With just over 24 hours until bell-time, the 24 athletes on Friday night's CW 165 bill stepped onto the scales at San Diego's Sycuan Casino Resort on Thursday morning. Roberto Hernandez assuaged any fears about his ability to make the bantamweight limit, coming in half a pound under at 135.5lbs for his first foray into the division. His main event opponent Trevin Jones also hit his mark at 136 even. Co-headliner Wilson Reis was not so lucky, tipping the scales at an official weight of 137.9lbs for his bout against Ricky Bandejas (135.9lbs). As a result of his opponent not making weight, Bandejas has opted not to compete, and the bout has been cancelled.  Welterweight Anthony Zaragoza (173.9lbs) and Bantamweight Brandon Carrillo (137.8lbs) were similarly unable to make weight for their respective bouts against Bobby Winther (170.4lbs) and Corvan Allen (133.3lbs).Both bouts will proceed as planned, with Carrillo and Zaragoza being fined a percentage of their purse.  Elsewhere on the bill, DWSC veteran Ahmad Hassanzada was on point for a highly anticipated welterweight clash with Chasen Blair. Both men tipped the scales at 170.3lbs. Here are the Cage Warriors 165 Weigh-in results Main Card – 20:00 (PT) | 23:00 (ET) | 04:00 (GMT) | 05:00 (CET) Bantamweight : Trevin Jones (136lbs) vs Roberto Hernandez (135.5lbs) Welterweight: Ahmad Hassanzada (170.3lbs) vs Chasen Blair (170.3lbs) Welterweight: Anthony Zaragosa (173.9lbs*) vs Bobby Winther (170.4lbs) Welterweight: Benny Orozco (169.2lbs) vs Anthony Orozco (169.3lbs) Flyweight: Ronal Siahaan (124.2lbs) vs Andrew Johnson-Cabrera (125lbs) Prelims – 17:45 (PT) | 20:45 (ET) | 01:45 (GMT) | 02:45 (CET) Bantamweight: Corvan Allen (133.3lbs) vs Brandon Carrillo (137.8lbs*) Flyweight: Enrique Montalvo (125.9lbs) vs Manuel Madina (125.6lbs) Heavyweight: Diego Vazquez (243.6lbs) vs Sean Rose (262lbs) Bantamweight: Xavier Vines (135.7lbs) vs Miguel Peimbert (134.7lbs) Bantamweight: James Settle (135.7lbs) vs Johnny Gill (135.1lbs) Bantamweight: Eperaim Ginting (133.7lbs) vs Shawn Johnson (136lbs) Cage Warriors 165: San Diego airs live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners.

ONE 165 is already shaping up to be a massive card on Sunday, January 28, in Tokyo, Japan. ONE Championship is stacking the deck for their return to the country at the Ariake Arena with a featherweight MMA bout with huge implications on the line. #1-ranked featherweight contender Garry Tonon will meet #3-ranked Martin Nguyen, the promotion announced on Tuesday. Tonon has been calling for a match against Nguyen since he arrived in ONE. At that time, “The Situ-Asian” was the ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion. Since then, the division has shifted, but both men remain in the race for the gold. After losing his first shot at the gold, Tonon rebounded with two big wins over Johnny Nunez and Shamil Gasanov. Now, he believes he is just one more victory away from claiming another shot at the title. Nguyen plans to usurp his position and make that claim for himself. After dropping his title, the former divisional king struggled to piece together a winning streak but got back in the win column in his last performance. Both men are eyeing the winner of the ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship unification bout between Tang Kai and Thanh Le. As the calendar turns over, the featherweight division is setting up for a huge new year. The high-stakes featherweight battle joins Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Takeru Segawa and Shinya Aoki vs. Sage Northcutt on the card. ONE 165: Tonon vs. Nguyen will help kickstart 2024 in a major way as one of the year’s premier events ONE 165 will air live from Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, January 28.

