Mohsen Mohammedseifi has had an incredible beginning to 2024. Following his historic run to a hat-trick of fan-voted end-of-year  BRAVE CF  awards, the Lightweight fighter earned another accolade, this time outside of the rings and cages, and into the organisational side of the sport. Mohsen has been appointed as the new head of the Wushu Board in the city of Zanjan, in Iran, where he hails from.  Outside of his BRAVE CF accolades throughout the past year, Mohsen is widely regarded as one of the best Wushu Sanda practitioners of all time, as the ‘’Golden Boy’’ holds an incredible five gold medals in Wushu Sanda World Championships, as well as three Asian Games gold medals, and one silver medal, and three World Cup titles all to his name.  This pedigree has allowed him to take a leadership role within the Iranian team as he has been named Captain recently, and is now allowing Mohsen to become an even more influential figure as he looks to further the sport he loves in his home country. “I am very happy that I became the head of Wushu in my province. I hope I can be successful in this way and be fruitful for the sport of wushu and the sport of my province Zanjan. Wushu is very important to me and I will do my best to make good things happen for Zanjan Wushu”, said the Iranian BRAVE CF superstar. Mohsen is coming off an unforgettable 2023, when he won two huge fights under the BRAVE CF banner and walked away with KO of The Year, Fight of The Year and Breakout Fighter of The Year accolades at the Fan-voted BRAVE CF End of Year Awards. With a four-fight win streak, Mohammedseifi is setting himself up for a huge 2024, that could very well include a world title fight in mixed martial arts.

UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Pyfer was a spectacular mix of unanimous decisions, knockout punches, and masterful submissions. Let's dive into each fight and relive the excitement! Main Event: Middleweight Showdown In our main event, Jack Hermansson faced off against Joe Pyfer in a middleweight battle. After a hard-fought contest, Hermansson emerged victorious through a unanimous decision. The fight showcased Hermansson's experience and strategic prowess, as he outmaneuvered Pyfer, keeping fight fans on the edge of their seats till the last bell. Co-Main Event: Featherweight Fireworks Dan Ige and Andre Fili turned up the heat in the co-main event. Ige delivered a stunning performance, securing a victory over Fili with a check right hook followed by ground strikes, all within the first round at 2:43. This knockout was a testament to Ige's explosive power and precision. Main Card Highlights Middleweight Mastery:  Ihor Potieria squared off against Robert Bryczek, with Potieria claiming a win through unanimous decision. It was a technical battle, with both fighters showcasing their skills. Knockout Kings:  Gregory Rodrigues delivered a breathtaking KO/TKO win over Brad Tavares, thanks to a flurry of punches just 55 seconds into the third round. This fight was a rollercoaster of action! Lightweight Tussle:  Michael Johnson and Darrius Flowers went the distance, with Johnson earning a unanimous decision win. It was a strategic and calculated fight from start to finish. Submission Specialist:  Rodolfo Vieira proved his grappling superiority by defeating Armen Petrosyan with an arm triangle choke in the first round. A classic submission that had grappling fans nodding in approval. Preliminary Card Standouts Welterweight Warriors:  Carlos Prates stunned Trevin Giles with a KO/TKO victory, landing a straight left that ended the fight in the second round. A powerful display of precision striking! Lightweight Duel:  Bolaji Oki and Timothy Cuamba battled it out, with Oki taking home a split decision victory in a closely contested fight. Strawweight Scrap:  Loma Lookboonmee triumphed over Bruna Brasil via unanimous decision, showcasing her striking and control throughout the fight. Light Heavyweight Clash:  Marcin Prachnio got the better of Devin Clark, winning by unanimous decision in a tactical bout. Welterweight Action:  Max Griffin edged out Jeremiah Wells in a fight that went to a split decision, highlighting the competitive nature of the welterweight division. Light Heavyweight Knockout:  Bogdan Guskov delivered a stunning KO/TKO win over Zac Pauga with a combination of punches in the first round. Featherweight Finish:  Hyder Amil secured a standing TKO victory over Fernie Garcia, proving his striking prowess. Bantamweight No Contest:  Daniel Marcos vs. Aoriqileng ended in a no contest, leaving fans wondering what could have been in this highly anticipated match-up. UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Pyfer was a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of MMA. From knockout punches to technical submissions, this event had it all. As we look forward to the next UFC event, we're reminded of the passion, determination, and skill these athletes bring into the octagon. Fight fans, here's to more nights filled with the sheer thrill of MMA!

