it), but it should never be presented to students as training to fight with double sticks. The drills are helpful for beginners because, among other benefits, they help ensure that muscular development in both arms remains relatively even. If a practitioner wants to become a double-stick fighter or wants to be able to use either hand to fight, he should first master his strong hand, then let his strong hand teach his other hand. He can, of course, train hard for many years and learn to use the off hand just as well as the strong hand. Once both hands can execute techniques well, he can try to integrate the two hands to work as a team. Unfortunately, apart from tournaments and forms competition, the escrimador may find that the practical applications are few and far between and that his training time might have been better utilised. But that is for the individual to decide for himself. Misconception No. 3: It's Possible to Stay Safe While Facing a Knife Attack In FMA — escrima, kali, arnis and so on — it's taught that knife fighting results in getting cut. Anyone who claims he can fight with knives and not get cut is not telling the truth, plain and simple. If you ever meet a teacher who claims to have been in lots of knife fights, ask to see his scars because if he doesn’t have any, he didn’t have the fights. In fact, a 10-year-old is dangerous if he has a knife because power is not needed to inflict damage. Even against a gun, if the gun is not drawn and ready, the knife is the more dangerous weapon at close range. A few years ago, some police departments sponsored a test to see how armed officers would do against a surprise attack by a knife-wielding assailant, and the results were dramatic. It was found that the officers were unable to draw their weapon fast enough to save their life from any distance of less than about 20 feet. A well-known escrima practitioner played the assailant, and in nearly every scenario, he was able to “kill” the armed officers. You may be thinking, Well, what’s the point in training to defend against knives if you are going to get cut or killed anyway? The reason is simple: With training, you may be able to redirect the cuts to non-fatal areas and at the same time prevent your opponent from executing further attacks. It’s a question of surviving, not of avoiding a cut. There is a related misconception about knife training, and it is very important for surviving a real encounter. In many schools today, the training focuses on trapping drills and passing the opponent’s blade back and forth and from side to side using the back of the hand and forearm to maintain contact with his arm. To put it bluntly, this is dangerous. While it’s a plus to gain a feel for where the opponent is at any one time, you are learning more bad habits than good ones. First, because cuts cannot be avoided, it is wrong to practice giving your opponent additional chances to cut you. In a real encounter, you must judge the proper timing and distance and, when the attack is made, deal with it. That means avoiding or redirecting the attack and responding immediately. Every time you successfully live through an attack but do nothing to your opponent, you’re just giving him one more chance to kill you. Dealing successfully with a knife attack means disabling your opponent, disarming him or getting away. The first two require you to grab, strike and/or close with your opponent. Second, because you do need to block, grab, strike or parry with your hands, using only the back of the hands is another error. While the reasons people give for using the back of the hands are valid to a point (fewer blood vessels, tendons and ligaments are better protected, etc.), they can’t make up for the loss of sensitivity and the resulting decrease in available responses. Using the back of the hands is effective for drills and training, but in a real life-threatening situation, you must be prepared to grab and parry with your hands, which means you must use your palms and fingers. Also, in a real fight, the resulting flood of adrenaline, which is a part of the fight-or-flight response, gives the impression of slowing things down. Your focus becomes sharper, and increased concentration allows you to accomplish things you normally can’t do in training. Unfortunately, as already mentioned, you will probably still get cut — but better your palm than your throat! Misconception No. 4: There Are Range Limitation for Sticks That's incorrect. The main reason for this FMA misconception is that many escrima teachers still teach a blade-based art, and the particular slashing and drawing strikes necessary when using a blade are best done