by Billy L Greer Bruce Lee is known not just for his martial prowess but also for his ideas and philosophies. He’s credited with popularizing kung fu in the Western world and is often said to be the father of the mixed martial arts. It’s hard to find a martial artist today who isn’t familiar with at least a few quotes attributed to Lee. Perhaps the best-known quotes are “Be like water” and “Absorb what is useful.” Did these words of wisdom originate with Lee, or do they have a deeper history? Do they mean what most people take them to mean? Let’s explore. The Chinese martial arts recognize four primary elements that are essential to have a complete system. One of them is shuai, which refers to takedowns and throws. Be Like Water This quote comes from a longer one that says, in part, “Be like water making its way through cracks. Empty your mind. Be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. Be water, my friend.” Although these words come from Bruce Lee, the concept predates him. A translation of Chapter 78 of the classic text Tao Te Ching reads: Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid. Everyone knows this is true, but few can put it into practice. This passage describes the Chinese concept of wu wei, which is often translated as “effortless action.” Professional athletes know this concept as “being in the zone” — or in a state of “flow‚” as Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls it in his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. In this state, work is expressed without conscious effort and just seems to flow out of the body with ease. Many people have taken Lee’s quote to mean that martial arts practice should be literally without forms, that practice should be free flowing, random and without any predetermined structure. But is this what it means to be water? Water has many unique qualities. Known as the universal solvent, it can dissolve more substances than powerful acids. Pressurized water jets can cut through steel. Gentle flows of water over time can wear away the hardest rock, creating spectacular places like the Grand Canyon. As a liquid, water will assume the shape of any container and automatically seek to be level. Like most liquids, it expands when heated, yet unlike most liquids, it also expands when frozen. This means that water can penetrate the smallest crack and then, when heated or frozen, expand to split the object apart. Water can crash down with force to destroy objects in its path or push them aside; if the object cannot be moved, water will find a path around it. It can support the heaviest ship or flow through the slightest crack in the hull to sink it. No matter how hard you strike it, you cannot damage it, and it will absorb your power or even reflect it back. Water clearly has many powerful attributes that are advantageous to martial artists, but what is the source of those attributes? Yin-yang theory influences the traditional Chinese martial arts and gives us the paradox that taking something to an extreme often results in its opposite. Could the free-flowing and formless nature of water be due to its rigid and specific structure? The attraction of the two hydrogen atoms to the single oxygen atom, balanced by the repulsion of the hydrogen atoms from each other, creates a specific 105-degree angle between the hydrogen atoms and gives the structure a strong polarity. It’s this polarity that allows the individual molecules to bond together in a manner that’s strong but not rigid. The structure of water is simple but precise. There are only two elements — hydrogen and oxygen — but they must be arranged in a specific proportion and order to create H2O, the stable arrangement we know as water. Not only does water have all the amazing qualities described, but it’s also essential to our health. If we add just one oxygen molecule, we get H2O2, a compound that’s unstable, reactive and toxic. This is hydrogen peroxide, and it has very different qualities than water does. By adding sulfur, we get sulfuric acid. By adding carbon, we get alcohol. Small changes can cause something beneficial to become harmful. If we want the beneficial qualities of water, we must duplicate the structure with precision and not add anything extra. Anyone who has trained with a traditional martial arts master is familiar with the demand for precision in movement. A deviation of a quarter of an inch is sure to be met with a rebuke and a demand to do it again, only correctly. The simplest skill will be repeated countless times until the body’s structure and movement are exactly right. Practicing forms allows for the repetition that shapes the body and creates the “molecular arrangement” with the correct angles and structure that later allow for freedom, adaptability and flexibility of movement. Even those martial artists who take Lee’s quote to mean that practicing forms is a waste of time routinely use this concept. When they practice a partner drill or a combination on the pads, they’re practicing a mini-form. They’re creating a consistency, a structure, that later enables them to move fluidly. Lee seems to acknowledge the importance of this in another of his quotes: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” …. Part 2 of 2 coming next week Billy L. Greer and his wife Nancy own the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi in Annapolis, Maryland. In 1973 he began studying folkstyle wrestling, and in 1987 he transitioned to traditional Chinese martial arts. A disciple of Willy Lin, Greer is a third-generation inheritor of tian shan pai kung fu. He’s also a disciple of Chen Zhenglei and a 12th-generation inheritor of Chen-family tai chi chuan.

