In the world of mixed martial arts, few fighters encapsulate the essence of resilience and redemption like former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr “No Mercy” Yan. As Petr Yangears up to face Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of UFC Macau - UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo  on November 23, 2024, Yan finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his career. With the bright lights of the Galaxy Arena in Macau illuminating his path, Yan aims to stake his claim for another shot at UFC gold. The Rollercoaster Career of a Former Champion At just 31 years old, Petr Yan has experienced more ups and downs than most fighters do in a lifetime. From capturing both the undisputed and interim bantamweight titles to enduring a controversial disqualification and razor-thin decisions, Yan’s career has been nothing short of dramatic. Yet, through the turbulence, Yan has emerged as a symbol of determination and mental fortitude. “I’ve matured mentally,” Yan recently told UFC.com . “This fight is about proving I’m still one of the best in the world.” A Comeback Built on Grit Yan’s recent victory over Song Yadong at UFC 299 was more than just another win—it was a statement. Coming off a three-fight losing streak, the Russian striker showcased his ability to adapt and overcome adversity, even while battling a knee injury during the fight. With his trademark methodical style, Yan reasserted his presence in the bantamweight elite. Now, standing opposite him is Figueiredo, a decorated former flyweight champion who has made waves since moving up to bantamweight. But for Yan, Figueiredo is just another obstacle in his quest for redemption. “He’s unorthodox and strong, but I don’t see anything too special,” Yan said confidently. “I’m prepared for whatever he brings.” Why This Fight Matters For Yan, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win over Figueiredo not only cements his place in the bantamweight title conversation but also sets up a potential rematch with reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili. Despite their prior encounter, Yan remains undeterred, seeing every fight as an opportunity to prove his worth. “I’ve learned from my past fights,” Yan explained. “Champions are defined by how they bounce back from challenges.” Figueiredo, however, has his own ambitions. The Brazilian powerhouse is riding a wave of momentum and aims to make his mark in a new division. For fans, this clash is a dream matchup, pitting Yan’s precision striking and calculated aggression against Figueiredo’s explosive power and unpredictability. Macau’s Historic UFC Return The fight also marks the UFC’s long-awaited return to Macau, a city known for its vibrant energy and passionate combat sports fans. For Yan, headlining in such a venue is both an honor and a motivator. “I’m excited to fight in front of such an amazing crowd,” Yan said. “This is a special moment for me, and I won’t let it slip away.” What’s at Stake for Yan? The bout against Figueiredo is widely seen as a No. 1 contender eliminator. While Yan’s recent record may not sparkle, his performances tell a different story. Whether it’s his controversial losses to Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley or his gritty wins against top-tier opponents, Yan has consistently proven he belongs among the bantamweight elite. Should he secure a victory in Macau, Yan’s case for a title shot will be hard to ignore—especially with Dvalishvili eyeing Figueiredo as a potential challenger. Don’t Miss UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo As the clock ticks down to fight night, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a blockbuster event. Find out on November 23, 2024 , live from the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China. Prelims begin at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT , with the main card kicking off at 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT , exclusively on ESPN+. This is more than just a fight—it’s a defining moment in Petr Yan’s storied career. Don’t blink.

On November 19, 2024, the International Judo Federation (IJF) Headquarters in Budapest became the epicenter of a monumental moment as Kazakhstan’s President, His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was welcomed with open arms by IJF President Mr. Marius L. Vizer. The visit was a celebration of Kazakhstan's deep ties to the global judo community and its unwavering commitment to the sport. Kazakhstan has long been a powerhouse in judo, with its athletes consistently achieving excellence on the World Judo Tour and making history with Olympic gold, most recently won by Yeldos Smetov in Paris. This visit underscored the country’s influential role in shaping judo's legacy in Central Asia and beyond. A Meeting of Visionaries During the landmark meeting, Presidents Tokayev and Vizer delved into pivotal discussions about judo's role as a transformative tool for education, cultural exchange, and societal unity. The talks also explored ways to deepen collaboration between the IJF and Kazakhstan, promoting judo’s core values of discipline, respect, and fairness. Highlighting the future of this partnership, President Vizer revealed an exciting milestone: the 2027 Judo World Championships will be held in Astana. This prestigious event is set to solidify Kazakhstan’s status as a global hub for judo and a beacon of organizational excellence. “We are honoured to welcome His Excellency, President Tokayev, to the IJF headquarters,” said President Vizer. “Kazakhstan hosting the 2027 World Championships is a testament to the nation’s passion for judo and its exceptional ability to unite the global judo community. Astana will undoubtedly provide a world-class stage for athletes and fans alike.” A Tour of Legacy and Innovation President Tokayev’s visit included an exclusive tour of the IJF Headquarters, offering a glimpse into the federation’s groundbreaking initiatives in sport development, education, and humanitarian work. The visit also highlighted upcoming events on the judo calendar, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s integral role in fostering the sport’s growth. Kazakhstan's Enduring Impact on Judo Kazakhstan’s history with the IJF is one of fruitful collaboration, marked by its frequent hosting of international judo tournaments and its dedication to upholding the sport’s values. This visit symbolizes another leap forward in their partnership, as Kazakhstan continues to leave an indelible mark on the global judo stage. With the 2027 World Championships on the horizon, the bond between Kazakhstan and the IJF is stronger than ever, promising to elevate the sport to new heights and inspire generations to come.

BRAVE Combat Federation is making history in Austria with BRAVE CF 90, featuring a new explosive main event that has fans buzzing.  Undefeated Bahraini phenom Rasul Magomedov is set to clash with Poland’s submission specialist Łukasz Olech in a fight that could reshape the Light Heavyweight division. Meanwhile, the Lightweight showdown between Austria’s Magomed-Emin Dadaev and Germany’s Davlet Karataev promises to electrify as the co-main event. Rasul Magomedov: The Rising Star with a Title Shot in Sight Riding high off his recent victory at BRAVE CF 87, where he demolished Brazilian veteran Pablo Benaion in the first round, Magomedov is proving why he’s one of the best wrestlers in MMA. A win here not only solidifies his perfect record but could edge him closer to a title shot in the Light Heavyweight division, which recently crowned Erko Jun as its champion. Łukasz Olech: The Submission Wizard on the Rise For Łukasz Olech, this fight is a career-defining moment. With five professional wins—all by submission—and a three-fight win streak, Olech has cemented his reputation as a dangerous grappler. If he can derail Magomedov’s hype train, Olech will be catapulted into the upper echelons of the division, making him a name to watch in BRAVE CF. Co-Main Event: Austria vs. Germany in a Lightweight Showdown In the co-main event, Austrian star Magomed-Emin Dadaev will look to bring the hometown crowd to its feet as he puts his undefeated record on the line against Germany’s Davlet Karataev. Both fighters are on impressive winning streaks—Dadaev with four and Karataev with five—and their combined eight finishes in just ten fights promise fireworks for fans in Austria and beyond. Don’t miss this groundbreaking event as BRAVE Combat Federation brings its global stage to Austria for a night of unforgettable action at BRAVE CF 90!

The updated UFC rankings have been released following a memorable event at Madison Square Garden for UFC 309. Five divisions, including Men’s Pound-For-Pound, bantamweight, lightweight, heavyweight, and women’s flyweight, experienced alterations. Men’s Pound-For-Pound Jon Jones extended his unparalleled legacy by successfully defending his heavyweight title, moving up to No. 2 on the pound-for-pound list, switching places with Alex Pereira. Charles Oliveira climbed to No. 15 after defeating Michael Chandler. Bantamweight Aiemann Zahabi rose to No. 13, while Marcus McGhee entered the rankings at No. 14 after a victory over Jonathan Martinez. Lightweight Mateusz Gamrot claimed the 8th spot from Beneil Dariush, who now holds No. 9. Rafael Fiziev dropped to No. 11, and Paddy Pimblett moved up to No. 13, switching places with Jalin Turner at No. 14. Heavyweight With Stipe Miocic retiring, Marcin Tybura, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, Marcos Rogerio de Lima, Waldo Cortes Acosta, and Mick Parkin each moved up one spot from Nos. 8-14. Shamil Gaziev entered the rankings at No. 15. Women’s Flyweight Karine Silva fell to No. 12 after a loss to Viviane Araújo, while Tracy Cortez claimed the 11th spot. Preview of UFC Macau Former bantamweight champion Petr Yan returns to face former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event. Yan Xiaonan faces Tabatha Ricci in the co-main event, and Carlos Ulberg fights Volkan Oezdemir in a battle of ranked light heavyweights. Watch UFC Fight Night: Yan vs Figueiredo live from Galaxy Arena in Macau, China on November 23, 2024. Prelims start at 3am ET/12am PT, with the main card airing live on ESPN+ at 6am ET/3am PT.

Westerners seem fascinated with Zen — or, at least, with what they think Zen is. Zen seems to describe a state of mind, for many Westerners, of perfect calm, deep insight, and mysterious and exotic power. When linked to Japanese budo, as it very often is in the West, Zen appears to connote some spiritual element that elevates the art into the realm of the metaphysical. Zen Buddhism is one form of that religion. In brief: Buddhism teaches that much of life’s suffering comes from illusion. We suffer because we don’t think we are successful or handsome or rich enough, because of this or that external circumstance. In reality, Buddhism teaches, these are illusionary distractions. The primary concern of that religion, then, is to find a way to cut through these illusions and see reality as it is. There are many approaches in Buddhist thought that can lead to a clear perception of reality. Zen is a Japanese interpretation of Chan Buddhism, which evolved in the sixth century. The approach taught by Zen practice is one of contemplation, of entering into a meditative state in which outside thoughts are calmed, then grasped for what they truly are. The goal is to attain enlightenment, which entails seeing life as it truly is. (What about the “sound of one hand clapping”? This is an example of a koan, used by some schools of Zen to encourage practitioners to go beyond the limits of rational thought. A way of jump-starting the consciousness, it is a question that has no logical answer. It’s presented to the student to encourage a different way of looking at reality.) This is, of course, a very broad simplification, but it puts Zen in at least some context useful to us. Zen became connected to Japanese budo primarily from two different sources. The Zen priest Takuan Soho (1573-1646) was among the most fascinating characters in feudal Japan. His teachings and travels brought him into contact with many of the most famous figures of his day, including renowned martial artists. Among those was Yagyu Munenori (1571-1645), the martial arts teacher of the Tokugawa shogun. Munenori took an interest in Zen, and Takuan served as his teacher. The names of some of the kata and some of the strategies of Munenori’s Yagyu Shinkage ryu came nominally from Zen literature. However — and this is critical — Munenori’s particular interest in Zen did not mean he incorporated Zen philosophy into his ryu. The Shinkage ryu, like most classical martial ryu, was deeply connected to other sects of Buddhism, notably Shingon, the only esoteric form of that religion. Rituals and incantations create the structure of Shingon; they were employed by the samurai for protection and success in battle. It is true that some samurai, upon retirement, entered Buddhist temples. Zen, however, did not play much of a role in the everyday world of the samurai. Zen meditation and training are long and time-consuming. The samurai did not have the luxury of devoting themselves to such extended practice. They needed spiritual help quickly, and the teachings of Shingon, with its reliance on the protective powers of Buddhist deities, were much more suited to their lifestyle. In the modern era, particularly in the early 20th century, “new” arts like karate, judo and kendo became popular in Japan. Their leaders looked for ways in which these arts could be distinguished. Jigoro Kano chose to emphasize judo’s teaching methodology, one based on Western methods of education that were much admired in Japan then. Kendo was presented as a means of developing character and a strong spirit. Karate, to some extent, attached itself to Zen philosophy. In part, karate leaders knew that linking their art to Zen would make it attractive to those who associated it with the legendary Shinkage ryu — not understanding that the connection was only through one of its masters and not to the ryu itself. (Think of it this way: A Japanese person comes to the United States and learns lacrosse from a coach who happens to be a Baptist, then goes home, assuming lacrosse has deep roots in the Baptist faith.) Additionally, a few kyudo (archery) enthusiasts were Zen practitioners, including some who taught Westerners living in Japan in the first half of the 20th century. One of those Westerners, a German author named Eugen Herrigel, wrote an enormously popular book linking Zen to kyudo. Another one, D. Suzuki, wrote a book that introduced Zen to many Westerners. Suzuki was a Buddhist scholar but knew almost nothing of Japan’s martial culture. He made a number of connections and assumptions that were accepted uncritically by Western readers and that have contributed significantly to misunderstandings and inaccurate interpretations. The main thing to remember is that Zen is a specific approach to Buddhism. Those who use the term to describe a vague “spirituality” or mystical awareness or monkish wisdom are misusing it. Those who choose to adopt Zen Buddhism as their belief system are free to do so, of course. And if they wish to try to integrate it into the budo, that is their right, as well. They should understand, however, that the word does mean something, and it is not just a convenient catchall for attitudes or feelings.

The UFC is set to make a historic return to Macau this Saturday with an electrifying card that promises action, drama, and a reshuffling of divisional rankings. In the co-main event, strawweight contenders Yan Xiaonan vs Tabatha Ricci are poised to collide in a pivotal bout that could have major implications for their careers and the division's hierarchy. Meet the Fighters: Yan Xiaonan and Tabatha Ricci Yan Xiaonan: China’s Strawweight Pioneer Yan Xiaonan, ranked #3 in the UFC strawweight division, has been a trailblazer for Chinese MMA. Known as "Fury," Yan burst onto the UFC scene in 2017 as the first Chinese female fighter signed by the promotion. Her rise has been nothing short of remarkable, with victories over elite names like Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Mackenzie Dern showcasing her technical striking and unyielding determination. Yan’s career highlight came in May 2023 when she scored a stunning first-round TKO over former champion Jessica Andrade. This victory solidified her position as a top contender and set her up as a serious threat to reigning champion Zhang Weili. At 34, Yan is in her athletic prime, blending crisp Muay Thai with advanced footwork to control range and outstrike opponents. Tabatha Ricci: The Brazilian “Baby Shark” Tabatha Ricci, ranked #8, has been on a meteoric rise in the division. The Brazilian judo and BJJ black belt earned her nickname "Baby Shark" for her relentless grappling and aggressive approach inside the Octagon. Ricci joined the UFC in 2021 and has since amassed an impressive record, with victories over veterans like Jessica Penne and Lupita Godinez. While Ricci’s ground game is her bread and butter, her evolving striking game has made her a dual threat. Training with top-tier athletes at Paragon Academy, she has sharpened her ability to close distance and capitalize on submission opportunities. At just 29, Ricci represents the new wave of strawweights hungry to climb the ladder and make a name for themselves on the global stage. Fighting Styles and Key Strengths The matchup between Yan and Ricci promises to be a classic clash of styles: striker versus grappler. Yan Xiaonan:  A striking technician, Yan thrives in high-volume exchanges. Her ability to control distance and overwhelm opponents with combinations makes her one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. Her TKO win against Andrade demonstrated her knockout power, a rarity in the strawweight division. Tabatha Ricci:  Ricci’s grappling is her defining weapon. She excels in chaining takedowns and smothering opponents with positional control. Her submission skills are lethal, and her ability to adapt mid-fight has been critical in her success. Ricci’s cardio and pressure will test Yan’s ability to defend against relentless ground attacks. What’s at Stake? The stakes for this fight couldn’t be higher. For Yan Xiaonan , a win could cement her claim for a title shot against Zhang Weili, setting up an all-Chinese showdown that fans have long anticipated. A loss, however, could derail her momentum and push her further from championship contention. For Tabatha Ricci , a victory over a top-3 opponent like Yan would be a career-defining moment, propelling her into the elite tier of the strawweight division. It would also showcase her ability to compete with the best, setting her up as a future title challenger. A loss, however, could stall her ascent and force her to regroup. Why Fans Should Tune In This fight promises fireworks, as both fighters bring contrasting styles and equally high stakes to the Octagon. Fans can expect: High-Intensity Action:  Yan’s striking and Ricci’s grappling guarantee a dynamic contest. Will Yan’s precision striking prevail, or will Ricci’s ground game dictate the pace? Division-Shaking Implications:  The outcome of this fight will undoubtedly shake up the strawweight rankings and influence the title picture. Emotional Stakes:  Both fighters are not only competing for victory but also for the opportunity to define their legacies in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. For the UFC, it’s a chance to further solidify its presence in Asia and elevate the strawweight division's visibility on the international stage. All eyes are on Yan Xiaonan and Tabatha Ricci. With their contrasting styles, compelling backstories, and a burning desire to ascend the strawweight ranks, this co-main event promises to be a complete showdown.

American Classics, a leader in entertainment-inspired fashion, has joined forces with renowned director Dimitri Logothetis to create a new apparel collection based on the iconic Kickboxer films, including Kickboxer , Kickboxer Vengeance , and Kickboxer Retaliation . Facilitated by Maximum Orbit, this collaboration promises an action-packed range of Kickboxer-themed T-shirts, sweatshirts, headwear, hoodies, and more. "Martial arts films have been a personal passion of mine since the late 1980s, so collaborating with such a classic film franchise is a dream come true," said Caleb Garrison, Head of North American Sales at American Classics. "It’s exciting to be the first apparel licensee for the Kickboxer series, and we see incredible potential for this line." The Kickboxer  saga began with the 1989 classic starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Kurt Sloane, captivating audiences worldwide. Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include over six films, featuring stars like Alain Moussi, Dave Bautista, and Mike Tyson. Fans of the series can look forward to the release of Kickboxer Armageddon , currently in development and slated to premiere in late 2025. The Kickboxer  films are available for streaming in over 150 countries, including major markets like the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and China. “We are thrilled to extend the world of the Kickboxer  films through this exciting merchandising partnership,” said Dimitri Logothetis. “The loyalty of our fans has been unmatched, and now they can own a piece of the Kickboxer  legacy. This merchandise truly reflects the spirit of the films, and we’re excited to see fans embracing it this holiday season.” The Kickboxer  brand is represented by Maximum Orbit. For inquiries about licensing Kickboxer merchandise, contact Maximum Orbit at this link .

Mark your calendars for Friday, January 10, because ONE Championship is set to deliver an electrifying double World Championship night to U.S. primetime on Prime Video with ONE Fight Night 27! Main Event: Tang Kai Faces the Undefeated Akbar Abdullaev in a Featherweight Showdown ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai is ready to defend his crown in a high-stakes clash against the unbeaten Kyrgyz wrecking machine, Akbar Abdullaev. China's first-ever male MMA World Champion has carved his name into the history books, dominating the division and twice dismantling Thanh Le to solidify his reign. But can he withstand the storm Abdullaev is bringing? Abdullaev has been a one-man wrecking crew since joining ONE Championship, finishing all three of his opponents in devastating fashion. In his most recent bout, he handed Halil Amir his first professional loss with a brutal second-round knockout. With both men at the peak of their powers, this featherweight clash promises to be an instant classic. Co-Main Event: Denice Zamboanga and Alyona Rassohyna Clash for Atomweight Gold As reigning champion Stamp Fairtex recovers from injury, the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Championship is up for grabs. Filipino phenom Denice "The Menace" Zamboanga steps into the cage, determined to fulfill her destiny and claim the title she's been chasing. Riding a wave of three stellar victories, Zamboanga is more focused than ever. But standing in her way is Alyona Rassohyna, the Ukrainian submission specialist who shocked the world by defeating Stamp in their first encounter and came razor-close to repeating the feat in their rematch. With gold and a potential unification bout on the line, both women are ready to leave it all in the cage. Don’t miss a second of the action! ONE Fight Night 27 streams live and free on Prime Video on Friday, January 10, for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. The action kicks off at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. Get ready for a night of unforgettable battles!

Deiveson Figueiredo, known as "Deus da Guerra" (God of War), has left a trail of destruction in the UFC’s Flyweight division. With a combination of ferocious power, slick submissions, and an unrelenting fighting spirit, Figueiredo has solidified his position as one of the most feared fighters in MMA. Let's dive into his top finishes that define his legacy. 1. Submission Victory Over Alex Perez (UFC 255) One of Figueiredo’s most iconic finishes came when he defended his Flyweight title against Alex Perez in November 2020. Perez made a tactical error during a scramble, and Figueiredo capitalized with a lightning-fast guillotine choke, forcing a tap at 1:57 of Round 1. This win showcased his ability to turn the tide in an instant with his grappling prowess. 2. Brutal TKO Against Joseph Benavidez (UFC Fight Night 169) Figueiredo’s rivalry with Joseph Benavidez is legendary, but their first meeting set the tone for what was to come. Despite missing weight, Figueiredo landed a devastating right hand that floored Benavidez, followed by ruthless ground-and-pound to seal the TKO victory in Round 2. The fight demonstrated Figueiredo's devastating striking power. 3. Rear-Naked Choke Masterclass Against Joseph Benavidez (UFC Fight Night 172) The rematch with Benavidez was nothing short of a statement. In one of the most dominant performances in Flyweight history, Figueiredo dropped Benavidez multiple times before sinking in a rear-naked choke in the first round. The victory crowned him as the undisputed Flyweight Champion and cemented his place in MMA history. 4. Guillotine Choke Against Tim Elliott (UFC Fight Night 161) In his rise to title contention, Figueiredo faced the always-tough Tim Elliott. Known for his unpredictable style, Elliott fell victim to Figueiredo’s superior grappling. In the first round, Figueiredo secured a tight guillotine choke, forcing Elliott to tap at 3:08. The finish highlighted Figueiredo’s ability to mix aggression with technical brilliance. 5. TKO Win Over John Moraga (UFC Fight Night 135) Facing the durable John Moraga, Figueiredo unleashed a striking clinic. Mixing body shots, head strikes, and relentless pressure, he broke Moraga’s defense and finished him with a flurry of punches in Round 2. The victory marked Figueiredo’s entry into the Flyweight elite. 6. Submission Win Over Brandon Moreno (UFC 270) In the thrilling rivalry with Brandon Moreno, Figueiredo’s grappling shone once again. During the third bout of their quadrilogy, Figueiredo delivered a jaw-dropping rear-naked choke that demonstrated his adaptability and relentless pursuit of victory. This win reclaimed his title and added another legendary finish to his resume. Deiveson Figueiredo’s top finishes exemplify his ability to dominate in every aspect of MMA. His striking power is unmatched in the Flyweight division, while his grappling ensures that no fighter is safe, even on the ground. Each finish has contributed to his legacy as one of the greatest Flyweights in UFC history. Stay tuned for more epic moments from this Flyweight legend!

The Shaw Brothers revolutionized martial arts cinema with jaw-dropping choreography and unforgettable action. Here are seven fights that every martial artist needs to watch: 1. The 3-Section Staff Fight – The 36th Chamber of Shaolin  (1978) After facing multiple losses, Gordon Liu's character San Te creates a new weapon to use in his fight - the three-section staff. With his creation in hand, he quickly dominates in this weapon vs weapon fight scene. 2. Five Styles Showdown – The Five Deadly Venoms  (1978) In the final fight, the five face off in an acrobatic showcase that is—literally—off the walls. It’s pure creative choreography at its best. 3. Fighting the Inn Crowd– Come Drink with Me  (1966) Cheng Pei-pei’s Golden Swallow showcases her agility and grace in this fight against bandits early in the film. 4. Temple Brawl – The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter  (1984) Gordon Liu again delivers a raw and emotional performance as a monk battling for survival with devastating pole techniques. This fight is as intense as it is iconic. 5. A Bad-Ass Entrance – The Kid with the Golden Arm  (1979) Short yet sweet, Lo Mang's character of Golden Arm bursts onto the scene and deftly takes on multiple deadly weapons—with only his bare hands. 6. Defeating the Long-Armed Devil – The One-Armed Swordsman  (1967) The clash between Jimmy Wang Yu’s one-armed hero and his adversary is a study in determination and ingenuity. 7. Final Fight – Crippled Avengers  (1978) The quartet of fighters with differing attributes square off against their tormentor in a sequence that turns limitations into strengths. These scenes are more than fights—they’re cinematic legends that continue to inspire martial artists worldwide.

I haven’t seen Damon Gilbert’s martial arts resume, but it’s got to be among the most diverse in our world. He’s trained and competed since he was 6. He’s been a black belt in kajukenbo — a hybrid system composed of karate, jujitsu, judo, kenpo, and Chinese boxing — since 1991. He’s served as a police officer in Oakland, California, since 1997, and for most of that time, he’s taught defensive tactics. And he’s earned 14 world titles in tournaments, which is why he was named Black Belt’s 2017 Competitor of the Year. What does all this add up to? Some sage advice on practically any martial arts topic. We delved into several such topics in our February/March 2018 issue. Here, we concentrate on weapons. — Editor For self-defense, are there any tools or weapons you recommend people carry? Let’s exclude guns because of all the laws that need to be followed. I recommend all the usual weapons — a knife, a kubotan, pepper spray, a tactical flashlight — but you have to get training. Basically, carry anything that’s legal and that you can get training with. All tools are decent when you have the opportunity to use them at the right moment. It can go bad when you pull out a tool you haven’t trained with and it ends up being used on you. For a tool to work, operator manipulation has to be there. Often, when a tool doesn’t work, it’s because of the operator, not because of the tool itself. When it’s legal, there’s nothing wrong with pepper spray. There’s nothing wrong with using your car keys. There’s nothing wrong with a kubotan. But you have to get training in how to use them, as well as how to retain them in case someone tries to take them away from you. You shouldn’t think an altercation involving a weapon will always be one-dimensional. Do you also advise people not to think that deploying or using a weapon will end the confrontation? Yes. I was recently lecturing a police academy class, and I told them that until they invent a Taser that also deploys handcuffs, they will still have to get into hand-to-hand range. They will still have to grab the person and effect the arrest. It’s the same with civilians. Not everything works the way it’s supposed to. One example is pepper spray. Not every form of it works on every person, just as not every control hold works on every person. There are guys who rush you and finish their takedown after being sprayed with pepper spray. We actually train our people in the academy to do that. We spray them and make them do 25 push-ups and 10 baton strikes on the bag, after which they must take the role-player into custody. Only then do we let them flush their eyes out with water. We want them to learn the limitations of particular tools, which in this case is pepper spray. Some people immediately scream bloody murder. Some people get in punches as long as they can stand it. You have to understand the pros and cons of any tool before you start carrying it. Why do so few people recommend using a stun gun for self-defense? When I first got hired [at the Oakland Police Department], we would receive lots of reports in which law enforcement officers used a stun gun and it was effective. I think they came into question because they didn’t give you that distance you want. OC [gas], on the other hand, does give you distance. With a stun gun, you have to be in punching range and maybe grappling range to use it. So if it’s not effective or the clothing doesn’t permit it to be effective, you’re in a fistfight and the other guy might be bigger and nastier than you. How important is training in weapons defense? I believe I’m alive today because of the training I’ve had in kajukenbo and law-enforcement defensive tactics. Training is the No. 1 key to surviving a violent encounter. It always goes back to the training and how practical and realistic it is — and how open you are to everything. I’ve been shot at, had knives pulled on me, and been in hand-to-hand combat, and I’m lucky to be here, and it’s because of the reflex development that comes from regular training. Remember that it’s a perishable skill. The thing about martial arts is, once you stop caring about her, she’ll treat you the same way. Do you want the techniques to be instinctive and work under pressure? Then you have to give her the attention she deserves. If your techniques don’t work, don’t be mad at her because she wasn’t around. You weren’t around for her. Just how prevalent are weapons on the street these days? They’re very prevalent. When we look at FBI studies from the 1960s and ’70s, we see a higher incidence of clubs and knives being used. Since the ’80s, it’s gotten progressively worse. Now we see a lot more firearms. Weapons are more common than some people want to know. Sometimes it’s drug related, and sometimes it’s not. A lot of crimes that involve weapons occur in areas where there’s a turf war. They also occur when people feel they need a weapon because of the trade they’re in. When an altercation is unfolding, should martial artists tell themselves that every adversary has a weapon even if they don’t see one — just so they’re ready? What I tell myself and my students is that the hands kill. If you keep part of your awareness on your adversary’s hands, that will cover the possibility that he has a knife, a gun, or any other weapon. That’s something I preach. Some people in the traditional martial arts community think their styles are best for weapons defense — particularly if the user has had success in competition. Meanwhile, some people in the MMA community claim MMA is better because it’s more effective overall. What are your thoughts? No sport is tougher than any other sport because none is even close to what goes on in a street fight. You can’t tell me that your UFC title will prepare you any better for times when somebody pulls out a weapon to use against you than my 14 point-fighting titles do. None of the martial arts sports address multiple attackers, impact weapons, edged weapons, or survival during live fire. That has to be covered in training, not competition. Instead, I really push stress-inoculation training — getting your stress level up and still being able to function. You want to make your training as realistic as possible. For police officers, that could mean using paintball rounds and protective gear or doing knife defense with knives that give you an electric shock. That makes everything a little different, but it teaches things like, Did you get off the line of fire when you did your gun defense? Did you control the knife during your disarm? This is the only practical way to train when you have to put yourself in positions where weapons are likely to be involved. What advice do you have for martial artists who are worried about becoming a victim of a mass shooting? In the end, you have to live your life. You can’t just live in fear all the time. In law enforcement, we always tell people, “You can train for a lot of things, but the one you can’t prepare for is the ambush.” By definition, that means you didn’t see it coming. You should, however, be alert. You have to think about the kinds of situations you’re putting yourself into and then try to expect the unexpected whenever possible. Where are the exits? What around you could be used as cover or concealment — in other words, what will stop a bullet and what will just mask your presence? There are other things, of course, like watching the hands of any stranger you’re talking to, but it’s a thin line between making yourself alert and ready and making yourself paranoid.

Given the proliferation of social media in the martial arts community, one sees all sorts of posts nowadays related to Japanese budo and the “warrior spirit.” There are blogs devoted to the way of the peaceful warrior and the depiction of enlightened samurai following a path of peace. One even has a pair of sparrows resting quietly on the hilt of a katana. It seems the internet is overflowing with inspirational aphorisms and insights about overcoming conflict. Sometimes this can make it sound as though the samurai were New Age “pathseekers” on a quest for inner harmony and cosmic consciousness. It’s lovely to think so. And it’s flattering to imagine ourselves as inheritors of a tradition of seeking a noble, spiritual truth, of pursuing the path of self-perfection, of dedicating ourselves to becoming pure. It’s like Gandalf meets Mr. Miyagi. We can almost convince ourselves that the instrument that was on the samurai’s hip was a magic talisman, meant to cut through discord and bind the universe in a big, beautiful knot of love. But it wasn’t. It was a sword. The Japanese katana was designed to, among other things, cut in a way that slashed flesh and muscle but also opened gaping wounds that could not heal. Even a shallow cut could become infected and cause a slow, horribly painful death. That is the awful reality of the way of the warrior in feudal Japan — and the reality of all warriors. Yes, you can argue that the killing was done in the name of good. Perhaps so. That didn’t make the suffering of those who died — and those who did the killing — any less difficult to endure. Or any less difficult for those who had no choice but to accept it. I recently saw a social media post that featured a quote from Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi (1584-1645) is, for many, an example of the ultimate samurai warrior, an iconoclast, a philosopher and all-around romantic figure, undefeated in battle (even if there is that inconvenient fact that in the only real battle in which he participated, he was forced to limp off the field after scrambling up a slope and having a rock dislodge and hit his leg). “The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them,” was the quote on the post. It has a nice sound. It is, however, lifted from a text Musashi wrote and taken somewhat out of context. Musashi was writing about the various strategies to be employed against enemies. In the original Japanese, the quote conveys a different thought than the peace-and-love sentiments it has in English. It makes the point that one can be sufficiently intimidating in posture and attitude that an opponent is frightened, disturbed, thrown off his game and therefore more easily slaughtered or beaten before physical contact is even commenced. Musashi wasn’t talking about harmony with the universe. He was laying out a strategy for overcoming an enemy, for consolidating or expanding the power of one’s lord. That is a key element in understanding the samurai. “Samurai” means “to serve.” The samurai were servants. Martial servants, as well as, given their level of education compared to the populace, servants who ran the bureaucracies of the fiefs. Their job was not to cultivate inner or world peace, but to make their clans and their lords more powerful. Japanese feudalism was often cruel; it could be stifling and coercive. The way of the warrior, at least in that age, meant that your life belonged to your lord and that your own feelings, dreams and plans were always second to that. When I think of Musashi, I often reflect on Mikinosuke, one of his adopted sons. Musashi came across Mikinosuke when the boy was working at a stable. He saw some quality in the boy that he liked. Mikinosuke at first declined Musashi’s offer of adoption; he had parents who depended on his earnings. Musashi arranged payment, however, and Mikinosuke became a protégé. In time, Mikinosuke became a samurai in the employ of Honda Tadatoki in what’s now Hyogo prefecture. (Scenes from the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice  were filmed at Honda’s castle.) Honda died in 1626 of tuberculosis. On hearing of his death, Musashi is supposed to have said, “Mikinosuke will soon be visiting me.” He was correct. Musashi’s adopted son appeared; the two shared a dinner, with lots of sake. At the end of the evening, Mikinosuke raised a glass to his father and said, “Let’s drink to my farewell.” Musashi understood. He had understood what was going to happen as soon as he’d heard of Honda’s death. Although it was not as common as once it had been, many samurai still, on the death of their lord, committed junshi, ritual suicide meant to demonstrate loyalty. Within a few days, word came that Mikinosuke had killed himself. To us, such behavior seems bizarre. We have no context for it — which is my point. It’s very difficult for us to understand the world of the samurai. It’s easy to romanticize the way of the warrior, to glorify the bravery and stoicism and gallantry of what many regard as the Japanese version of European knights and all their wonderful chivalry. This episode from the life of Miyamoto Musashi, however, shows what the way of the warrior was often about. It was about a man watching his son walk away, knowing that he would never see him again. This is what the samurai faced again and again during this era. Are you sure you want to follow the real, historical way of the warrior? If so, you’d better be ready to put yourself in the place of Musashi, standing at the gate and watching as his son disappeared forever in the distance. Dave Lowry has written Karate Way  since 1986. 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