at the long and middle ranges. The modern stick fighter, however, does not use blade-based attacks. The older stick styles, which imitated blade-type attacks with heavy sticks that were often flattened to resemble blades, depended on powerful strikes using the same motions as with a blade. More recently, using a stick has meant that attacks have changed to emphasize speed and accuracy over raw power, and the means to execute these types of attacks are available at very close range. Using the wrist to snap and the waist to develop axial torque has replaced arm and shoulder extension as the source of power. At very close range, almost nose-to-nose, a modern fighter can hit any target from low on the right side, across the entire upper body, to low on the left side — a full 360 degrees. Being able to do this requires constant practice to develop the necessary wrist flexibility, and as the range of motion increases, so does the strength of the snap. The learning process also includes training to generate a great deal of power with little or no room. The same basic principles that apply to the 1-inch punch and 3-inch punch apply to these strikes. Accuracy is also extremely important to be able to fight effectively at close range. When all the power is focused on the tip of a stick at the point of the snap, it is imperative that the tip hit its target. A snap aimed at the temple that ends up hitting high on the side of the head will not accomplish its intended purpose. Another important area of training for close-range stick fighting is to learn how to create space when you need to. This does not involve stepping out or moving away, but works on recognizing the fact that between two bodies, there is a great deal of available space depending on the angle of upper-body lean and the movement of the hips. Because of the design of the human body, when we stand toe-to-toe, we can lean away and create as much as three or four feet to execute techniques. If we add slight shifts of the feet, we can see that having enough space for techniques is the least of our worries. Misconception No. 5: Escrima Is a Weapons-Only Art The belief that escrima is not a complete fighting art arises from more than one source. The first is the most obvious: When the art was first brought to the West, it was taught almost solely at seminars and was promoted as an add-on to whatever system the student was already studying. This was done to get the word out to as many people as possible as quickly as possible. But in the rush, very few sophisticated empty-hand techniques were put out because they didn’t fit into the scenarios that had been created. If you advertise that something is an add-on to the student’s art, you can’t make it too complete; otherwise, it might be too difficult to justify the teaching methods. The second reason has to do with the art itself and the range of variations practiced by different instructors. In actuality, there is no specific empty-hand system that accompanies escrima. Since styles of escrima vary so widely, why should we expect that all have the same empty-hand system? Many escrimadors practice a form of fighting called pangamut, which is basically Philippine boxing with throwing and locking techniques. Others use fighting styles brought from other places and adapted to complement escrima stick techniques. These include judo and jujitsu, silat and Chinese-based kuntao. There is also the local grappling style dumog, along with many styles of kicking with names like sipa, sikaran and pananjakman. Finally, there are escrima practitioners who developed an empty-hand system based almost completely on the motions of the stick and knife, and this has even more variations because of the differences in the way the practitioners use their sticks. All are escrima, but none is like any other. If we add the first issue to the second, we can see things a little more clearly, perhaps. The seminar styles of escrima first taught in the West were actually aggregations of a variety of escrima styles. Instructors passed along systems that were drawn from many teachers and many styles. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it can cause a problem for the art. Martial artists need to stop thinking of escrima as a single art, for it is not. Now that it's accepted as a legitimate system in the martial arts world, it's time to allow it to find its proper place. As happened to karate in the 1950s and 1960s and kung fu in the 1960s and 1970s, escrima needs to be recognized as a general term for a country’s fighting style. Then the various systems within that style can and should receive the exposure they deserve.