Jim Kelly was featured on the October 2013 issue of Black Belt Magazine . The issue paid tribute to his legacy, showcasing his contributions to martial arts and the cinematic world. Best known for his role as Williams in Enter the Dragon , the cover story not only celebrated Jim Kelly's accomplishments but also shed light on the importance of diversity and representation in martial arts. Kelly's impact extended beyond the screen, inspiring countless individuals to pursue martial arts and break barriers in the process. You can get your own commemorative items featuring this legendary cover and other by heading to our shop : Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format. For access to all issues of Black Belt Magazine , go here!

The 8 Man, $100,000 Grand Prize "COPA COMBATE" Tournament will stream over the course of two nights - December 15 & Dec 16 Combate Global also announces News Tournament format and featured Women's Fight COMBATE GLOBAL today made several announcements, including the Paramount+ programming details and matchups for the quarterfinal stage of the “COPA COMBATE eight-man, $100,000 grand prize featherweight (145 pounds) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament in Miami on Friday, Dec. 15. The tournament, widely recognized as the toughest tournament in sports, will stream over the course of two nights, with the tournament’s two alternate bouts and four quarterfinal stage bouts streaming live on December 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT, and the semifinal stage bout and championship stage bout as well as a featured women’s matchup streaming the following night, Saturday, Dec. 16., beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Announcers Jimmy Smith and Rodolfo Roman will co-host a 30-minute Paramount+ pre-show on each night, with Friday’s pre-show beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, and Saturday’s pre-show beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT. COMBATE GLOBAL also announced today the quarterfinal stage matchups for “COPA COMBATE” featuring seven of the eight previously announced tournament entrants, as well as new tournament entrant,   Alexander “Prettyboy” Schenk  (6-2), who will represent the U.S. and replace previously announced wildcard recipient  Jeremy Alba  (1-0) of El Paso, Texas, after the Florida Athletic Commission ruled that Alba would not be eligible to fight in the event. In one tournament bracket, undefeated   Ramiro “El Cachanilla” Jimenez  (7-0) of Ensenada, B.C., Mexico will square off with  Pablo “El Mexicano” Burgos (5-2) of Santiago, Chile, while Schenk of Clarksville, Tenn. will face   Marlon “Deriko Siete” Gonzales  (15-6-2) of Lima, Peru. In the opposite tournament bracket,   Manuel Exposito  (10-1) of Cordoba, Argentina will battle  Tommy “La Salsa” Garcia  (7-2) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and  Nicolas “Nico” Barna  (8-3) of Montevideo, Uruguay will collide with  Leonardo “Chimmy” Morales  (13-9) of Managua, Nicaragua. The winner of the matchup between Jimenez and Burgos will face off with the winner of the contest between Schenk and Gonzales in the semifinal stage of the tournament, and the winner of the bout between Exposito and Garcia will meet the winner of the affair between Barna and Morales in the semifinal stage of the tournament. The two semifinal victors will collide in the championship fight for the $100,000 grand prize.  For the first time in the five-year history of “COPA COMBATE”, the tournament’s quarterfinal stage will be comprised of two rounds, each five minutes in length, while the semifinal stage bouts will still be comprised of one round, five minutes in length, and the championship bout will consist of three rounds, each five minutes in length, the same lengths that the semifinal stage fights and championship fight, respectively, have been in the past. The additional round in the quarterfinal stage contests is intended to give each of the tournament fighters more time to warm up and execute their respective strategies.  Between the semifinal stage and championship stage of the tournament, COMBATE GLOBAL announced today that a featured women’s 119-pound catchweight fight between   Jade “The Princess” Jorand  (4-2) and  Naomie “Queen Kong” Young  (1-1) will take place. The 23-year-old Jorand of Bordeaux, France is riding an impressive four-fight win streak, while Young, 26 years of age, of Orlando, Fla. was victorious over Dulce Vazquez in her last effort on July 16 by way of first round (1:46) submission (arm triangle choke). Additional information about COMBATE GLOBAL and its athletes can be found on   www.CombateGlobal.com  as well as on  Facebook ,   Instagram ,   Twitter  and  YouTube .

