After a lengthy hiatus, Liam Nolan returned in style in January with a commanding decision win over Ali Aliev. A month later, he returns to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium at ONE Fight Night 19  on Friday, February 16. The British talent will square off against Nauzet Trujillo in a lightweight Muay Thai scrap. After knocking off the ring rust, Nolan is confident he will deliver an even better showing in Bangkok. "It felt so good [to be back]. When I came into the third round, I finally felt like I could just throw and be myself," Nolan told ONE . "It took me to get to the third round to remember how good I can be here. When I first stepped in the ring, I was like, 'Oh, s***, I'm about to go and do it now. It's been a while.'" With the quick turnaround, Nolan views this as a continuation of his last outing. The man standing across the ring from him will be irrelevant as Nolan focuses on himself ahead of the Muay Thai barnburner. "I've dusted the cobwebs off, and I've got the fresh feeling in my mind. I'm going again straight away. The way I'm looking at this is that this is round four now. It's the same fight, just the next round, and I'm going to build on what I did in the last three rounds," the Brit recalled.  Nolan is in shape, prepared, and seeking to show the world he is ready to contend for the gold in 2024. The 26-year-old understands that another strong performance will build the equity he needs to reach the top of the mountain. "Like I said, this is all work, you know? Why not go and work? I've built up, I've got the rounds in, I want to be building up to that World Title, and this is it. This is another important bit of building to get to where I want to go, and that's to the top of the division," Nolan expressed. When assessing the dangers Trujillo brings into the ring with him, Nolan is less concerned with his technique. The Brit believes he holds a decided edge in that area but is more aware of his Spanish opponent's aggressive nature and heavy hands. "He's game. He's very game. He's not technically as good as Aliev who I just fought, but he wants to exchange. I like that about him, but with my stature and my abilities, I think that will be his downfall, man," the lightweight striker said. Confidence is radiating off of the 26-year-old striker, and that has him ready to put on a show. After returning and getting back into rhythm, Nolan plans to add a highlight-reel KO to the festivities at ONE Fight Night 19. "I think I'm gonna knock this guy out, man. At some point in the fight, I have to. The dust was shaken off last time. But I'm settling for nothing less than a finish here," Nolan predicted. ONE Fight Night 19  airs live on Friday, February 16, on Prime Video. The action gets underway at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST and is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.

In a stunning display of skill and perseverance, Jack Hermansson has officially broken into the middleweight top-10 rankings, following his impressive victory over Joe Pyfer. This significant achievement has not only elevated Hermansson's status within the division but has also seen Khamzat Chimaev slip to the No. 11 spot, marking a pivotal shift in the competitive landscape of the middleweight rankings. Hermansson's latest fight was nothing short of a spectacle, showcasing his formidable grappling skills and striking precision. Against a tough opponent like Pyfer, Hermansson managed to execute his game plan flawlessly, leading to a victory that has resonated deeply within the mixed martial arts (MMA) community. This win is a testament to Hermansson's hard work, dedication, and evolution as a fighter, proving he is a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. The implications of this shake-up in the rankings are far-reaching. Khamzat Chimaev, who previously held the No. 10 spot, is now looking at a tougher climb back into the top-10. Chimaev, known for his own impressive skill set and dominant performances, will undoubtedly be eager to reclaim his position and prove that he still belongs among the elite fighters in the division. For Hermansson, breaking into the top-10 is a significant milestone in his career. It opens up new opportunities for high-profile fights and moves him one step closer to a potential title shot. With the middleweight division being as competitive as ever, Hermansson's entry into the top-10 adds an exciting new dynamic to the mix, promising thrilling matchups and further reshuffling of the rankings as fighters jockey for position. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what's next for Hermansson. With his sights set on climbing even higher in the rankings, Hermansson is prepared to take on all challengers, aiming to solidify his place among the middleweight elite. As for Chimaev, the setback is a minor bump in the road in what promises to be an illustrious career. The MMA community can expect him to come back stronger, with his eyes firmly set on breaking back into the top-10 and beyond.

The best amateur female fighter of all time, Sabrina de Sousa has found her first rival in the professional ranks.  BRAVE CF’s female divisions are heating up as Monika Kucinic and Sabrina de Sousa have engaged in a war of words that was, curiously enough, started by WFC president Zlatko Mahic.  During a press conference to announce BRAVE CF’s events in Slovenia, which will take place in association with WFC, Mahic took the microphone from Mohammed Shahid, BRAVE CF president, whilst he was singing the praises of De Sousa, saying that ‘’Monika will knock her out in December’’. The Slovenian fighter, then went on to ask for the Sabrina fight when BRAVE CF returns to Bahrain in December, claiming she wanted it to make the biggest female fight in BRAVE CF history.  After that, Sabrina took offense to both words, claiming that she would love to face Kucinic as soon as possible, but Monika maintained they should meet in December, when BRAVE Combat Federation returns to Bahrain for its year-end extravaganza. Sabrina, widely known as the best amateur female fighter of all time, then taunted Kucinic, claiming she was tracking back from her call-out, and said she was ready to make the fight happen as soon as possible. De Sousa has made waves in the last few years as she climbed through the IMMAF ranks and became the best and most dominant female amateur fighter in the world, earning three world titles in the process, as well as several other accolades representing the Kingdom of Bahrain. Monika, meanwhile, made her BRAVE CF and pro debut back in BRAVE CF’s first trip to Slovenia, when she bested Jennifer Trioreau. She has put together another two wins in the meantime, and is confirmed for action when the most global MMA organization in the world returns to Ljubljana for BRAVE CF 81. And if Sabrina has her way, they will face off on April 20 – or else, the rivalry is set to take over women’s MMA in BRAVE CF for the year.

Benjamin Evans is a 6th degree black belt in Taekwon-Do. He considers his most important job teaching Taekwon-Do to those who are physically or intellectually disabled. "I started teaching the special needs students when I was 16 at Havelock North High School, I was based at for the last 3-4 years of my time at high school. It’s been my lifelong passion with my job and my work to see Taekwon-Do spread to more with disabilities. I’ve written a book which serves 2 tasks, to help instructors around the world learn how to teach those with disabilities and the students with disabilities can also benefit from this book which is interactive to help them practice." His other work is teaching Taekwon-Do in the community. "I like working with all walks of life, I have a lot of kids who have nothing in terms of what privileged kids would have access to who are from low socio economic backgrounds, I teach kids at schools, after school, I even take kids under my wing to mentor and teach them Taekwon-Do, many of them have had great opportunities to travel and compete on the world stage, some of them would have never been on a plane before even in our country, we have had kids do really well bringing back gold, silver and bronze too." Photos courtesy of Benjamin Evans and www.inclusivetaekwondo.org   What is Inclusive Taekwon-Do? Inclusive Taekwon-Do is a program that embraces diversity, ensuring individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate and excel in Taekwon-Do.  What was the inspiration to start this program? The inspiration to start this program stemmed from a commitment to providing accessible Taekwon-Do training for everyone, promoting inclusivity and empowerment. My work started, unknowingly at 16, seeing those with intellectual and physical disabilities learn Taekwon-Do at Havelock North High School, in Hawkes Bay. It wasn’t until 2008, my last year at school, I started to see the concept of Inclusive Taekwon-Do and to develop a safe program many around the world could adopt and become a part of. This is where my concept of working with the special education teachers and being the author of the book, Inclusive Taekwon-Do, came about, it’s been in a working progress since 2013 and has evolved, each edition by edition, the current has 13 parts which covers a wide range of understanding the various disabilities instructors might encounter to tactics and how to teach, an interactive part for those with disabilities, rules for competition and many more topics to think about. It is the world’s first book.  Tell us about the organization in New Zealand and in other countries? In New Zealand and other countries, organizations supporting Inclusive Taekwon-Do are dedicated to creating inclusive environments, fostering unity and understanding through martial arts. What are some of the challenges in teaching with various students with disabilities physically or intellectually disabled? Teaching with various disabilities presents challenges, but it also offers unique opportunities to adapt and tailor instruction, promoting individual growth and achievement. Is this work being done at other places? Yes, similar programs exist globally, reflecting a shared commitment to making martial arts accessible to individuals with disabilities. We would like to feel we are most active and want to best support all who want the opportunities in the future. Tell us about some success stories? Success stories abound, showcasing the positive impact of Inclusive Taekwon-Do on participants' physical and mental well-being, highlighting their achievements and personal growth. Is Tae Kwon Do the only martial arts form you teach in this program? While Taekwon-Do is a primary focus, the program may explore incorporating other groups supporting those with disabilities to broaden its inclusivity. How can we get more involved? To get more involved, consider reaching out to local Inclusive Taekwon-Do organizations, volunteering, or participating in awareness and fundraising events. What's the future look like for IITA? The future for IITA involves expanding its reach, creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to experience the benefits of martial arts training. What is your end goal or mission for IITA? The ultimate mission goal for IITA is to create a global community where Inclusive Taekwon-Do is widely embraced, breaking down barriers and promoting empowerment for all participants. To learn more about his organizations, visit: www.inclusivetaekwondo.org  and   www.nz-itf.org The organization, NZ ITF is with the International Taekwon-Do Federation in Vienna, Austria. President Prof. GM RI Yong Son.

Buckle up because UFC 298 is bringing us a showdown that's got everyone on the edge of their seats. We're diving into the high-stakes battle where Merab Dvalishvili, the man with an iron will and a heart of a lion, takes on the legendary Henry Cejudo. Dvalishvili has been turning heads with his unstoppable energy and wrestling mastery, climbing his way up to face one of the toughest challenges of his career. With the MMA world watching, this fight is more than just a contest; it's Merab Dvalishvili's chance to etch his name among the legends. Get ready for a clash that promises non-stop action and the potential making of a new hero in the Octagon. Let's meet the Fighters. First up, let's talk about Merab Dvalishvili, a name that's been on everyone's lips. Known for his relentless pace and wrestling prowess, Dvalishvili has been climbing the ranks with an impressive win streak. His ability to control the fight and tire out his opponents with constant pressure is something to behold. But what really sets him apart is his heart and determination; the guy just doesn't know how to quit. On the other side, we have Henry Cejudo, a legend in the sport. Cejudo is a former Olympic gold medalist and a two-division UFC champion. His resume speaks for itself. With victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, Cejudo has proven time and again that he's among the elite. His striking, wrestling, and strategic mind make him a formidable opponent for anyone. So, how do these two stack up against each other? Well, it's the classic striker vs. wrestler scenario, but with a twist. Both fighters are incredibly well-rounded. Dvalishvili's wrestling is top-notch, but so is Cejudo's. And while Cejudo might have the edge in striking, Dvalishvili's pressure and volume can overwhelm even the best stand-up fighters. One of the key factors to watch will be Dvalishvili's cardio. His ability to maintain a high pace for five rounds could be crucial, especially against someone as experienced and savvy as Cejudo. However, Cejudo's strategic approach and adaptability shouldn't be underestimated. He's been in big fights before and knows how to find a way to win. Predicting the outcome of this fight is like trying to guess the winner of a superhero battle. Both fighters have their strengths and have proven themselves against top competition. Dvalishvili's relentless aggression and stamina might just tip the scales in his favor, but Cejudo's experience and tactical brilliance make him a threat at all times. In the end, it might come down to who can impose their game plan more effectively. If Dvalishvili can keep the pressure on and avoid getting caught by Cejudo's strikes, he could grind out a victory. But if Cejudo can use his wrestling defensively and find openings for his strikes, he could very well add another win to his legendary career.

PFL and Bellator Champions Series live events and on-demand video content available year-round in LATAM including: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Uruguay and the Caribbean Argentina’s Laureano “Pepi” Staropoli featured in PFL’s 2024 Global Regular Season in the Welterweight division The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced an expanded multi-year partnership with Torneos, a leading company in generating sports related content. Under the deal, DIRECTV will continue to serve as the exclusive PFL media partner in Latin America. The agreement features exclusive programming including the 2024 PFL Global Regular Season, Bellator Champions Series, PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and all PFL and Bellator archival content on the ‘DSPORTS FIGHT’ channel in Latin America (615/1615 HD of DIRECTV´s programming grid and DGO, the streaming platform), excluding Brazil and Mexico. “The Professional Fighters League is proud to expand our partnership with Torneos and DIRECTV, our exclusive media partner in Latin America,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “As the PFL continues to grow globally, DSPORTS FIGHT will serve as the dedicated channel for PFL and Bellator content in the region.” “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with PFL and continue bringing to Latin America first-class fighting events and content,” added Santiago Sluzewski Monti, Regional Rights and Commercial Director of Torneos. Furthermore, Hernán Bidegain, director of Original Content and Programming at DSPORTS, commented: “The variety of content is one of the main characteristics that differentiates our exclusive sports signal. This strategic alliance allows us to further expand our combat sports offering, that is having more followers in the region.” Notably, Argentina’s own, Laureano “Pepi'' Staropoli, will compete in the PFL 2024 Global Season as a Welterweight. Pepi was victorious in his PFL debut, a showcase bout at PFL Paris in September 2023.

Following a three-round war with Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, Eddie Abasolo knows he can compete with the elite of ONE Championship's featherweight Muay Thai division. At ONE Fight Night 19 , he is ready to try his hand at knocking off 5-ranked Luke Lessei. When he makes his walk to the ring on Friday, February 16, Abasolo won't be thinking of his last match. The Californian will be looking to showcase his skills against a fellow American. "I feel like going into this fight, it's just another fight. You know, it's not a rebound off of our last fight for me personally. I can only speak for myself. I can't speak for him, but I feel like this fight is different," Abasolo told ONE. "Because we're both two dudes from the U.S. who do what we do very well. We just so happen to be in the same weight class, so it's just a matter of seeing who's the smoothest." Lessei will not be catching Abasolo by surprise. "Silky Smooth" has been watching the Iowan compete for several years and knows what talents he brings to the table. And with it being an All-American matchup, he feels like the sport will continue to grow after they see what kind of performance both men will put forth in Bangkok. "Years ago, after watching Luke and a couple of his fights, I knew I was going to fight him sometime down the road. You know what I mean? And it's here, so I'm just excited about that. It's definitely a fight that not just the U.S., but the world, is going to remember," Abasaolo stated. Abasolo is gunning for the victory, but he is not stepping foot inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium with any expectations. After past experiences gave him unexpected results, he will react to what Lessei brings when the bell rings. "Man, I can't even call it. I can't call it. Because realistically, my last two fights, especially for ONE, I've expected certain things, and the rhythm wasn't what I expected as far as pace goes. I didn't expect my last fight to be a banger like it was with Sitthichai, but that's what it turned into," the American admitted. "Basically, anywhere that it goes, I'll be ready to go there. Regardless if it's fast-paced. Regardless if it's slow-paced. If we really go for it, I'm going to be game." Abasolo was adamant that if he picked up the win, he would seek a ranked opponent in the top three. He believes his name is already floating around the division's top five, and knocking off #5-ranked Lessei will supplant him in the official ONE athlete rankings. While taking it one bout at a time, Abasolo knows this match has major implications in his search for ONE gold. "So, I feel like I'm floating up there, but my name just isn't on paper, you know? So, for me, I'm floating up there with the top five, if not top three. I feel like, regardless of whether my name is on paper or not, I'm gonna be put up there, and I'm gonna be put up against the best," the featherweight said. ONE Fight Night 19  airs live on Friday, February 16, on Prime Video. The action gets underway at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST and is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.

The digital revolution has touched nearly every aspect of our lives, including the way martial arts are taught and learned. Kendo, the Japanese art of the sword, stands as a bastion of tradition amidst the rapid changes brought by the internet. While the essence of Kendo has remained steadfast through the centuries, the 21st century presents new challenges and opportunities for this ancient practice. Hiro Imafuji, a 6th Dan Kendo practitioner with a lifetime of experience, embodies the bridge between Kendo's venerable traditions and the modern world. Having started Kendo at age 7 and honed his skills at the esteemed Shubukan dojo in Japan, Imafuji's move to the United States marked the beginning of his journey in adapting Kendo teaching for the digital era. Imafuji's pioneering effort, the Cyber Dojo, was launched in 2005 as a platform for Kendo instruction, predating the widespread acceptance of online martial arts learning. This initiative has evolved into the comprehensive Kendo Guide site, offering a wealth of resources for enthusiasts worldwide. Imafuji's work highlights the balance between maintaining the integrity of Kendo and embracing the potential of online learning, especially in the face of the pandemic's push towards digital platforms. However, Imafuji is quick to note the limitations of online learning, emphasizing that video instruction cannot replace the nuanced guidance of in-person training, especially for achieving milestones like the Shodan rank. He stresses the importance of understanding the philosophy and mental discipline integral to Kendo, beyond merely replicating movements. Kendo's philosophical core is illustrated through the concept of the "4 Sicknesses": Surprise, Doubt, Fear, and Hesitation. These mental barriers are not only relevant within the context of Kendo but also offer profound insights for personal development and overcoming life's challenges. Imafuji's teachings extend beyond the physical aspects of Kendo, focusing on the mental and spiritual growth that the discipline fosters. Imafuji's commitment to teaching Kendo underscores the art's applicability to modern life and its enduring relevance. He advocates for a holistic approach to Kendo, where the focus is on the journey towards mastery rather than merely scoring points in competition. This perspective reflects the deep philosophical roots of Kendo, drawing from its historical context of life-or-death combat and emphasizing the importance of the right mindset and process over the outcome. In the face of technological advancements and changing learning paradigms, Imafuji remains dedicated to passing on the authentic essence of Kendo as he learned it. His efforts to adapt and teach Kendo in the modern world serve as a testament to the art's timeless values and its capacity to enrich lives beyond the dojo.

Most famous individuals have an inner circle of friends and trusted advisers who are standing by in the shadows and are willing to provide counsel, direction and opinions, and to share their influence. One of the reasons martial artist and actor Bruce Lee became as well-known and successful as he did is because he developed an inner circle of friends who provided him with counsel and direction, and helped him accomplish his goals. One of the most influential members of this group was James Yimm Lee, who had a great impact on Bruce Lee's personal and professional life. James Yimm Lee was already an established and respected instructor of kung fu and iron palm in the Oakland, California, area when he met Bruce Lee, who is not related to him. Bruce Lee was a young college student at the time, and James Yimm Lee was very impressed with Bruce Lee's kung fu skills and teaching methods. Although he was 20 years older than Bruce Lee, the open-minded James Yimm Lee decided to train with him and absorb what this talented young practitioner had to offer. Their liaison resulted in a lifelong friendship. In addition to his expert kung fu skills, James Yimm Lee was also an accomplished weightlifter and helped get Bruce Lee started in a weight-training program, which subsequently resulted in his sculptured physique. James Yimm Lee worked as a welder in the local shipyards, and he used this skill in designing and constructing many unique training devices he and Bruce Lee used in their workouts. James Yimm Lee had a close relationship with a number of noted martial artists in the area, including jujitsu master Wally Jay, Shaolin kempo instructor Ralph Castro and American kenpo founder Ed Parker. James Yimm Lee introduced Bruce Lee to these individuals, and it was through Ed Parker's Hollywood connections that Bruce Lee received a screen test, which eventually got him the role of "Kato" in The Green Hornet televlsion elevision series. When Bruce Lee married Linda Emery in 1964, the couple moved in with James Yimm Lee and his family and lived at the Oakland residence for the next two to three years. Bruce Lee and James Yimm Lee soon opened a kung fu school, but eventually classes were relocated to James Yimm Lee's garage. lt was during this period that the birth of Bruce Lee's jeet kune do method of combat took place. Gary Dill was one of James Yimm Lee's top students, and he currently teaches jeet kune do in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Gary Dill founded the Jeet Kune Do Association for the purpose of presenting and promoting the pre-1973 brand of jeet kune do, as it was developed by Bruce Lee and taught by James Yimm Lee. As an avid martial artist, Gary Dill had become familiar with Bruce Lee through reading martial arts publications and watching The Green Hornet series. As he learned more about Bruce Lee's combat method, Gary Dill's interest in jeet kune do grew. "I knew that I had found the answer for me in the martial arts and that I had to eventually learn this new system of combat," Gary Dill says. Gary Dill realized, however, that his chances of learning jeet kune do were remote. He was doing a tour of military duty in Vietnam, and Bruce Lee was a television star in California. As fate would have it, Gary Dill was transferred to Oakland after his stint in Vietnam, and he heard about the Oakland jeet kune do school the Lees were operating. Gary Dill was able to obtain James Yimm Lee's mailing address, and he wrote the instructor a letter requesting a meeting for the purpose of training with him. A meeting time was arranged, and Gary Dill called on James Yimm Lee one Sunday afternoon. James Yimm Lee "interrogated" him for more than two hours, trying to get an idea of Gary Dill's character and commitment to training. After the "inquisition" was over, James Yimm Lee invited Gary Dill downstairs to his garage "studio.” This was the room where jeet kune do was born and developed. “I was in awe,” Gary Dill recalls. On the wall adjacent to the garage door was an adjustable hanging bag, and custom, handmade training devices were positioned about the area — a hydraulic kicking machine, a one-armed training dummy, and much more. On the back wall was a traditional wing chun mook jong (wooden dummy). All the equipment appeared to be well-worn from extensive use. James Yimm Lee demonstrated how some of the equipment worked, and Gary Dill took that as a sign that James Yimm Lee was considering accepting him as a student. Later, back in the living room, James Yimm Lee told Gary Dill he would accept him as a student. Then he shook his forefinger at Gary Dill and said, "If you screw up one time, you're out!" Gary Dill was on permanent probation. “I didn't care if he put me on double life probation,” Gary Dill recalls. "I was accepted, and I was going to learn jeet kune do.” On his first day of training in James Yimm Lee's garage, Gary Dill joined four other students who were all karate instructors from a nearby city. They had been training with James Yimm Lee for a month or so. James Yimm Lee showed the five students several techniques, then sat back and watched the students' moves like an eagle. Nothing escaped his expert eyes; he was a thorough and detailed instructor. Gary Dill had practiced martial arts for years, but he had never experienced any combat training as effective as jeet kune do. James Yimm Lee taught Gary Dill more efficient ways to execute kicks, how to develop speed and power in his hand strikes, how to trap an opponent's hands, and a number of striking combinations. "Training a month with James Lee was like training a year in a traditional school, the instruction was so intense, so accelerated," Gary Dill says. "Everything was geared for actual combat — no forms, no sport, no rituals.” But after one month of teaching Gary Dill, James Yimm Lee announced he was terminating all instruction because he was ill. The four karate instructors said goodbye to James Yimm Lee, who pulled Gary Dill aside and said he wanted to talk to him before he left. James Yimm Lee waved to the four karate stylists as they were driving off, then said to Gary Dill, "Those sons of bitches! lf Bruce was here, he would kill 'em," explaining that he found out that the four were teaching jeet kune do in their karate school without permission and were telling their students that they were jeet kune do instructors. James Yimm Lee proceeded to tell Gary Dill that he had been checking out all the students’ attitudes and sincerity over the past month and that Gary Dill was the only one of the five he wanted to keep as a student. Gary Dill continued to train with James Yimm Lee until he was discharged from the military some time later. James Yimm Lee was a patient and cordial person, but he did not tolerate disloyalty or lack of dedication from his students. For example, before class one night, one of James Yimm Lee's students was telling the others about how he had trained recently with some Chinese "master" at a city park. James Yimm Lee overheard the conversation but said nothing. The student brought the subject of the "park master" up again during class, and James Yimm Lee asked him, “Have you ever seen this guy at the park do any techniques fast?” The student said, “No." And James Yimm Lee calmly added, “Yeah, and you won’t either.” Class continued on, and a few minutes later, the same student started bragging again about the so-called "master" in the park. A perturbed James Yimm Lee stopped the class and said, “I know that guy, and he is no master." When class was over, the bigmouth was at it again, bragging about the “master.” James Yimm Lee walked right up to his face and said, "You think that guy at the park is so good, you can train with him from now on because you will never train here again with me." Nobody wore any kind of formal uniforms to James Yimm Lee's jeet kune do classes. In fact, James Yimm Lee usually wore a white dress shirt, pleated slacks and wingtip shoes while teaching. Some students wore T-shirts, sweatpants and casual shoes. Others wore jeans, flannel shins and boots. There was no dress code. James Yimm Lee told the students that it is not what they wore but how well they performed their jeet kune do techniques that mattered. James Yimm Lee died in December 1972 from lung cancer caused by welding fumes. While he was alive, he played an integral role in Bruce Lee's life, as well as in the early development and teaching of Bruce's jeet kune do. He became one of Bruce Lee's closest friends, his mentor and his training partner. And he was one of only three students Bruce Lee certified as instructors in his system. It is a legacy he would be proud of.

There’s no denying that Jim Arvanitis is a skilled martial artist. He moves like a 30-year-old both on his feet and on the ground, where he flows from technique to technique with an ease you seldom see outside a high-end grappling school. And there’s no denying that he’s a martial arts historian par excellence. One look at his most recent book, The First Mixed Martial Art: Pankration From Myths to Modern Times, reveals that he’s intimately familiar not only with pankration, the fighting system of his Greek ancestors, but also with the rise of the martial arts in the West. But neither of those is the reason I admire him. What struck me the first time we met was his honesty. It’s starkly illustrated in the following passage, which was lifted from a yet-to-be-published article he wrote: “In 393, pankration, along with gladiatorial combat and all pagan festivals, were abolished by an edict from the Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I. In terms of an Olympic sport, pankration had been practiced for some 1,000 years. While there’s proof that wrestling persisted in Hellenic society after the conclusion of the Olympic Games, little evidence supports that either boxing or pankration continued. It’s safe to assume that pankration vanished for the next two millennia.”Nick Hines, Jim Arvanitis’ senior student, penned a paragraph that continued the story—and reflected his teacher’s truthful approach to the history of his art: “Although it’s been claimed that various clans in Greece attempted to assemble what remained into a martial art, not until the 20th century was it regenerated into a tangible form and introduced to the martial arts world. Jim Arvanitis … spent years researching the history, modifying the training methodology and codifying pankration into a contemporary form of hybrid fighting.”Such honesty is rare. In most parts of the world where martial arts developed, you can find masters who claim to teach ancient fighting arts that exhibit techniques that are identical to those of other arts, yet they deny there was any cross-pollination. And here we have Jim Arvanitis, openly admitting that many of the specifics about pankration’s techniques were lost in time and that he had to patch those holes.“With my continuing research, I noticed ‘voids,’ or areas that necessitated modification,” Jim Arvanitis said. “That’s where the inclusion of modern resources came in. I never intended my revival effort and personal interpretation of the ancient form to be an exact replication. Having been defunct for some 2,000 years, how could it be? Why should it be?”Which sources did he rely on to fill those voids? Boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling, as well as muay Thai and judo, especially its ne waza (grappling techniques), he says. “I also studied tactical knife fighting with some skillful Greeks and Massad Ayoob for the battlefield component, and Massad Ayoob and I have worked extensively on handgun disarms since 1974.”Such is the martial art that Jim Arvanitis teaches—through classes and seminars, as well as via video and the printed word. Throughout the years, his message has been essentially the same: The ancient Greeks had their own style of combat, and if you try it, you’ll find that it’s every bit as comprehensive and effective as anything in Asia. He says his goal is to bring credit to his ancestors for their contributions to the martial arts, and he’s doing a fine job of it.The staff of Black Belt is pleased to induct him into its Hall of Fame as 2009 Instructor of the Year.

Martial arts embody the quest for balance, encompassing both the internal journey and community integration. Historical precedents showcase solitary training as crucial for enhancing martial arts skills, offering a path to heightened awareness, self-confidence, and self-discovery. Bruce Lee's regimen underscores the significance of self-reliance before partnering. His routine began with solitary runs, fostering a meditative state, body awakening, and mental clarity. His strength training, mostly conducted alone, prepared him mentally and physically for his martial arts practice under the tutelage of Ip Man. The tradition of training in solitude, supported by a community, is a longstanding practice, tracing back to hunter-gatherer societies. This individual training was essential for contributing effectively to the collective. In martial arts, many exercises, including forms, weapons, techniques, and mindfulness practices, are designed for solo practice, emphasising the importance of being one's own partner. This self-partnership allows practitioners to explore movements and sensations like joint locks and pressure points through acute mindful awareness and proprioception - the body's sense of movement, action, and location. Practitioners can cultivate chi energy, enhancing the body and mind's sensitivity to movements and internal forces. Imagining the sensation of executing techniques without a physical partner leverages the body's innate proprioceptive capabilities, turning oneself into the ideal training partner. Key strategies for solo martial arts training include: Starting in a standing position to connect with one's chi energy through focused breathing and awareness, expanding the sense of presence. Using a mirror (or imagination) to observe and practice forms, techniques, and exercises, engaging proprioception and self-awareness. Leveraging technology, such as Zoom, for virtual classes and partner exercises, adapting to the constraints of remote training while maintaining effectiveness. Embracing the journey of self-discovery and enjoyment in solitary practice, recognizing the value of self-reliance and introspection in martial arts mastery. Solo martial arts training is not just about physical prowess; it's a deeply personal journey towards understanding and harnessing one's inner strength and potential.

First-ever PFL PPV Super Fight event to feature PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to host the first mega MMA event of the year The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Riyadh Season have announced tickets for the first-ever mega MMA event of the year,   PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions  that will be held on 24 February are available now.  PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions tickets  can be booked through the  WeBook.com  website. The  PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions  weigh-ins will take place at The Kingdom Arena on the 23 February at 6 pm KSA time. Emanating live from Saudi Arabia, an emerging hotspot for global sporting events,  PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions  is an unprecedented fight card that will feature World Champions and the biggest names in combat sports going head to head in the PFL SmartCage. The event will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Headlining the card will be a battle between Heavyweight titleholders, as PFL Heavyweight Champion,  Renan Ferreira  meets Bellator Heavyweight Champion,  Ryan Bader . PFL Light Heavyweight Champion,  Impa Kasanganay,  who will fight at 185-pounds takes on Bellator Middleweight Champion,  Johnny Eblen . Two-time PFL Champion  Ray Cooper III  faces Bellator Welterweight Champion,  Jason Jackson , and in the featherweight action, PFL Champion  Jesus Pinedo  meets Bellator Champion  Patricio Pitbull . The card will also feature the first-ever female MMA fight in Riyadh in which two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and women’s boxing champion  Claressa Shields  takes on  Kelsey DeSantis  in a Women’s Lightweight bout.  PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions  will also see Muhammad Ali’s grandson,  Biaggio Ali Walsh , make his professional MMA debut. Other notable fighters on the card are Saudi Arabia's own  Abdullah Al-Qahtani ,  Thiago Santos, Yoel Romero, Clay Collard ,  AJ McKee, Aaron Pico , and many more. The inaugural PFL PPV Super Fight event will be available on ESPN+ PPV and DAZN beginning at 3 pm ET. In addition, three major showcase bouts will take place during the preliminary card airing in the U.S. on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 12 pm ET. PFL is the only organization in MMA with a sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners. Riyadh Season attracts people from all over the world to experience a wide range of international martial arts and boxing events. It also offers various entertainment options and international experiences. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy thousands of concerts, exhibitions, and other events in Riyadh. This unique entertainment includes participation from celebrities and well-known brands.