Bruce Lee really did have the Midas touch when it came to training. Most people think Bruce was advanced and complicated, but he was the master of simplicity. He was not worried about doing the jump-up flip spin-around back kick. Not sure if there is one. But by the time you land, Bruce would just throw a simple kick or punch to knock you down as you landed to the ground. However, that is the point. Simplicity is often overlooked because of the coolness and the latest and greatest workout when simplicity produces the most significant effect. Super complicated does not mean superior. This is actually reverse in fact. We see super complex exercises that don’t need to be. Truthfully, if an exercise or method is not straightforward in its approach, then it probably is not good. Such as for flexibility. Bruce had some classic stretches, but he learned how to maximize the range in each stretch fully. And the same goes for jogging, one of Bruce’s favorite cardiovascular training activities. He would develop his aerobic speed and distance to be faster and more. Different Styles of Jogging Like life and JKD, Bruce was not an optimist nor a pessimist. He did not see the glass half empty nor half full. Instead, he saw the water in the glass take shape. For water, life, and JKD to take shape, it is developed from experiences and angles. Lee’s training was quite the same, and so was his jogging. Bruce never saw or just ran a straight line. He would run forward, backward, laterally, and probably any other direction you can think of, during his jogging. He would run heel to toe, flat-footed, and on the balls of his feet. He would incorporate skipping, hopping, jumping, and sprinting. After a while, he began adding weights into his jogging when it was not challenging. Bruce’s Reasons for Jogging Every Day 1. It is quick. You just need to jog a few miles or about 20 minutes running your pace. 2. It is safe. You don’t need to over-exert yourself. 3. It improves your cardiovascular system. It is good maintenance for your heart and lungs, and you can do it every day. With strength training and intensity, you have to take a break. However, jogging and aerobic training help your muscles recover faster from intensity training. 4. It helps you lose weight. 5. It makes you feel better. Jogging releases the feel-good hormones that drastically reduce stress and improve wellbeing. It circulates your blood. No other exercise makes you feel good, gives you energy, produces confidence, and a better outlook in life without overexerting yourself. You think better and become more productive. Bruce felt running was just as essential for the martial artist, much like practicing kata. Bruce always said the natural way is the best. It is true. Simplicity opens the door to greater perspective. Unless there are human beings with three arms and four legs, unless we have another group of beings on earth that are structurally different from us, there can be no difference in training and style of fighting. Why is that? Because we have two arms and two legs. What’s most important is how we can use them to maximum? In terms of paths, they can be used in a straight line, curved line-up, down, round line. They might be slow. Depending on the circumstance, sometimes that might not be slow. And in terms of legs, you can kick up, straight-same thing, right? Physically then, you have to ask yourself, “How can I become very well coordinated?” well, that means you have to be an athlete using jogging and all those basic ingredients, right? Start jogging every day. And when you build an excellent base for jogging where your breathing is relaxed, you can add in exercises to challenge your jogging. To achieve this aim, we have two ways. One is running, but you have to increase the distance of your course every day until you are satisfied with it. The second thing is to observe progression. Start out slow and then gradually build speed as your conditioning improves. All of this will lead to a result of increased frequency of breath and heartbeat. And during intense training, you will feel an unbearable feeling, but you do not have to fear that point. It will be the maximum limit of a man's physical energy. If you do not have heart disease after taking a rest, you will soon recover. It is only through this compulsory hard training that one's physical energy can expand continuously Bruce Lee’s Exercise for Endurance Lee also loved stepping. He would take a bench or a stool and step up and down for one minute using the right leg then the left leg. After doing both legs, he would stop and stretch, take deep breaths, do abdominal and arm exercises, and then go back to the chair step-ups. It sounds like Bruce did this for about 30 minutes because he advises you to build up to do the same.