As the MMA world gears up for UFC 296, the spotlight shines brightly on a highly anticipated welterweight clash between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington. This matchup is not just another fight on the card; it's a bout brimming with promise and excitement. Here are five compelling reasons why UFC 296 is unmissable: Contrasting Styles:  Leon Edwards, known for his versatile striking and slick ground game, brings a technical finesse to the Octagon that contrasts sharply with Colby Covington's relentless pressure and top-tier wrestling. This stylistic clash is a classic striker vs. wrestler matchup, promising an intriguing tactical battle. High Stakes:  With both fighters at the top of their game, the outcome of this fight has significant implications for the welterweight division. Edwards is looking to solidify his place among the elite, while Covington aims to bounce back and reassert his dominance. The winner could very well be next in line for a title shot. Personal Rivalry:  Beyond the technical aspects, there's a brewing personal rivalry between Edwards and Covington. Their exchanges outside the Octagon have been heated, adding an extra layer of intensity to this bout. This personal animosity often translates into a more aggressive and engaging fight. Resilience and Heart:  Both fighters have demonstrated remarkable resilience and heart in their careers. Edwards has shown he can overcome adversity, notably in his recent fights, while Covington is known for his incredible endurance and ability to push the pace. Fans can expect a battle of wills where neither fighter will back down easily. Global Appeal:  This fight holds a global appeal, with Edwards hailing from the UK and Covington from the USA. Their contrasting backgrounds and fighting styles have garnered a worldwide fanbase, making this bout not just a regional attraction but a global spectacle.

To say that 2023 was a landmark year for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) is an understatement.    The US-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion enjoyed perhaps their biggest year this year, which featured a number of big-name signings, the emergence of new stars and new franchises, as well as an industry-defining purchase.    Before 2023 comes to a close, let’s take a quick look back at the Professional Fighters League's most notable moments of 2023. The Acquisition of Bellator   Easily the PFL’s biggest moment of 2023, the self-proclaimed number-2 MMA promotion in the world strengthened its stance by acquiring Bellator MMA, a well-established MMA promotion that has its own share of big names and stars, to create a “new global MMA powerhouse.”    With the purchase of Bellator, the PFL now owns the promotion’s stacked roster, which features the likes of Patricio “Pitbull” Friere, Cris “Cyborg” Justino, Ryan Bader, Vadim Nemkov, and many others. This influx of new stars has opened the door for multiple dream fights to watch out for in 2024.    Bellator MMA will continue to live on as a franchise under the PFL banner.    Big Name Signings   Bringing in big names has been nothing new for the PFL. In the past years, the league has signed world champions like Claressa Shields, Rory MacDonald, Anthony Pettis, and Fabricio Werdum, as well as proven names like Jeremy Stephens, Aspen Ladd, Marlon Moraes, and Shane Burgos.    2023 however, was the PFL’s biggest year in terms of fighter signings, with the addition of social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, and heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Paul and Ngannou will be part of the PFL’s new PPV Superfight Division franchise, while also taking roles as executives.    The PFL also added Derek Brunson, Savannah Marshall, and Amanda Serrano to their stacked roster of fighters.    The Success of PFL Europe   2023 saw the inaugural season of PFL Europe, and it was indeed nothing short of a success. A ‘spinoff’ league of sorts which puts the spotlight on the region’s best and brightest up-and-comers, the PFL Europe followed a similar true sports season format that featured a regular season, playoffs, and finals, with the winners being crowned PFL Europe champions and awarded a $100,000 prize. More importantly, PFL Europe’s winners get their chance to join the PFL’s million-dollar global season.    The league also birthed stars like Cedric Doumbe, Dakota Ditcheva, Nathan Kelly, and more.    PFL Europe has provided the blueprint for succeeding regional PFL tournaments, with areas like Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as potential targets in the coming years.    Multiple Partnerships   A major part of the PFL’s success is their ability to bring in major partners, and 2023 has been another big year for big deals.    This year, the PFL renewed their media rights with ESPN and strike partnerships with Proper Twelve, Combate, Dafabet, the Air Force Reserve, and many others.    This only proves that the PFL is indeed growing in all aspects.    2023 was indeed the PFL’s biggest year, and 2024 could even be bigger.

