“Judo isn’t really good for self-defense.” “Traditional karate competitions that don’t have any contact aren’t very exciting.” “Tai chi doesn’t do anything for aerobic fitness.” “Taekwondo is just a sport.”   Comments like these are common in martial arts circles. Often, they come from those who imagine themselves much more experienced and competent than perhaps they are. When we hear such statements, we would do well to consider what is really being said. More importantly, when evaluating any aspect of a fighting art, we need to be very clear about understanding what that art is for. by Dave Lowry Most serious practitioners understand the distinction between a martial art and a fighting art. Martial arts are those disciplines that were practiced by a warrior class or that have evolved from those disciplines. Fighting arts are those that were developed for reasons other than use on the battlefield: self-defense, sport and so on. So judo is a martial art, descended from the grappling techniques used by the samurai. Kung fu is a fighting art, created for self-defense or for combat against bandits. Furthermore, it’s important to understand exactly what an art was designed for. No combat art, martial or otherwise, is without boundaries. All have more or less specific aims. Sometimes these might be multifaceted, yet inevitably they have limits. They must be judged by these aims and not by the wants or needs of those who might wish to pursue them. Classical Japanese martial arts — for example, bujutsu — do not have methods or strategies that directly deal with the threat posed by firearms. Guns, except those used in massed formations, played but a minor role during Japan’s feudal period. So it would be unrealistic to propose spending years in a dojo teaching 17th-century methods of fighting with a sword in order to learn how to defend oneself in an encounter with firearms. That’s an obvious example. Here’s another, less obvious yet frequently expressed: “Karate’s no good once you go to the ground or begin to grapple.” This may be true or partially true or true with some caveats. What is undeniably true is that karate evolved primarily as a percussive art. Some of its techniques may be employed to effect grappling methods. But the intent of karate is not about grappling or wrestling. (It’s worthwhile to note that Okinawa has its own indigenous grappling arts, ones with which most of the karateka of Okinawa during the period when karate developed would have been familiar.) The charge that “judo is no good for self-defense” should be met with an awareness of the context in which Jigoro Kano created the art. He included numerous self-defense training methods within the curriculum of judo, but his goal was not to create an art of self-defense. Rather, it was to generate and refine a physical, moral and social way of life centered around the practice of throwing and grappling techniques. What value may be taken from judo in combat encounters in daily life is a good topic for conversation, but don’t be confused — that isn’t judo’s primary purpose. Practitioners of these arts should understand that these distinctions are not a criticism. “You’re saying taekwondo isn’t useful on the street, huh? Well, I saw a taekwondo guy knock a robber out cold with a spinning back kick to the head!” I don’t doubt such stories. The point isn’t that an art can’t be used for some other purpose than that for which it was designed. It can. A skilled surgeon might be able to use a fish-filleting knife as an emergency scalpel, but no one would argue that because of his success, we can conclude the main use of that knife is for surgery. Practitioners of an art often fall prey to a kind of narrowly focused thinking. They see in their arts so many layers, such complexity, that they begin to understand that a study of the art is a lifetime commitment. From their perspective, it seems like the art is limitless. It begins to inform so many areas of their life outside the dojo. These are revelations that signify some real growth and maturation in an art. However, this also can result in an attitude that leads us mistakenly to believe that our art is simply all-encompassing, that it’s the answer no matter what the question. Tai chi has remarkable benefits. Among them is not aerobic fitness. It would be nearly impossible, no matter how one trains in tai chi, to raise the heart rate and keep it sufficiently high to affect one’s aerobic fitness levels. That is not the point or purpose of tai chi. Non-contact karate tournaments may not be all that exciting if you’re uninformed about their intent — but if you know what to watch for, there’s plenty that is attractive and compelling. Again, it’s important to understand that when we isolate the primary rationale for an art, when we describe its normal boundaries (which is to say its limitations), we are not suggesting there are no alternative possibilities for it. Taekwondo owes most of its creation to the need for young men, displaced and discouraged by war in 20th-century Korea, to have an outlet for their energies. That’s not to say it has no other value. Knowing what your art is for, why it was created and the lines on which it developed is critical to understanding it and your place in it. It is an essential part of one’s martial education. Dave Lowry has written Karate Way since 1986. For more information about his articles and books, visit blackbeltmag.com and type his name into the search box. This article originally appeared in a 2022 edition of Black Belt Magazine

Dan Inosanto's August 1984 Cover The cover story featured a young Dan Inosanto who would later become a national martial arts treasure, and the man who taught Bruce Lee the nunchaku, speaking frankly about his preference of a single Kali stick over the Okinawan weapon.  Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format. https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Today the Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest-growing and most innovative sports league, held the PFL Champions vs BELLATOR Champions press conference featuring athletes and CEO   Peter Murray  at the Hard Rock Live in Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Today’s press conference comes ahead of the mega-event on Saturday, February 24, from the state-of-the-art Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The   PFL Champions vs BELLATOR Champions  main event will see reigning PFL Heavyweight Champion  Renan Ferreira  (12-3) square off against BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion and former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion  Ryan Bader  (31-7). Newly crowned PFL Light Heavyweight Champion   Impa Kasanganay  (15-3) returns to the middleweight division where he will meet BELLATOR Middleweight Champion  Johnny Eblen  (14-0). Two-time PFL Welterweight Champion   Ray Cooper III  (25-9), who replaced Magomed Magomedkerimov, will collide with Jamaica’s fighting pride, BELLATOR Welterweight Champion  Jason Jackson  (17-4). PFL Featherweight Champion   Jesus Pinedo  (23-6-1), the first Peruvian MMA world champion returns to action against reigning BELLATOR Featherweight Champion and former BELLATOR Lightweight Champion  Patricio Pitbull  (35-7). Additionally the Pay-Per-View will feature former PFL Heavyweight Champion   Bruno Cappelozza  (15-6) and former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion  Vadim Nemkov  (17-2). Two of the sport’s most iconic names will meet in the PFL SmartCage as former title challengers   Thiago Santos  (22-11) and  Yoel Romero  (15-7) clash. 2023 PFL Lightweight Championship finalist  Clay Collard  (24-11) is set to face former BELLATOR Featherweight Champion  AJ McKee  (21-1). “There’s a lot of hardware up here. We have PFL Champs versus BELLATOR Champs. This is really an unprecedented event in MMA. Many fans have been talking about this for years. Other promotions have been talking about this as well. I am so proud that on the heels of the BELLATOR acquisition we can now present the very best in MMA - said Peter Murray, CEO, PFL. At the end of each year, we will kick off the next season for both PFL and BELLATOR, a major tentpole event which will be PFL Champions vs. BELLATOR Champions. Think of it as MMA’s All-Star Game. This will be long term. We’re certainly paving the way for the next generation of great athletes and champions.”- he added. Renan Ferraira: PFL Heavyweight Champion commented: “It’s a special moment for the fans and a special moment for the sport. I feel honored to be in the position as the main event to fight against a guy with the credentials that Ryan Bader has. Just excited to get there. You guys know my fighting style, always pressing the action and moving forward. So just excited to put on a great show.  “I’ve been following Bader’s career for a very long time. I’ve watched his fights live. I think he’s a great athlete and his wrestling credentials speak for themself. It’s just a great honor to be facing off against him." On a potential fight with Frances Ngannou: “I feel like it’s undeniable. If everything goes as planned, yeah, after February 24th Frances is the name. That being said, I’ll do it however he wants to do it. If he wants to do it in MMA, in boxing, we’ll be ready.” Ryan Bader: BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion and the main event of this historic fight said: “It’s a huge deal. This doesn’t happen in MMA. Fans want these types of super fights. A lot of organizations don’t want to risk putting their champions out there and have another organization come out and sweep them. I love that we are doing this in Saudi Arabia. The whole card, if you look at it, is stacked. I am ready to claim another belt too. I love it and I’m ready for this huge opportunity.” On what he expects from Ferreira “I have 40-something fights, he has quite a bit less. I’ve been in this game a long time. I’ve stood across from everyone including champions, former champions, and legends of the sport. I’ve been fighting five-round fights for as long as I could remember so I’m proven in that aspect. He’s an amazing fighter and he’s huge. He’s fun to watch. It’s one of those challenges where I need to go in there and dictate what I do. I believe I have the tools. He’s a giant man who will be swinging hard so you never know what will happen.”

Ahead of its massive ONE 165  event on Sunday, January 28, ONE Championship is resonating with its audience in a major way. GWI, a leading consumer research company, revealed the detailed findings .   Undeniably, the martial arts industry is growing. According to the report, there has been a 32% increase in U.S. sports fans who watch, follow, or are interested in martial arts since the second quarter of 2022.   ONE is part of that growth and sees an increased share of that viewership. Perhaps more importantly, its fans are shown to be more engaged with the product.   From December 2022 through May 2023, ONE saw a remarkable jump in audience growth. Bolstered by its U.S. debut, ONE Fight Night 10, ONE improved its audience by 46%.   ONE viewers spend more time watching martial arts than its competition (4.9 hours vs. 2.7 hours per week).   The world's largest martial arts company is connecting with the next generation of martial arts fans. 63% of 18-29 year old viewers responded by saying they "extremely like" ONE Championship. It is the most-liked martial arts organization in the demographic.   The brand tracker revealed other key findings, including 45% believing that ONE puts the health and safety of its athletes first. The organization has several policies to ensure health and safety, including hydration tests during weigh-ins.   48% also found "inspiration" from ONE. It is a number that reflects the organization's mission statement , stating, "ONE's mission is to champion the many benefits and values of martial arts such as respect, courage, integrity, and humility. By telling athletes' inspirational stories, ONE hopes to provide society at large with role models to look up to, characters that empower people with the hope, inspiration, and strength to overcome adversity in their daily lives."   With more than 80 million followers across their social media channels, it should be no surprise that ONE is also gaining traction digitally.   Discussion on online forums increased by 30%, and fans betting on martial arts matches rose by 22% vs. non-viewers.   With a youthful and engaged audience, ONE shows how bright the future can be. The commitment to the ideals of martial arts is resonating with the next generation, who will continue to carry the torch for martial arts.   ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru  airs live on global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com at 3 a.m. EST/12 a.m. PST on Sunday, January 28.

The highly anticipated UFC 300 event, scheduled for April 13, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, just got more exciting with the announcement of a featherweight showdown between Sodiq Yusuff and Diego Lopes. This bout is expected to be a part of the event's preliminary card and promises to deliver an electrifying display of skill and determination. Sodiq Yusuff, currently ranked No. 12 in the featherweight division, is known for his impressive stand-up game and ability to go toe-to-toe with the best in the division. Despite coming off a loss to Edson Barboza, Yusuff has demonstrated he is more than capable of holding his own against top-tier opponents. This upcoming bout presents an opportunity for Yusuff to get back on the winning track and continue his ascent in the featherweight rankings. Diego Lopes, a rising star in the division, has quickly captured the attention of fight fans with his remarkable performances inside the octagon. In just three UFC fights, Lopes has proved himself to be a formidable contender, earning post-fight bonuses in all his UFC appearances, including Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards. His victories over Gavin Tucker and Pat Sabatini, both swift and decisive, have showcased his skill and potential in the featherweight division. This matchup at UFC 300: Yusuff vs Lopes is a clash between Yusuff's proven striking ability and Lopes' rising momentum. With both fighters eager to prove their worth in the featherweight division, this bout is expected to be a fast-paced and action-packed encounter. The UFC 300 card is shaping up to be a memorable event, featuring a mix of title fights and intriguing matchups across various weight classes. The addition of Yusuff vs Lopes further amplifies the excitement surrounding this milestone event in UFC history.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to witness a remarkable showdown as two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison makes her highly anticipated UFC debut against former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm at UFC 300. This event marks a significant moment in MMA history, featuring a clash of styles and legacies. Harrison, known for her exceptional judo skills and undefeated record in mixed martial arts, steps into the UFC octagon with a reputation for dominance. Her transition from judo to MMA has been seamless, showcasing her adaptability and fierce competitive spirit. Harrison's entry into the UFC is seen as a game-changer, bringing a new level of excitement to the women's division. On the other side, Holly Holm, famously known for her stunning knockout victory over Ronda Rousey, brings a wealth of experience and striking prowess to the fight. Holm, a former boxing world champion, is no stranger to high-stakes matchups and has consistently proven her ability to stand and trade with the best in the division. Her striking technique, coupled with her evolving ground game, makes her a formidable opponent for any challenger. UFC 300, touted as a milestone event, provides the perfect stage for this epic encounter. The bout not only offers a classic striker vs. grappler matchup but also represents a pivotal moment in women’s MMA. Fans are eagerly anticipating a tactical battle, with Harrison’s judo throws and grappling acumen going up against Holm’s precision striking and footwork. The implications of this fight extend beyond the octagon. A win for Harrison could catapult her to immediate title contention, while a victory for Holm would reaffirm her status as one of the division's elite fighters. Both athletes have expressed their excitement and respect for each other, acknowledging the significance of this matchup in their careers.

Sifu Harinder Singh is a speaker, author and high-performance coach. He specializes in training the trainers and has worked with black belt school owners, military, special forces, Secret Service, and SWAT teams across the globe. His leadership programs have been taught to instructors of over 150 law enforcement agencies, business executives, and professional athletes. He is a Master Instructor of Jeet Kune Do, Tai Chi, Filipino Martial Arts, Wing Chun, and holds a Black Belt in BJJ. He is the founder of “Master Your Center” and the CEO of the Jeet Kune Do Athletic Association. Learn more about SifuSingh at   www.sifusingh.com Sifu Singh is also the host of The Black Belt Podcast  currently in its third season. Back Belt Publisher, George Chung, sat down with Sifu Singh to talk about martial art styles, training technique, philosophy, and hypothetical show-downs! In this clip, they discuss Finding Your Center Admist Conflict! Watch full interview here!

Sifu Harinder Singh is a speaker, author and high-performance coach. He specializes in training the trainers and has worked with black belt school owners, military, special forces, Secret Service, and SWAT teams across the globe. His leadership programs have been taught to instructors of over 150 law enforcement agencies, business executives, and professional athletes. He is a Master Instructor of Jeet Kune Do, Tai Chi, Filipino Martial Arts, Wing Chun, and holds a Black Belt in BJJ. He is the founder of “Master Your Center” and the CEO of the Jeet Kune Do Athletic Association. Learn more about SifuSingh at   www.sifusingh.com Sifu Singh is also the host of The Black Belt Podcast  currently in its third season. Back Belt Publisher, George Chung, sat down with Sifu Singh to talk about martial art styles, training technique, philosophy, and hypothetical show-downs! In this clip, George challenges Harinder in the "House of 9 Dragons." Watch full interview here!

While the kickboxing superfight between Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Takeru Segawa dominates the ONE 165  headlines, another title tilt will go down on Sunday, January 28, as the co-main event.   ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo will see a familiar face across the ring from him as Tommy Langaker will get his second try at taking down the American star.   Although Ruotolo won in the first meeting, he did not get the finish. That is giving him plenty of motivation ahead of the rematch.   “I got the win. However, it wasn’t the way I wanted to win. You know, I would definitely want to get the finish. And that’s pretty much the reason why I’m accepting the rematch this time around because I want to submit him,” Ruotolo told ONE .   Ruotolo has not competed since that victory, but that doesn’t mean he has not been in the training room. During his time away from competition, the submission ace has been setting up shop in Costa Rica with his brother Tye.   Ready to return to defend his crown, Ruotolo puts the past behind him and focuses on getting a submission win in Tokyo.   “The next time we fight, I’m going to submit him. I know it’s kind of a simple answer, maybe a bit boring. But to be honest, that’s the honest-to-God truth,” Ruotolo claimed.   “And everyone that I fight that I don’t submit, I almost take it as just a poor performance, even if I was dominant. If I didn’t get the submission, then I’m not happy.”   While respectful of Langaker’s submission stylings, the American does not feel he will see anything different from his opponent on Sunday. In fact, he said that is one area that sets himself apart from the field.   “[Langaker] just kind of stays on his back and waits for his opponent to engage, and just clasp on to the legs. And if he doesn’t get that, then he’s kind of like complaining and asking around. And, you know, I’ve never been like that once in my life,” Ruotolo stated.   At ONE 165, he will have the chance to back up everything he has been saying. Knowing what his opponent will give him, Ruotolo plans to attack from all angles from the opening bell.   The lightweight king wants to put on a show and give the Ariake Arena audience a memorable night from one of the pound-for-pound best grapplers in the world.   “I believe he really does tend to go for the same things, and that’s the K-guard crunch and try to find the back-take off it. You know, there are guys that tend to run from him, he tries to chain it into a back-take, and he’s good at that,” Ruotolo said.   “However, I’m not going to be fleeing. I’m going to be entering the fire.”   ONE 165 airs live from Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, January 28. The event is available via global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com  for $39.99.

The  Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is set to host the year’s biggest mixed martial arts (MMA) event, as the Professional Fighters League heads to pay-per-view (PPV) with PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions this Saturday, February 24th. As the event’s title states, the PFL’s reigning titleholders will be going head to head with Bellator’s champions in a must-see event, which was made possible by the PFL’s groundbreaking acquisition of Bellator MMA last year. With the promotion’s biggest stars going head-to-head, it’s going to be an exciting night of fights in one of the biggest combat sports markets in the world.  While all fights on the card are sure to be barnburners, here are five bouts that every fight fan should watch out for on February 24th:  1. Renan Ferreira vs. Ryan Bader (Heavyweight Champion vs. Champion Bout) The headline bout features a heavyweight collision between PFL World Champion Renan “Problema” Ferreira and Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan “Darth” Bader. Ferreira, fresh off a stellar championship season, faces a formidable opponent in Bader, who has successfully defended his title against top-tier competition. The clash of these two powerhouse champions is a must-watch, as both look to assert dominance in the stacked heavyweight division. 2. Impa Kasanganay vs. Johnny Eblen (Middleweight Champion vs. Champion Bout) In a battle for middleweight supremacy, PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion Impa Kasanganay squares off against Bellator Champion Johnny Eblen. Kasanganay’s technical prowess meets Eblen’s well-rounded skill set in what promises to be a showcase of elite middleweight talent. Expect fireworks as these two champions collide in the center of the Kingdom Arena. 3. Jesus Pinedo vs. Patricio Pitbull (Featherweight Champion vs. Champion Bout) Featherweight supremacy is on the line as PFL World Champion Jesus Pinedo faces off against Bellator Champion Patricio “Pitbull” Friere. Both champions bring a relentless fighting style to the cage, making this matchup a potential fight of the night. Fans can anticipate high-paced action and strategic brilliance as Pinedo and Pitbull go head-to-head for featherweight glory. 4. Thiago Santos vs. Yoel Romero (Light Heavyweight Showcase Bout) The light heavyweight division takes center stage with a showcase bout between PFL title contender Thiago Santos and Bellator title contender Yoel Romero. Known for their explosive striking and grappling abilities, Santos and Romero promise a battle that could have title implications down the line. MMA enthusiasts won’t want to miss the fireworks when these two formidable fighters collide. 5. Clay Collard vs. AJ McKee (Lightweight Showcase Bout) In a lightweight showcase that pits PFL title contender Clay Collard against former Bellator Champion AJ McKee, fans can expect a technical and high-paced contest. Collard’s unorthodox style clashes with McKee’s well-rounded skill set, making this bout a potential candidate for Fight of the Night. As the lightweight division takes the spotlight, these two warriors aim to make a statement on the grand stage. The card will also feature Claressa Shields’ SmartCage return, as well as the professional debut of Biaggio Ali Walsh.  Check out the full card below:  PPV Card Heavyweight Champion vs. Champion Bout: Renan Ferreira (PFL World Champ) vs. Ryan Bader (Bellator Champ) Middleweight Champion vs. Champion Bout: Impa Kasanganay (PFL Light Heavyweight World Champ) vs. Johnny Eblen (Bellator Champ) Welterweight Champion vs. Champion Bout: Magomed Magomedkerimov (PFL World Champ) vs. Jason Jackson (Bellator Champ) Featherweight Champion vs. Champion Bout: Jesus Pinedo (PFL World Champ) vs. Patricio Pitbull (Bellator Champ) Heavyweight Showcase Bout: Bruno Cappelozza (former PFL World Champ) vs. Vadim Nemkov (former Bellator Champ) Light Heavyweight Showcase Bout: Thiago Santos (PFL title contender) vs. Yoel Romero (Bellator title contender) Lightweight Showcase Bout: Clay Collard (PFL title contender) vs. AJ McKee (former Bellator Champ) Early Card Featherweight Showcase Bout: Gabriel Braga (PFL title contender) vs. Aaron Pico (Bellator title contender) Lightweight Showcase Bout: Biaggio Ali Walsh (Pro Debut) vs. Chris Morris (Pro Debut) Lightweight Showcase Bout: Claressa Shields vs. Kelsey DeSantis  Featherweight Showcase Bout: Abdullah Al-Qahtani vs. Edukondal Rao  Amateur Flyweight Bout: Malik Basahel vs. Vinicius Pereira PFL Champions versus Bellator Champions will be broadcast on ESPNews, ESPN+, ESPN+ PPV, and DAZN on Saturday, February 24th, 2024

Frankie Edgar, a renowned figure in the world of mixed martial arts, has been announced as the first inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame for the class of 2024. Edgar's illustrious career spanned 17 years, where he compiled a notable record of 23 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw. Beginning his professional MMA journey in 2005, Edgar quickly made a name for himself by winning his first six fights across various MMA promotions. His UFC debut came in 2007 at UFC 67, where he secured a victory over Tyson Griffin and earned the "Fight of the Night" bonus. This marked the start of a remarkable career in the UFC, characterised by significant achievements and memorable fights. One of Edgar's most notable accomplishments was winning the UFC lightweight championship by defeating B.J. Penn at UFC 112 in 2010, a fight where he entered as a significant underdog. He defended this title in a rematch against Penn and later against Gray Maynard, with whom he had a trilogy of fights that are counted among the greatest in MMA history. Edgar also challenged Benson Henderson for the lightweight title and faced Jose Aldo for the featherweight title, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level across multiple weight classes. Throughout his career, Edgar has been recognized for his endurance and skill inside the Octagon. He holds the record for the second most total fight time in UFC history and is tied for the second-most Fight of the Night bonuses. Additionally, his significant strike defense rate in the UFC lightweight division is the best in its history. Despite facing challenges in the latter part of his career, including a series of losses, Edgar's legacy in the UFC remains undisputed. Dana White, the UFC President, has lauded Edgar as one of the greatest athletes in UFC history, emphasizing his consistent performance against top-tier athletes over more than 15 years. Frankie Edgar's induction into the UFC Hall of Fame not only celebrates his achievements within the Octagon but also recognises his contribution to the sport of MMA. His journey has been an inspiration to many and serves as a testament to his skill, determination, and resilience as a fighter​​​​​​.

If you are competing in sport karate or have been following the expansion of traditional karate on the open circuit over the past few years, chances are you have heard the tagline “Karate from the Heart,” a motto that has become synonymous with Samuel Diaz III. At 36 years old, the Shotokan Karate practitioner and Team Paul Mitchell member is one of the most dominant veteran competitors, claiming titles in London, South Africa, Austria, Germany, and across North America in both open and traditional karate competitions.     You have stayed on a very focused path of traditional martial arts and have succeeded, what was the inspiration and decision specific to tournament competition in taking this direction?   During my competition career, I have been blessed to have been exposed to the traditional martial arts circuit along with the open circuit. When I decided to commit to competition on the open circuit, there was a mindset shift that took place for our competitors. More competitors were looking towards XMA style sport karate to win titles. Some were entering the traditional division with a more creative (creational) form that brought together traditional technique combinations in a unique form pattern. While these forms showcased great speed, balance and accuracy of technique, our traditional Kata was being overlooked as a viable, competitive option. My goal when deciding to compete with classical Kata was to showcase Karate in its purest form and inspire our next generation to honor their roots and dedicate themselves to the craft of competitive karate while breathing life into the beauty of the art.     There is a martial artist saying, “kicks together, sticks together.” Your father was a martial artist and you trained together as a very young man, share that experience of your early days with your family and how it helped forge your path?   It has been a blessing to share the in the arts with my family. From the beginning of this journey, Karate has been the unique element to our relationship that very few can relate too. My start in Karate-Do was by way of my mother. At 2 years old, She was luckily able to connect me with a Goju-Ryu/Shotokan instructor in Bridgeport, CT by the name of Matty Melisi. Approximately a year later, my father began training in the adult classes at the Dojo and would work with me at home on the weekends to polish out my kihon & kata. I truly feel that through these sessions, our bond of father and son became unbreakable. We connect on a level that transcends any of my wildest dreams. As the years went on, I began training with Errol Bennett, Shihan out of the Bronx, NY. During these rides to NY, my father and mother would talk with me about my training and things taking place in the world around us. These conversations were tools to guide me in creating the correlations between the adversity I would face in training and the struggles that can arise in daily life. When my brother, Angel Diaz was born, he fell right into the mix of Karate for the family. I would begin working with him in the same ways that Dad worked with me… sometimes a little too strict lol but it was all growth non-the-less. By recommendation of Shihan Bennett, my father would eventually test for the rank of Sandan under T.Ohshima, Shihan (Shotokan Karate of America). Life came full circle at this grading because I was also recommended to test for the rank of Shodan at that same training camp….and my father would be one of the seniors who would administer the Kihon and Kumite portions of the test. I thank God for that blessing to share such a momentous occasion with my best friend. Years later, this would mount would repeat itself. but with myself testing for the rank of Sandan and my brother testing for his rank of Shodan.   This was all accomplished under the watchful eye of my mother who is the glue that holds us all together. Today we are blessed to all operate our own Dojo together as a family. Mom handles the office, the boys teach classes; 34 years in the making and the journey keeps getting better.       The Shotokan style of Karate has always been known for its strict adherence to tradition. However, as an open tournament competitor you have been exposed to so many styles and systems. Are you inspired or encouraged ever to add or modify, which technically is not the traditional path?   Excellent question! When evaluating the study of karate - we must remember the various facets to the art.   We can train from the vantage point of Budo or sport competition. Regardless of your choice, we must remain open and cognizant of the four mindsets that are found in the martial arts - Shoshin, Mushin, Fudoshin, Zanshin - as they will help to guide us on the path to enlightenment in the arts.   The style of Shotokan is my foundation and what I represent in my heart. My view is that as martial artist, we must remain open-minded as to not hinder our personal evolution. I have found value in cross-training with my Budo brothers and sisters. As a hard style (Shotokan) practitioner, it was not until I began cross-training in Goju-Ryu and Shito-Ryu, that I would learn the softer and more fluid movements to Karate and how to incorporate them into my training in Shotokan. Originally, we only had the art of -Te-, from this we had an evolution of styles which brought emphasis to specific, elements of Karate based on individual application. As you explore other styles and concepts, you will have a heightened awareness to the cross-over between them and thus guiding your personal journey toward brining your best karate to the world. We can always pay homage and honor what was…. while still embracing what could be.     On that same subject: Do you have “room” to insert your own personality or methodology into your teaching and is this encouraged by the Shotokan Karate community?   As we know, Shotokan has many fractions with each appealing to a unique type of practitioner. Depending on your organization, there was a strict adherence to the principles of your individual lineage as it has evolved. I think this is a valuable element to the traditional arts, as it can help to ensure that the purity of the art does not become lost…. but we should be mindful as too not let our adherence handicap our growth over time.   The beauty of Karate (and most martial arts) is that you will be taught techniques, and then through individual training, you will figure out how to make it best fit for your application based on body type, strengths/weakness, abilities. When we allow our personality to shine through our art, that is the intersection of concepts and actions. This is what will bring our Karate to life and be a gift of inspiration to those around us. Gichin Funakoshi once said “Time changes, the world changes, and obviously the martial arts must change too.” This quote was originally made in reference to the transition of Karate from ‘Jutsu’ to ‘Do’ as it spread to mainland Japan. But we can see how it will come full circle as the art continues to evolve.     You have an amazing and diverse skill set of weapons, including kama and even the oar, can you share your discovery and why you choose a weapon as rare as the oar for open competition?   The study of Kobudo has always been a passion of mine. As a child, my first weapon was Sai. They were far too big for my wrists and forearms to wield but I was confident that I could be Raphael from the Ninja Turtles. When choosing to dive back into weapons competition on the open circuit, I was looking for ways to stand out in the crowd. It seemed that the most common weapon (and still holding the title) was the Bo and Sword. Looking to spice up the division and play to my strengths, I chose to compete with Kama and Tanbo (similar to eskrima) During the Quebec Open in Canada, I was tied for 1st place with two other competitors from Team Paul Mitchell (we would later become teammates) and as a challenge of skill, I proposed the challenge that we all run our forms a second time but with new weapons. I spotted a Canadian competitor who happen to be carrying an Oar. I asked to borrow the weapon and ran a new form. From that point on, I chose to use Oar in competition as it was able to compete with the spins of the Bo competitors but offered me an opportunity to showcase a different level of strength, accuracy and showcased the art of Kobudo.     As a black belt, you have learned many forms, what is your favorite kata for training and why?   My favorite Kata for train in the Dojo is Sochin. This Kata helps me to clear my mind, get lost in my training and feel connected to the earth.     As a competitor, what is your favorite kata for tournaments and why?   It is a toss-up between the Gensei-Ryu kata - Kishimoto Kushanku and the Shotokan Kata Hyakuhachi-ho. Both are very dynamic, three-dimensional katas with various level changes, strong forward energy towards the judges and moments of light/whirlwind movement as you manipulate the opponent.     What is the most difficult kata and why?   My most difficult kata for training is probably my most basic kata - Taikyoku Shodan. Mainly this is because it holds the answer to so many other katas when we think of balance, posture, efficiency of technique and transitions. There is ALWAYS something new that I will realize in training that will bring me back to the beginning. That is the beauty of martial arts.     Do you believe kata has an application to fighting in both tournament and street self-defense and if so, how do apply it?   Technique practiced can be technique applied. As the years have passed, Kata has gotten the short stick in conversations about practical applications. Bunkai found within kata must be extracted by the practitioner and adapted for application based on a particular situation. This was best showcased by Michael Jai White in Never back Down 3 where they showed bunker from sections of the katas Annan and Sepai.   What is going through your mind when performing kata?   At my highest points - my mind is completely clear. This clarity is initiated at Rei before entering the ring. As I rise from my bow, I look from my back eye - past the judges… my mind, body and spirit become one. My goal is to share my karate from the heart in its purest form and when this happens, it is as if I am watching my kata from a birds-eye view.     Is the mindset doing kata in competition different from training in the dojo?   Completely different mindsets. When training for competition, I am approaching my prep-camp from a performance standpoint. I am critiquing lines of site for the judges/audience. I am evaluating energy levels, speed of techniques, pause points and structuring the story that I would like to share through my performance. When I am training at the Dojo, I am having a mindset of application. I am looking to understand smaller details like pivot points, balance and transitions as it relates to an opponent giving resistance. While the mindsets may differ, I do feel that each has helped me to grow overall as a martial artist.     Do you modify your traditional teaching for your students when preparing for competition?   The traditional teachings of Kihon, Kata and Kumite will always remain to strengthen our foundation. For any student who wishes to compete at a high level, we approach our training camp as an athlete. We are looking to develop a training plan that is movement specific to build explosive energy, speed/whip in technique execution and enhance the students Kime to command the tatami in competition.     What is the best advice for a traditional martial artist entering competition today?   Karate from the Heart! When you enter the tatami, that is your moment to share your heart with the world and tell your story. We are all blessed to practice in our respective arts and this blessing is one that is meant to be shared with those around us and to inspire the next generation to continue to evolve.       Coming up, who were your heroes in martial arts?   I was blessed to come up in a legendary Dojo under the instruction of Errol Bennett, Shihan in the Bronx, NY. I was exposed to a variety of seniors who I looked up to within the Dojo including Bennett, Shihan, My Father Samuel Diaz Jr., Marcus Herrera, Billy Beason, Ryon Richards, Maurice Baker, Byron Snowball, Matty Melisi, Michael Jai White. These warriors gave me a grit to my Karate that has kept it raw throughout the years.   In terms of competition, my heroes included Kevin Thompson, Damon Gilbert, Mike Pombiero, Adriel Muniz, Chris Rappold, Hakim Walker, Keith Weston,     Where do you see the growth of traditional karate in open competition?   I believe that traditional karate will continue to grow in open competition. Over the past 15 years, we have seen and increase in the younger competitors looking to learn traditional Japanese karate for competition purposes. I believe that once it was announced that Karate would be included into the Tokyo Olympics, that helped to spark interest in many of our next generation to see a future for the sport that would include a competitive career at the highest level. There are performance elements that you can learn by competing on the open circuit and help to develop the package as these younger competitors cross over to various competition circuits (open or traditional)     You have done every aspect of karate: training, teaching, forms, fighting, weapons, is there a favorite for you and why?   Teaching is my passion, but I will always remain a student. I love to train develop myself as a well-rounded martial artist. I am happiest when I am in the Dojo sharing energy with those around me - let it be as instructor or as student, there is no bond stronger than the bond which is forged on the Dojo floor through sweat.     Who are you excited about in the future generation of traditional martial competitors?   There are many young competitors who are excelling early as athletes. They are stronger, faster, and well-versed in the martial movement. One person that I am excited to see grow is Caio DaSilva. He has an excellent team of Sensei/Coaches around him, and the young warrior is a work horse. Not only is Caio an excellent Shotokan competitor, but most importantly, he is a respectful and intelligent young man.     As far as the martial arts industry, what excites you now?   I am excited to see martial arts becoming a more commonly practiced lifestyle. We are all facing adversity on a daily basis. Martial arts as a way of life can offer us opportunity for balance, support mental health, it can help to soften our heart to view the world through a lens of gratitude. With this collective effort, we can begin to positively impact our communities for the next generation.     What are some things we can look forward to from you in the future?   I am looking forward to expanding my family Dojos and creating a few satellite programs within the surrounding communities. I am also excited to build out my brand “Karate from the Heart” to help expose our youth to the benefits of competitive martial arts and community educational programming. My vision is to create an institute where we can offer young men and women an opportunity to leverage the study of Karate/martial arts as a vehicle for academic success and job placement.       Along this journey, Samuel has been able to live his art each day and inspire those around him to lead with love. At the intersection of community health advocacy and martial arts passion, Samuel began to craft the idea of “Karate from the Heart,” a foundation which he hopes to be a catalyst in exposing inner-city youth to the benefits of karate training and competition.   Samuel is currently the co-owner of Stratford Shotokan Karate, his family's Dojo in Stratford, CT. Additionally, Samuel is the Chief Strategy Officer for a Southwest Community Health Center in Bridgeport, CT.    To connect with Samuel Diaz III, go here:   Instagram - Warrior.1_1 Instagram - StratfordShotokanKarate  Instagram – KaratefromtheHeart Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/MrSamuelDiaz Website -  www.StratfordShotokan.com