Oh man, there's something about watching a kung fu movie where the master is, let's just say, "enthusiastically" showing the ropes to the newbie. It's like a lightbulb moment, right? We all kinda see ourselves in that, regardless of whether we're just starting out or we've been at it for a while. Having someone wise to guide us, to push us to be our best, is crucial. Now, growing as individuals and as martial artists isn't just about pushing through the same old routines. It's about being smart, finding new challenges, and deepening our understanding. Sure, a lot of that is on our mentors, but hey, we've got a part to play too. We can shake things up to get more out of our training. Here are some tricks to try that'll add a dose of reality to your practice and help spot any weak spots- challenge your martial arts training: 1. Mix up your sparring partners.  It's super easy to get comfy training with the same buddy. But true skill means being able to handle yourself against anyone, even someone you've never faced before. Comfort zones are great and all, but since when did "easy" ever make us better martial artists? Branch out, challenge yourself. And for the instructors out there, teaching the same faces can become a bit too cozy. Ever wondered if you're really getting through, or have your students just gotten used to your style? Try mixing up your audience. It might just reveal some gaps in your teaching methods that need tightening up. 2. Train with your eyes closed... sort of.  No, you don't have to go full Daredevil on us, but tweaking how you use your sight can be enlightening. Shadowbox with one eye closed, or both, to mess with your depth perception or focus on your body's movements. Or try training in different lighting conditions. It's all about honing your other senses and getting more in tune with your body. 3. Dress differently.  Ever tried high kicks in a suit? Or dodged punches in a heavy coat? Life isn't always lived in gym wear, so mix it up. Head to a thrift shop, grab something out of your usual, and train in that. It's about being ready for anything, anytime. 4. Get creative with training tools.  Fancy equipment doesn't always mean better training. Swap out your usual gear for something unconventional. Think plastic bottles for knives (they make a satisfying sound on impact), water guns instead of fake firearms, or even pool noodles for sticks. It adds a new level of realism and lets you commit fully without holding back. 5. Change up the background noise.  The vibe of your training space can really affect your mindset. Need to get comfortable with a rowdy atmosphere? Add some crowd noise or aggressive dialogue to your drills. It's about prepping your mind as much as your body for whatever scenario you might face. Curiosity and creativity are your best friends on this journey. Sure, a good teacher is invaluable, but it's on us to take what they teach and run with it. Experiment with these ideas, then come up with some of your own. After all, walking the path of mastery is about choosing the right shoes and taking the steps yourself.

So, there's this martial art called silat, right? It's this big umbrella term for a bunch of different fighting styles from Southeast Asia. People think these arts got started around the sixth century, and they really took off during the Majapahit empire. We're talking about an empire that spread across what's now a whole bunch of countries, like Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia, to name a few. Over time, silat evolved into a whole variety of styles, each one reflecting the unique culture it came from. Nowadays, you've got silat styles that are all about standing up tall and proud, and then others that get you down close to the ground, ready to rumble. There's this term, pencak silat, that kind of splits the art into two main parts. "Pencak" is all about the show – think stunning dances, teamwork forms, and flashy demonstrations that are sure to impress anyone watching. Then there's "Silat," which is the nitty-gritty combat side of things. It's about surviving those intense, no-holds-barred fights. And yeah, it includes sparring and competitions where the aim is to outsmart and outmaneuver your opponent with sheer skill. What's cool about pencak silat is that it's really focused on blade work. It's not just okay to use weapons like the kris or the golok; it's actually a big part of the art, especially for self-defense. Despite the focus on weapons, the pencak part – with its dances and routines – is super important for mastering the art. It's not just about looking good; these movements help build the kind of coordination and strength that keeps practitioners in top form, even as they get older. Interestingly, some of the combat sports we see in Southeast Asia, like muay Thai, have their roots in silat. They were developed to give martial artists a safer way to compete. Sure, muay Thai might seem rough, but it's got nothing on traditional silat training with its more lethal techniques. When you dive deep, you see how silat has influenced muay Thai, especially in the ceremonial dances before matches and some of the moves used in the ring. It's a testament to how rich and complex pencak silat is, blending the artistry of its dances with the effectiveness of its fighting techniques. It's not just a martial art; it's a profound and efficient combat system that enriches the world of martial arts and combat sports.