The Countdown Begins: BRAVE CF 80 Set to Ignite Bahrain on December 15th. Watch the event live on BRAVE TV and BRAVE Combat Federation YouTube Channel As the clock ticks towards the 15th of December 2023, the mixed martial arts community is buzzing with anticipation for BRAVE CF 80. Scheduled to begin at 6 PM local Bahrain time [+3GMT] at the prestigious Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain, this event promises to be a spectacular display of skill, strength, and strategy. The Main Event: Bantamweight Championship Showdown The headline bout features a clash for the BCF Bantamweight Championship, where Jose Torres will face off against Nkosi Ndebele in a 135 lbs category match. Torres, known for his dynamic fighting style and strategic prowess, will be put to the test against Ndebele, whose speed and agility make him a formidable opponent. This matchup is more than just a contest; it's a battle for supremacy in the bantamweight division. Co-Main Event: Middleweight Mayhem The co-main event brings another thrilling encounter with Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi taking on Nenad Avramović in the middleweight division (185 lbs). Al-Silawi, with his powerful strikes and ironclad defense, is all set to lock horns with Avramović, whose endurance and tactical acumen have won him numerous battles inside the cage. This bout is anticipated to be a strategic chess match, with each fighter looking to outmaneuver the other. Main Card Highlights The main card is stacked with talent and promises high-octane action. In the flyweight division (125 lbs), Hussain Maki will battle Gerard Burns. Maki's agility and precision striking will be up against Burns's grappling skills and resilience. The welterweight category will see two gripping encounters. At 175 lbs, Ahmad Labban faces Jack Grant, a matchup that is expected to be a striking clinic. Following this, at 165 lbs, Mahmoud Fawzy Sebie will clash with Oscar Ownsworth, in what is anticipated to be a display of both power and technique. The bantamweight (135 lbs) and lightweight (155 lbs) divisions will also see fierce battles, with Izzeddine Al Derbani taking on Dean Garnett, and Abbas Khan challenging Chad Griffiths, respectively. These fights are expected to be fast-paced and action-packed, showcasing the diverse skills of the fighters. Preliminary Card: Rising Stars The preliminary card features two intriguing bouts. In the bantamweight division (135 lbs), Sabrina Laurentina De Sousa will face Rewan Yasser, promising a showcase of emerging talent in the women's MMA scene. Additionally, in the strawweight category (115 lbs), Fabiola Nascimento will take on Jleana Valentino, which is expected to be a technical battle showcasing the agility and finesse of the fighters. BRAVE CF 80 is more than just another event; it's a celebration of martial arts, a display of human potential, and a testament to the spirit of competition. With a lineup that promises thrilling encounters across various weight classes, this event is poised to be one of the most memorable in recent MMA history. As fighters and fans converge on the Khalifa Sports City, one thing is certain: the world of MMA is in for a spectacular treat.

by Antonio Terrone There has been much clamor in the aikido world about a recent study suggesting that practice of the traditional martial art is shrinking in the modern world. Based on Google Trend data, the Aikido Journal published a special report on the art’s demographics, and it too indicated a dramatic decline in aikido in America. The take-aways are several. One is that aikido in the United States is not popular among the younger generations, especially in comparison with Europe. A mere 4.8 percent of aikidoka in the United States are in their 30s, while more than 80 percent are age 40 or older. Evidence of gender and ethnic asymmetries are also cause for concern. As in many other fields of human endeavor, while there are some conservative views on how to cultivate aikido, others push for a more progressive approach that is based on adaptation to a changing world. Conversations on this issue are not new, but they tend to raise questions rather than suggest solutions, and consequently there is little consensus on how to move forward. As if this was not bad enough, the long and unexpected pause in group aikido practice brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has had dire consequences in the aikido community. Many members will not return to their dojo, many dojo will not reopen soon and some have closed for good. But beyond that, if we are seriously concerned about the future of aikido — and, by extension, the future of all traditional martial arts—the current slowdown is a precious opportunity to reflect on how to restart on the right foot. Identifying the Problem Rather than the decline of aikido, it is more accurate to say that what we are witnessing is the rise of martial sports and nontraditional fighting systems. A casual search on the internet reveals that the number of pages pertaining to mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, karate and even self-defense far surpasses the number of pages devoted to aikido. However, to aikido’s credit, if we look at the numbers for the past decade only, it seems that the art has experienced more stability—albeit stability at a low level — than is indicated by the dramatic drop it experienced in previous years. There is little doubt that new forms of fighting and new combat sports are the hot topics in the martial arts. The popularity of UFC videos on YouTube and in social media offers undeniable proof of this. Clips of “new” martial arts — including MMA, BJJ and, to a lesser extent, krav maga, systema, Muay Thai and even Navy SEALs hand-to-hand combat — dominate the internet. As aikido instructor Christian Tissier recently said, “Traditional martial arts have lost their magic.” Although disappointing, to a certain degree, his comment is true. The high kicks, the semi-contact competitions and the full-contact matches that were popular in the recent past have been replaced by events that feature vicious low kicks, knee strikes, strangulations and barroom-brawl-style punches, often coupled with visible blood loss and occasionally life endangerment. Style, form and ethics have been supplanted by brutality and muscular strength. The heightened violence, the extreme realism and the spectacular athleticism displayed by modern warriors are difficult to compete with. But should traditional martial arts leaders try to match that? Or should aikido and other forms of budo find new ways to adapt to the changing circumstances? These questions lead to an even bigger issue: Are traditional martial arts still relevant? I would argue that traditional martial arts like aikido continue to be relevant not only because of the content they convey but also because they offer the physical and sociopsychological development everyone should have. Physical prowess is only one portion of traditional training. The philosophical and ethical benefits practitioners enjoy are equally important.  Consider the following: Recent scientific research has demonstrated that because of the violence seen in some of these new martial sports, namely MMA, exposure “may not be suitable for at-risk youth to practice, whereas traditional martial arts and sports with a healthy philosophical foundation may be effective in reducing anti-social behavior while enhancing socially desirable behavior among young people.” (pubmed . ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31167632/ ) Clearly, traditional arts like aikido are worth preserving. The question now becomes, What can aikido Suggestion 1: Retain the Aikido Curriculum There is nothing inherently wrong or outdated in the tradition oriented content of aikido, and there is little or no need to change or innovate the waza (techniques). Aikido is effective as a budo just the way it is, and we all know it. What can and should be improved are the efforts to popularize aikido among young people. Unlike in Japan, aikido in America is predominantly an adult martial art, and most qualified instructors are middle-aged or older. Perhaps the younger generation is not attracted to a martial art because it is powerful in some abstract sense. Perhaps they would be attracted to a martial art that is represented by young, fit fighters who are dynamic and effective. It has been observed that many young students relate better to young instructors. The age of an instructor should not be an issue when it comes to attracting younger students because, as we all know, experience matters. That said, the fitness, agility and enthusiasm of instructors need to be inspirational. The credibility and charisma of the dojo leader and his or her immediate assistants depend on their ability to offer themselves as role models, and with the right approach, young instructors can achieve that goal. Suggestion 2: Ensure Classes Meet the Needs of Students In Europe and the United States, aikido’s popularity is not stable, and membership lacks renewal. Because the art does not include competition, intense cardiovascular activity or fighting, aikido in the West is geared primarily to adults. Aikido is not naturally selective when it comes to physical skills — unlike martial sports. In