From when it was created in 648 B.C. to the present, pankration — both its original form and its modern derivative — has embraced an array of techniques designed to address stand-up fighting as well as the ground. Those moves are indisputably effective, but just as important is the way they’re applied in the stress of combat. All your physical attributes, speed and power are useless if you have no tactical plan for employing them. You need to be crafty, discovering as quickly as possible your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, his favored means of attack, and his general manner of defense. It’s the intelligent way to fight — basing your actions on your observations, as well as your analysis of his movements, timing and reactions. It would be erroneous to assume that early pankration was nothing more than a rough-and-tumble brawl. On the contrary, from the knowledge of it that’s been passed down, we know that those combat athletes treated competition much like a game of chess. Victory required outthinking one’s opponent and creating strategies in real time — during the course of battle. Pankration trainers no doubt were influenced by military tactics. In war, a good general knows the value of developing a plan that will exploit the flaws shown by the enemy. Pankration practitioners followed this same theory, knowing that without calculated measures, their techniques would be limited or even useless. Strategy in ancient pankration was broken down into the following: Positioning  — This refers to securing the most dominant placement of one’s body, whether standing or on the ground. Versatility  — This reinforces the need to have a balance of striking and grappling skills. Offensive Defense  — This means going on the attack using direct leads or distractive measures, as well as awaiting an assault and then countering. Ambidexterity  — This drives home the importance of being able to use both sides (hands and feet) to defend and attack. Modern pankration not only retains these concepts but also takes them one step further by classifying its attack strategies as outlined here. SETUPS In modern pankration, a setup is a proactive move that interrupts your opponent’s thought processes. It’s directed against expected reactions — as he commits to the predicted movement, you suddenly redirect your strike. The actual maneuver is successful because there’s insufficient time for him to readjust his defense. The element of surprise is crucial. The opponent may unintentionally set himself up by losing focus or letting his eyes wander for a split second. Perhaps he relaxes too much as a result of overconfidence. In any case, this is a moment of weakness in which he’s off-guard and unprepared to react effectively. Another distraction is leading your adversary into expecting one type of action and then following through with a different attack before he realizes what’s happening. It’s even possible to condition him to anticipate a certain mode of attack and then overwhelm him by switching to another. The first series of offensive moves establishes a pattern that’s broken by something entirely different. Examples include: Using a high-line attack to set up a low-line attack.  Perhaps the most common example of this has you focus on head hunting to force your foe to raise his guard and thus open himself to an attack to the body or legs. This setup can be especially useful as a prelude to a takedown. Using a low-line attack to set up a high-line attack.  This is the opposite of the previous setup. Using a series of straight blows to set up an angular hit.  One way to employ this is to repeatedly attack with jabs, rear crosses or front kicks to cause your opponent to narrow his guard. Then you catch him with a hook punch or round kick. Using a series of angular blows to set up a straight hit.  Hooks and round kicks tend to make a person widen his guard, which leaves him open for a hard jab or cross. You should not use this setup too often, however, because angular attacks are structurally slow and can leave you vulnerable to a stop-hit. Using a sudden attack from a state of rest.  In essence, this empowers you to launch a strike that comes out of nowhere and catches your adversary by surprise. The tactic is often used after a fast exchange of techniques. When he thinks you’re backing off to regroup, you blitz him with a barrage of blows. FEINTS, FAKES AND DRAWS The predominant form of deceptive setup is a false body or limb movement. The objective is to make two distinct motions part of one motion. The first part is a decoy, and the second is the real assault. An example of the first move is the feint, a false hand or foot attack designed to evoke a parry or evasion. Once your opponent’s guard is altered, take advantage of the opening with a decisive follow-up. For this to work, however, the feint must appear to be a real attack. Feints cause only temporary openings. You must know which openings usually result from your feints, then apply that knowledge accordingly. The real attack can be made with the same limb, such as in the case of a half-committed jab followed by a lead thrust. Or it can be done by feinting and hitting with different limbs — for example, a jab feint followed by a rear cross. As a rule, it’s unwise to feint more than twice because it invites a counter from an observant opponent. It’s natural to feint high and then attack low, and vice versa. For example, a jab feint to the face sets up a leg takedown, and a low-kick feint sets up a shot to the head. Against a very fast or nervous opponent, only the slightest feinting motion is enough to elicit a reaction. Against a slower, more composed adversary, a feint must have more extension. Feints that precede a long-range offensive should also be more deliberate. Whereas feints are performed through limb movements, fakes are actions of the body that disguise an impending attack. They’re primarily simple gestures, such as looking in one place and then hitting in another, or stomping your foot as if to kick and then launching a punch. Fakes are more difficult to perfect than feints and require more practice with a sparring partner. Drawing is another tactical-surprise method. It can be considered the opposite of feinting. Whereas a feint causes a defensive reaction that exposes a target, drawing creates an offensive opening. In it, some part of the body is purposely left uncovered to elicit a specific attack. Once the opponent attempts the obvious, you counter. Use draws primarily against adversaries who refuse to lead or strikers who have a pet delivery. By giving them what appears to be an opening for their special blow, you can use it to your advantage, provided you’re able to avoid it and counter. To be effective, your drawing motion should appear from the onset as a mistake. You can draw a lead jab to the face by carrying your rear hand low. As soon as he fires that jab, slip to the inside or outside and counter with a rear cross or lead hook. Or you can draw a cross to the head by carrying your lead hand low. As soon as he throws the cross, slip and duck as you shoot for a takedown. VOLUME ATTACKS This pankration tactic consists of a series of two or more attacks delivered in a natural sequence and usually to more than one target. It’s particularly useful against a well-covered fighter who sports a tight guard that’s difficult to penetrate with a single lead. The objective is to place him in such a position — or create such an opening — that the final technique connects. Whether you’re standing or on the ground, volume attacks can include striking combinations and cycling (repeated blows using the same tool to the same spot). Combinations are typically initiated with an explosive but economical lead such as a straight jab or low kick, or preceded by a distractive ploy. They’re based on coordinated body mechanics, which means recognizing that some techniques follow one another smoothly while others don’t. A lead jab followed by a rear cross is one example of a punching combo that works well because the movements flow. Any combination that’s awkward and requires halting after the first attack so you can reposition for the next technique will leave you exposed. Volume attacks work in part because a person tends to lose his composure once he’s struck hard. That’s the moment for you to follow up and overwhelm him. At the same time, you must have a recovery plan because not all blows find their mark. COUNTERS A counterattack involves avoiding an opponent’s offensive technique and instantly retaliating. You must be adept at countering stand-up and ground strikes, takedowns and throws, and submission attempts. The key principle in counterattacking is having a conditioned mind that reacts spontaneously to a specific stimulus. After hours of practice in which you repeat certain leads and retaliations, automatic responses develop. Continued repetition creates a pattern of action in the central nervous system that ultimately elicits the right counter to an opponent’s attack. Countering is reactive rather than proactive. You can inflict more damage with your counterblows than if you were to continually lead. Sometimes it’s good to break the rhythm, enticing your enemy to attack and then retaliating with “clean” shots or takedowns to the openings that present themselves. Shrewd striking technicians rarely return fire until their opponent’s blow has first been thwarted. In combat, there’s an appropriate counter for every lead. Each preliminary action must be done with lightning rapidity and exact timing, forcing a miss and opening a vital area. Superb judgment of distance and deceptive feints and drawing to get the opponent to lead are additional factors that come into play. Trained fighters find it more efficient to counter after avoiding an attack with an evasive action. Whereas parrying and blocking leave but one hand to counter, movements such as slipping, dodging and shooting under a punch or kick allow both hands to be free to strike or to grip the opponent’s legs for a takedown. Effective counters depend on the method you use to avoid your adversary’s lead as well as the lead itself. For instance, if you avoid his jab with an inside slip, a rear cross might be the best solution to the problem. The type of opening presented to you and the position you find yourself in at that moment determine your choice of retaliatory tool. While there are other ways of attack in modern pankration, the ones described here are among the most fundamental. As you can see, applying techniques in a strategic manner is superior to simply exchanging blows without having a sound game plan. It enables you to make your opponent fight your fight. In that sense, you don’t defeat him; he defeats himself. Black Belt Hall of Famer Jim Arvanitis has written nine books about pankration. Considered the “father of modern pankration,” he’s spent his life rebuilding and modernizing the ancient combat system of his ancestors. PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS SANDERS

Perhaps the biggest reason this Black Belt Classic from our May 1968 issue is so intriguing is it relies on input from three martial artists who at the time were fairly ordinary people. Chuck Norris was not a movie star, Ed Parker was not the man who founded a hugely popular art and then died way too young, and Fumio Demura was not the icon of the martial arts world that he’s known as now. The second reason is the roundtable discussion shines a spotlight on the problems with competition, some of which are still extant 50 years later. — Editor, 2018 Black Belt invited three active karateka who are also producers of tournaments to discuss some of the problems of competition. Participating are Ed Parker, one of the foremost tournament operators and a sensei of several dojo; Chuck Norris, the national champion and a dojo and tournament operator; and Fumio Demura, a sensei at the University of California, Irvine, who held his first tournament in 1967. — Editor, 1968 BLACK BELT: With the growth of interest in competition, there has been a lot of criticism about how tournaments are set up. What are the basic problems? Parker:  Uppermost is the fact that there are no uniform rules from one tourney to another. This is really a problem — a man could win in one tournament through one way and lose out in another. Norris:  It’s getting better, but it needs improvement. Parker:  What I mean is that in one tournament, the karateka making contact by accident will be disqualified, while in another tournament, he will just get a warning. BLACK BELT: You mean the participant must know how to control his punches in order to score with the judges? Parker:  If the man is a good, skilled participant, he will have control of his weapon. Let’s say in the green- and white-belt divisions, there’s accidental contact. That’s understandable. But in the black- and brown-belt divisions, there shouldn’t be contact, but they often have it. Norris:  The fighters ought to be disqualified because the lack of control resulting in contact means that the participant isn’t qualified. It takes plenty of training before a man is ready to participate in a tournament, and this control is more difficult to develop than lack of control. BLACK BELT: This lack of contact must make for difficult training methods. After all, karate is supposed to teach you how to arm yourself against an opponent, and if you learn to check yourself, to pull your punches, isn’t it defeating your ability to strike? Norris:  First, let me say that when a fellow gets a broken nose in a tournament, or even in practice, he’s liable to have a sour taste in his mouth. He might quit participating because of it. When I go to a tourney, I like to believe that I’m going to come out of it at least somewhat unscathed. Parker:  Well, there are accidents… Norris:  Sure, but he’s talking about intentional strikes. Look, when a man is pulling his punches, he’s not just pulling his punch. He’s got an explosive thrust there, and you know just by looking at it that he could follow through. It’s that mark of control — not following through, though you could — which distinguishes the better man. Demura:  We must remember that karate as it is practiced in a tournament is a sport. Control is basic to the practice. I remember one tournament in Japan. I was hit accidentally and got two black eyes. Accidents happen there, and I’ve seen many men get bloody mouths and broken teeth. But this is an accident, an example of the lack of control. BLACK BELT: But doesn’t this control factor make the tournament dull to the American viewer who wants to see bloodshed? Parker:  Well, of course — if he’s that guy who goes to boxing matches and yells, “Kill him!” But to the person who knows karate and understands the lack of contact and the full control, it’s part of the rules. Demura:  Whenever I am a referee in a tournament, I do not hesitate to score against a man who makes contact because that is simply poor technique. BLACK BELT: How do you train for control? When you’re working with a bag, you’ve got to hit it. Norris:  There are practice sessions with an opponent, too. A partner can help you practice your control. Demura:  I believe that most of the injuries, at least half of them, are the judge’s fault. When he sees that the blows are getting too close, he should warn the man. Parker:  We have to be aware of the entertainment value to the spectator, for sure, but this comes in part with education of the spectator. We also have to talk about the length of the tournaments. They’re just too long. Norris:  All of this waiting also takes its toll on the participants. Demura:  The players get tired, and by the time of the last match, they’re too tired to perform as they might have performed earlier. Parker:  I’ve seen battles where — well, Chuck here has gone on so late that in one match, he won, not taking anything away from his technique, but he won on stamina. Norris:  But stamina is part of a man’s technique. This is part of his conditioning and this waiting, the tension of planning on participating, is pretty difficult, though. Parker:  You can train a man to fight karate, but that waiting is terrible. BLACK BELT: How many months does it take before a man is ready to take part in a tournament? Norris:  That depends. Some fellows really come up fast, learn the techniques and are advanced over their fellow students. Parker:  I would say about a year for most of them. Norris:  Some guys make it in nine months. Parker:  You start them in, but it’s about another three months before you teach them how to free fight. Norris:  Yes, I suppose. Demura:  I believe in [teaching] basic sparring techniques before their green-belt competition, then after they have earned their green belt, they go on with free sparring. If you advance them too fast, you find they’re pushing and shoving and it’s not right. BLACK BELT: Who makes the decisions about who should enter the tournaments? Parker:  Naturally, the sensei since he knows which students are ready. There are many schools, many dojos, where every student [is] thrown into competition. That’s ridiculous. I choose the best to represent my dojos. BLACK BELT: What are some other things that need to improve? Parker:  You’ve got to consider the environment of the tournament. You’ve got to know who is sponsoring the tournament and the rules of the sponsors. You want to know who the judges will be. Norris:  Especially if they’re from a certain school and they have certain training. Frankly, I enjoy going up against a person from another school with different training methods. This is where we are really pitted against each other, and I try things which my students may know but which my opponent may not. Parker:  Let’s face it — that’s where the fun is. Competition is wonderful, and every player wants to get in. The tournament is important because the first incentive is the belt classification, but that soon loses its appeal. The tournament is the thing. Demura:  This last year was my first year for my tournament under the sponsorship of the University of California at Irvine, and it was really well-supported. The students loved it, and so did the spectators. Parker:  Going on the mat and facing your opponent — really trying to figure him out, outguess him — that’s the beauty of it. Norris:  And there’s sportsmanship there. Parker:  We used to have the players come out and meet each other cold, but now we have them meet each other before the match, when we’re selecting the competitors, and it’s really quite nice. When a point is scored against them, they’ll say, “Oh, you lucky dog!” or “Good shot!” and that’s really what it’s all about. BLACK BELT: But are tournaments really helping the participant since he may not get a chance to know his opponent, may not get a chance to get in a lucky punch? Isn’t it better not to know your opponent and then, when you get on the mat, you go all-out? Norris:  The meetings and the friendliness have nothing to do with their effort on the mat. When they get to work, it’s all business. Demura:  And if karate tournaments are a sport, then you must have sportsmanship. BLACK BELT:  Is there a lack of showmanship at tournaments? Norris:  To some extent, you need showmanship, but you’ve got to admit that interest in tournaments is growing, and since I came into the field, interest has grown at least 10 times to what it was then. And this is without any special showmanship. Parker:  He means like in boxing or in football — things like that. The thing that it needs is something I plan to introduce: a sports announcer to tell the audience what is going on. Norris:  Sounds like a good idea. Parker:  If you have a man calling the shots — like a blow-by-blow announcer on the radio, tell the audience why the fellow got this point, somebody who can speak fast enough to describe it — I think that’s pretty good. Demura:  Much of the showmanship, as you call it, actually is in Japan where they have one major tournament which everybody looks forward to and where they have local eliminations. In this one tournament, there are as many as 56 different styles all being put into competition. BLACK BELT: But they must have many different contests going on at the same time. Norris:  Sometimes they have as many as 12 contests going on at once. Demura:  But you see people are already interested in the martial arts, and they know about these tournaments. Parker:  That’s what I mean about education. We have to bring the martial arts down to the level of what the American spectator is used to seeing. Now, I took some film of the International Competition, and I’m going to have four videotape cameras running at my next tournaments and have — like in football — a video playback of key plays. This will tell everyone what’s happened, and the audience will be able to see the penalty and see the score. BLACK BELT: Are there any things that could make contests more interesting? Norris:  One thing, certainly, would be to stop all of the running around the opponents do. Parker:  And penalize all of the actors in the contests. … BLACK BELT: Actors? Norris:  That’s really something to watch. They pretend that they’re hit in a match, but they’re not. They just want to disqualify you. Parker:  Sometimes … the guy will pretend that he’s been hit and will start crying and shouting that he’s hurt, but out of the side of his eyes, he’s watching the judges to see if they’ve noticed. Norris:  One time, I saw it … a fellow acted like that and disqualified another player, but as soon as the match ended, he was back, bouncing around as if nothing had happened. BLACK BELT: I would imagine that the choice of referees is important, referees who wouldn’t fall for that. Norris:  The selection of qualified referees is important to the match. Too many referees and judges really don’t have individual opinions. Parker:  Look at them, and they say one thing, and then when another judge says another thing, they change their mind. I’ve seen them raise one flag, look at their fellow judge, and then raise the other flag and try to dismiss their first ruling. A lot of them are just “me, too’ers.” Demura:  The one who is a referee should be the highest-ranking black belt so that he knows what is going on. Unfortunately, there is too much dissension here, too many judges who don’t judge fairly and accurately. BLACK BELT: Is a “hard” judge more respected than an “easy” judge? Norris:  I don’t think that’s the question here. Really, a happy medium is the only answer. Too many judges are set in their ways and won’t yield. For example, many judges won’t score you on a front kick and reverse punch, but others will and I think they should. One of the things necessary in a useful tournament would be a set of rules which are abided by at the beginning. I also think that the man who is thinking of setting up a tournament should meet with the dojo senseis in his area and work out the terms of judging. When I set up my tournament, I received a lot of advice from Ed, here. His experience was invaluable. Parker:  You’ve got to ask [for] advice, and advice should be given freely. After all, even though Chuck and I may have different tournaments, I want him to succeed because when he succeeds, that increases the interest in karate and in tournaments. I know that when Chuck has a tournament, or Fumio, I want to be there and I encourage my students to go. We get together on the dates so that the tournaments don’t conflict. Timing is very important in the success of a tournament. You don’t want them scheduled too closely because, frankly, the audience and the students couldn’t afford to go. Demura:  I agree. When I set up my first tournament at the university, I found many good answers to my questions, but I did introduce something of my own. I think you should find something which you can contribute. In the lower ranks, the green- and white-belt competitions, I set up the contests for team play. In football, baseball and other sports, it is the team, and certainly in the early stages of the participants’ competition, the team method is very good. Parker:  The tournament situation is constantly evolving. I plan to have my competitions set up in rounds like in boxing. Maybe two rounds per match, about three minutes each. Whatever system is used, basic rules should be set up so that one man going to many tournaments can train and know what will bring him points and what won’t. Too often, the guy goes in and then it’s all over in a matter of seconds. He’s either won or lost, and the audience feels cheated. BLACK BELT: Should a man setting up a tournament start off small? Norris:  He should decide based on the number of people he thinks will participate and come to watch. Frankly, if he rents the high-school gymnasium for one night, maybe at $100, that should be sufficient to start off. Parker:  Too many guys want to start at the top at a big arena. That depends, really, on where you’re going to have it. What [region] are you in and how many dojos will be represented from that area? Norris:  No matter what size he starts off with, it’s a big undertaking. I would rather see an overcrowded gymnasium than one big auditorium with few people. Parker:  When I started my tournaments, there were no tournaments at that time. I needed a lot of publicity and I had a large market to draw from. I spent all of $12,000 my first year. Fortunately, I broke even. Norris:  You really don’t have to spend that much these days. If you’re in a large area where they’ve had tournaments or even a small area where they’ve never had tournaments, you must count the contestants and then the schools in your area. Demura:  Fortunately, when I set my tournament up at the university, the expenses were taken care of. The audience were the students, and the publicity was the student newspaper. BLACK BELT: Is there sufficient interest for more tournaments to be set up? Parker:  Definitely. I would encourage anybody to have a tournament provided they set them up with uniform rules. They should invest in valuable trophies and prizes. I know that Henry Cho presented individual trophies, and that created interest. He also presented a color television set to the winner. His tournament was well-planned and well-promoted. Norris:  I’ll tell you how important the setting up and organization is. Last year at a new tournament, I competed and won, but it was so poorly managed that it left a bad taste in my mouth. This year when it was staged, I didn’t even go back to defend my crown. I just passed it up, and believe me, I love tournaments. However, I understand from those who were there that the tournament was even worse this year. Now, that helps kill a tournament both for the competitors and the spectators. Parker:  If they go to one tournament and they don’t like it, they just dismiss all competitions. We who are interested in the support of the people cannot afford to lose one spectator.

In a world filled with martial arts legends, one family—one very big family—stands out as champions, innovators, and wise leaders: the Machado brothers. With ties to the Gracie family (the founders of Brazilian jiu-jitsu), the five Machado brothers—Carlos, Roger, Rigan, Jean Jacques, and John—have not only shaped modern BJJ but also made a lasting impact on the global martial arts community. Their legacy is a blend of rare teachings, creative techniques, and an undying passion for the art of grappling. Let’s delve into their hidden teachings and discover what makes them icons in the world of martial arts. The Origins of the Machado Legacy The Machado brothers grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, training under their cousins, the famous Gracie family. It was Carlos Gracie Jr., Helio Gracie, and Rolls Gracie who mentored the Machado siblings in BJJ. This unique access to the Gracies’ knowledge set the foundation for the brothers' future dominance. But the Machados did more than just carry on the traditions—they innovated and took BJJ to new heights. The brothers immigrated to the United States in the late 1980s, where they began to teach and promote BJJ in North America, bringing the art into the mainstream consciousness through celebrity students, competitions, and opening world-renowned academies. The Unique Contributions of Each Brother 1. Carlos Machado – The Tactician Known as the eldest and perhaps the most technical of the brothers, Carlos Machado is seen as the "Godfather of Jiu-Jitsu" in Texas and the Southwest region of the United States. His legacy is deeply rooted in the foundation of solid mechanics, balance, and precision. Carlos developed unique strategies for guard passing and positional control, emphasizing leverage over brute strength. Rare Teaching: Carlos has often emphasized the importance of the "invisible Jiu-Jitsu" concept, where subtle shifts in weight and grip placement can drastically alter the outcome of a roll. His ability to use minimal movements for maximum impact is a hallmark of his style. 2. Roger Machado – The Quiet Force As a silent strategist, Roger specializes in flow grappling—the ability to transition smoothly between positions without unnecessary resistance. His focus is on the fluidity of movement, creating constant pressure on opponents. Rare Teaching: Watching Roger is a reminder about the importance of mental visualization  in BJJ — visualize matches and techniques even off the mats, training the mind to anticipate and react faster during live sparring. 3. Rigan Machado – The Innovator With one of the most extensive competitive BJJ records, Rigan Machado is famous for expanding BJJ beyond its original forms. His style of integrating leg locks, unconventional submissions, and innovative techniques push the boundaries of traditional BJJ. Rare Teaching: Rigan's flow-based drilling is a reminder to focus on rapid chaining of techniques. This method helps develop a quicker reflex system, which can be the key to transitioning between submissions during competition. 4. Jean Jacques Machado – The Adaptive Genius Born with a congenital condition that left him with no fingers on his left hand, Jean Jacques Machado became a living example of adaptation and innovation. His style includes grip adaptation, using the body in ways that mitigate perceived physical limitations. Rare Teaching: Jean Jacques style is a reminder to try "rolling with limitations", embracing your weaknesses and turn them into strengths during training. In other words, working with, rather than against, one's body mechanics. 5. John Machado – The Gentle Warrior John Machado blends the gentleness of martial arts philosophy with the precision of BJJ. His approach is known for being patient and calculating, with a heavy emphasis on teaching beginners the essentials of self-defense. Rare Teaching: John is a great reminder on being "energy efficiency" in jiu-jitsu, understanding how to use the least amount of energy for the greatest output. His "sustainable jiu-jitsu" is great for helping practitioners to train for life without risking chronic injury or burnout. The Machado Brothers’ Global Impact The Machado brothers' impact on martial arts extends far beyond the dojo. They’ve trained and mentored some of the biggest names in combat sports, including UFC legends and Hollywood celebrities like Chuck Norris. The Machado Network now spans across the globe, with hundreds of affiliated schools teaching their unique blend of BJJ that incorporates traditional Brazilian techniques with modern combat strategies. The Machado Philosophy: More Than Just BJJ At the core of their teachings is the idea that BJJ is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. The Machado brothers teach their students that the discipline, respect, and patience learned on the mats should extend into everyday life. This philosophy has helped shape countless lives, both inside and outside the martial arts community. The Future of Machado Jiu-Jitsu As the next generation of martial artists steps onto the mats, the Machado family’s teachings continue to influence the evolution of BJJ. Their rare blend of tradition, innovation, and personal philosophy will continue to shape future champions, ensuring the legacy of the Machado brothers endures for generations to come. The Machado brothers are more than just BJJ masters—they are innovators, teachers, and living legends. Their hidden teachings, rare techniques, and deep philosophical approach to martial arts make them unique figures in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. As their legacy continues to grow, martial artists around the globe will forever be impacted by the wisdom and contributions of the Machado family.

The highly anticipated showdown is set! On December 7, 2024, at UFC 310, undefeated #3 ranked Shavkat Rakhmonov (18-0-0) will step into the Octagon to challenge the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion, Belal Muhammad (24-3-0). This main event promises an epic clash as Rakhmonov looks to make history and Muhammad defends his title against one of the most dangerous prospects in the division. The Rise of Shavkat Rakhmonov Since entering the UFC, Shavkat Rakhmonov has captured the attention of fight fans worldwide with his unbeaten record and a 100% finish rate. Known for his ferocious fighting style, Rakhmonov has showcased impressive versatility, seamlessly blending striking and grappling skills to dismantle his opponents. His journey has been marked by high-stakes matchups, but this bout with Belal Muhammad marks his first title shot—a major step in his quest to cement himself as one of the greats. Rakhmonov's performance in his recent fights has solidified his position as a serious threat to the welterweight title. Dominant victories over top contenders like Geoff Neal and Vicente Luque have proven his ability to adapt and thrive against elite competition. As he heads into UFC 310, he is not only chasing the title but also aiming to remain undefeated, something that adds even more weight to this main event clash. Belal Muhammad’s Road to the Title Belal Muhammad has been a force in the welterweight division, earning his championship belt through grit, discipline, and an ever-evolving skill set. Known for his cardio and relentless pace, Muhammad has successfully fended off top contenders to retain his title. With a record of 24-3-0, he has built an impressive win streak, taking down the likes of Gilbert Burns, Stephen Thompson, and Colby Covington. His well-rounded game has become his calling card, with an ability to stand and strike or grapple when necessary. Heading into UFC 310, Muhammad’s experience as the champion brings an edge. He’s had numerous five-round fights, demonstrating his ability to go the distance while maintaining a consistent performance level. This upcoming defense against a dangerous challenger like Rakhmonov will test his adaptability, showcasing the durability and tactical intelligence he’s known for. What to Expect from UFC 310’s Main Event The matchup between Rakhmonov and Muhammad is intriguing on many levels. Rakhmonov’s aggressive style and finishing ability will be up against Muhammad’s experience and resilience. Fight fans can expect Rakhmonov to push the pace early, utilizing his powerful striking and unorthodox techniques to keep Muhammad on the back foot. On the other hand, Muhammad will likely look to leverage his wrestling and conditioning, aiming to wear down Rakhmonov and expose any potential weaknesses. The stakes are higher than ever, with Rakhmonov eyeing his first championship belt and Muhammad determined to solidify his reign. Both fighters have shown they can handle high-pressure situations, but the challenge of combining endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower over five rounds adds an exciting element. Final Thoughts UFC 310’s main event is set to be a battle of endurance and skill, with Rakhmonov looking to seize the title and Muhammad determined to protect it. Fight fans are in for a treat as these two warriors bring their best to the Octagon. Will Rakhmonov maintain his unbeaten record and claim the welterweight crown, or will Muhammad’s experience as the champ carry him to another successful defense? Tune in on December 7 to witness this electrifying showdown!

Takeru Segawa notched his first win in ONE Championship at ONE Friday Fights 81 with a spectacular showing against Myanmar's Thant Zin. "The Natural Born Crusher" was knocked down in the first round of his match against the 19-year-old but rebounded and finished Zin in the second frame. After the match, Takeru praised his opponent's skill set. But Takeru was even more of a winner outside of the ring. Following his victory against Zin, Takeru donated some of his purse to flood relief in Myanmar. The Japanese superstar wrote on Instagram that martial arts has this kind of power and showed it through his generous donation. Zin's manager, Phyo Wai, shared his thoughts on the star's generosity on his social media (h/t Bangkok Post). "We are deeply grateful and honored for Takeru's commitment to contribute as much as he can," Wai wrote. "The donations made by Takeru will be coordinated with the relevant organizations and committees, with continued support from our Myawaddy native, Saw Phyo Wai. "On behalf of the entire people of Myanmar, we sincerely appreciate and respect Takeru for his kindness." Heavy monsoon rains flooded much of Myanmar, affecting an estimated 1 million people. Takeru's charitable donation will assist in the efforts to rebuild following the disaster. Myanmar fans showed their heartfelt thanks for the flyweight contender's donation, with many throwing their support behind Takeru for his possible future contest against Rodtang Jitmuangnon. While that super-fight has no official announcement yet, it is already capturing the imagination of fans around the world. Now, the 33-year-old has a new core group of fans that will stand behind him when he gets the chance to take on "The Iron Man." The flyweight striker wants to continue being a beacon of positivity within the martial arts space. Takeru's donation is a heartwarming display of those true values, allowing him to lead by example.

Let’s start with a quote from Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius: “How ridiculous and strange to be surprised at anything which happens in life!” These words are culled from Meditations , a series of loose but connected notes he wrote to himself while struggling to stay the course as he conducted a long military campaign against German invaders who’d penetrated into Italy. In context, Aurelius’ notes cover both the mundane (court matters and human interactions) and the crushing (battles). Yes, the battlefield of the second century involved significantly more hardship than we encounter today. Nevertheless, those 13 words of wisdom are as valuable now as they were when he wrote them because they can shape the way we approach self-protection — provided we allow his pragmatism to direct our course where it may be lacking. More often than not, when we engage in real-world drilling, it takes place in sterile conditions. In other words, it’s conducted inside a dojo at a prearranged time. For most of us, it’s hard to get around this portion of drilling sterility, and that’s OK. What’s worse, though, is that we often see sterility intrude into other aspects of our drilling that are most definitely under our control. If any portion of the short list presented below is a part of your routine, well, then, your drills just might be a bit sterile. You know the technique you’re defending against at least 80 percent of the time. You have a preselected or assigned defensive move at least 80 percent of the time. You train in a gym at least 80 percent of the time. You respond to attacks using your dominant side at least 80 percent of the time. You train minus handicaps — physical, sensory, equilibrium, etc. — at least 80 percent of the time. In short, spending the majority of your training time dealing with the known while purportedly preparing for the unknown seems a bit contradictory. Real life is far messier and far more chaotic than any drill. Yes, you must use drills to develop neural connections, but drilling with smoothness or sterility does not accurately reflect the nature of your battlefield. As all students of real-world conflict know from having had a cursory look at security/battlefield/surveillance footage or even self-posted YouTube videos of assaults perpetrated by malignant scum, seldom do any of these encounters follow sterile protocols. Yes, you can see common attacks (punches and tackles) and common scenarios (knives and guns), but how often does a right-in-front-of-your-very-own-eyeballs assault accurately reflect the drills or environmental conditions of your gym? As a law-abiding citizen, you’ll always be surprised when violence strikes and immerses you in chaos because you never get to choose the time and place of an encounter with evil. So, in that aspect, you’re always disadvantaged. However… You can allow your training to become “infected,” a term I use to describe letting what does occur in the real world influence your drills. By including more of the chaos, more of the random variables, more of the never-planned-for aspects of assault that you can readily see in videos or hear about in firsthand accounts, you can go a long way toward inoculating yourself with the truth. And you can kill a bit of the sterility that’s doing you a disservice. You’ll never be able to — nor would you want to — perfectly mimic the evil that inspires real violence, but training for reality as if it were the smooth world of a combat sport is denying the truth. Consider again the words of the emperor: “How ridiculous and strange to be surprised at anything which happens in life!” My clumsy rephrasing: “If it’s happened to others in your demographic, it can happen to you.” That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, only that it can. With this in mind, think about how you might allow your training to reflect the following real-world “infections.” (Merely reading their descriptions can put you on the path to devising scenarios that incorporate the variables.) A shooting that takes place in a mall or workplace An assault that forces you to respond while wearing dress clothes (shoes included) A physical incapacitation that results from being injured, asleep, sick, nauseous, etc. A situation in which you have young, elderly or infirm dependents to protect An event at which you’re seated An altercation in cramped quarters An environment that’s very cold (to the point of making your grip weak) A condition in which you can’t see well I could go on, but that should be enough to illustrate the point. Many people who were not too different from you and me have had to face precisely such situations to survive, and the fact that we might choose not to place ourselves in drilling scenarios that mimic them means we’re perhaps closing our eyes to reality. Whenever we decide to ignore what has and can happen in life and stick with sterile drilling, we’re being a bit less than intellectually honest — and perhaps irresponsible if we’re training students who are depending on us for guidance. In a nutshell: Anyone who’s training to survive violence needs to allow those realities to affect how that self-defense training takes place. And reality, unlike sports or games, is always more than a little messy.

Mark your calendars for an electrifying UFC event on October 12, 2024, as UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira comes to you live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas! This action-packed card features 13 thrilling MMA bouts, including a flyweight main event showdown between the explosive Brandon Royval and the undefeated Tatsuro Taira. Broadcast live on ESPN+, this event promises non-stop action with a mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans battling it out. Let's break down the main card and preliminary bouts, highlighting what fans can expect from each fight! Main Card Breakdown Main Event: Flyweight - Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira Brandon Royval, known for his aggressive style and fight-finishing ability, takes on Tatsuro Taira, an unbeaten submission specialist from Japan. Royval, ranked among the top flyweights, is looking to stake his claim for a title shot with a win. Taira, with an impressive streak, aims to solidify his place in the division by taking out a top contender. Prediction:  Expect a fast-paced fight with both fighters eager to make a statement. Royval’s experience in high-level competition could give him the edge, but Taira’s grappling and submission threat cannot be underestimated. Co-Main Event: Middleweight - Brad Tavares vs. Jun Yong Park Veteran Brad Tavares faces off against South Korea’s Jun Yong Park. Tavares is known for his striking and resilience, while Park brings a well-rounded skill set and a grind-it-out style that has earned him several decision wins. This fight promises to be a test of endurance and technical prowess. Prediction:  Tavares’ experience and striking could control the tempo, but Park’s versatility and relentless pace make him a formidable opponent. Lightweight: Grant Dawson vs. Rafa García Grant Dawson brings his wrestling-heavy approach to the cage against Rafa García, who has shown resilience and solid boxing. Dawson’s grappling is his primary weapon, while García will be aiming to keep the fight standing to showcase his striking skills. Prediction:  If Dawson can control the fight on the ground, he could secure a submission win, but if García keeps it on the feet, he’ll have a chance to out-strike Dawson. Female Strawweight: Cory McKenna vs. Julia Polastri Cory McKenna, a rising star in the strawweight division, faces Julia Polastri, making her debut on the big stage. McKenna is known for her grappling and ground control, while Polastri will look to use her striking to keep McKenna at bay. Prediction:  McKenna’s experience and grappling may give her the upper hand, but Polastri’s striking could make for a challenging debut. Middleweight: Daniel Rodriguez vs. Alex Morono Daniel Rodriguez and Alex Morono clash in a middleweight bout that has fans anticipating fireworks. Rodriguez is a heavy hitter with knockout power, while Morono is known for his durability and unorthodox striking style. Prediction:  This fight could end with a highlight-reel KO. Rodriguez’s power might give him the edge, but Morono’s resilience makes him a tough opponent. Middleweight: Josh Fremd vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan Rounding out the main card, Josh Fremd faces Abdul Razak Alhassan in another middleweight showdown. Fremd is a well-rounded fighter, while Alhassan boasts incredible knockout power. Both fighters will be looking to make a statement with a finish. Prediction:  If Fremd can avoid the early onslaught from Alhassan, his cardio and well-rounded skill set may help him secure a victory. Preliminary Card Highlights Welterweight - Chidi Njokuani vs. Jared Gooden Both Njokuani and Gooden are known for their knockout power, and this welterweight bout promises to deliver. Njokuani’s striking skills will be tested by Gooden’s aggressive approach. Flyweight - CJ Vergara vs. Ramazan Temirov CJ Vergara takes on newcomer Ramazan Temirov in a fast-paced flyweight contest. Vergara’s experience could be a deciding factor against Temirov’s unpredictability. Featherweight - Jonathan Pearce vs. Pat Sabatini Featherweights Pearce and Sabatini bring their contrasting styles to the cage, with Pearce’s striking going up against Sabatini’s grappling. Fans can expect a technical showdown between these two. Welterweight - Niko Price vs. Themba Gorimbo Known for his wild style, Niko Price takes on up-and-comer Themba Gorimbo. Price’s unpredictability and knockout power will test Gorimbo’s resilience. Heavyweight - Chris Barnett vs. Junior Tafa Heavyweights Chris Barnett and Junior Tafa are set to clash in what could be a show-stealing fight. Both fighters are known for their power, and this bout is unlikely to go the distance. Bantamweight - Dan Argueta vs. Cody Haddon Argueta’s grappling prowess will be tested against Haddon’s striking in this bantamweight matchup. Expect a clash of styles as both fighters look to prove themselves. Flyweight - Clayton Carpenter vs. Lucas Rocha Clayton Carpenter faces Lucas Rocha in a flyweight bout to kick off the night. Carpenter’s aggressive style will challenge Rocha’s technical abilities. With a stacked card like this, UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira promises an unforgettable night of fights.

The cover of the May 1973 issue of Karate Illustrated  featured the incredible Dan Lee , moving with powerful grace. Dan Lee was especially known as a phenomenal tai chi chuan teacher and was a student of the legendary Bruce Lee before his passing. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

On a thrilling Saturday night, October 12, GLORY 96 took center stage at a packed RTM Stage in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, delivering a high-octane evening that left fans buzzing. This event showcased some of GLORY’s top champions and rising stars, making it a night to remember for kickboxing enthusiasts worldwide, here are the results of GLORY 96. Main Event | Welterweight Classic Ends in Epic Draw In the main event, fans were treated to an unforgettable showdown as GLORY champions Chico Kwasi (43-5-1, 23 KO) and Tyjani Beztati (27-4-1, 9 KO) went to war in a matchup that lived up to its blockbuster billing. The two titans exchanged powerful strikes and stunning combinations throughout the bout, resulting in a hard-fought draw. Both fighters left it all in the ring, and their efforts were rewarded with mutual respect as their hands were raised together after the final bell. Co-Main Event | Donovan Wisse Ties Alex Pereira’s Title Defense Record In the co-main event, GLORY Middleweight Champion Donovan Wisse (22-1, 10 KO) added another chapter to his incredible career by matching former UFC champion Alex Pereira's record of five successful GLORY title defenses. Wisse showcased his technical prowess against Germany’s Sergej Braun (44-14, 27 KO), securing a dominant unanimous decision victory and further cementing his legacy in the middleweight division. Heavyweight Highlights and Breakthrough Performances The action continued with heavyweight fan-favorite Nabil Khachab (29-5-1, 4 KO), who secured a decisive win over Turkey's Bugra Tugay Erdogan (18-5, 6 KO). Khachab’s powerful performance delighted the audience and showcased his versatility in the ring. In the middleweight division, Michael Boapeah (19-4-1, 7 KO) put on a stunning display against rising prospect Mohamed Touchassie (16-3, 12 KO), earning a unanimous decision and putting him back in the title conversation. After his third consecutive win, Boapeah called for a rematch with Wisse, adding another layer of intrigue to GLORY’s middleweight landscape. Debuting talent Mihailo Culafic (37-12, 19 KO) showed poise in his victory over Iliass Hammouche (34-7, 7 KO), while French featherweight Bobo Sacko (77-6-1, 30 KO) emerged victorious in a close split decision over Denis Wosik (39-9-1, 9 KO). Heavyweight knockout artist Ionut Iancu (30-9, 12 KO) continued his unbeaten GLORY run, stopping Cihad Kepenek (23-7, 16 KO) in the second round to earn his second win in the promotion. GLORY 96 Preliminary Action The preliminary card delivered action-packed bouts, featuring a dominant win by Ibrahim El Bouni (42-10-1, 22 KO) over kickboxing veteran Bogdan Stoica (58-16, 40 KO), marking his third consecutive victory. Teodor Hristov (18-3, 7 KO) and Asdren Gashi (18-4-1, 9 KO) also scored impressive wins, while Mehdi Ait El Hadj (34-4-2, 8 KO) edged out Soufian Abdelkhalek (5-3-1, 2 KO) in a split decision in the night’s opening contest. GLORY 96 Results Recap Main Card Welterweight World Championship: Chico Kwasi vs. Tyjani Beztati – Draw (48-46 x 2, 46-48, 47-47 x 2) Middleweight World Championship: Donovan Wisse def. Sergej Braun – Unanimous Decision (50-45 x 5) Heavyweight: Nabil Khachab def. Bugra Tugay Erdogan – Unanimous Decision (30-27 x 4, 29-28) Middleweight: Michael Boapeah def. Mohamed Touchassie – Unanimous Decision (30-26 x 5) Middleweight: Mihailo Culafic def. Iliass Hammouche – Unanimous Decision (30-26 x 4, 29-27) Featherweight: Bobo Sacko def. Denis Wosik – Split Decision after an extra round Heavyweight: Ionut Iancu def. Cihad Kepenek – KO, Round 2, 2:59 Preliminary Card Light Heavyweight:  Ibrahim El Bouni def. Bogdan Stoica – Unanimous Decision  after an extra round Welterweight:  Teodor Hristov def. Robin Ciric – Unanimous Decision  after an extra round Heavyweight:  Asdren Gashi def. Colin George – Unanimous Decision  (28-27 x 5) Welterweight:  Mehdi Ait El Hadj def. Soufian Abdelkhalek – Split Decision  (30-27 x 3, 29-28, 28-29) A Night to Remember for GLORY Fans GLORY 96 delivered on its promise of thrilling matchups and standout performances, with champions defending their titles, record-breaking wins, and up-and-coming fighters staking their claim in the kickboxing world. Fans can look forward to what’s next as GLORY continues to bring world-class kickboxing action to arenas worldwide.

BRAVE Combat Federation is set to break new ground with BRAVE CF 90, marking its debut in Austria on November 23, 2024. This landmark event, in partnership with leading local promotion Sparta CF, will take place at the Multiverse Schwechat in Vienna. With Austria now becomes the 35th nation globally and the 16th in Europe to host a BRAVE CF event. Setting New Records in 2024 BRAVE CF’s Dominance in European MMA Continues. Austria joins a prestigious list of European countries that have experienced the world-class MMA action BRAVE CF brings, following successful events in Northern Ireland, England, Romania, Sweden, Russia, Belarus, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria. Transforming Austria's MMA Scene The Austrian debut will bring top international fighters to the stage, providing a unique opportunity for Austrian fighters to gain global exposure. Notable Austrian fighter Ismail Naurdiev has already left his mark on BRAVE CF, having contended twice for the world title. With BRAVE CF 90, more Austrian talent will have the platform to shine on the global MMA scene, paving the way for future local heroes. Will Austria Join the Ranks of MMA Powerhouses?BRAVE CF’s influence has elevated MMA to national sports status in countries like Slovenia, Serbia, and Spain. Now, Austria may be next in line. The upcoming BRAVE CF 90 will be the organization’s tenth event in 2024, adding to a successful lineup that has captivated fans in countries worldwide, including Pakistan. Fans can look forward to high-stakes matchups, local favorites, and rising stars all set to take center stage. Don’t miss BRAVE CF 90 on November 23 — the MMA event that promises to redefine the Austrian MMA landscape forever!

Brazilian MMA sensation Luiz Cado is gearing up for the fight of his life as he prepares to face undefeated Kamal Magomedov in the main event of BRAVE CF 89 for the prestigious Super Welterweight title. But for Cado, this bout is more than just about personal glory—it’s a chance to reignite Brazil’s legacy within BRAVE Combat Federation and inspire a new wave of Brazilian fighters. Brazil’s Legacy in BRAVE Combat Federation Since BRAVE Combat Federation's inception eight years ago, Brazil has shined as the organization’s most successful nation, boasting five world champions: Klidson de Abreu, Lucas Mineiro, Luan Santiago, Cleiton Silva, and Daniel Pereira. However, Brazil is currently without a titleholder in BRAVE CF, leaving a vacuum Cado hopes to fill. He aims to bring back the glory days of Brazilian champions in the organization and lead what many hope will be the "second Brazilian Storm." Luiz Cado’s Remarkable Journey Cado’s rise in MMA is a story of resilience. Overcoming a tough upbringing marked by poverty and a struggle with addiction, he turned his life around after joining BRAVE CF. Since his debut at BRAVE CF 60, Cado has racked up a three-fight winning streak, positioning himself as a prime contender in the Super Welterweight division. Cado's journey isn’t just inspirational—it’s symbolic for Brazil, a nation known for producing some of the toughest fighters in MMA history. His story of redemption makes him a fitting leader for the next generation of Brazilian fighters hoping to make their mark in BRAVE CF. The Challenge Ahead: Kamal Magomedov Standing in Cado's way is Kamal Magomedov, the undefeated Russian champion who has dominated the Super Welterweight division with a flawless record. Known for finishing all his opponents, Magomedov will be a formidable opponent, promising fans an electrifying battle. Can Cado pull off an upset and bring a championship back to Brazil? A Historic Event: BRAVE CF 89 in Tenerife, Spain BRAVE CF 89, in collaboration with Fight2One, will take place on October 19 at Pabellón Santiago Martín in Tenerife, Spain. This event marks the finale of BRAVE CF’s 70-day world tour, which included stops in China, Pakistan, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. As the ninth event of the year for BRAVE CF, this showdown between Cado and Magomedov is expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the organization’s 2024 calendar. Will Luiz Cado cement his place in BRAVE CF history and inspire the next generation of Brazilian MMA fighters? Tune in on October 19 to witness this epic clash and see if Brazil’s title drought finally ends!

ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug  will be headlined by heavyweight action on Friday, November 8. However, the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship main event athletes will want to take notice of another matchup earlier in the night. ONE Championship announced the addition of Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida vs. Amir Aliakbari to the star-studded lineup. The winner will be in prime position to be called the division’s top contender. Aliakbari has been on a tear as of late. After a rough 0-2 start in the promotion, the Iranian has rebounded with four dominant performances. None of Aliakbari’s four victories have made it to the final bell. The talented wrestler has his eyes set on a rematch with Anatoly Malykhin, should they both come out victorious in Bangkok, Thailand. “Buchecha” will have a lot to say about those plans, as the Brazilian is looking to get back in the win column and re-establish himself as the biggest threat at heavyweight. The BJJ legend started strong in ONE with four impressive finishes. In a meeting with “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane, Almeida was bested on the scorecards in a tiring three-round battle with the Senegalese superstar. Almeida gets the chance to redeem himself against another elite wrestler, and Aliakbari can prove he is worthy of a title shot. The stakes are incredibly high for this incredible heavyweight MMA showdown. ONE 169 airs live and free on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, November 8, to all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.