Whenever a new competition season is about to begin, martial artists who participate in tournaments shift into high gear to fine-tune their forms. Whether they call them kata, poomsae, hyung or something else, their goal is the same: to quickly establish themselves in the point standings of their chosen divisions. Your plans for 2022 might include making a run for a championship, or maybe you just want to improve on last year’s results. Either way, you still have time to work out the bugs in that new kata or give your old one a tune-up. So throw on your uniform, head to your dojo or dojang, and get busy working on these essentials. Here are 4 ways to improve your Kata Training. Kata Training: Suggestion No. 1 The first thing to clean up is your line of attack because nothing will spoil a good form as much as erratic up-and-down movement while executing techniques or changing stances. The proper line of attack can be maintained by keeping the top of your head from moving more than 2 inches up or down. Furthermore, keeping your head level is recommended. It’s appropriate to rise out of the attack line and use your upper torso as a counter-balance while performing certain kicking sequences or when executing movements that demonstrate specific balancing skills. However, the up-and-down movement, as well as tilting your head and leaning your body, should be minimized as you go from stance to stance — especially when doing punching and blocking sequences. Practice your form until you can maintain these standards. To check your progress, use a large mirror to observe yourself or have someone record your performance with a cellphone. Kata Training: Suggestion No. 2 Body alignment goes hand-in-hand with line of attack because judges look at these elements in tandem when they evaluate stances, stability, strength and other basic aspects of self-mastery. As you practice your form, focus on keeping your head, shoulders and trunk centered over your hips. Some instructors say that you should imagine that a steel rod runs from the top of your head straight down through your body and into the ground. You’ll find that when you keep your body correctly aligned, it will be easier to maintain the proper line of attack. Kata Training: Suggestion No. 3 Another way to avoid getting a low score in competition is to overcome “wandering hand” syndrome, in which your mitts move around as though they have no specific place to be. From the beginning to the end of your routine, your hands should have something specific to do. For example, if you’re punching or blocking with one hand, the other should be positioned as a guard or held near your hip. You should never let it just hang there or stick out to the side. When you do spin kicks or aerial techniques, you may have to swing your arms to create or control your momentum. However, once the move is done, your hands should go back to performing a strike or being in the correct position for a block. Your peripheral vision will help you check that your hands are staying where they belong. Kata Training: Suggestion No. 4 Controlled changes in direction require smooth pivoting. Therefore, it’s beneficial to devise a simple pivoting process to enhance your ability to turn. To make a half turn (180 degrees) or three-quarters turn (270 degrees), do the following: Begin with a hip rotation. Follow that with a side-step or cross-step with your non-planted foot. Pivot on the balls of your feet and stop. Finish by locking into your stance. Practice pivoting without doing your hand techniques, then gradually work up to doing moves such as blocks in unison with the second part of the hip-rotation process. This will help you develop “hip torque,” which gives you more powerful yet smooth techniques — and a higher score in competition.

It is one thing to be an expert of an ancient craft, it is much more impressive to be able to facilitate that wisdom to a modern audience in a manner easily understood. Enter Henny Eleonora.Listen to Henny teach and you will hear complex classical ideas properly understood, clearly expressed, and applied in powerful ways. Though the exact movements of another style may differ from yours, the powerful wisdom of them is often a universal language. Whether brashly spoken or eloquently expressed, wisdom is a valuable gift which helps all who receive it. Read on to learn about the life of a Liuhe Quan expert and the philosophy of movement he can impart that will help you upgrade your training, regardless of training background! History of Henny Eleonora While growing up in South America, Henny Eleonora had two especially important things that guided his future path: a love for kung fu movies and a household filled with many farm animals. Henny’s father was a wrestler who, when he retired from competing to focus on his family, began teaching his son. Between karate lessons from a local club and the training his father gave, Henny found a love for martial arts that would only continue to grow. Whenever he would get the chance to head over to the cinema, Henny would watch the heroic images of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan and dream of traveling overseas to train. Back home, the Eleonora household kept numerous animals and it was up to Henny and his father to provide food for them all. The work of Henny’s father brought him in contact with many Chinese people, friends whom they would get vegetables from for their animals. In return to helping pluck the vegetables, Henny soon began learning Chinese martial arts from his father’s friends. Years passed and Henny went on to move to Amsterdam, home to numerous high-quality dutch kickboxers. As wont to do, the local talent surrounding Henny acted as inspiration for Henny to continue to improve as a fighter. It was here in Amsterdam that Henny crossed paths with the Luk Hop Moon School and began to train under