aikido dojo, it is not uncommon for senior practitioners to struggle with aging, physical fitness and stamina. Taking the ukemi (falls) and tobi ukemi (breakfalls) is not required. Many dojo do not regularly include ki no nagare (continuous practice), jiyu waza (freestyle techniques) and randori (free sparring) in their classes. There is frequently a mix in terms of students’ years of experience, making training somewhat slow and often unattractive to advanced practitioners. Dojo owners should do some soul-searching regarding expectations and age distribution in their classes. With the prevalence of hybrid training — in terms of skill level, age and fitness — more skilled and capable students often find that opportunities for high-level workouts are inconsistent. Such hybrid classes can be less gratifying for younger practitioners, as well. One solution to this shortcoming involves organizing classes according to age and experience, perhaps with separate sessions for children, beginners, intermediates, advanced students and black belts. Although this might be challenging for small dojo with low enrollment, schools should, when possible, offer classes at different levels multiple times a week to give all students the opportunity to train at their level and to create an environment of natural motivation for junior practitioners to improve toward advanced levels and classes… Part 2 coming next week.  Antonio Terrone began aikido in Italy in the late 1980s under Tada Hiroshi. He continued training in France and the Netherlands with Christian Tissier and Wilko Vriesman, and on several occasions, he trained at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo under Ueshiba Moriteru, Endo Seishiro, Yokota Yoshiaki, Yasuno Masatoshi and Miyamoto Tsuruzo, among others. Currently an Aikikai yondan, he teaches at the Evanston Aikido Center in Evanston, Illinois. He also teaches in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at Northwestern University. His first book was The Moon in the River: The Budo Path to the Empty Mind (2020). To read his blog, visit antonioterrone.com . This article was originally published in a 2022 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

ONE Championship and Sky Sports have announced a partnership across the network’s broadcast and digital platforms that will begin in 2024 with ONE Fight Night 18 on Saturday, January 14, at 1 a.m. GMT local time. The event, which is headlined by ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 defending his gold against Elias Mahmoudi, will get the new partnership started with a bang. “For years, our UK fans have been clamoring for ONE to be broadcast on one of the region’s major networks. Today, I’m excited to announce a new partnership with Sky Sports, the premier broadcaster for live sports in the UK and one of the most well-known sports networks in the world. This deal marks an important milestone for the celebration of martial arts and the continued expansion of ONE Championship’s global footprint,” ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said in the press release. The announcement marks a new day for martial arts fans in Britain and Ireland. With a rich history in combat sports, the nations will now be able to see ONE’s full slate of martial arts offerings throughout the region beginning in 2024. “We’re pleased to partner with ONE Championship to bring their full range of martial arts to Sky Sports for the first time. We hope to bring new fans to the world class competitive formats on our channels, as well as reach new audiences for Sky,” Sky Sports Director of Multi Sports Helen Falkus said. ONE Fight Night 18: Superlek vs. Mahmoudi airs live on Saturday, January 14, at 1 a.m. GMT.

In the upcoming Netflix K-drama, "Gyeongseong Creature," viewers can anticipate a captivating blend of action, rich historical drama and mystery set to premiere in December. The story unfolds in early 1945, a period when Korea was under Japanese colonial rule, and follows two young adults navigating a city filled with strange creatures born from greed. As they grapple with the challenges of survival in Gyeongseong, now known as Seoul, the narrative takes an intriguing turn, hinting at a threat even more perilous than the enigmatic creatures themselves. There is plenty of action in this series. The led, Han So Hee, revealed her hands-on approach to her role in the series My Name by undertaking all her stunts and dedicating four months to rigorous training before the series commenced filming. Notably, My Name marked her debut in the action genre, setting the stage for her subsequent lead role in another action-packed series, Gyeongseong Creature . During the filming of a high-intensity action scene for Gyeongseong Creature , Han So Hee sustained a facial injury. Fortunately, the injury did not require surgery, showcasing her commitment to delivering authentic and physically demanding performances. Stars Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee, during Geeked Week 2023, announced that the series will be released in two parts, with the first part premiering in December and the second in January 2024, adding to the anticipation surrounding this unique and enthralling period piece.

An undefeated boxer and kickboxer, Graciela Casillas is the first athlete male or female to hold 2 world championships in martial arts and boxing at the same time. Long-time advocate of self defense training for women, Graciela has expertise beyond the ring as a certified NRA weapons instructor, Kali FMA master, and one of the first and few women to graduate the ESI Executive Protection Program. Today she is one of the most sought-after martial arts and tactical trainers in the world teaching self-defense programs with stick, blade, gun and empty hand to civilian law enforcement and even military personnel around the world. She is also an adjunct professor at Oxnard College with two masters degrees. Graciela sat down with Black Belt’s Tony Parrish to discuss training for both those championships, mastering multiple arts, and self-defense. Check out the full interview below: