I once asked a high-ranked friend, “What is a shodan? How do you know if a person is a first-degree black belt — or a second or third degree? Does it depend on whether he or she can defeat certain other practitioners of the same art?” My friend couldn’t answer the question with any conviction. I’d brought it up because I was a member of several promotion committees, each of which had its own criteria for shodan. Even within the same organizations, differences existed. Furthermore, I’d noticed that there were many American brown belts who easily could defeat Japanese black belts. Once judo practitioners reached nidan and sandan, it was a different story, I’d found. There seemed to be more Picasso art than Newtonian science to the way high-level judoka got promoted, and I was confused. The following are some thoughts on what I still consider a perplexing subject. QUESTIONS Obviously, being promoted is not just about winning, but what causes us to equate higher rank with higher physical ability? Why are we obsessed with higher rank when we don’t even know what it represents or whether we are truly eligible? Does the belt-ranking system even have value? Before Jigoro Kano and the Meiji Restoration, there was jujitsu. Back then, a person practiced in an ordinary kimono, usually a hakama and an uwagi. Because of the times — Japan was throwing out the old and bringing in the new, primarily from the West — anything related to its feudal past (kenjutsu, karate, jujitsu and so on) was slated for elimination. Incidentally, this was the time period depicted in Tom Cruise’s The Last Samurai . This is also when Kano stepped in to save the day. His interest in education, physical culture and English, coupled with his love of judo and his political connections, helped preserve the martial arts of Japan. His English skills afforded him access to Western ideas that were favored by the government. Among them was the importance of sport as a means of developing a nation’s citizens. From the mid-1850s to the 1880s, Japan saw an onslaught of “new” sporting events, including ice hockey, baseball, basketball and football. They illustrated the importance of planning, skill development, teamwork, courage, quick thinking and discipline. Kano believed that judo, then regarded as a feudal martial art, could be transformed into a sport — if it was packaged differently. (Interestingly, this is how many Japanese martial arts of this period were preserved.) Rather than seeing judo as a means of offense and defense, Kano thought it should be viewed as a means of enhancing one’s life. He promulgated his maxims of self-perfection, mutual welfare and benefit, and maximum efficiency with minimum effort. He said there were three levels at which an individual could train in judo: for self-defense, for cultivation of body and mind, and for the betterment of society. Kano also changed the look of judo. He developed the standard workout uniform, or judogi. In line with the Western notion of sports clothing, his concept used pants rather than a hakama. The new top was made of weaved material and resembled the coat worn by Japanese firemen. The uniform was off-white, and the pant legs and sleeves were shorter than what we wear today. The most dramatic change Kano effected was the belt. Until 1884, there were two colors in use: white to denote a beginner (or mudansha) and black to denote an advanced practitioner (or yudansha). After 1884, the belt was regarded as an outward manifestation of the level one had attained through hard practice. Other martial arts followed suit and implemented similar belt-ranking systems. Before the changeover, jujitsu students were awarded certificates with titles like chuden, okuden, menkyo and kaiden. Certificates, however, cannot be easily displayed. Kano’s replacement offered a visual incentive for students to work toward: the black belt. The very first black belts in the world were awarded to Tomita Tsuneyoshi and Saigo Shiro in August 1883. REGULATIONS As judo membership grew, higher ranks were deemed necessary. The first fifth dan went to Tomita in 1888. In 1898 the first sixth dan was awarded to Yamashita Yoshitsugu and Yokoyama Sakujiro. The first 10th dan was given to Yamashita in 1935 in a posthumous promotion by the founder. The official criteria for promotion were established. Candidacy would be judged on the following (paraphrased from Kodokan Council Regulations, printed in Judo Nenkan , 1925): Candidates lacking in character will not be promoted even if they meet the other requirements. If candidates are of good character and train diligently, applying their judo skills and knowledge to daily life, and they make achievements through judo, this may compensate for technical inadequacies to a certain degree. The assessment of judo techniques will emphasize posture, balance and poise. Candidates for shodan or above must show how they place importance on their judo experience. After Kano died, the council continued, but World War II caused promotions, at least at the higher levels, to slow down. They didn’t return to normal levels until after the restrictions Gen. Douglas MacArthur had placed on the practice of martial arts were lifted. Despite the setbacks in Japan, judo flourished in other parts of the world. Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania developed their own promotion systems, catering to local needs but mimicking the precepts put forth by Kano: technical proficiency, knowledge of judo theory, continuing education, the use of judo in one’s daily life and character. COMPLICATIONS In the United States, judo thrived in areas where many first- and second-generation Japanese lived. In general, it didn’t become popular with “ordinary” Americans until after World War II when servicemen returning from Japan searched for places to continue their practice. Much of judo was under the control of first-generation Japanese, who saw the art as a cultural possession rather than an athletic activity. Most rank promotion was linked to the Kodokan. Not until the mid- to late ’60s was a more objective system implemented, making it easier for non-Japanese to be promoted. While the system worked well for lower ranks (sandan and below), in America, the ranks of fourth degree and higher were and still are missing pieces of the puzzle. Promotions up to third degree are comparable to those in other organizations and based in large part on competition. If a sandan is losing to another organization’s first degrees, something is wrong — but adjustments easily can be made. But what of promotions given to older judoka who started later in life and did not have the opportunity to compete at a high level and build a history? Are they not helping in the development of judo? Suppose a person was to receive a sandan because of time in grade and his or her efforts as a leader. Would this be acceptable? For ranks higher than sandan, it was held, the person had to be of exceptional quality and dedication in order to be equated with a competitor who’s a fourth or fifth dan. After all, this is about judo, and judo deals in proficiency. Or does it? Now, things begin to get muddled. For all the champions we’ve produced over the years, we haven’t churned out many who went on to become leaders during or after their competitive years. Judo organizations have not done enough to provide opportunities or incentives to encourage growth beyond tournament victories. Only haphazardly are those who compete and stay on in various capacities elevated for “time in grade.” What is perplexing is that the time-in-grade standard is often applied to those who don’t have a serious competitive record but have stayed on and contributed to the running of the organizations. So now what does it mean to be a higher rank? It doesn’t always follow that the higher the dan, the more proficient the person is in judo. In essence, rank is sometimes regarded as payment for organisational skills and/or services rendered. The public might believe that the higher the belt rank, the more stellar the participant. But again, the perception of proficiency is predicated on a person’s competitive record and not on who’s been around for a long time or who has friends in high places. Unfortunately, the issuance of inflated rank lessons the quality of all rank. The International Judo Federation, in an attempt to belatedly control rank, issued a proclamation that it will be the only body to confer ninth dan and 10th dan. Furthermore, it said it will recognize only those ranks issued by national governing bodies — in the United States, that would be USA Judo. However, USA Judo has an agreement with the other two large U.S. organizations that all three will honor each other's ranks. Things would not be so bad except for the fact that the United States has more high-ranked black belts with less skill and knowledge than most European countries. The USA just might have more ninth degrees than France. To put this in perspective: France has 500,000 practitioners while America has 25,000. Further examination of the French way is warranted. In France, rokudan (sixth degree) is the gateway to “high rank.” To attain it, a large hall that will accommodate four to six mat areas is required. The candidate vying for promotion must perform before a panel of higher-ranked people. First, the candidate selects a technique such as ouchi gari and demonstrates at least 25 different ways to execute it. Next, the candidate selects a kata and demonstrates it. There is also a presentation of one’s theory of judo, a written examination, and a demonstration of how one would conduct a judo lesson. The examination is an all-day affair that’s often prepared for a year in advance. The result is that each person who’s promoted to sixth degree is a proficient judoka capable of meeting high standards. It’s little wonder France has 500,000 registered members. Solutions This essay would be meaningless if it didn’t look honestly at our promotion system. The truth may hurt some who respect and honor it, but unless certain issues are brought to the fore, judo in the United States will not progress. Integrity Mel Appelbaum once wrote the following to a friend: “The topic of promotion is not a simple matter. High-dan grades reflect significant expertise and contribution to the sport and must be administered by high dans with integrity. On the lower-dan levels, competition is the main path to promotion. Promotion procedures must be fair and consistent and not influenced by the payment of money, as in the way some in the past have literally sold rank and disgraced our sport. It is similar to those claiming doctorates and using the title doctor from degree mills and online degree factories. It diminishes the value of all degrees.” In the past, rank has been bought, and this still happens. It might stem from an outright bargained-for exchange or from a more sophisticated trade involving donations, dinners, junkets, favors, services, and so on. A follow-up question has been asked: Could it be argued that the money exchanged for rank truly serves judo in some way? After all, rank promotion is a source of income for organizations. In recent years, there has been a rise in the cost of promotions worldwide. This was most likely started by the Kodokan, whose promotion costs are very high—in the thousands of dollars. Taking a cue from this action, at least one other organization increased its promotion fees as a means of raising money to fund its programs. Equality When contemplating this word, one thinks of two words: equal and quality. When looking at seventh, eighth, ninth, and 10th degrees from Japan, Korea, France, Germany, Holland, and England, to name a few powerhouses, can we say that our recipients are equal to theirs? Have our candidates competed and practiced at a high level? Are they held to high standards? Have they done as much as, say, Neil Adams or Nobuyuki Sato to promote judo? Adams is an eighth dan and Sato a ninth. Granted, these two men are of exceptional quality and are at the top of the rating scale, and perhaps America, because of its situation, should be given some slack. Still, in spite of the need for incentives to encourage judoka to stay on, rank as a currency should be individually deliberated and weighed against social needs. Role-Model Consistency At a meeting once, a high-ranked member of a promotion committee proposed to elevate another member to a rank equal to his own. This would not have been out of the ordinary except for the fact that there was no prior submittal of promotion forms. As such, there was no written record of past performance, kata ability, or character. Yet the promotion was approved. Meanwhile, other candidates were not passed because their applications lacked minor things like the listing of a single kata. The following year, the person who was promoted proposed that the person who had nominated him should now be elevated to the next rank. Yes, this may have been deserved, but it, too, came with no paperwork. Should not those who lead, lead by example? Or should the strong be allowed to do what they want and let the weak suffer what they must? Rank Inflation In the 1950s, a sixth-degree black belt was a rarity. Today, it’s fairly common. At the current rate of escalation of promotions, America could see its ranks swell with high dan holders. There have been 10th-dan promotions, and more are eligible for 10th dan because they have sufficient time in grade. In the end, a rank certificate is only a piece of paper. It brings no increase in income, no added fame, no extra power. High rank is just a confirmation that a group of high ranks has confirmed that a person meets the organization’s criteria. Usually, if the group and/or its criteria are of low quality, the rank doesn’t mean as much. For example, if your promotion committee consists of sixth degrees who’ve never competed at a high level or served in a leadership role and they’re voting to promote you to seventh, eighth, or ninth degree, it won’t mean as much as it would if a group of seventh, eighth, or ninth degrees promoted you. Even then, should a seventh or eighth dan be voting on whether to elevate someone to ninth or 10th dan? Aspirations As I conclude this essay, I’m reminded of a U.S. Navy admiral whose shame was so great after he was discovered wearing an undeserved campaign ribbon that he committed suicide rather than face his peers. I am in no way advocating this type of behavior for judo; I’m merely pointing out that for some people, honor is a life-and-death matter. While judo is not the military, this nonetheless raises a question: What motivates people to want to claim credit for going down a path they haven’t traveled? That takes us back to the question, what is a black belt? For an answer, let’s look outside the box. Forget who wears the belt; look at who devised the system. What might this person’s motivations be for wanting a rank grading system? I believe Kano understood the need for order, hierarchy, self-esteem, and the human need to fulfill goals. The black-belt rank system does all these things and more. It perpetuates the sport by meeting the needs of its participants. However, maintaining excellence in the system and under changing social conditions requires training, knowledge, judgment, integrity, and dedication. Jigoro Kano understood change. That’s how he changed the perception of the martial arts from an activity of destruction to an activity of character building. That’s how he changed the norm from wearing street clothes to wearing uniforms with visible belts. And it’s why he later added five rank levels with concomitant requirements—so interest in training could be maintained over a lifetime. For Kano, judo was a work in progress. Had he lived to the present, he surely would have devised a better measure of competency than time in grade. Today, he would look at elements of judo that are likely to increase membership, boost performance, and enhance understanding and acceptance. For example, he might determine that it doesn’t make sense to elevate individuals who’ve merely accumulated time in grade, who, in essence, did nothing but wait for the years to pass. Perhaps he would conclude that it makes more sense to promote people who have been certified in ancillary endeavors like biomechanics, exercise physiology, refereeing, tournament directing, and so on. I don’t know for certain. What I do know, however, is that judo leaders around the world should come together and take action to create a system that would make Jigoro Kano proud.

“If there’s one technique that’s more effective than anything else in a real fight, it’s punching.” That sentence, uttered by John Hackleman — master of Hawaiian kempo, coach of MMA star Chuck Liddell and the man who appeared on the cover of our December 2017/January 2018 issue — was not inherently surprising. However, before I could wrap my head around it and formulate a follow-up, he doubled down: “And by real fights, I mean two guys going at it in the street, the ring, the cage or wherever. Punching causes more knockouts. Punching is instinctive — for most guys, anyway. Punching is easier than kicking, and it’s easier than taking someone down. Punching is the most important skill to learn.” The Punching Public My radar locked onto Hackleman’s clarification regarding his use of the word “instinctive.” I wondered why, if punching is so easy and effective, it isn’t something everyone does well. “Sometimes when I see an untrained guy punch, it amazes me,” he said. “It amazes me that some grown-ass men just cannot throw a punch. I’ve never played basketball, but I can dribble a ball all day long. So what if a person has never fought! He should still be able to throw a punch. It’s fight or flight, not basketball or flight. You’re a grown man and you can’t throw a punch? It should be genetically coded into everyone’s DNA.” For that reason, he recommends that most people, even those with some innate skill, spend time learning how to punch properly. “And they should teach their children how to punch because punching will save your life,” he said. “When you can’t outrun an attacker, you have to be able to punch.” Naturally, I was curious about the mistakes he sees. “People who can’t punch end up pawing like a bear,” Hackleman said. I did my best impersonation of an angry grizzly — I might have looked like a kitten swatting at a ball of yarn, though — just to be sure I knew what he was talking about, and he nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly what they do,” he said. “Punching is such a natural thing [to do in a fight] that all guys should know how to do it.” Playing the devil’s advocate, I asked if the public’s inability to fight with their fists wasn’t a good thing. Might not people’s lack of skill motivate them to sign up for lessons and thus get exposed to all the good things martial arts training bestows? And doesn’t the near absence of true punching prowess on the street mean that if a trained martial artist is forced to fight, he’ll have no competition? “Yes, but I honestly would rather have competition than have a country full of victims,” Hackleman replied. “I would rather have everybody know how to throw a punch than have them walking around like targets. When they come into this gym, I’m happy to teach them how to fight, how to punch. And if they don’t, may the power of God be with them and watch over them because they will be in trouble if they ever get jumped.” First Lesson The biggest shortcoming Hackleman sees when noobs take up the challenge of learning how to punch right involves not the arms or the hands but the hips. “People have to be taught how to engage their hips,” he said. “Watch a baseball player. He doesn’t throw just with his arm; he throws with his power side back and engages his hips. That’s what you need to do with your punches. Whether it’s a straight punch or a hook, you need to move your hips.” Another common correction that needs to be made pertains to the fist, which Hackleman said is the most important part of the punch. “You can use your hips all day long, but if your fist isn’t tight, it’s like hitting someone really hard with a piece of paper. You want your fist to be a rock, not a piece of paper. If your fist is only half closed, it’s going to be a piece of paper. If it’s closed all the way, it will be a rock.“Your hands should be closed, but you also have to learn how to tighten your fist while relaxing your arm, and that’s a skill in and of itself. Tight fist, loose arm.” Lots of martial artists recoil at the notion of a closed fist making contact with something as hard as a head, but Hackleman’s fine with it. “Many people talk about using the palms instead of the fists, but they don’t work as well,” he said. “People will say Bas Rutten fought in Pancrase and was really good with his palm strikes, but he did that because the rules forced him to. That’s all they could use in Pancrase! And he was the exception, not the rule. Just because he could do it doesn’t mean you can. “The best thing you can do when a fight starts is close your hands and get ready to swing. In a street fight, it’s better to break your hands while saving your life than try some kind of weird palm strike that gives the other guy an opportunity to punch you. He might break his hand on your head, but then you’re the one in the coma for the next six months with the tracheostomy and a G-tube. The rule in a fight: It’s better to break your hand than your head.” Besides, he was quick to add, a fracture doesn’t necessarily take your weapon out of the fight — thanks to our friend adrenaline. “You’ll feel it; it will hurt like hell,” Hackleman said. “But it hurts even worse to be dead. When your adrenaline is that high and you’re fighting for your life, your instincts will come out. Even if you’re not a sport fighter and you don’t have the instinct to spar, when somebody’s trying to kill you or one of your kids, I don’t care if you break both hands, you’re going to keep fighting until it’s over. Then you can go to an orthopedic surgeon, and he’ll fix your hands.” In competition, Hackleman said this plays out frequently. “I’ve seen guys break their hand in the first round of a fight, and they’ll use it for the rest of the fight because of the adrenaline — and that’s a sport fight,” he said. “In the street, your adrenaline is so much higher because the stakes are higher. You’re not just fighting for a win; you’re fighting for your life.” Traditional Training One of the many fascinating facts I learned about John Hackleman during our time together at The Pit concerned his use of the makiwara. “Julius Wolff was a physician who lived in the 19th century, and he came up with Wolff’s law, which says that the more stress you put on a bone, the stronger and denser the bone gets,” Hackleman said. “The tendons and ligaments also get stronger. It’s why people lift weights: They lift and all of a sudden, the body goes, ‘OK, I’m a cave man again, and I need to be stronger to stay alive.’” He went on to explain that there are dozens of bones in the human hand. “Now, if you start punching the makiwara really hard, you’re going to break some of those bones and it’s not going to help you,” he said. “But if you start slowly, it will eventually build up the bones in your hand so they’re denser and stronger. “People do push-ups to make their shoulders stronger, and they do curls to make their biceps stronger. What they should be doing is hitting the makiwara to make the bones in their hands stronger! I use the makiwara two or three times a week, usually for seven to 10 minutes each time. I hit it with straight punches and hooks. It’s kind of boring and repetitive. Some people say you should disguise repetition, but I say you should embrace repetition because repetition is key to getting better.” Assuming he was referring to muscle memory, I blurted out the term. “It’s that, too, but it’s more about density-ing up your bones,” Hackleman said. “I don’t think ‘density-ing’ is a word, but I just said it. The makiwara is great for repetition, for putting techniques and combos into your muscle memory, and for building up the density of your bones.” I was surprised to hear a streetfighter-turned-MMA-coach advocate such an old-school training method. “I’m the only one who does that,” Hackleman said with pride. “I have my fighters routinely take off their gloves and wraps and hit the makiwara. I’ve never had a broken hand with any of them. Strengthening the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments of your hands is probably one of the most important things you can do as a martial artist.” Support System While on the subject of bolstering the body for better bashing, I asked Hackleman about the need to strengthen its other components like the pecs and delts. “They mean nothing when it comes to punching,” he said. “The only things they might help with are picking up chicks at the beach — which they do help with, I’ve heard. (smiles and glances at his wife) And they do help your overall strength and power as a fighter. “But the true power of a punch comes from the movement of the hips. It has nothing to do with the musculature of the shoulders, the arms, the triceps, the pecs or anything. That’s been proved over and over. Watch some of the hardest punchers in MMA or boxing — Thomas Hearns, at 6 foot 1 and 147 pounds, was like a string bean, and he knocked out almost everyone.” So far, he’d expressed lots of respect for the hips and very little for the muscles of the upper body. I asked about the role of the feet, thinking they might be important in punching. “The rule in fighting is to move your feet a lot and create lateral movement and distance,” Hackleman explained. “Whether in the ring or in the street, you want to create distance if you can because that allows you to dictate the fight. Distance is king in any fight. If you control the distance, 99 percent of the time you’re going to win the fight. “While you’re moving and jabbing, trying to pepper the guy [with strikes] so you can set up a power shot, it’s OK to be on your toes. But when you’re going for the knockout, you have to set your feet into the ground, dig deep and swing.” I asked Hackleman if a person who’s not the most mobile and not the quickest on his feet — channeling a little bit of my insecurity, maybe — could become a good striker. Could such a person learn how to defend against a couple of the most common punches and then be able to unload a shot or two — all without moving around much? “Some people — like Roberto Durán — just have a knack for getting out of the way of punches while barely moving,” Hackleman said. “But that takes skill, and not all people have it. So when I teach people, I have to assume they know nothing. Basically, I have all of them move their feet and use lateral movement. But once they get really good, some people find they can win even though they don’t use a lot of footwork. But to build their base, you have to teach them lateral movement.” Virtues of Minimalism One skill set that goes hand in hand with punching is punch defense, Hackleman said. “Chances are, a punch is what you’re going to face in the street. At my school, we don’t defend against jump spinning back kicks much because that’s not what’s going to happen. We practice defense against punches. To get even more specific, looping punches are what we defend against the most because in the street, people will throw looping punches much more frequently than straight punches.” The looping punch is a more basic and more natural power movement, Hackleman said. “If you take 100 people who never trained before and put them in front of a pad and say, ‘Hit it as hard as you can,’ 98 of them will throw a looping punch with their back hand. So that’s what we defend against the most in my school.” I learned that he considers minimalism of vital importance in offense as well as defense. If you’re a martial artist, he noted, by all means spend your time perfecting all the moves in your art. But if you’re in need of a crash course in self-defense, he said, find that one punch that works for you and focus on it. “One of my rules is there’s no best strike,” Hackleman said. “There’s your favorite strike, but there’s no best strike. If you don’t have a lot of time to train, I recommend finding your go-to strike, your favorite strike in the world. For pure self-defense, one strike is enough. I train all the time, so I have three — the right hook, the left hook and the overhand right, and I’ve knocked out people with all of them. But if you’re just going to train now and then, it’s better to know one strike and practice it 10,000 times than to know 10,000 techniques and practice them all once.” So practice that one punch every time you train, Hackleman said. “Get it in your muscle memory. Get really good at it. On top of that, learn to defend against a takedown and to get up off the bottom if a takedown happens.” Is even one kick a part of his down-and-dirty formula for self-defense? “Not unless you want it to be,” he said. “Kicks are great for creating distance, but for life or death, if I had to pick three things, those three things would be it. If I could pick four, I would add a front kick.” Sensing that the interview was over, I asked, “Can I call this John Hackleman’s minimalist toolbox for self-defense?” “For street survival,” he corrected me. Photography by Cory Sorenson.

Wanna know what it was like to attend the Black Belt Hall of Fame? Imagine this: It’s a Thursday night in California, and you’re headed to an invite-only event in the heart of Hollywood. You drive right past Capitol Records Tower and arrive at Avalon, a legendary live entertainment venue that has hosted everyone from the Beatles to the Black Eyed Peas. Once you step inside and make your way past the red carpet, you’re immediately captivated by the state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and visuals. The crowd is a who’s who of legends—actors, performers, fighters, promoters, and presidents of renowned organizations—all buzzing with excitement, reveling in the unique atmosphere as a live DJ keeps the energy alive before the ceremony officially begins. This is a small taste of what attendees invited to the exclusive event experienced—an awards show that felt like the Oscars for martial arts icons. Even as part of the team that helped organize the night, I was completely blown away and immensely proud of what had been created. Celebrated that evening were: Lifetime Achievement Award Mike Stone Pam Grier Hatsuo Royama Martial Arts Entertainment Award Phillip Rhee Ernie Reyes Jr. Mark Dacascos The Publishers Award Scott Coker Chong Lee Curtis Wong Martial Arts Stunt Performer Award James Lew Simon Rhee Jeff Imada Instructor of the Year Award (Kenpo) John Sepulveda Instructor of the Year Award (BJJ) Machado Brothers (Carlos, Roger, Rigan, Jean Jacques, and John) Competitor of the Year Award Amit Elor A special Pioneer Award  also went to: Michael Warren Carlos Bunda Jerry Piddington As screens around the venue scrolled through the covers of past issues of Black Belt Magazine , it struck me what the night truly represented. Whether flipping through its pages in a bookstore or reading it at home, many of us grew up with Black Belt Magazine  as a constant presence in our lives. As one of the longest-running titles dedicated to martial arts, it’s no wonder it has woven itself into the fabric of our journeys. Since 1961, Black Belt Magazine  has illuminated the achievements of those at the pinnacle of our industry. The faces that graced its covers often inspired us to begin our own paths in martial arts. That night, those early memories came rushing back as publisher George Chung took to the stage to announce the return of the print magazine, kicking off with a November issue featuring Dolph Lundgren, who was in attendance, on the cover. As associate editor, I can only say…be prepared for an amazing era with Black Belt Magazine . Throughout the evening, notable martial artists—including Michael Jai White, Randy Couture, Cynthia Rothrock, Kathy Long, Graciela Casillas, Dennis Brown, Mike Chat, Tom Callahan, and host Harinder Singh—helped present the special Black Belts awarded to those honored. It’s worth mentioning that the many decades of experience and accomplishments were honored in under an hour. This was done—without undercutting the significance of those celebrated—thanks to the preparation and streamlined show plan put together with the vision of Chung. Together, we all paid respect to the past while seeking to inspire the future, united in our shared pursuit of excellence as Black Belts.

Mortal Kombat, a franchise birthed in the arcades of 1992, has left an incredible–and definitely bloody–mark on the gaming world and popular culture. With its iconic fatalities and over-the-top violence, Mortal Kombat has had a major impact on the martial arts world, inspiring awe in many future practitioners and influencing the way martial arts are perceived and practiced. One of the significant ways Mortal Kombat has influenced pop culture is through its portrayal of various fighting styles. The franchise has featured characters from a wide range of martial arts disciplines, including chuo jiao , pencak silat, Shotokan karate, hapkido, muay Thai, ninjutsu, and even sumo wrestling. By showcasing these different styles, Mortal Kombat has helped to increase awareness and appreciation for the diversity of martial arts traditions. Of course, none of this diversity would be possible without the incredible performers who helped the Mortal Kombat characters kick ass. Several real-life martial artists have contributed to the Mortal Kombat franchise, lending their expertise and authenticity to the characters as they appear in various media. To name just a few: Noah Fleder - A martial artist who provided motion capture for characters like Kenshi Takahashi and others in the latest game, Mortal Kombat 1. Daniel Pesina - Known for his roles as Johnny Cage and other characters in the original Mortal Kombat games, he is a skilled martial artist with training in various disciplines. Linden Ashby - While primarily an actor, Ashby, who portrayed Johnny Cage in the 1995 film adaptation, has martial arts training that informed his performance. Robin Shou - He played Liu Kang in the 1995 film and its sequel, bringing his extensive martial arts background to the role. J.J. Perry - Now a well known American action director, martial artist J.J. Perry did stunt work for the Mortal Kombat film adaptations. Mortal Kombat's legacy extends far beyond its video games and films. The franchise has inspired countless other media, including comic books, novels, and even a live-action web series. Its impact on popular culture can still be felt today, as new generations of fans continue to discover and appreciate the franchise's unique blend of violence, macabre humor, and martial arts skills. I mean, who doesn’t still smile big when they hear Scorpion call out his iconic “get over here!” line. It can’t be stated enough: Mortal Kombat has had a profound impact on the martial arts and the world as a whole. The Franchise's Many Incarnations Here are just a few of the key incarnations of the franchise: Video Games Arcade Games:  The series began in arcades, with the original Mortal Kombat and its first few sequels. Console Games:  Mortal Kombat has been ported to numerous home consoles, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and PlayStation. The series has even crossed over with other IPs, such as in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. Films/Television Mortal Kombat (1995):  The live-action film adaptation, starring Robin Shou as Liu Kang and Christopher Lambert as Raiden. Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997):  A sequel to the original film. Mortal Kombat (2021):  A reboot of the franchise, directed by Simon McQuoid. Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins (1995):  An animated film that serves as a prequel to the 1995 film. Mortal Kombat: Conquest (1998-1999):  A live-action television series. Comics Mortal Kombat comics:  The franchise has been adapted into comic book form by various publishers, including Malibu Comics and DC Comics. Other Media Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (1998-1999):  An animated series that aired on USA Network. Mortal Kombat: Legacy (2011):  A web series that explores the origins of various Mortal Kombat characters.

On November 8, Danny Kingad is hoping to punch his ticket to a shot at the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Title. The flyweight contender will meet the #1-ranked contender and former divisional king Adriano Moraes at ONE 169. The meeting at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug will not be the first time the two have tangoed. Kingad challenged Moraes, who was then the champion, in 2017. Seven years later, he hopes to exact revenge. “It’s an exciting time in the flyweight division. It’s wide open. I feel blessed that I’m still close to getting there, and it gives me the motivation to beat Adriano and maybe get the chance to compete for the vacant World Title,” Kingad stated to ONE. “I think this fight is the way to get that World Title shot after seven long years. I’m motivated. The World Title is there for the taking, and I’m eyeing it.” “Each time I have come close to the top before, I ended up losing. There’s no frustration, but I’m being more diligent now.” “The King” believes he was not ready when they first met seven years ago. After years of tireless work, the 29-year-old feels he is ready to topple the talented Brazilian and move to the top of the division. “The first time we faced each other, I stepped up to take him on. It was three weeks before the fight they called and gave me the opportunity to change opponents and get the World Title shot, so I took it. Back then, I was still studying. It’s totally a different case now. Right now, I’m truly focused. I’m ready for him,” the 29-year-old remarked. “I’m highly motivated for this fight. I’ve learned and experienced a lot through the years. I know what I’m doing now. This time, I know that I can beat him, unlike before where I got shocked because it was just my third fight in ONE and I already got a World Championship bout against him.” A secondary goal to getting the win is to finish the match. Kingad is making it a goal after failing to earn a win by finish since arriving in ONE in 2016. “It’s in my mind now to start finishing fights. In each fight that I don’t finish my opponent, it bothers me, and all I can do is to ask my coaches, go back to the drawing board, and continue to learn,” Kingad said. “Right now, I’m working with boxing coach, Don Colas, to work on my power.” Kingad may want the finish, but the primary objective is to win. To do so, he believes he has drawn up the right battle plans to achieve the biggest win in his career in front of a global viewing audience at ONE 169. “I feel like I’ll adjust well in this fight. I’ve trained everything. I think it all boils down to formulating a perfect game plan and executing it to perfection,” Kingad commented. “This is going to be a great fight. I’m looking for that knockout win. I’m going to get my hand raised.” ONE 169 airs live and free on Friday, November 8, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video to all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.

Muay Thai icon Youssef Boughanem is set to make a sensational return to MMA at BRAVE CF 90 in Austria, where he’ll clash with French standout Johan Van de Hel in a highly anticipated 72kg Catchweight bout. The event, a star-studded collaboration with Austria’s Sparta CF, is scheduled for November 23 in Vienna, promising fans an unforgettable night of action. Fresh off his victorious MMA debut at BRAVE CF 83, where he bested Saad Touijar via second-round stoppage, Boughanem has continued his streak of success, building a perfect MMA record of 2-0. Now, the former eight-promotion Muay Thai world champion and one of the most accomplished non-Thai Muay Thai fighters in history faces a true test in Van de Hel, a battle-tested French MMA and Bare Knuckle Boxing competitor with seven MMA bouts and a recent knockout win in Bare Knuckle Boxing. A victory over Van de Hel would not only extend Boughanem's undefeated streak but also reinforce the trend of elite strikers finding success in MMA, a movement BRAVE CF has amplified with recent stars like Ilias Bulaid and Nabil Haryouli. Boughanem’s journey from dominating Thai rings to global MMA arenas exemplifies the rise of striking champions in BRAVE Combat Federation.

Rose Namajunas, has been a beacon of resilience and talent in the world of mixed martial arts. Her journey through the UFC is one of grit, mental fortitude, and perseverance. From her meteoric rise to the top to her turbulent title reigns, Namajunas has constantly evolved as both a fighter and a person. Now, as she prepares to face the surging Erin Blanchfield in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi in Edmonton, Canada, fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what Thug Rose brings into the Octagon. Early Life and Entry into MMA Born on June 29, 1992, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Namajunas faced a tough childhood. She endured personal and familial challenges that shaped her early resilience, channeling her strength into martial arts. Rose began her training in Taekwondo at just five years old, later adding karate and BJJ, which sharpened her skills. This early discipline prepared her for the rigors of MMA and helped her develop her signature approach, blending striking finesse with strategic grappling. Her debut in professional MMA in 2013 quickly caught the attention of UFC fans and officials alike. She showcased her potential in "The Ultimate Fighter" (TUF) Season 20, where she made it to the finals, setting the stage for a remarkable UFC career. In 2015, Rose faced Tecia Torres and won via unanimous decision, making a statement as a top contender. Despite suffering a setback in her fight with Karolina Kowalkiewicz in 2016, Rose regrouped and returned to the cage with renewed focus and determination. Her breakthrough came on November 4, 2017, at UFC 217 when she faced then-champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Namajunas shocked the world with a first-round TKO victory, claiming the strawweight title and putting the division on notice. The win was a turning point for Namajunas, solidifying her as one of the UFC’s top athletes. The First Title Reign and Redemption Rose’s reign as champion began with a rematch against Jędrzejczyk at UFC 223, where she defended her title with a unanimous decision victory. However, in May 2019, she faced Jéssica Andrade in a brutal fight in Brazil, where she lost her belt after being slammed to the canvas in the second round. This defeat led Namajunas to take a break from the Octagon, reflecting on her career and contemplating retirement. However, her fighting spirit prevailed, and she made a powerful return in 2020, defeating Andrade in a rematch at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi. Reclaiming the Throne In 2021, Namajunas squared off against Zhang Weili, the fierce Chinese champion known for her striking prowess and explosive power. UFC 261 became a career-defining moment as Rose landed a head kick in the first round that stunned Weili and recaptured her title. The knockout was electrifying, and her emotional victory speech, declaring, "I am the best!" resonated with fans worldwide. Rose successfully defended her title against Weili in a razor-thin split decision rematch at UFC 268. However, her second title reign was short-lived; in May 2022, she faced Carla Esparza at UFC 274 in a fight that saw her relinquish her title in a lacklustre split decision. Return to the Octagon: Facing Erin Blanchfield After her loss to Esparza, Namajunas took time away from the Octagon to recalibrate. Her journey back to competition brings her face-to-face with Erin Blanchfield, a rising star in the flyweight division, this Saturday at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada. Blanchfield is renowned for her grappling, possessing a tenacious ground game and unyielding stamina. Currently on a five-fight win streak, Blanchfield has been rising through the ranks with impressive victories over names like Molly McCann and Jessica Andrade. The bout promises an intriguing clash of styles: Rose’s precision striking, mental toughness, and veteran experience against Blanchfield’s aggressive grappling and hunger to break into the top echelon. For Namajunas, this fight is a critical test of her evolution since her last Octagon outing, as she seeks to prove her resilience and reclaim her status as a formidable force within the UFC. What’s at Stake for Namajunas? A win over Blanchfield could launch Namajunas into title contention in the flyweight division, potentially putting her on a collision course with reigning champion Alexa Grasso or former champion Valentina Shevchenko. For Blanchfield, this fight is an opportunity to solidify her place as a top contender and showcase her skills against a veteran champion. As Namajunas enters the cage this Saturday, the stakes have never been higher. She faces not just a rising star in Blanchfield but also the challenge of reclaiming her place in the UFC spotlight. A win in Edmonton would not only revitalize her career but also cement her legacy as one of the most resilient fighters in UFC history. Fans worldwide eagerly await this electrifying matchup, wondering if Thug Rose will rise again.

Here are the updated UFC rankings. See which fighters have climbed or dropped following intense battles at UFC 308, and anticipate the upcoming matchups at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Albazi. Changes were observed in five divisions: men's pound for pound, featherweight, lightweight, middleweight, and light heavyweight.  Men’s Pound-For-Pound Following a main event featuring two top-ranked pound-for-pound fighters, Ilia Topuria solidified his position at No. 4 by defeating Max Holloway in the third round. Holloway slipped to No. 12, while Alexandre Pantoja claimed the No. 11 spot. Featherweight Lerone Murphy and Giga Chikadze switched positions, with Murphy moving to No. 11 and Chikadze to No. 12. Lightweight Renato Moicano moved up one spot into a tie with Rafael Fiziev at No. 10.  Middleweight Following his impressive victory over former champion Robert Whittaker last weekend, Khamzat Chimaev climbed 10 spots to secure the No. 3 ranking. Consequently, Whittaker, Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho, Marvin Vettori, Jared Cannonier, Brendan Allen, Roman Dolidze, Paulo Costa, Jack Hermansson, and Anthony Hernandez each slid down one position, now occupying ranks 4 through 13. Shara Magomedov made a notable entry at No. 14, displacing Michel Pereira to the 15th spot. Light Heavyweight Following Magomed Ankalaev's victory over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308, he has secured the top spot after previously sharing it with Jiri Prochazka. Khalil Rountree Jr. has climbed to No. 6 and is now tied with Nikita Krylov. Dominick Reyes has advanced from No. 13 to No. 12, putting him in a joint position with Anthony Smith. Looking forward to UFC Edmonton This weekend's fight night in Edmonton will showcase several top five matchups and two other fights that could impact the rankings. The main event will see the return of No. 2 Brandon Moreno, who will be facing off against No. 3 Amir Albazi. Despite having competed in six consecutive title fights, Moreno has suffered two consecutive losses and now finds himself in another high-stakes matchup in the division. Albazi has proven himself among the top competitors in the flyweight division with a flawless 5-0 record in the UFC and now seizes his biggest opportunity yet. Former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will take on Erin Blanchfield in a five-round co-main event. This marks Namajunas' fourth consecutive fight at 125 pounds, having secured victories over Amanda Ribas and Tracy Cortez after a loss in her flyweight debut to Manon Fiorot. Blanchfield, who is currently ranked No. 3, is aiming to defend her position against No. 5 Namajunas following her first UFC defeat, which also came at the hands of Fiorot. The weekend's ranked action will also feature a couple of heavyweight matchups, starting with No. 11 Derrick Lewis facing Jhonata Diniz on the main card. On the prelims, No. 13 Alexander Romanov will square off against No. 15 Rodrigo Nasciemento in a bout where both fighters are seeking to bounce back from recent losses.

UFC fans are eagerly awaiting the co-main event at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi, where former Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas will square off against rising star Erin Blanchfield. Set to take place at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, this fight holds significant implications for the women’s Flyweight division, as both athletes look to establish their dominance. For Namajunas, it’s a fight to solidify her return, while Blanchfield sees this as her opportunity to claim a major name and accelerate her rise through the ranks. Here is a breakdown of Rose Namajunas vs. Erin Blanchfield. Athlete Backgrounds and Standings Rose Namajunas, a former two-time UFC Strawweight Champion, is renowned for her striking technique, mental resilience, and high fight IQ. With victories over top names like Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Zhang Weili, and Jessica Andrade, Namajunas has cemented herself as one of the most skilled and decorated fighters in women’s MMA history. Known for her balanced skill set, "Thug Rose" can handle pressure and bring a strategic approach, making her unpredictable in the octagon. Moving up to Flyweight, she looks to reestablish herself and potentially claim a title in a second division. Erin Blanchfield, on the other hand, represents the next generation of fighters making waves in the Flyweight division. At just 25, Blanchfield has earned a reputation for her relentless grappling, well-rounded approach, and impeccable fight conditioning. Currently riding a winning streak, with notable victories over high-ranked opponents, she’s rapidly climbed the ranks and solidified herself as a future title contender. A win over Namajunas could place her directly into the title conversation, as she looks to capitalize on her momentum and continue her rapid ascent. What to Expect in the Fight This matchup presents an intriguing clash of styles: Namajunas’ versatile striking and experience versus Blanchfield’s aggressive grappling and youthful stamina. Namajunas’ edge lies in her ability to control distance, dictate pace, and utilize her precision striking to keep Blanchfield at bay. If she can keep the fight standing and find openings, "Thug Rose" may be able to pick Blanchfield apart with her striking expertise. Blanchfield, however, will likely push to close the distance and take the fight to the ground, where she excels at controlling her opponents and searching for submissions. Her grappling prowess could neutralize Namajunas’ stand-up game, forcing the former champion into positions she may not have faced before. Predictions and Expectations For Namajunas, the biggest challenge will be adjusting to Blanchfield’s relentless pace and grappling-heavy approach, especially after a long layoff and the transition to a higher weight class. Meanwhile, Blanchfield will need to be wary of Namajunas’ striking abilities, as one well-placed punch could disrupt her game plan and halt her forward momentum. With both fighters eager to make their mark in the Flyweight division, this bout promises an action-packed showcase of skill, resilience, and hunger. Fans can expect a high-stakes, strategic battle that could end in spectacular fashion—either with Namajunas’ precision striking or Blanchfield’s imposing grappling power. This fight will not only set the tone for each fighter’s trajectory but may very well influence the Flyweight title landscape. Will the experience and calm of Rose Namajunas be enough to fend off the tenacious Erin Blanchfield? Or will Blanchfield’s youth, drive, and grappling savvy push her to victory? Tune in this Saturday to find out as these two forces collide in a co-main event that promises high-octane action, drama, and possibly, a career-defining moment for both fighters.

BRAVE Combat Federation is set to make its electrifying debut in Austria with BRAVE CF 90 , marking a monumental chapter in European MMA. Partnering with Sparta CF, the event takes place at the Multiverse Schwechat in Vienna  and brings a thrilling night of fights featuring local heroes, international challengers, and stakes that promise intense action in the octagon. Main Event: Austria’s Unbeaten Star Takes Center Stage The spotlight of the night shines on Muslim Danaev , Austria’s undefeated Super Welterweight sensation. Riding a perfect seven-fight winning streak, Danaev enters the octagon with the weight of national pride as he seeks to extend his unbeaten run against a formidable opponent, Chequina Noso Pedro  from the Netherlands. Known for his relentless style, Danaev has only gone the distance once in his MMA career. With the opportunity to make history in Austria's largest MMA event, he’s set to deliver a performance to put Austrian MMA on the world map. Across from him stands Pedro, who has also remained undefeated in BRAVE CF, boasting an impressive finish over Ali Isajew at BRAVE CF 83 . Known for his precision and skill, Pedro is ready to play the spoiler in Danaev’s homecoming. Adding to his momentum, Pedro’s decision win over Dzhokhar Duraev at BRAVE CF 79  solidifies his claim to contendership in the Super Welterweight division. Co-Main Event: Bahraini Grappler Meets Polish Submission Specialist In the co-main event, Rasul Magomedov  of Bahrain returns to the BRAVE CF cage against Poland’s submission maestro Lukasz Olech . Magomedov’s recent triumph over Pablo Benaion at BRAVE CF 87  has elevated him within the Light Heavyweight ranks. Known for his grappling prowess, Magomedov’s first-round submission victory has fans eagerly awaiting another showcase of his skills. However, Olech brings a potent ground game of his own, having submitted his last three opponents, all in the first round. His ability to dominate with submissions has placed him on a three-fight winning streak, with ambitions to rise as a title contender if he can overcome Magomedov. For fans of grappling showdowns, this matchup promises fireworks as both athletes aim for a finish that will redefine the Light Heavyweight landscape. With BRAVE CF 90  marking the Federation’s first event in Austria, BRAVE CF continues to expand its global footprint. This tenth event in 2024 sets a new benchmark, making Austria the 35th host country  and the 16th nation in Europe  for BRAVE CF, underscoring its unparalleled reach in global MMA.

ONE Championship finalized its lineup for ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug, and it may be a contender for Event of the Year. On Friday, November 8, 11 exceptional martial arts battles will take place from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. At the top of the bill will be three incredible title tilts, capped off by the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title being on the line. Anatoly Malykhin has been dominant since arriving in ONE, but “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane will test his physicality in a collision of monsters. But before they take to the center of the ring, the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title will be determined between Jackie Buntan and Anissa Meksen. Muay Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon will take the co-main event slot to defend his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title against familiar foe Jacob Smith. The action before the gold is decided is just as compelling, with stars such as Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida taking on Amir Aliakbari, Kade Ruotolo’s second pro-MMA bout against Ahmed Mujtaba, and much more. ONE Lightweight and Welterweight MMA World Champion Christian Lee was initially slated to defend the lightweight crown against Alibeg Rasulov on the card. That bout has been rescheduled and elevated to the main event of ONE Fight Night 26 on Prime Video on Friday, December 6. ONE 169 is loaded from top to bottom with matches across kickboxing, MMA, and Muay Thai. It is a martial arts fan’s dream, with title tilts in all three sports. It is a must-see event coming your way on Friday, November 8. ONE 169 Full Card — November 8, Prime Video (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship: Anatoly Malykhin vs. Oumar Kane ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship: Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Jacob Smith ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship: Jackie Buntan vs. Anissa Meksen Adriano Moraes vs. Danny Kingad Kongthoranee Sor Sommai vs. Tagir Khalilov Kade Ruotolo vs. Ahmed Mujtaba Sam-A Gaiyanghadao vs. Zhang Peimian Marcus Almeida vs. Amir Aliakbari Eddie Abasolo vs. Mohamed Younes Rabah Ayaka Miura vs. Macarena Aragon Aliff Sor Dechapan vs. Walter Goncalves

Each year on October 28, the world celebrates World Judo Day, honoring the legacy and philosophy of Judo. This martial art, founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882 , embodies more than just physical combat—its core principles emphasize respect, discipline, and perseverance, qualities that resonate worldwide. In 2024, judokas and enthusiasts celebrate under this year’s theme, further enriching the journey of Judo’s profound impact on personal growth and self-discipline. The Legacy of Jigoro Kano: Transforming Martial Arts into a Philosophy Jigoro Kano, Judo’s creator, transformed traditional Japanese jujutsu into an art form focused on skillful throws, holds, and ground techniques designed to maximize "efficiency of movement and mutual welfare."  His vision was to instill character-building qualities, using the tatami (mat) as a platform for education. Why October 28? Honoring Kano’s Birthday and His Vision for Judo Celebrating World Judo Day on October 28 is particularly meaningful as it marks Kano’s birthday. His relentless work in spreading Judo beyond Japan, establishing the Kodokan Institute, and even influencing the development of modern Olympic Judo has made Judo one of the most widely practiced martial arts globally. World Judo Day Theme 2024: Uniting Communities through Respect This year’s theme focuses on Respect , a core value deeply embedded in Judo culture. From bowing to one’s opponent to honoring dojo rules, respect in Judo extends beyond the mat, fostering connections between practitioners worldwide. Many dojos and Judo clubs use this day to hold events, workshops, and exhibitions, celebrating both the technical mastery and ethical grounding Judo offers. Global Events and Activities on World Judo Day Across continents, Judo federations organize events such as free workshops, seminars on Kano’s philosophy, and competitions that emphasize skill over aggression. Social media campaigns using #WorldJudoDay enable participants to share their Judo stories, techniques, and the values they’ve embraced through the sport. Judo’s Growing Influence in MMA and Modern Martial Arts Judo's impact is profound in mixed martial arts (MMA), where techniques like throws and submissions are pivotal. Fighters such as Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison have showcased the effectiveness of Judo in MMA, inspiring a new generation to learn this ancient art.