Considered the GOAT of women's sport karate, Linda Denley is an American karate champion who was born in Houston, Texas. She was rated number one in Sport Karate from 1973 to 1996. Her influence inspired a generation of women to compete in martial arts.  She was still in high school when she qualified for the Olympics in five track and field events, but because of her professional winnings on the karate circuit, she was ineligible to compete in the Olympics. She graced the covers of numerous martial arts magazines and was featured in local newspaper articles and TV programs. She worked with Jackie Chan in Armour of God and with Chuck Norris in Sidekicks . Black Belt Magazine's Tony Parrish interviews this icon in The Master's Way.

To San 도산 Hyung 형 By Eric San Jose   To San Hyung is a Beginner Form with great basic movement that has direct self defense applications.  Such as the outer forearm block into a reverse punch.   I personally like the introduction of the spear hand strike which is applied in trapping.   Using the angles of the cage I can focus on the double blocks towards the end of the form which simulate defensive moves against choking maneuvers.  One of my favorite’s due to it being direct, clean, and simple.   Eric San José is an 8th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do under Grandmaster Tae Sun Kang of Brooklyn, NY.  Specializing in the Chung Do Kwan/Oh Do Kwan Style more commonly known as the Int'l Tae Kwon Do Federation  (ITF) style of Tae  Kwon Do 2nd Degree Black Belt in Shoto Kan Karate Do. Trained in the traditional Japan Karate Association (JKA) version, Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Western Kick Boxing and USA Boxing Kali, Escrima, and Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do (JKD) Concepts under Tom Barrell. To connect with Eric San José visit: https://www.ericsanjosemartialarts.com/

ONE Championship has seen ONE Friday Fights become one of the best martial arts event series in the world, with non-stop excitement and a treasure trove of finishes. While ONE Friday Fights 51  had a few finishes, this event in particular tested the mettle of its athletes. Only four of the 12 bouts were finished before the final bell, and three of those were not decided until the final frame. Lumpinee Boxing Stadium got its money’s worth as the night was filled with wild back-and-forth battles that came down to the wire. In the main event, Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon bested Soner Sen by unanimous decision. The Thai athlete used his rangy strikes and quick counters to stay ahead on the scorecards. The workmanlike performance put him back in the win column. George Jarvis, Punmongkol Sor Mongkolkarnchang, and Mohammed Boutasaa were all in nail-biting battles that were won by split decisions. It was a testament to how difficult the action proved to be on February 9. Avatar PK Saenchai scored one of the night’s only knockouts against Antar Kacem. In the third round, Avatar was aggressive and forced Kacem against the ropes, where he delivered a fight-ending knee to the body. Both MMA bouts resulted in finishes. One bout was finished by ground and pound TKO, with Kazakbai Tilenov beating Ivan Parshikob, and the other was ended when Adilet Alimbek Uulu choked out Cho Gyu Jun with a rear-naked choke. ONE Friday Fights 51 gave fans a full night of martial arts action, and it can be re-lived on-demand via ONE’s official YouTube channel . ONE Friday Fights 51 Full Results Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon def. Soner Sen by unanimous decision George Jarvis def. Mustafa Al Tekreeti by split decision Wanpadej Looksuan def. Petphadan Jitmuangnon by KO at 2:59 of the third round Peyman Zolfaghari def. Petnamkhong Mongkolpet by unanimous decision Punmongkol Sor Mongkolkarnchang def. Jomjai Naksugym by split decision Junior Fairtex def. Angela Chang by unanimous decision Avatar PK Saenchai def. Antar Kacem by KO at 1:48 of the third round Mohammed Boutasaa def. Dmitry Changelia by split decision Kazakbai Tilenov def. Ivan Parshikov by TKO at 2:07 of the third round Adilet Alimnbek Uulu def. Cho Gyu Jun via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:55 of the second round Temirlan Bekmurzaev def. Masahito Okuyama by unanimous decision Tomoki Sato def. Chusuan Chumaroonfarm by unanimous decision

The MMA organization will host an event in Mauritius, making it the 31st nation to host a BRAVE CF event BRAVE CF is set to continue its expansion worldwide by adding new dates to its extensive 2024 calendar. The most global MMA organization in the world has published its initial international schedule for 2024, adding dates from the previously announced European Tour, which included debut events in Netherlands and Croatia. More events will be added in due time.  The added shows include most notably the fastest-growing MMA promotion’s much-anticipated return to Africa. BRAVE CF remains the only global organization to host an event in the continent and will add to that legacy by hosting a show in Mauritius for the first time.  Mauritius joins Morocco and South Africa as BRAVE CF’s African homes, as BRAVE CF Mauritius takes place on May 11 – that means that Mauritius will become the 31st country to host BRAVE CF, as the organization breaks its own world record, currently at 30 nations visited. BRAVE Combat Federation will also showcase why it has become the face of MENA MMA when it returns to the United Arab Emirates for an event in Dubai, set for a later date in November, and returns to its home in the Kingdom of Bahrain for a December show. These announcements come on the heels of BRAVE CF announcing its Europe Tour, with events taking place in five different nations, including debuts in Croatia and the Netherlands, and returns to France, Germany, and Slovenia.  That means that, throughout 2024, BRAVE CF will reach 33 countries hosted, increasing its own world record of 30 nations who have hosted at least one BRAVE CF show – a feat that has not been achieved by any other organization in mixed martial arts. BRAVE Combat Federation will continue to add new dates for the upcoming year as fans can look forward to a true world tour of the best talent in the sport today, as the biggest combat sports development program kicks into gear for 2024, following years past when it has revealed the likes of Ilia Topuria, Khamzat Chimaev, Benoit St. Denis, and Ikram Aliskerov to the world.  The top superstars on the BRAVE CF roster will all see action throughout the year, with Ramazan Gitinov, Sabrina de Sousa, Mohsen Mohammedseifi, Abdisalam Kubanychbek, Rasul Magomedov, Kamal Magomedov, and many others slated for action in the next months.

by Don Warrener Photos by Rick Hustead Ever since 1945, Okinawa, a tiny island in the Pacific, has been familiar to Westerners, especially those who are into the martial arts. Ravaged for centuries by the Japanese, it was the site of the infamous Battle of Okinawa near the end of World War II. The United States government estimated the death toll at 35,000 American soldiers, 90,401 Japanese soldiers and 62,489 civilians. But this article is not supposed to be a history lesson—at least, not one that reaches back quite that far. Rather, it’s intended to offer a glimpse inside Okinawan goju-ryu karate, one of the arts that has thrust the island into the limelight in recent years. To get a true picture of the way things used to be and how that determined the way things are, there’s no better source than the man who’s in the cross hairs of much of the controversy: Teruo Chinen. Chinen initiated his martial education under one of the two giants of Okinawan karate, Chojun Miyagi. (The other giant, of course, was Gichin Funakoshi.) Chinen started training in 1950 when his uncle decided he needed a dose of discipline after he brought home a disappointing report card from school. He often speaks of his run-ins with Miyagi, who had him yanking weeds from the bottom of the makiwara posts in the Garden Dojo during one of his first lessons. But Chinen claims he didn’t really learn his karate from Miyagi. Instead, he picked it up from the police officer who was in charge of cleaning up the dojo after a hurricane struck the island—none other than Eiichi Miyazato, the man who inherited the seeds of goju-ryu. —D.W. Black Belt: Please tell us of your memories of Eiichi Miyazato.  Teruo Chinen: Miyazato Sensei was one of the most impressive people I ever met. He was wonderful, kind, talented, knowledgeable and the one to whom I credit my learning. BB: What were those early days like? Chinen:   When we moved to the Jundokan in Okinawa, where the dojo now stands, it was I who moved the makiwara (punching posts), the chi ishi (strength stones) and the kongo ken (iron rings) from Miyagi Sensei’s Garden Dojo. Along with my friends, we carried them on our shoulders. It was nothing at the time to us, but now when I look back, it was a very significant thing we did. This is why I call them the seeds of goju, as it is these training devices that have helped so many develop their talents in goju. This was a real honor. Demo 1: The opponent bear-hugs Teruo Chinen from behind (1). The goju-ryu master repositions his right leg between the assailant’s legs and bends forward (2), then grabs his pant legs and lifts (3-4). The opponent is slammed to the floor (5). BB: Do you consider Miyagi’s uniform and belt to be the symbols that signify who the inheritor of goju is? Chinen: I guess that depends on whom you talk to, but for me, it is the seeds that are the important items, not the flower which is Miyagi Sensei’s gi. This is only the flower, and in time this will be gone, but the seeds will fertilize and grow more seeds. This is why I feel the seeds are the important part of goju. Personally, I believe that the uniform, which was given [to his student, Meitoku Yagi] by his family years after the master’s death, should be put in the Okinawa Museum and not in someone’s dojo for only a few to look at. BB: Why do you have kumite (sparring) in your Okinawan goju while none of the schools on the island, including the famous Jundokan, teaches it? Chinen: When I moved to Tokyo and became an assistant instructor at the Yoyogi Dojo, my sempai, Morio Higaonna, decided that after watching kumite contests, we needed to learn this aspect of goju. We needed to incorporate it into our goju if we were to be complete. So that is exactly what we did, but we did not change or let up our training in kata. We just trained harder. BB: What was the effect of incorporating kumite into your training? Chinen: I think it is one of the best things the Japanese have given to our Okinawan art of goju and something we should be very grateful for. The Goju Kai tournaments we saw really impressed us with the kumite, and there were several foreigners there at that time as well. Peter Urban had a group from New York, and this also impressed me.  BB: You mentioned that you never abandoned your emphasis on kata. How can a person study only a few of them for a lifetime without getting bored? Chinen: Goju is different from other styles that have so many kata in that goju is a deep style and not a wide style. When I say deep, I mean that the moves in the kata are deep. To totally understand one move can take years and years, as there are so many variables to each one. And these moves that we call bunkai oyo are the study of the [techniques] in the kata—they can take a lifetime to learn. Demo 2: Teruo Chinen (right) faces his partner (1). When the man punches, Chinen moves off the line of attack and traps his arm (2). He then places his right leg across the front of the partner’s torso while maintaining his hold on the arm (3). Next, Chinen places his left leg behind the man’s legs to effect a leg-scissor takedown (4). To finish, he raises his right leg (5) and strikes downward with a heel kick (6). BB: Can you give an example? Chinen:   If you show the opening move of the kata sepai to the non-practitioner, it is hard for him to visualize the meaning. But if you take a look at another style’s kata, it is easy to understand a high block and what it is for. To understand the opening move of sepai is very difficult, and I am still learning new applications for it all the time. BB: In classical Okinawan goju, why have weapons never been taught? Chinen:   If I may correct you a little, there was actually kobudo taught as part of the classes. Miyazato Sensei invited Taira Shinken to our dojo, and one day he showed up and began teaching kobudo. I remember him coming through the door with a huge box on one shoulder and a bundle of bo on the other shoulder. We practiced kobudo with Taira Sensei. You are right in that it is not part of the regular training, but Miyazato Sensei did organize the kobudo training at our dojo. My family also practiced yamani-ryu kobudo, so I practiced all the weapons—bo, sai and tonfa— quite a bit when  I was younger. BB: Your training is like sanchin in that you’ve faced three battles: your early training in Okinawa, your experiences in Tokyo at the Yoyogi Dojo, and your teaching and training in Washington. How did they differ, and what was the greatest benefit from each? Chinen : When I was training in Okinawa, I was very young. I went to Tokyo when I was around 20 years old. My priority was to train at the Yoyogi Dojo, and that took up much of my time. The training was the best, as my sempai and I had to train on our own and not in classes with Miyazato Sensei like we had the honor of when we were in Naha. So this time in Tokyo was very important in my life [because] I developed much of my skills.  In fact, I never owned a karate gi until I moved to Tokyo and my sempai bought me a Tokaido gi. This is a very good memory. Then, in 1969, I was supposed to go to Sao Paolo, Brazil, to teach, but I changed [my mind] and came to Spokane, Washington, where I live today. This is where I started to develop my own students, and I am very proud of how talented many of them have become. I also started my own organization: Jundokan International. BB: While watching your most recent DVD set, I noticed that you covered many areas, from basics to bunkai oyo to kumite to self-defense. Why did you put so much into this project? Chinen : Well, I saw a DVD of Kyuzo Mifune the night before we started shooting the project. He was over 70 years old when he did it and truly one of the legends of judo, a 10th dan from the Kodokan. This inspired me to pull out all stops and give this project 110-percent effort. I hope that people who purchase these DVDs will be educated by them. Demo 3: When his adversary kicks, Teruo Chinen parries the blow with his right arm (1). The opponent resets (2) and punches, causing Chinen to redirect the limb with his left hand (3). He immediately turns and drops to his left knee (4), then executes a low kick to the man’s lead leg (5). As soon as he hits the floor (6), the goju-ryu master strikes his neck and controls him (7-8). BB: Your dojo kun (set of school precepts) is composed of eight parts. Can you elaborate on them? Chinen:   Well, these are the words of Miyagi Sensei. Miyazato Sensei formalized them after the master passed away, and I now use them as our dojo kun. I think these are the ideals of what a goju practitioner should strive for in his or her own life: • Be humble and polite. • Train considering your physical strength. • Practice earnestly with creativity. • Be calm and swift. • Take care of your health. • Live a plain life. • Do not be too proud or modest. • Continue your training with patience. BB: Is there anything else you would say to the readers of Black Belt? Chinen:  I would only say to them, don’t be a window shopper. By this, I mean do not change your sensei at the drop of a hat. Stay with one sensei for your lifetime and learn from him. I believe I am a good example of this as I have had only one sensei, Eiichi Miyazato, for my entire life. He was the best. It may sound prejudiced, but this is why I believe he is the inheritor of Okinawan goju. About the author: Don Warrener is the president of Rising Sun Productions, a company that produces martial arts videos and DVDs. To contact him, write to 628 North Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, California 90069. Or send e-mail to donrw@earthlink.net . This article originally appeared in a print edition of Black Belt Magazine.

In the diverse and dynamic world of martial arts, the dojo serves not just as a training ground for physical prowess but also as a melting pot of personalities. These interactions are crucial, for they can shape one’s journey toward mastery in unexpected ways. From the relentless pursuit of balance to the quest for camaraderie, every martial artist will recognize these seven types of training partners. Identifying them is the first step in understanding the role you play in this complex tapestry. 1. The Know-It-All In every dojo, there's inevitably the Know-It-All, a martial artist who appears to have reached the pinnacle of knowledge, leaving no room for growth or advice. Their confidence, often misplaced, starkly contrasts with their actual ability, creating a chasm between perceived respect and what is truly earned. Training with them offers a unique challenge: finding the humility to learn in a space where knowledge is assumed to be complete. 2. The All-or-Nothing These practitioners live at the extremes, embodying either an overwhelming intensity or a disheartening lack of effort. Their journey in martial arts is a search for equilibrium, a common goal for many but felt most acutely by these individuals. Training alongside them reminds us of the value of balance—not just in martial arts, but in life itself. 3. The Talker Mouth warriors, or "kuchi bushi" as they're known in Japanese, excel in the art of conversation, often at the expense of actual training. They embody the spirit of the keyboard warrior, brought to life in the dojo, where their narratives and tales overshadow their physical prowess. Partnering with a Talker tests one's patience and the ability to sift through words for valuable insights. 4. The Braggart Closely related to the Talker, Braggarts are living archives of their own golden years, always ready to tell tales of their former glory. While their advice can sometimes be valuable, it's often tinted with nostalgia for a past that may not have been as illustrious as remembered. Their presence in the dojo serves as a reminder that martial arts is a journey of continuous growth, not just a collection of past achievements. 5. The Show-Off The Show-Off is a spectacle in themselves, constantly demonstrating their skill with little regard for the collaborative nature of training. Their need for attention and recognition can hinder the learning process, turning collaborative drills into competitive displays. Yet, they also remind us of the importance of humility and the true purpose of martial arts training—to learn and grow together. 6. The Best Buddies Training with Best Buddies offers a glimpse into the power of friendship within the martial arts. These pairs are a testament to the bonds formed through shared challenges and achievements. However, their exclusivity can sometimes limit their growth and the enrichment that comes from diverse training partnerships. 7. The Sleeper Sleepers may seem disengaged or perpetually tired, but their potential is undeniable once they find their motivation. Their transformation from lethargic to dynamic is a reminder that everyone's energy and enthusiasm can ebb and flow, and the right spark can ignite profound dedication and focus. As you navigate the world of martial arts, encountering these personalities is inevitable. But the most crucial reflection is internal: What kind of partner are you? The dojo is a mirror, reflecting not just our physical abilities but our character and how we relate to others. Whether you see yourself in one of these archetypes or as a blend, the goal remains the same—to be a partner who elevates, learns, and grows, contributing positively to the shared journey of mastery.

Throughout his career, Ernie Reyes Sr.,   the founder of the West Coast Demonstration Team and Black Belt’s 1981 "Instructor of the Year," often found himself receiving martial arts–related advice. He quickly learned to heed the good and ignore the bad. Best Advice: Remember the values of the martial arts. “The best advice came from my martial arts teachers Moises Arizmendi, Dan Choi, Jhoon Rhee and Tadashi Yamashita,” Reyes recalled. “It was about living the highest values of the martial arts, which are honor, loyalty, family and bravery.“ I have taken that advice and [put] it into my 53 years of training. It’s all based on respect and discipline. Martial arts training can transform one’s life for the better and give [a person] the ability to make a difference in the world.” Worst Advice: Don’t make martial arts a career. “The worst advice was to not do martial arts as a career because I could barely make the rent when I started my school,” Reyes said. “The second-worst advice was, ‘Don’t do any other martial arts; just teach taekwondo.’ And then they said, ‘Don’t do musical forms.’ “I ignored all this advice. We modernized the West Coast Demo Team by adding different styles and techniques to our taekwondo base. Then we added music to our forms and demonstrations. And from that, we began doing television and feature films in addition to producing many national champions.” Along the way, Reyes managed to turn martial arts into a fulfilling career.

As a striking coach, I try to make sure my fighters have the best and most efficient training possible. As such, I’ve designed a martial arts training routine to emphasize skills that are immediately practical. If you have access to a training partner, you shouldn’t be taking turns holding pads for each other and power-kicking them. That should be saved for bag sessions, work with an experienced pad holder or a muay Thai class in which you are required to do so. Instead, you should focus on reliable martial arts partner training drills with skills that translate practically to fighting. This partner-training routine is for anyone who practices a form of full-contact kick fighting, be it kickboxing, muay Thai, MMA, sanda, sambo or any other style I might have missed. Required Gear Each person will need training clothes, a jump rope, hand wraps, boxing gloves and shin guards. Aside from that, no special equipment is needed. The drills will reference a ring or cage, but it is not required. Warmup Skipping rope: 90 seconds on, 90 seconds off. Repeat three times. One partner skips while the other keeps time. Then immediately swap. Do not share the rope. Building Block Drills After the warm-up, it’s time to get familiar with your arsenal. These drills will see you throw a certain technique to your partner and the partner respond in kind. They are simple drills that should be done with medium contact. There should be impact but not enough to cause serious pain. For each technique, you will throw it and your partner will respond with an appropriate defense — it might be a block or head movement. Then the partner will throw the technique back at you, and you will have to defend. Perform each drill for one minute. You can throw the technique to the head, body or legs regardless if it’s a punch or kick; just discuss beforehand what techniques are appropriate. Not everyone wants to risk high kicks. Drill 1: Jab, straight Drill 2: Jab, straight, rear kick Drill 3: Jab followed by any kick Drill 4: Jab, straight, followed by any two kicks Drill 5: Jab, straight, any two kicks, lead hook, rear straight REST Drill 6: jab, straight, lead hook, any kick Drill 7: jab, straight, two lead hooks, any kick Drill 8: jab, lead hook, straight, rear kick Drill 9: jab, lead hook, straight, any two kicks Drill 10: jab, lead hook, straight, any two kicks, straight These drills will develop your coordination for boxing combinations and get you to make proper use of your lead hand while building your ability to throw hooks off the jab. They also will build your fluidity between kicks and punches. The drills in which you can perform any two kicks will build your confidence and help you find your favorite techniques. Creativity Drills The answer to the age-old question Can creativity be taught? is yes. This series of drills has a simple goal: to help you find your own style and your favored techniques and teach you how to pair them together. The series allows you to teach yourself something that no teacher can: the approach to martial arts that works for you. You and your partner will attack and defend using 50-percent power the same way you did in the previous series. Do each drill for one minute. Drill 1: any three punches Drill 2: any four punches Drill 3: any two kicks Drill 4: any three kicks Drill 5: any combination of punches and kicks Drilled Sparring Portion You and your partner will practice the basics together — from stance and footwork to striking and defending. This should be done over the course of five three-minute rounds. The point is to create an environment in which you are almost light-sparring but with a level of control and structure that might not be possible with true sparring. Round 1: Stance and Footwork You and your partner will face each other as though sparring. Your partner will start on the defensive movements. He is able to move back, left and right or pivot to escape you, but he cannot move forward. Your job is to attempt to trap him in the ring, cage or mat you’re training on. If your partner moves to his left, you must move to your right, cutting off the ring. If he moves to the right, you move to your left. If he moves backward, you should move forward to take his place, and after he takes his first step backward, he should pivot out to his left or right, which will leave you facing the empty space he just left. Then you turn to face him and continue. There is no order to which you have to do these movements, but you should do them for the first 90 seconds of the round, then swap. This simple drill will teach you good defensive footwork and good ring-cutting ability because you are allowed to use only footwork. You must rely on nothing but positioning to keep yourself safe and to keep your opponent where you want him to be. If you get your opponent to the ropes or cage, you should tie him up with a clinch, reset to the middle of the ring and start again. Round 2: Jabs and Front Kicks Regardless of whether you use front kicks or teeps, this round will focus on using all the techniques you used before while implementing linear strikes. You won’t throw rear straights in this drill because the goal is not to encourage combination striking before proper distance management has been found. You are allowed to do everything from the previous round. The only difference is you will now take turns throwing a jab, double jab, triple jab, or lead or rear front kick/teep. Your partner will have to defend against the techniques, but you should not tell him what you are going to do. You only use 50-percent power, enough where a failed block would have sufficient impact to teach your partner a lesson but not enough to give him a black eye or a bloody nose. Your partner’s responsibility is to defend against the technique and then respond with a technique of his own from the list laid out above. You will then have to defend against what your partner throws. Remember that as you do this, you should not fall into the habit of standing still and trading techniques. You need to be moving — exactly like you did during the footwork round. You can defend yourself by blocking, catching, using head movement or pivoting away but don’t step back to avoid the attack because this can become a crutch that will cause you trouble later down the line. Round 3: Boxing and Front Kicks This round is simple. You do exactly as you did before, but you are now able to throw any type of punch. Be sure to keep contact to the head light, but you can dig the body a little harder. You can throw any combination of up to four punches but no more than that because it is easy for a less-experienced partner to get overwhelmed if you have a never-ending string of punches that cannot all be blocked. Once your combination is done, your partner responds. Remember to maintain footwork and distance. Round 4: Kickboxing Now you can throw round kicks, side kicks or any other kick you know. The reason you have to wait until the fourth round is the first three rounds were all about finding your range. Now you’re free to experiment with all the kicks in your arsenal. Round 5: Free-Form Drilling You can start bringing in more specific techniques — for example, if you do muay Thai, this is when you can start throwing knee strikes and elbows (with safety precautions). If you do MMA or san da, you can start working in takedowns. Now that you have found your range and are learning to use all your strikes while controlling distance, you can use tricker, sport-specific techniques. Cool Down After your final round, it’s time to cool down. Use this time to improve your flexibility. Start in a sumo squat or horse stance, then do the Cossack squat on your way down into a low stretch for about 30 seconds. From there, you and your partner should face each other, link hands and slowly lower as far as you can safely go into the splits while using each other for support. If one of you is able to get farther down than the other, carefully let go. Hold your lowest safe stretch for 30 seconds. From there, one person should lie down and the other can assist with leg flexibility by pushing the partner’s straight leg up to his head. Be sure to communicate to make sure no injuries occur. This routine features a total 30 minutes of drilling and should take about 45 minutes to complete. Now it’s time to work on strength and conditioning — or anything else you might want to try.