Master Deng Ji Xiang. In 1984, his earlier cinema-fueled dream of martial art adventure came true—he moved to Asia to study martial arts in the region of kung fu masters, carrying on their legacy of skill and wisdom. He would continue to travel for training, traversing to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, and Cangzhou to meet with multiple masters. This journey brought him experience in various internal styles, Xing Yi, Pa Kua, Tai Chi, and Dao Yin (the precursor to qigong); the opportunity to compete on a televised kung fu competition with Wu Bin and Donnie Yen as guest judges; and even recognition as an official student under one of the last old Liu He masters, Zhang Shaofu. It is Henny’s goal to bring the training you can find overseas in Mainland China or Hong Kong to Europe and beyond. Currently, Henny is preparing to host a kung fu training camp next summer in the northern mountains of Udine, Italy. Known as the Academy of Harmony, the martial arts experience will bring together the talent of multiple high-level martial artists, including experts from China and even a USA-based martial arts coach/choreographer for Cirque Du Soleil. A (Brief) Lesson on Liuhe Quan Said by some to be created by the famed general of the Song dynasty, Yue Fei, the complete system of Liuhe Quan encompasses boxing methods, weapons training, solo practice, partner practice, qigong exercises, and more. Though the exact origin of the style is up for debate—many styles and lineages muddle history and lay claim to Yue Fei simply for the associative fame—what is known is that it is an older style which influenced many of the martial art systems of its time in China. Within the twenty empty hand and weapon sets learned, practitioners learn to work with apparatuses such as the glaive, sword, spear, nine-section whip. Other weapons trained and considered specialties of the system include the Dangong (slingshot), Danshou Gou (single hook), and Lanma Jue (a weapon used to stop a horse). What’s in a Name? The name of Liuhe Quan actually has various potential origins it can harken back to. Let’s break down the name before we look at why it was chosen. Liu is Mandarin Chinese for the number six. Easy enough to understand there. Quan translates to “fist” and is often used in a name to designate a martial art system (for example, taijiquan, bajiquan, huaquan, etc.). He , on the other hand, gets a bit deeper. It is often translated as “harmony”, however this relates more to connectivity and unity than it does peace and absence of conflict. Liu He—or, the Six Harmonies—is a concept integral to martial art skill. It is a foundation of proper connection throughout the actions of a practitioner. One interpretation is the coordination of the internal qualities—Xin (heart), Yi (intent), and Qi (vital energy)—and the coordination of external body parts—hands and feet, elbows and knees, shoulders and crotch. Another interpretation pulls from ancient Chinese thought. Liu He can refer to the four cardinal directions—north, south, east, west—in addition to that which is above (heaven) and that which is below (earth). Together, that understanding of the universe is called Yu Zhou in Mandarin Chinese. If you break these two words/characters down, you’ll find that Yu means “time” and Zhou means “space”. This becomes a lesson to pay attention to front, back, left, right, above, and below in each moment. In other words, care about the entire process throughout space and time, coordinating your eyes and hands, your steps and body, your brain and strength. “If there is left, there must also be a right, If there is a forward, there must be a back.” Henny mentions. It is easy to get caught focusing on only one limb or a single direction of movement. In order to coordinate movement in a significant manner, attention must be paid in ensuring all is acting together cohesively. Though various groups may articulate the idea of Liu He differently, the idea remains the same; understanding the absolute unification of a being. “Liu He is only a word, [it] simply means ‘six in combination’,” Henny explains. “It is a method, not a system. This method is within all arts you may practice. There is coordination of everything from inside to outside. Liu He is actually just a method in all things that you practice. When you bring it into a form, it is pretty complicated to physically use that harmony in the right time.” A Balanced Approach A person must be balanced. As much as we work out, we must also “work in” —cultivating awareness of our internal dialogue and learning how to coordinate our breath with the movements of our body. Hard and soft approaches need to be balanced. Similar to how more and more modern MMA and Muay Thai gyms now offer yoga classes or massage to help the body recover and prevent imbalance, Henny also teaches Dao Yin. “When we practice martial arts, we often put a lot of offense on our body. You push your body so far and do all kinds of crazy things. You don’t think about the future. [For example] what if I injure myself? Then there comes a moment where you start paying attention to the future things [your body's needs].” If you want superb kicking ability, you need to stretch just as you need to strengthen. If you are seeking fluidity of movement, you need to address the processes that happen to you internally—in other words, your mind-body connection. If there is confusion or hesitation in your think/feel/act process, your motion will be disjointed. That process has to be refined just as much as your muscles in order to be a higher level artist. Though we live in a digital age where people can easily view and pick up movement, methods often get lost. A great teacher imparts theory and methodology so that you can recreate success for many more generations. At the end of the day, isn’t that the ultimate goal of a martial arts lineage?

After a thrilling night at the Honda Center in Anaheim, UFC's Dana White shared exciting updates and reflections with the press. The evening was not just about the fights; it marked UFC 298 as the arena's most lucrative event and set a new record for MMA events in California, pulling in a whopping $7.26 million at the gate with 18,186 fans in attendance. Diving into the action, White couldn't hide his admiration for Ilia Topuria's stunning victory over featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski. The win sparked talks of the UFC making its debut in Spain, with White expressing keen interest if the right venue is found. The co-main event wasn't short of praise either, as former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker battled it out with Paulo Costa. White commended both fighters for their exceptional performance, noting Costa's fiery comeback since his fight with Rockhold. Looking ahead, White revealed the much-anticipated headliner for UFC 300: light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira versus Jamahal Hill. He also clarified that Conor McGregor was not considered for the main event this time around, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement in arranging fights. White also touched on the unique experience of Mark Zuckerberg walking out with Volkanovski, emphasizing the unforgettable moments the UFC offers to fans and participants alike. The focus then shifted back to Topuria's impressive win and future prospects, including a potential face-off with McGregor. However, White remained cautious about McGregor's return to the featherweight division, acknowledging the complexities that fame and financial obligations bring to scheduling fights. Wrapping up, White discussed McGregor's current engagements, including a movie project, and expressed hope for his return to the octagon within the year, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's next in the dynamic world of UFC.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is bringing the heat to Rio de Janeiro with UFC 301, officially slated for May 4. The prestigious event promises to electrify the city, showcasing a blend of seasoned warriors and rising stars in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. As fans eagerly anticipate the matchups, the buzz around the fights is palpable, with discussions and predictions flooding social media and forums. Main Card Spotlight: Middleweight Showdown Revealed on the main card is a middleweight clash that has fans on the edge of their seats. Paul Craig, known for his grappling prowess and submission skills, is set to face Caio Borralho, a fighter whose balanced skill set has made waves in the division. This matchup is more than just a fight; it's a stylistic chess match that has the potential to be an instant classic. Both fighters have been vocal about their preparations, with Craig aiming to prove his dominance on the ground and Borralho looking to showcase his striking and versatility. Preliminary Card: A Showcase of Global Talent The UFC 301 preliminary card is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a global assembly of fighters ready to make their mark. Lightweight Battle : Joaquim Silva vs. Drakkar Klose is a fight that promises fireworks. Both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and knockout power, making this matchup a potential fight-of-the-night contender. Flyweight Duels : The 125-pound division is set to showcase its depth with two intriguing matchups. Alessandro Costa takes on Kevin Borjas in a fight that pits Costa's technical prowess against Borjas's resilience and determination. Additionally, Dione Barbosa faces Ernesta Kareckaite in a matchup that highlights the division's rising female stars, both aiming to climb the rankings and make a statement. Featherweight Collision : Joanderson Brito vs. Jack Shore is a featherweight bout that has fans intrigued. Brito's explosive power and Shore's technical skill set the stage for a compelling clash of styles. This fight is a testament to the UFC's commitment to featuring the best talent from around the globe. UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro promises to be a memorable event, filled with action-packed fights and unforgettable moments. Fans will now have to just wait and watch as the card builds up.

In what promises to be a historic night for mixed martial arts, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has finally unveiled the main event for UFC 300, and fans are in for a treat. Dana White, the ever-energetic president of the UFC, took to social media to break the exciting news. On April 13, at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will defend his title against the formidable former champion Jamahal Hill. This announcement has sent waves of excitement through the MMA community. Pereira, known for his striking prowess and dynamite hands, will be looking to solidify his reign in the light heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Hill, a fighter renowned for his resilience and knockout power, is aiming to reclaim the throne and etch his name in the annals of UFC history once more. Both Pereira and Hill have taken unique paths to reach this pinnacle. Pereira, with his background in kickboxing, has transitioned into MMA with remarkable success, demonstrating that he's not just a striking specialist but a well-rounded fighter. On the other hand, Hill's journey back to title contention has been marked by thrilling victories and a determination to overcome any obstacle. Their contrasting styles and shared determination to win make this matchup a potential classic. As the fight night approaches, anticipation will only grow. The T-Mobile Arena is no stranger to hosting monumental events, but UFC 300, featuring Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill, might just raise the bar even higher. Get ready, fight fans. UFC 300 is shaping up to be a spectacular celebration of mixed martial arts, headlined by a clash of titans that will be remembered for years to come.

GLORY confirms that multiple-time GLORY heavyweight tournament winner  Benjamin Adegbuyi (35-7, 20 KO) will take the 8th and final spot in the GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix at the GelreDome on March 9 in Arnhem, the Netherlands. The winner of this eight-man one-night tournament must win three bouts consecutively to take home the Grand Prix trophy and a life-changing $500,000. ‘Mr. Gentleman’ is currently ranked 9th in the GLORY heavyweight division, has won an incredible three GLORY heavyweight tournaments in his career, and was the runner-up in the last GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix back in 2018. GLORY confirms Adegbuyi’s participation following the refusal of  Jamal Ben Saddik to enter the Grand Prix. GLORY looks forward to Ben Saddik’s return to the GLORY ring later this year. “Adegbuyi was already confirmed compete in the reserve fight at the Grand Prix” said Robbie Timmers, GLORY Head of Sports & Talent. “However, to be clear, we listened to the voice of our fans as they campaigned for Jamal to enter and we offered him a place on no uncertain terms. Ultimately, he made the decision to not take part, citing lack of preparation. Now Benny has an enormous chance to show his martial arts skills, courage, experience, and to shine in our Grand Prix format.” As a result, Cihad Kepenek (21-6, 15 KO) will rematch Michał Bławdziewicz (11-6-1, 5 KO) in the reserve bout for the Grand Prix. The Polish slugger was previously confirmed as a standby fighter. GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament Quarter-Final 1: Levi Rigters (15-1, 7 KO) vs. Uku Jürjendal (20-8, 16 KO) Quarter-Final 2: Tariq ‘Cookie’ Osaro (25-3-1, 13 KO) vs. Bahram Rajabzadeh (65-1, 58 KO) Quarter-Final 3: Nabil Khachab (25-18, 13 KO) vs. Benjamin Adegbuyi (35-7, 20 KO) Quarter Final 4: Rico Verhoeven (61-10, 20 KO) vs. Sofian Laïdouni (35-2-1, 17 KO) Semi-Final 1: Winner of QF1 vs. Winner of QF2 Semi-Final 2: Winner of QF3 vs. Winner of QF4 Heavyweight Grand Prix Final:Winner of SF 1 vs. Winner of SF 2 March 9 will also feature two GLORY title fights as  Donegi Abena (27-9, 7 KO) and Tarik Khbabez (49-10-1, 28 KO) meet to decide who is the undisputed king of the GLORY light heavyweight division and lightweight champion Tyjani Beztati (25-4, 9 KO) puts his title on the line against top German Enriko Kehl (52-15-2, 30 KO). Tickets are on sale right now and available from   GLORYKickboxing.com