Strength and conditioning form the backbone of Muay Thai training, yet their importance often goes unrecognised. This oversight is surprising given the significant role they play in the sport. In Thailand, Muay Thai fighters are known for their rigorous training schedules, engaging in two sessions per day, six days a week, focusing on enhancing their cardio, power, and strength. Although weightlifting is not commonly practiced in Thai boxing camps, calisthenics are a staple. This article delves into several critical aspects of strength and conditioning necessary for Muay Thai success, offering practical advice for those looking to incorporate these elements into their training. Cardiovascular Training: A Dual Perspective Cardio is a divisive topic in Muay Thai conditioning, with opinions split between the benefits of general cardiovascular exercises like running and skipping rope, and the preference for sport-specific cardio such as heavy-bag work and sparring. Despite the debate, a balanced approach incorporating both types of cardio is recommended. The controversy extends to the type of running most beneficial for Muay Thai, with opinions varying between long-distance runs and sprints. In practice, Thai fighters traditionally engage in long-distance running, though its universal applicability is debated. Plyometrics for Explosive Power The consensus on the need for explosive training is clear. Plyometrics and Olympic-style weightlifting are effective in developing the striking power required in Muay Thai. Exercises like clapping push-ups and jumping squats enhance fast-twitch muscle fibers, translating to increased speed and power in punches and kicks. Incorporating plyometric drills with heavy bag work is suggested for optimizing kicking and punching force. Developing Pulling Strength for Clinching and Punching Power Pulling strength is essential for clinching and punching power in Muay Thai. Effective clinching and the ability to deliver powerful knee strikes depend on arm and lat strength, best developed through pull-ups. Commando pull-ups, in particular, mimic the double-collar tie, engaging the muscles critical for Muay Thai. Additionally, resistance band exercises can improve punching power by targeting the muscles involved in the punching motion. In conclusion, while this article covers key aspects of strength and conditioning for Muay Thai, it is by no means exhaustive. These strategies are foundational to enhancing performance in Muay Thai and can be adapted to suit individual training needs.

UFC Vegas 87 is bringing us a headliner that's guaranteed to be a banger. In one corner, we have the powerhouse, Jairzinho "Bigi Boy" Rozenstruik, facing off against the formidable Shamil Gaziev in what's shaping up to be an epic heavyweight battle. Jairzinho Rozenstruik, known for his knockout power and striking skills, has been a thrilling fighter to watch ever since he stepped into the UFC octagon. With a record that boasts some impressive finishes, Rozenstruik is a fighter who never fails to entertain. He's the kind of fighter who brings the fight and looks for the knockout from the opening bell. Fans love him not just for his power but for his fearless approach to the game. On the other side, we have Shamil Gaziev, a rising star in the heavyweight division, looking to make a name for himself by taking on one of the division's most dangerous strikers. Gaziev brings his own set of skills to the table, with a background that suggests he's more than ready to stand and trade with Rozenstruik or take the fight to the ground if necessary. His versatility and ability to adapt make him a serious threat to anyone in the division. What makes this matchup even more exciting is the clash of styles. Rozenstruik's striking versus Gaziev's all-around game could make for a chess match with explosive potential at any moment. Will Rozenstruik land one of his signature knockouts, or will Gaziev be able to impose his will and strategy to secure a victory? Time will find out in this mega bout between Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev.