BRAVE CF 88 made history in Slovenia, where two new champions were crowned in a night filled with jaw-dropping moments and electrifying finishes. The event saw Erko Jun claim the Light Heavyweight title in the main event, while Pavel Dailidko secured the inaugural Heavyweight title in the co-main, thrilling a sold-out crowd that highlighted Slovenia's growing passion for mixed martial arts. Here are the BRAVE CF 88 Results. Erko Jun’s Masterclass in the Main Event In the main event, Erko Jun showcased his striking power and determination against Alexander Wesner, controlling the fight with brutal leg kicks that hobbled his opponent. Despite suffering a cut during a second-round scramble, Jun’s persistence paid off. In the fourth round, a devastating leg kick finally sealed the deal, with Wesner unable to continue. Jun’s triumph not only earned him the Light Heavyweight title but also cemented his status as a rising star in BRAVE Combat Federation. Pavel Dailidko Dominates for Heavyweight Gold In the co-main event, Pavel Dailidko delivered a performance for the ages, defeating Patryk Dubiela with first-round ground-and-pound strikes to claim the Heavyweight crown. Dubiela attempted to wrestle his way to victory, but Dailidko’s defense and punishing strikes were too much to handle. With this victory, Dailidko made history as BRAVE CF's first-ever Heavyweight champion, securing his fifth consecutive finish in the organization. Monika Kučinič’s Gritty Comeback In what many are calling a "Fight of the Year" contender, Monika Kučinič came back from near defeat to earn a split-decision victory over Fabiola Pidroni. After being rocked by a head kick in the first round, Kučinič regrouped and outstruck Pidroni in the later rounds, earning her second victory of the year in BRAVE CF. Luka Podkrajšek Battles Through Injury for TKO Win In an emotional heavyweight clash, Slovenia’s own Luka Podkrajšek secured a TKO victory over Michele Mirabella, revealing post-fight that he fought with a broken rib. The win may be his last, as Podkrajšek hinted at retirement during his post-fight interview. Miha Frlic Shines with 37-Second KO Miha Frlic made a statement in his BRAVE CF debut, needing just 37 seconds to finish Samuele Di Guardo with vicious strikes. Frlic remains undefeated and is quickly becoming a name to watch in the heavyweight division. Kristjan Toniste Outclasses Domen Drnovsek In a Super Lightweight bout, Kristjan Toniste used his striking and experience to outpoint Domen Drnovsek, handing the Slovenian his first professional loss. Toniste’s unanimous decision win was a testament to his composure and fight IQ. Marina Spasič Stays Unbeaten Marina Spasič kept her undefeated record intact with a third-round TKO of Maristela Alves. After two competitive rounds, Spasič's strikes broke Alves’ nose, forcing a stoppage. Kirill Negru Dominates and Earns IMMAF Spot Kirill Negru opened the card with a unanimous decision victory over Ilia Sinani, securing a spot in the IMMAF World Championships. Negru, the IMMAF European champion, is now focused on bringing home gold for Slovenia. BRAVE CF 88 Results Recap Light Heavyweight Title Fight : Erko Jun def. Alexander Wesner via TKO (leg kicks) - Round 4, 1:27 Heavyweight Title Fight : Pavel Dailidko def. Patryk Dubiela via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 4:33 Strawweight : Monika Kučinič def. Fabiola Pidroni via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Heavyweight : Luka Podkrajšek def. Michele Mirabella via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 3:24 Heavyweight : Miha Frlic def. Samuele Di Guardo via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 0:37 Super Lightweight : Kristjan Toniste def. Domen Drnovsek via unanimous decision (30-27 x3) Strawweight : Marina Spasič def. Maristela Alves via TKO (punches) - Round 3, 2:11 Amateur Welterweight : Kirill Negru def. Ilia Sinani via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) BRAVE CF will continue its European tour with BRAVE CF 89 , set to take place in Spain on October 19. Don’t miss the action!

The UFC made a triumphant return to Paris, France, with UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Held at the iconic Accor Arena, the event drew a sold-out crowd of 15,449, raking in a massive live gate of $4,000,000. Fans were treated to a night of thrilling knockouts, tactical submissions, and electrifying performances across 14 action-packed bouts. Headlined by a clash between Renato Moicano and the French hometown hero Benoît Saint-Denis, the event showcased some of the best talents in MMA. Here's a full results of UFC Paris with breakdown of each fight and how it all went down. Main Event: Renato Moicano defeats Benoît Saint-Denis via KO/TKO (Doctor Stoppage, Eye Injury) at 5:00, Round 2 In the highly anticipated main event, Renato Moicano pulled off a shocking victory against France’s rising star, Benoît Saint-Denis. The fight was fiercely competitive through the first two rounds, with both fighters landing significant strikes. However, as Round 2 came to an end, the doctor intervened due to a severe eye injury sustained by Saint-Denis, forcing a stoppage. Moicano’s relentless pressure and striking proved too much, leaving the Parisian crowd stunned as their hometown favorite was unable to continue. Co-Main Event: Nassourdine Imavov defeats Brendan Allen via Unanimous Decision France’s own Nassourdine Imavov had the support of the crowd behind him in the co-main event, where he took on the tough Brendan Allen. Imavov used his superior striking and footwork to outpoint Allen over three rounds. Despite Allen’s grappling attempts, Imavov remained composed and earned a unanimous decision victory, solidifying his position as a top contender in the UFC’s middleweight division. Main Card Recap: William Gomis defeats Joanderson Brito via Split Decision In a razor-close bout, William Gomis secured a hard-fought split decision victory over Joanderson Brito. The fight saw Gomis using his precision striking while Brito pressed forward with aggression. Gomis’ composure and technical approach won over the judges in a thrilling battle that had the French crowd on their feet. Bryan Battle defeats Ange Loosa via KO/TKO (Punches) at 3:47, Round 2 Bryan Battle showcased his knockout power, finishing Ange Loosa in the second round with a flurry of punches. Battle’s ability to capitalize on Loosa’s defensive lapses led to the finish, making it one of the standout moments of the night. Morgan Charriere defeats Gabriel Miranda via KO/TKO (Left Hook) at 0:27, Round 2 France’s Morgan Charriere delivered a highlight-reel knockout with a perfectly timed left hook just 27 seconds into the second round, taking out Gabriel Miranda. Charriere’s striking accuracy and power left no doubt as he earned a decisive finish in front of his home crowd. Fares Ziam defeats Matt Frevola via KO/TKO (Knee to the Head) at 2:59, Round 3 In a late-round finish, Fares Ziam stunned Matt Frevola with a vicious knee to the head, securing a knockout victory in the third round. Ziam’s diverse striking arsenal was on full display, propelling him to a big win. Preliminary Card Recap Ion Cuțelaba defeats Erslan Erbek via Split Decision Ion Cuțelaba edged out Erslan Erbek in a gritty contest, winning via split decision. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters having their moments, but Cuțelaba’s aggression and forward pressure gave him the edge. Sadibou Sy defeats Da-Un Jung via Unanimous Decision Sadibou Sy, known for his striking prowess, dominated Da-Un Jung over three rounds, picking up a clear unanimous decision victory. Sy’s range control and sharp kicks kept Jung at bay, earning him a well-deserved win. Ludovit Klein defeats Danny Roberts via Unanimous Decision Ludovit Klein put on a striking clinic against Danny Roberts, using his speed and footwork to cruise to a unanimous decision victory. Roberts struggled to close the distance, while Klein picked him apart from the outside. Taylor Lapilus defeats José Morales via Unanimous Decision France’s Taylor Lapilus put on a strong performance in front of his home fans, earning a unanimous decision victory over José Morales. Lapilus’ crisp boxing and takedown defense were the keys to his success. Ailin Perez defeats Darya Zheleznyakova via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 3:52, Round 1 Ailin Perez wasted no time, locking in a slick arm triangle choke in the first round to secure a submission victory over Darya Zheleznyakova. Perez’s grappling skills were on full display as she dominated her opponent. Carlos Barez defeats Victor Altamirano via Unanimous Decision Carlos Barez outworked Victor Altamirano over three competitive rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. Barez’s superior wrestling and control in the clinch made the difference in this closely contested bout. Yanis Cavalcanti defeats Laetitia Cornolle via Split Decision In a closely fought women’s flyweight bout, Yanis Cavalcanti edged out Laetitia Cornolle by split decision. The fight saw both fighters have their moments, but Cavalcanti’s cleaner strikes helped her secure the win. Christian Leroy Duncan defeats Toshiomi Oki via Submission (Guillotine Choke) In an impressive submission victory, Christian Leroy Duncan locked in a guillotine choke to tap out Toshiomi Oki. Duncan’s grappling was on point, and he secured the submission early in the fight to earn a statement win. UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis delivered one of the most exciting cards of the year, featuring an array of finishes and closely contested battles. With the French crowd energized from start to finish, the event was a huge success both in terms of action and attendance. The performances of French fighters like Nassourdine Imavov, William Gomis, and Morgan Charriere further highlighted the growth of MMA in France, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the UFC’s return to Paris

Final main card bout for “Battle of the Giants” announced as Switzerland’s Husein Kadimagomaev will face Germany’s Zafar Mohsen in a Featherweight match-up Full card revealed, including a Bantamweight clash at the top of the bill between Raufeon "Supa" Stots and Marcos Breno, with further fights featuring MMA stars from across the Americas, Europe, and Asia PFL “Battle of the Giants” takes place Saturday, October 19 – Live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide The main card of “Battle of the Giants” is now official, as a fiercely competitive Featherweight contest between Switzerland’s Husein Kadimagomaev (11-1-0, 1 NC), a training partner of feared fighter Khamzat Chimaev, and Germany’s Zafar Mohsen (13-4) has been announced. Alongside the confirmed main card, the full early card has been released with an exciting Bantamweight match-up between Raufeon “Supa” Stots (20-2) and Marcos Breno (15-3) topping the bill. The early card is also joined by prospects and veterans from across the Americas, Europe and Asia, all determined to make a name for themselves on PFL’s biggest stage ever. The latest additions join the card headlined by MMA superstar and undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world, Francis Ngannou (17-3) making his highly anticipated return to the sport of MMA, as “The Predator” faces the most-feared PFL heavyweight,the 6-foot-8 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan “Problema” Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC) for the newly minted PFL Super Fights Championship Belt. The co-main event will feature another major world title fight - the Women’s Featherweight PFL Super Fight Championship. The greatest women’s MMA fighter of all-time, Cris “Cyborg” (27-2, 1 NC), whose legacy will be on the line when she squares off against PFL two-division Champion Larissa Pacheco (23-4), who looks to prove she is the greatest women’s MMA fighter on the planet. A third title fight of the night, the Bellator Middleweight World Championship, will take place between undefeated Bellator Middleweight World Champion Johnny Eblen (15-0) and Fabian Edwards (13-3). The pair previously met in 2023 at Bellator 299 where Edwards took the fight to the champion and landed a savage elbow opening up his opponent’s forehead, only for the champion to respond with a TKO finish in the third round. The rematch will see two of the world’s best 185 lbs competitors meet in the SmartCage to see who is the best fighter in the division. At Lightweight, former Bellator Featherweight World Champion AJ McKee (22-1) will serve as the toughest test of Paul Hughes (12-1) young career, when the man with the longest winning streak in Bellator history (18) faces an Irishman who many consider to be the top Lightweight prospect on the planet. The event will emanate from the state-of-the-art Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A monumental cultural venue that hosts significant national and international events in the heart of Riyadh, it’s the perfect backdrop for “Battle of the Giants” to take place. In addition to the location, tickets for the second-ever PFL PPV Super Fight are on sale and can be purchased on the WeBook app via this link. PFL’s “Battle of the Giants” pay-per-view event takes place Saturday, October 19 and can be seen live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S and DAZN worldwide. Husein Kadimagomaev vs. Zafar Mohsen - Featherweight Main Card Bout Switzerland’s Husein Kadimagomaev boasts an 11-1 record with an amateur pedigree of 12-0, which has put him on the radar as one of the hottest prospects at Featherweight. With his professional career having six wins by way of knockout, and four by submission, Kadimagomaev is a dangerous competitor no matter whether the fight is standing or on the ground. He has shared time with another famously feared fighter, Khamzat Chimaev, through his time at Allstars Training Center in Stockholm. Afghanistan-born, German-based knockout artist Zafar Mohsen has had a storied career across Europe – his last three wins are by guillotine, doctor’s stoppage, and a TKO, showing his versatility once he steps onto the canvas, meaning that the crowd in attendance on October 19 are due an electric main card. Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” Main Card ESPN+ PPV (U.S.) | DAZN (Worldwide) | Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saturday, October 19 Early Card: 1:30 pm ET / 8:30 pm AST | Main Card: 4:00pm ET / 11:00 pm AST Heavyweight Main Event Francis Ngannou (17-3) vs. Renan Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC) Women’s Featherweight Co-Main Event Cris “Cyborg” (27-2, 1 NC) vs. Larissa Pacheco (23-4) Bellator Middleweight World Title Bout Johnny Eblen (15-0) vs. Fabian Edwards (13-3) Featherweight Main Card Bout Husein Kadimagomaev (11-1, 1 NC) vs Zafar Mohsen (13-4) Lightweight Main Card Bout AJ McKee (22-1) vs. Paul Hughes (12-1) “Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” Early Card Bantamweight Early Card Bout Raufeon Stots (20-2) vs Marcos Breno (15-3) Lightweight Early Card Bout Makkasharip Zaynukov (15-4) vs Dedrek Sanders (9-4) Featherweight Early Card Bout Ibragim Ibragimov (7-0) vs Nacho Campos (5-0) Middleweight Early Card Bout Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs Ahmed Sami (11-4-0, 1 NC) Featherweight Early Card Bout Youssef Al Housani (4-1) vs Taha Bendaoud (3-0)

In his writings, Bruce Lee attempted to depict a street fight in its empirical form and not through the prism of any style or system. When he said, “In a fight, we must be like water and adapt to the chaotic shifts and changes of combat,” he was talking about stripping human conflict down to its purest form and actually embracing the chaos. Unfortunately, most people, including many martial artists, harbor misperceptions about fighting. I’ve found that those misperceptions exist mostly because of two factors. One is the lack of real-world combat experience, which is self-explanatory. The other is the preoccupation students have with the style they do. For example, folks who study taekwondo tend to assume the whole world is going to attack them with high kicks. People who study shotokan karate tend to expect everyone is going to assault them with reverse punches. Students of kung fu tend to prepare for attacks effected with crane beaks and tiger claws. Lee observed this proclivity to pit one’s martial art against another person who’s using the same art while practicing self-defense, and he determined that it’s a dangerous error to make, one that leads the practitioner away from true proficiency. Reality Check It’s been determined that 95 out of 100 fights unfortunately will not unfold with a martial artist defending against a person who’s using techniques taken from the same art. That’s not surprising. What may be surprising to you is that research also has found that those 95 fights will involve far more serious circumstances — like an opponent with an edged weapon, an opponent with a blunt weapon, multiple opponents and so on. Note that these statements come from empirical data collected by the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI. Furthermore, decades of personal experience involving my associates and myself back them up. A one-on-one fight that stays one-on-one with no weapons being introduced is practically an anomaly — unless it involves two MMA rivals meeting up in a dark alley. Don’t get me wrong: One-on-one is the basic infrastructure of combat, and as such, it’s a scenario you should pay plenty of attention to in training. It’s what I focus on when I teach contemporary jeet kune do. (See the April 2010 issue of Black Belt.) That said, I acknowledge the rigid rod of reality, which says a one-on-one fight might be the modality in one out of 20 altercations, but the other 19 will involve multiple opponents, blunt weapons, edged weapons or a combination thereof. Suggested Solutions for Street Fights When you’re facing one of the most common of these more serious situations — an opponent armed with a knife — there are certain techniques and principles you need to know. Otherwise, serious injury or death is likely to occur. As a thought experiment, picture the heavyweight champion of the UFC, whoever that might be at the moment. Next, imagine him winning the belt and then going out to a club to celebrate. One of the patrons of the establishment happens to be a biker who’s had a few too many. The biker becomes upset for some reason, pulls out a bowie knife and proceeds to threaten the champ. Now, if the champ tries to use his MMA skills against the blade, chances are he’ll be carried out of the club by EMTs. The same goes for a mass attack or a blunt-weapon assault. In all three kinds of situations, there are certain things — footwork and defensive movements, in particular — that you need to know to maximize your chance of avoiding negative consequences. In case you’re wondering why weapons appear in fights with such frequency, it all comes down to the reptilian side of human beings. (Part of our gray matter is even called the reptilian brain because of its primal role in human evolution.) The moment fear or anger envelope us, our visceral knee-jerk reaction is to grab something — anything — to wield as a weapon and get the advantage. It could be a knife, a bottle, an ashtray, a chair, a crowbar, a flashlight or a pool cue. If you don’t know the strategies, tactics, principles and techniques needed to deal with such scenarios, you’ll probably get hurt. Owning a black belt helps, but it’s not enough. That’s why the best self-defense instructors focus on specialized tactics and techniques that any martial artist can overlay onto his or her art. It’s essential to make your preparation as realistic as possible for real-world encounters — and not spend 95 percent of your self-defense training time on something that occurs 5 percent of the time. Case Studies Once I attended a karate tournament where tempers kept flaring and fights kept breaking out. Every time this happened, the participants would end up rolling around on the ground. (It was before Brazilian jiu-jitsu became popular.) Conversely, I remember attending a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament where tempers kept flaring and fights kept breaking out. On each occasion, the ground fighters stayed on their feet swinging wildly at each other. In contrast, when working with various military units, I noticed that they emphasize absolute specificity for the job they’ve been assigned. Interestingly, this is in step with Bruce Lee’s philosophies. That’s what prompted me to note that the most important principles for weapons combat and multiple-opponent situations are as follows: For all weapons, learn, practice and functionalize the art of defanging the snake. That refers to disabling the assailant’s weapon-wielding hand with your weapon. Never depend on simple blocking because all it does is give your foe time to regroup and reattack (more on this later). For multiple opponents, find a teacher who can school you in boxing-style footwork, especially the movement patterns that were used by Muhammad Ali. They’re great for evasion, and often they will buy you time to grab a weapon, which is the single most important thing you can do. Profound Words Once you understand this reality of combat and start viewing violence not through the prism of your style — or a sport or movie — no doubt you’ll feel the need to learn weapons. Simply defending against them often is not enough. Back when I began training under Dan Inosanto, I was reluctant and, to be honest, completely intimidated by the notion of using weapons. I recall walking into his office and seeing a plaque on the wall that displayed 100 miniature weapons. Some were shaped like a sickle and some like a kris. Some had straight blades, and some had zigzag blades. After a cursory examination of them, I said, “This looks so complicated. I will never be able to get this down.” Inosanto changed his expression and his tone of voice, then shut the door and proceeded to explain the most important principle of this martial endeavor: “In all 100 weapons on this plaque, you only utilize one — repeat, one — technique. Instead of blocking, you cut your opponent’s hand that holds the weapon.” It doesn’t matter which weapon you have or which one your opponent has. Once you cut or smash his hand, he’ll drop it. That’s your cue to follow up, usually with a barrage of head and body shots. There’s a good reason this is called “defanging the snake.” Once the fangs (weapons) are removed, the snake (opponent) becomes harmless. At that point, you can continue striking or leave. As a martial artist, you should spend 90 percent of your training time doing smashes and slashes aimed at the hands. Whether you’re in close quarters, intermediate range or long range, facing a stick, knife, bat, blade or staff, you should strive to attack the hand that holds it. Most important, don’t get hung up on the configuration of the weapon or how it’s being held; instead, focus on taking out the hand. Smart Choices “I will give you a better example in JKD class tonight,” Dan Inosanto continued. As the session began, he walked in with a giant body bag, which he proceeded to empty onto the mat. It looked like he’d just cleaned out his garage. Out came tools, lamps, ropes, battery cables, flashlights and crowbars. “Everyone grab a weapon!” Inosanto said. We did and proceeded to spar all night with different combinations of those appliances and tools. The whole time, the only technique we were to use was defanging the snake. Here’s what you need to remember: Once you’ve internalized and functionalized defanging the snake, the only other thing that matters with weapons is range. There’s no superior weapon, only a superior weapon for a given range. In making this point at a seminar, I usually grab a 4-foot-long sword and a 2-inch-long pocketknife and place them on the floor. Next, I invite somebody to choose the one he or she would want in a fight. The volunteer invariably selects the sword and leaves the little pocketknife for me. That’s when I say the fight will take place in a restroom stall. We move to a confined space in the room, and I proceed to show everyone how impractical a 4-foot-long blade can be. Here’s another example to make my point. Say you have three weapons to choose from: a 5-foot-long pool cue, a hickory ax handle and a broken bottle. If I ask you which one is best and you understand weapons, your answer probably will be, “It depends on where the fight will take place.” Correct. In an empty bar, you might go with the ax handle. In a parking lot, you might take the pool cue, with its 5-foot reach. In a restroom, you might grab the broken bottle. Hard Lesson Lest you think all this is just theory, here’s a real-life incident that shows how bringing the wrong strategies and tactics — in this case, those of a sport — into a specific environment can turn tragic. The year was 1989. I was living in a military town in Virginia because I had a four-year contract to train the Navy’s SEAL Team Six. My student and friend Tom Cruse was assisting me. We’d had a typical training day, which was followed by a typical night of partying. The night crew consisted of Cruse, three military guys and me. Each of the guys was like a wrestler, probably weighing 250 pounds. As the evening wore on, Cruse started cleaning house on the pool table, inadvertently annoying a bunch of bikers. We quickly found ourselves in a full-fledged fight, and it got ugly fast. It was as though we were in a slow-motion scene from a movie. Cruse and I grabbed beer bottles, broke them and put our backs against the wall. Unfortunately, the three wrestlers must have thought they were in an NCAA tournament. Like a synchronized swim team, each did a double-leg takedown on a biker. The litany of street-fighting rules they broke could fill a book: Stay out of the middle of the room because you can’t protect your back or your buddy’s back from there, keep off the ground, don’t get separated from your partners (Cruse and me, unfortunately), don’t be empty-handed when facing overwhelming odds and so on. But that doesn’t change the lesson. I scanned the room and noted about 20 bikers against the five of us — lousy odds, to be sure. When the three wrestlers took those three guys to the ground, within seconds Cruse and I were faced with saving ourselves and coming to their rescue. Time was not on our side because all three were getting their teeth kicked out by biker boots. That left 17 bikers against the two of us, and in the end, we were unable to help our friends. All three — and Cruse — ended up with multiple contusions, lacerations and fractures. I got the worst of the deal: a coma that kept me in the hospital for four days. It was a hard way to learn a valuable lesson about the need to do most of your training to deal with the most common threats. In closing, I ask you to think again about the title of this article: “Anatomy of a Street Fight.” My goal in writing it is to outline what takes place in real fights and to stress that combat is always dynamic. You have to be ready to shift from one threat to three, from facing a fist to facing a blade — in a heartbeat. If you don’t train for this, you could end up losing in seconds despite having trained for years.

As a living legend of the martial arts, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace needs no introduction for the majority of Black Belt’s readers. But for those who are new to our pursuit, here are a few keywords that describe the world’s greatest kicker: high-school wrestler, Air Force veteran, judo black belt, karate black belt, undefeated professional full-contact fighter, bodyguard, fight commentator, actor, stuntman, fight choreographer, Black Belt columnist, author, video talent. Add to that the fact that Wallace is perhaps the most popular martial arts instructor in the world and has been for four decades. If that’s not enough, know that he owns a master’s degree in kinesiology. The take-away is that if you’re into point fighting, continuous sparring or full contact, you’d be wise to heed Superfoot’s advice when it comes to combat. In this article, he focuses on a topic that’s likely right up your alley: the top 10 strategies that will put you on the path to becoming a champion. 1. Limber Up Your Limbs Just like all human beings need air, all martial arts champions need lower-body flexibility. To become flexible, Superfoot says, you must work your hamstrings, quadriceps and adductors. In the long term, stretching those muscle groups will move you toward the goal of truly gaining control of your legs. Wallace focuses on three T’s for flexibility: temperature, tension and time. You need to raise the temperature of your muscles by warming up, he says, after which you need to put tension into each stretching movement and then spend time holding the stretch. Maximizing flexibility clearly requires dedication. However, it need not be such a sacrifice if you adopt the right mindset. Here’s what I mean: Say you like to watch television. Instead of being a couch potato, do the stretches Wallace recommends while you enjoy reruns of The Big Bang Theory  or The Simpsons . Start with floor stretches. Then stand up and turn so that while you’re doing a basic forward-bending stretch, you can still see the tube by peering between your legs. You get the idea. Feel free to recruit friends and family members for partner stretches in your living room. If no one’s around, use a sofa or chair for support. Use commercials as cues to switch to a different stretch as you work your way through the three T’s. ADDED ADVANTAGE: You’ll get your stretching done at home. That will save your valuable training time in the dojo for your art. 2. Pressure-Test Your Strategies Because of the injury he suffered, Wallace’s left leg became his primary weapon in competition, and he used it mightily to win. Over the years, he developed some fantastic fighting strategies that meshed with his offensive and defensive capabilities. One method he used was a strategy from chess. The objective is to control the center of the board, thus forcing your opponent to take the long route to get to you. That leaves the quicker and shorter path through the center for you to exploit. Here’s how Wallace says he made it work: Superfoot always used the left-leg-forward, side-facing stance in conjunction with the “Wallace leaning tactic.” This enabled him to turn his body away from his opponent while positioning his left leg close to the person, and he could lean backward in an instant when he needed to protect against a head strike. If a fighter came straight down the middle, Wallace says he would drill him with a side kick or left jab. As the person retreated, he’d raise that left leg and chase him down while peppering him with quick kicks. Wallace’s unique footwork and leg chamber made this possible. Those foes who opted for an outside attack were also at a disadvantage because Wallace had the speed needed to adjust his positioning and basically subject the person to the same abuse. And unfortunately for aggressive opponents, the quicker their attack, the harder the whack they’d receive. 3. Fine-Tune Your Footwork Wallace developed footwork and movement patterns that complemented his side-facing stance and kicking style. Because he was always standing with his body facing sideways, long strides were never an option. He tended to take shorter steps than most martial artists do when moving toward or away from an opponent, which helped him maintain offensive readiness. When he moved forward, he led with his front foot. When he retreated, he led with his rear foot.Another movement pattern Wallace used was to chamber his left leg so he could kick with it or use it as cover against strikes — and still move forward or backward. When he advanced, his short (and bouncing) steps enabled him to siphon off some of the momentum to slingshot his left knee up into his chamber and unleash a killer kick.Even if you can’t kick like Superfoot, your aim should be to do what he did and develop footwork that helps you throw effective techniques on the go. Experiment with minimizing your stance so you don’t have to use longer steps to maneuver. 4. Polish Your Kicks “People are full of excuses,” Wallace says in reference to skill improvement. “They say, ‘I have to wait until I get in better shape to work my kicks,’ ‘I have to do the splits first’ or ‘My knee is a little bit sore right now.’ Hey, I injured my knee in a judo accident, and my knees are as sore as just about anybody’s.“ You’re already training, which means you’ve made a commitment to be a martial artist, so now you need to make a commitment to spend part of your training time working on your kicks. It makes no sense to hold off for these reasons or wait until you’ve made some other arbitrary accomplishment before you start. Just do it. ”Yes, you need a certain amount of strength to lift your leg, as well as a certain amount of endurance to keep it raised and ready. If you’re not there yet, don’t make excuses; just start slowly. “Find yourself a chair for support so you can focus on the kick,” Wallace says. “Place the chair in front or to the side of you and hold onto it, raise your kicking leg and do a nice, slow roundhouse kick. Do this 10 times, then do the same with the side kick. Then repeat using the other leg.” Exercises like this will strengthen your muscles, after which you need to build stamina, he says. “For endurance, raise your kicking leg and do 10 kicks before placing the foot down. After awhile, increase it to 20 kicks per set. Do these exercises a couple of times a week — you can add variations and work other kicks if you like. When you feel ready, quit using the chair for support.” BONUS TIP FROM BILL "SUPERFOOT" WALLACE: When chambering to execute most kicks, you should raise your knee as high as you can with your foot positioned near your buttocks, Wallace says. At the same time, turn your stationary foot so your toes point backward and your heel faces forward. This “opens” your hip, which allows for smoother technique. “People who throw their kicks without first pivoting the planted foot and opening the hip joint have the most difficulty because all the muscles are working against each other,” he says. 5. Customize Your Strikes Many martial artists try to incorporate their basic techniques into their sparring repertoire because of all the time they spend practicing them. Unfortunately, some of those moves aren’t as effective for fighting when using a certain stance or when facing an opponent in a particular stance. That means you need to weed out the stuff you can’t rely on and concentrate on what you know will work, Wallace says. “It doesn’t make any sense to throw a reverse punch when you’re standing there sideways because there’s not enough reach,” he says. “I [chose to] use the backfist, but I made sure it didn’t get jammed so easily by raising my elbow first and then snapping it out and back quickly.” His backfist always originated from a downward position because he fought with his lead arm down to protect his left side. If you elect to fight his way, try using Wallace’s style of backfist. If you use a more orthodox punching stance, experiment with other options such as the reverse punch and ridgehand strike. For full contact, Wallace often fired a combination that featured a left jab, a left hook and then an uppercut with either hand. “I always liked the jab because it worked to keep people off me, it helped set up the side kick and it’s pretty easy to poke someone in the nose with the thing,” he says. “Plus, I like hitting people in the head because it makes me feel good.” Because he’s left-handed, the left hook proved a natural move for him, and the punch has a lot of pop. The uppercut, which possesses knockout power, was also an easy fit because it’s an inside move. Wallace says the best way to develop hand strikes such as these is to spar a lot with different partners. Find out what works for you and what doesn’t, he says, then work to smooth out your execution. 6. Land Your Shots Making contact in competition isn’t as easy as people think. One key to Wallace’s success is he learned how to exploit any opportunity using his speed and footwork — without telegraphing his intentions. His flexibility, along with the aforementioned positioning of his planted foot to open the hips, gave him superior extension on his kicks. He could throw that foot high with ease, and his midlevel kicks benefited from the extra reach. He was able to land so many of his shots because he could anticipate the angle and direction of an opponent’s attack, then launch his response and let the other guy run into it. Wallace did that a lot and made it even more effective by disguising his techniques and movements. He also created scoring opportunities using deceptive combinations. In one of them, he’d open up his opponent by throwing a side kick to the head, then drive a side kick into his ribs. In another, he’d execute a roundhouse to the body and follow up with a hook kick to the back of the head. Or he’d offer up a jab to get the guy moving back, then blast him with a side kick. “If you want to kick or punch someone who doesn’t want to be kicked or punched, you’ve got to apply Newton’s second law, which says an object in motion tends to stay in motion and an object at rest tends to stay at rest,” Wallace says. “It’s a lot easier to get the other guy with your technique if you’re already moving." “To keep moving throughout a match, you’ll need to work on your stamina. To build my stamina, I always sparred as much as possible, and I did shadowkicking and rounds on the bag, too. That was in addition to all the leg-strengthening and endurance drills and the flexibility. It all works together.” 7. Boost Your Speed Wallace has always been fast, but the effectiveness of his kicks was enhanced by the fact that all his techniques were designed to snap out and back, rather than thrust out and lock. He’d throw his foot out and immediately retract his leg and repeat, hitting his foe again and again. If he missed, it was no big deal — he’d just come back with a different technique. However, when you set out to boost your speed, it’s often best to start with hand techniques before concentrating on kicks. If you’ve got good hand speed in a match, your opponent will give you more distance to work with, thereby allowing you more distance to throw a kick, Wallace says.A recommended way to build hand speed is the palm drill. First, square off with a partner and have him or her hold an open hand in front of you at head height. The distance should be such that you can just touch the hand with your jab. Your job is to tap that hand, and your partner’s job is to move it away so you miss. Do 10 reps, then switch roles so your partner benefits, too. Once you have it down pat, perform the drill while you and your partner move around. 8. Hit Your Workouts Most martial artists will benefit from adopting a regular workout schedule, Wallace says. “My daily regimen at home is very simple. I start with a set of dumbbells. I do three sets of 10 curls, three sets of 10 triceps extensions and three sets of 10 military presses. Next, I lie down on the mat and do three sets of 30 crunches. Then I do all my stretches. The workout is fun and easy to do. It’s good for me to know exactly what I’m going to be doing every day so my body stays used to it." “As for the cardiovascular system and the strengthening and endurance stuff, I do that while teaching my seminars every weekend and on many weekdays, too. That includes working on kicking, boxing, flexibility and all the other material I teach. During off weeks and when I have a couple of hours to burn, I go to the boxing gym and do a more extensive workout.” Don’t let your training lapse when you’re on the road, Wallace says. “You need to devise a plan to stay in shape — if you don’t, you may lose your edge. When I was competing, I was in hotels all the time, and here’s what I did: dips using two chairs for support, pull-ups using a towel stretched over the bathroom door, regular push-ups, incline push-ups using a chair for elevation, full sit-ups and crunches while putting my feet under the bed for support, and stretching out with several of the flexibility exercises." “I always did it. Don’t be the one who says, ‘I’ll do it in the morning.’ When morning comes, you may not want to get out of bed. Then you say, ‘I’ll do it tomorrow,’ but tomorrow never comes.” 9. Love Your Training It’s easy to be persistent when you enjoy what you’re doing. You never hear Wallace complain about working out because he loves training. Strive to love yours. That may mean finding ways to make your routine so rewarding you just can’t wait to get off work or out of school so you can start it.The best way to do this long term is to set goals. Goal setting motivates you to do what you need to do to improve. That might entail finding training partners and fellow tournament goers who share your passion. 10. Live Your Life Wallace believes in the value of cross-training, but it’s not like the cross-training many people do. His theory is, Why spend valuable training time riding a bike, running or doing other unrelated activities when your goal is to become a martial arts champ? It’s better to do sparring and drills — and perhaps some weight work if you need to pack on some muscle. “For weight training, just use lighter weights and do more reps,” he says. “You don’t want to bulk up too much.” He cautions people not to misinterpret this advice as a campaign against engaging in hobbies and having fun. Outside interests are necessary for a fulfilling life, he says. Which is why he’s still smitten with motorcycles and sports cars and why he absolutely loves golf. He was successful in martial arts, however, because he relegated those activities to his spare time and didn’t let them interfere with the training he needed to do to become a world champion.

A trio of ONE Championship stars have gold on their mind after scoring huge victories at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut this past weekend. Superbon, Takeru Segawa, and Ilias Ennahachi all churned out impressive performances at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, putting themselves in the frame for World Title shots in the not-too-distant future. Here is what they had to say at the September 27 event’s post-fight press conference. Superbon Superbon shocked “Smokin” Jo Nattawut with a showstopping first-round elbow that left his fellow-Thai countryman unable to answer the referee’s count. With the victory, the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion could potentially have snatched Nattawut’s scheduled crack at featherweight Muay Thai king Tawanchai PK Saenchai, which goes down at ONE 169: Atlanta in November. Superbon came up short in a razor thin split decision when he faced Tawanchai earlier this year, and the 34-year-old is keen for an opportunity to put it right in the rematch. “This [win] means I step closer to the belt. For me right now, because my goal is the belt, so I'm going to go there,” he said. “Last time [we fought], I think I wasn't a 100% before the fight. But I cannot say that. So next time I will be a 100%. If you see that fight, I think my technique, everything I do better, but my energy was not enough. So, when my energy is not enough, that’s why I lost that.” Takeru Segawa Japanese kickboxing superstar Takeru Segawa picked up his maiden victory under the ONE banner with a devastating second-round TKO win over Burmese knockout artist Thant Zin. After seeing a mooted showdown with ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon scuppered by the Thai megastar’s injury earlier this year, Takeru now hopes to restore the highly anticipated matchup next. “I came to ONE to fight Rodtang, and if I don’t win this fight, if I don’t get over this, I have no qualities to be in ONE. Right now, I get to meet Rodtang,” he said. “I am ready for Rodtang, I hope you win your next fight and I’ll be waiting here in the ring.” Ilias Ennahachi Former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Ilias Ennahachi improved to 2-0 at the bantamweight limit, with an ultra-impressive unanimous decision win over former divisional king Hiroki Akimoto. Having shown once again that he can hang at the higher weight class, the Moroccan star now has his sights set on ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty. “[I want to fight] everybody, everybody, but I want the new one. What I mean by the new one, I already have the old belt at flyweight, and now I want the new one. So, you know what’s next, I’m ready,” he said. “What I say, I’m too smart for these guys, I’m too fast for these guys. Also now, I moved to bantamweight, I have more power, you saw it against Akimoto. I think he never went down in his fights in ONE Championship. I think I’m the first one to put him down. It only took one hook, so you know how much power I have."

Black Belt Magazine, the world’s longest-running martial arts publication, is excited to honor the Black Belt Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 ! Since 1968, the Black Belt Hall of Fame has recognized exceptional individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped the martial arts community. Past inductees include icons like Bruce Lee (Class of 1972), Bill Wallace (Class of 1973), Chuck Norris (Class of 1975), and Cynthia Rothrock (Class of 1983, who also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022). This year’s induction ceremony is set for October 10, 2024, at the renowned Avalon Theater in Hollywood, California. The event will feature presentations from some of the most illustrious past Hall of Fame members, adding to its grandeur. Keep reading to discover why we’re so proud to celebrate this year’s recipients of the Martial Arts Entertainment Award! Mark Dacascos A Versatile Talent Shaping Entertainment Mark Dacascos’ induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame marks the celebration of a true Renaissance artist whose journey from a young martial artist to a global icon exemplifies exceptional talent and dedication. This recognition highlights his profound impact on martial arts and entertainment, showcasing his versatility across acting, directing, and television. Dacascos’ career began with a deep-rooted passion for martial arts, evolving into a celebrated trajectory that spans over 40 feature films and numerous television roles. His dynamic performances have consistently captivated audiences, with notable recent roles including Kong Pak in the acclaimed HBO Max series Warrior  and The Chairman on Iron Chef: Quest for the Iron Legend , which gained popularity on Netflix in both the U.S. and Mexico. On the big screen, Dacascos has shone in major projects like Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac , Blade of the Ronin 47 , and Run & Gun . His portrayal of the assassin Zero in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum  and his voice work as Richard Dragon in Batman: Soul of the Dragon  further demonstrate his martial arts prowess and versatility. His extensive filmography includes standout performances in Brotherhood of the Wolf , Cradle to the Grave , and Drive . His television roles feature Wo Fat in Hawaii 5-0 , Mr. Giyera in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. , and a captivating role in The Crow . Additionally, he gained pop culture status as The Chairman on Iron Chef America  and showcased his blend of martial arts and dance on Dancing With the Stars . In addition to his acting career, Dacascos demonstrated his creative versatility by directing his first feature film, Showdown in Manila . Rooted in a diverse heritage of Japanese, Filipino, Spanish, Irish, and Chinese backgrounds, Dacascos stands out as a multilingual and multi-skilled talent . Phillip Rhee The Best of the Best As we celebrate Phillip Rhee's induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame, we honor a pioneer whose influence extends beyond martial arts and film. Rhee’s legacy is a powerful blend of skill and storytelling, inspiring martial artists and movie enthusiasts alike. His journey from a young tae kwon do practitioner in South Korea to a Hollywood innovator is a testament to dedication and the enduring spirit of martial arts. Born in South Korea, Rhee began his tae kwon do training at an early age, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor in both national and international tournaments. Upon moving to the United States, he continued to excel in tae kwon do while expanding his expertise to other martial arts disciplines, including hapkido and tang soo do. Rhee's entry into entertainment came with the creation of the Best of the Best franchise. The first film, released in 1989, showcased his vision for martial arts cinema, telling the story of an American team competing in an international tae kwon do tournament against a strong Korean team. The film was a groundbreaking mix of martial arts and storytelling, focusing on themes of honor and perseverance. Rhee’s role as Tommy Lee and his innovative choreography captivated audiences and set a new benchmark for martial arts films. The success of Best of the Best was profound, resonating with both martial artists and the general public and becoming a cult classic. The franchise’s sequels, reinforcing themes of integrity and the human spirit, solidified its lasting impact. Rhee’s work has inspired countless martial artists, including notable figures like Ernie Reyes Jr. and modern MMA fighters, and has influenced the perception and practice of martial arts. Beyond cinema, Rhee remains a dedicated martial artist and instructor, teaching the core values of discipline, respect, and perseverance that his films vividly portray. His unwavering commitment to these principles continues to earn him respect and admiration within the martial arts community. Ernie Reyes Jr. A Martial Arts Phenomenon Ernie Reyes Jr.'s induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame celebrates his remarkable contributions to martial arts and entertainment, along with his role as an enduring inspiration to aspiring martial artists. His journey from a young prodigy to a respected actor and martial arts advocate underscores his passion, dedication, and commitment to both fields. Starting his martial arts training at age 4 under his father, Ernie Reyes Sr., Reyes Jr. quickly became known for his exceptional talent. As a key member of the West Coast Demo Team, he showcased his skills in tae kwon do, hapkido, and capoeira, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances. Reyes Jr.'s Hollywood career took off with roles that highlighted his martial arts prowess, including memorable appearances in The Last Dragon , Red Sonja , and Conan the Barbarian . His breakout role in Surf Ninjas established him as a martial arts action star. Additionally, he made history as the first child star in an action series with Sidekicks , demonstrating his ability to blend martial arts with compelling storytelling. In the 1990s, Reyes Jr. further solidified his place in pop culture with his role as Keno in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze . His portrayal of a pizza delivery boy turned hero resonated with fans and showcased his versatility. As we honor Ernie Reyes Jr., we recognize his profound impact on martial arts culture and his lasting influence on generations of fans and practitioners alike. Want to know the full list of this year’s Black Belt Hall of Fame inductees? Check out our official announcement !

As UFC 307 approaches this weekend, fans are eagerly anticipating the Light Heavyweight Championship bout between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. Pereira, known for his devastating knockout power and lightning-fast ascent through the ranks, is set to compete for his second UFC title. Let's take a look at some of the top moments that have defined Pereira's UFC journey, cementing his status as one of the sport's elite fighters. 1. Debut Knockout Victory over Andreas Michailidis (UFC 268) Pereira's debut knockout showcased his elite striking and laid the foundation for future wins in the UFC. Alex Pereira’s UFC debut at UFC 268 in November 2021 was highly anticipated due to his stellar kickboxing career. Fans were curious if his striking prowess would translate to the UFC, and Pereira wasted no time in answering that question. In the second round, Pereira delivered a jaw-dropping flying knee to Andreas Michailidis, securing a knockout victory. This highlight-reel finish instantly put the division on notice and set the stage for Pereira’s meteoric rise. 2. Dominant Performance Against Bruno Silva (UFC Fight Night 203) Pereira proved he could go the distance in the UFC, demonstrating that his skill set extended beyond mere knockout power. In his second UFC fight, Pereira faced Bruno Silva in March 2022. Known for his durability, Silva was expected to provide a tough test for Pereira. The fight went the distance, but Pereira displayed his striking superiority throughout all three rounds. Pereira's ability to land powerful strikes while maintaining composure impressed fans and analysts alike. Although Silva survived, Pereira walked away with a unanimous decision victory, further solidifying his place in the division. 3. Shocking Knockout of Sean Strickland (UFC 276) Pereira’s KO over Strickland propelled him into title contention and highlighted his ability to dismantle top contenders. Arguably one of Alex Pereira's most iconic UFC moments came at UFC 276, where he faced the outspoken and highly ranked Sean Strickland. Strickland, riding a six-fight win streak, was seen as a major threat. However, Pereira’s precision striking dismantled Strickland in less than a round. A perfectly placed left hook knocked Strickland out cold, a finish that highlighted Pereira’s lethal accuracy. This victory earned him a shot at the Middleweight Championship, as it became clear that Pereira was more than ready to challenge the division’s best. 4. Becoming UFC Middleweight Champion Against Israel Adesanya (UFC 281) Pereira's come-from-behind TKO of Adesanya was one of the most dramatic title fights in UFC history, marking a turning point in his career. The rivalry between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, which began in their kickboxing days, reached its apex at UFC 281. Despite Adesanya’s dominance as the Middleweight Champion, Pereira entered the fight with two prior victories over him in kickboxing. This fight was no different in terms of excitement. Adesanya was leading on the scorecards heading into the final round, but Pereira unleashed a barrage of strikes, ultimately securing a TKO victory and claiming the UFC Middleweight Championship. This victory was monumental, as it crowned Pereira the new king of the middleweights and ended Adesanya’s reign. 5. Close but Memorable Rematch with Israel Adesanya (UFC 287) Despite the setback, Pereira remained one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC, with fans eager to see him rebound. After their epic clash at UFC 281, Pereira and Adesanya squared off again at UFC 287 in April 2023. This time, Adesanya came in with a game plan to avoid being finished by Pereira’s power. Despite Pereira applying pressure in the second round, Adesanya caught him with a counter right hand, resulting in a knockout loss for Pereira. Although Pereira lost the belt, the fight showcased his relentless offensive style and warrior spirit. 6. Debut Victory at Light Heavyweight Against Jan Błachowicz (UFC 291) Pereira’s successful transition to Light Heavyweight opened the door for a shot at a second UFC title. After losing his Middleweight Championship, Pereira made a bold move to the Light Heavyweight division. His debut came against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Błachowicz at UFC 291. The bout was a grueling affair, with Pereira proving that he could handle the size and strength of 205-pound opponents. He showed improved grappling defense and outstruck Błachowicz to earn a split-decision victory. This win marked Pereira as a serious contender for the Light Heavyweight Championship and set him up for the upcoming fight with Rountree. Upcoming Championship Fight with Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 The fight against Rountree represents the culmination of Pereira’s UFC journey, with the potential to cement his legacy as a two-division champion. Now, Pereira stands on the cusp of making UFC history as he prepares to face Khalil Rountree Jr. for the Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 307. A victory would make Pereira one of the few fighters to hold UFC titles in two weight classes. Known for his devastating power and kickboxing precision, Pereira will have to navigate Rountree’s explosive striking and aggression. This matchup promises to be a thrilling clash of styles, with fans eager to see if Pereira can add another belt to his collection. From his UFC debut to the thrilling rivalries and his rise to championship status, Alex Pereira’s journey in the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular. His top moments have defined his career as a knockout artist and a dominant force in multiple divisions. Will Alex Pereira rise to the occasion and make history once again at UFC 307?

The cover of the May 1971 issue of Karate Illustrated featured the legendary Leo Fong , showcasing his skills in the same year his first martial arts book — Sil Lum Kung Fu: The Chinese Art of Self Defense — was published. The striking cover image captured him standing fiercely with a tiger claw poised against his opponent. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Black Belt Magazine is bringing action fans a blast from the past with the exclusive premiere of Fighting Mad  (1978), directed by Cirio H. Santiago, this morning at 8:37 AM ET. The action-packed martial arts classic, starring James Iglehart, Carmen Argenziano, and Leon Isaac Kennedy, can be watched directly on the Black Belt Mag YouTube channel or through the Black Belt Mag website. In Fighting Mad , James Iglehart plays an American Vietnam soldier who is betrayed and left for dead on his way home. His life is saved by two Japanese World War II stragglers who train him in the way of the samurai, equipping him with the skills to seek justice and revenge. This rare cinematic gem is a must-watch for martial arts fans, offering a unique storyline blending the struggles of a modern soldier with the ancient teachings of the samurai. Head over to Black Belt Magazine’s website to watch the full movie for free!

People like to criticize traditional martial arts techniques, saying that they’re rubbish or that they won’t work in a real fight. Often, they arrive at that conclusion because it’s so easy to confuse martial arts and self-defense. When I served as a police officer in London, I witnessed a great deal of violence, the kind that’s perpetrated by animals as opposed to human beings. That taught me that real-life conflict is unpredictable at best and that serious injury and even death can be part of the package. Even worse is that such attacks may well happen while you’re under the weather. No matter when they occur, your adversary won’t be restrained by any rules. In contrast, when you train in the martial arts, no matter how hard you exert yourself, you know you’ll go home at the end of the session. It’s essential to understand both perspectives while at the same time seeing each for what it is and knowing how the period in which a system developed affects it. The classical martial arts grew during a time when resolving real conflict was something one needed to do often. Effective skills were required to respond to the violence of the era. The ryu, or eclectic schools of martial studies, protected their combat essence by hiding secrets within the training curriculum. At the deepest level, those secrets equated to resolving “unpredictability factors” in conflict, which was the key to survival. The secrets of combat can be compared to the ocean. Most people go to the beach and look only at the surface of the water. However, most of the life of the ocean exists beneath the surface. It’s the difference between looking at something and looking into it. The classical martial arts in Japan hid their secrets similarly. They were buried within the techniques and hidden within the scrolls of the style. When I studied shindo muso ryu jodo in Japan under Takaji Shimizu in the 1960s, the small classes — usually about six students — allowed for the direct transmission of many of the hidden aspects of the art. The grandmaster once explained that to the casual observer, it appeared that all the students were doing the same technique, but in fact, they were expressing many different levels of the art. Each level brought more expertise and relied on more secrets. In Japan’s feudal era, martial artists would spy on other ryu in search of weaknesses that could be exploited. This, too, explains why so much was hidden. Sometimes techniques would look vulnerable because the uneducated onlooker couldn’t discern the effectiveness that was concealed in the movements. Of course, modern science wasn’t available to those martial artists, but through trial and error, they developed an intuitive understanding of the human body and human behavior, which bolstered the efficacy of their actions. Within the ryu, such information was then passed down from master to student. Shindo muso ryu jodo offers a prime example of this. To illustrate, I will discuss the outer circle of 12 forms called omote. The sixth form, known as ukan, is an attempted sword penetration of the jo exponent’s right side. In the feudal era, neuroscience may have been unknown, but the principles on which it’s based were well-known by martial arts masters. As such, each classical technique was a labyrinth of traps, often designed to seal the opponent’s fate through his own cognitive weaknesses. One portion of one ukan technique, shown in the photo sequence, illustrates this: Although a lot of unseen things have gone on in this exchange, the next moment best illustrates the subtle science behind many classical martial arts. The opponent cannot circumvent the jo because it’s longer than her sword. At the same time, she cannot resist the temptation to cut the man’s apparently exposed neck. In the lead-up to this moment, she becomes blind to the tip of the jo. When she moves to make the cut, she takes out her own eye at the same time. The science behind this is interesting. Human cognitive abilities have many weaknesses, and classical martial artists loved to exploit them. For those who aren’t familiar with physiology or neuroscience, let me explain. The rear center of the eye is called the fovea. Photoreceptors and other retinal cells are numerous here. However, the peripheral regions of the retina have a limited ability to focus. That’s why, when you want to focus on an object, you align it with the center of your eye. In doing so, your peripheral vision goes out of focus. In this case, it means the jo can become invisible. Increasing the effectiveness of this hidden fighting tactic is the fact that human beings can pay full attention to just one event at a time. For example, you can drive a car safely and have a non-meaningful chat with the passenger, but if you start considering Einstein’s theory of relativity and your attention priorities change, your driving will become more erratic and dangerous. It’s the same with the martial arts: When the sword-wielding opponent changes her focus from the threat posed by the jo to the opportunity to cut the neck of the man with the jo, her brain draws her attention away from the jo. I’ve outlined just one small part of one technique to show how strategy can conceal the effectiveness of a move. The unfortunate fact of life in the modern era is that such subtleties often elude martial arts students who devote only minimal effort to their training. Previous generations had more time to master these teachings, but 21st-century martial artists have to make time. Know, however, that we are not the only ones who suffer from insufficient time to properly study our art. During my first stay in Japan, master Shimizu spoke with me one day after a lesson. With help from Donn F. Draeger, he explained how in his opinion, modern society — we’re talking about the 1960s — was becoming too fast paced, which left people with less and less free time. Shimizu lamented that his art had originated in a more leisurely era when time was not in short supply. Yet shindo muso ryu has managed to continue. This offers hope that all martial arts can be preserved as long as there are practitioners who see the true value of what they’re learning.

On October 10th, 2024, notable martial artist Mark Dacascos will be inducted into the prestigious Black Belt Hall of Fame , honored with our Martial Arts Entertainment Award. To celebrate this achievement, we’re revisiting the 1995 Mark Dacascos interview featured in Black Belt Magazine, where this emerging talent shared his journey and passion for martial arts. Dive in for an incredible glimpse into martial arts entertainment history! Mark Dacascos, martial artist and movie star, is a man of many faces. In his budding film career, this dreamy-eyed Adonis has played a variety of roles, from a Latino lover/car thief, to a Filipino avenger, to a Japanese samurai warrior. Hindered in the past by his nondescript looks, Dacascos was told that he was too ethnic-looking for Caucasian roles and too white for Asian parts. But this 30-year-old actor of Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Irish and Spanish descent, is beginning to use his unique looks to explore many personas. "It's harder for an audience to track me because I don't know if they'll recognize me half the time," Dacascos says. "But I'm an actor. And for me, it's great because I'm going from adult to kid to bad guy to good guy. And I try to physically change my looks every single time, which is fun." Dacascos who has done some modeling in the past broke into acting by playing Conan the Barbarian at the Universal Studios show in Universal City, California. He claims the part gave him a tremendous amount of discipline because he had to constantly find fresh approaches to a routine that he performed 20 times a week for five years. "It was the perfect training," says Dacascos, who studied liberal arts at Valley College in Van Nuys, California, and Chinese and drama at Portland State University. "I performed four to five times a day in front of several thousand people. It was a lot of fun, but it was grueling work." The Conan role led to a number of television parts, including a 10-month stint as an Asian gang member on General Hospital , and Dacascos has now appeared in six movies— Dim Sum , American Samurai , Roosters , Drag Strip Girl , Only the Strong , and the recently released Double Dragon . In the 1993 release Only the Strong , Dacascos plays an ex-Special Forces officer who tries to reform a rebellious group of high school students by teaching them capoeira, a rhythmic, dance-like Afro-Brazilian martial art. Because of his gymnastic background, Dacascos adapted easily to capoeira, which features handstands, cartwheels and flips which are used to set up leg strikes and evade opponents' attacks. Dacascos, who performed all of his own stunts in the movie, studied capoeira for only two months before filming. Although he has extensive background in kajukenbo and wun hop kuen do—the systems taught by his noted father Al Dacascos—young Dacascos was so taken by capoeira and his instructor Amen Santo that he continued to train in the system for more than a year after the movie's completion. Although audiences might not always see the difference, Dacascos believes actors should perform their own stunts whenever possible, and he is proud of the hard work he put into learning capoeira. "As far as all the acrobatics off the cars, the butterfly twists and everything in the movie, that was me," Dacascos claims. "My teacher, Amen, kicked my butt for months before the show. I had bloody toes, I was hurting every single day. I worked hard for that, so I want to make sure people know that it was me." In his latest film, Double Dragon , Dacascos and co-star Scott Wolf play teenage brothers who are forced to battle a power-hungry villain and roving bands of gangsters in an anarchic, earthquake-ravaged Los Angeles in the year 2007. Geared toward young adults, the film explores the lighter, more comic aspect of youths surviving in a dysfunctional world. "It's a kids' movie, but we deal with things that are very pertinent in Los Angeles today—gangs, pollution, the environment and, of course, earthquakes," Dacascos relates. "So it's just another way of looking at what life could be like if we don't really take it into our own hands." Double Dragon , based on the popular arcade game, also features Robert Patrick (who appeared in Terminator II ), Alyssa Milano (from the TV show Who's the Boss ) and Julia Nickson, and includes a "sizzling display of martial arts." Dacascos admits that his early acting roles came easily, but says his career now takes constant work. "I go to acting classes every week and still have my bad days," he says. "You can't sit and wait for people to call you. There are too many people out there who are just as talented as you are." Dacascos credits his martial arts skills for some of the breaks he's received as an actor, but says martial artists have a reputation for being inexperienced actors, so he never mentioned his training in early auditions for fear of being typecast as just another "wanna-be." "I want to be an actor and a martial artist, not a martial arts actor," Dacascos states. "Of course martial arts is not a bad thing; I credit it with keeping my head and heart focused. But, ideally, I'd like to do both, together or separately." In an industry which refers to auditions as "cattle calls," a fledgling actor can easily get lost in the crowd and grow frustrated. Dacascos works on staying focused even if he is turned down for a role. Sometimes there is a thin line between reality and illusion in the movie industry, as Dacascos discovered during the filming of Drag Strip Girl . "I was coming home from a location shoot late one night," Dacascos relates. "I had my sunroof open, and had rock-'n'-roll music blaring. The movie was based in the 1950s, and I played a West Side Story-type of character, and I had this butterfly feeling in my stomach like 'Wow, this is cool. I'm in love. I'm in love.' And I had to slow down and catch myself and say 'Whoa, that was not you Mark, that was [my movie character] Johnny.' That's really freaky when you catch yourself doing that." Dacascos, a third-degree black belt in wun hop kuen do, began his martial arts training at the age of 4. Wun hop kuen do, a derivative of kajukenbo, was founded by Dacascos' father, a member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame. The younger Dacascos won his first international tournament title at 9 years old and continued to compete throughout Europe until the age of 18. Being the son of two prominent martial artists—both his father and mother (Malia Bernal) were nationally rated forms competitors—wasn't easy, Mark claims, and he eventually felt a need to take time off from the martial arts. "I was just kind of losing interest," he recalls. "I didn't figure out until about six months ago that it was hard for me to have my father as my teacher." During his hiatus from wun hop kuen do, Dacascos worked out with weights, competed on the Valley College gymnastic team, and studied capoeira with Santo. Then, last January, Dacascos started studying kung fu with Jiang Hao Quan, who teaches wushu, northern Chinese shaolin, chin na and shuai chiao. Dacascos claims martial arts will always be a part of his life, whether or not it's part of his acting career. He says he is constantly amazed at the vast amount of knowledge the martial arts has to offer. "I'm 30 years old and I've seen martial arts all my life. But every time I look around, I'll see somebody else perform or see another style, and it just reiterates to me that I could live to be 1,000 years old and not see or learn everything that's out there," Dacascos marvels. "When I did American Samurai , it was the first time I ever did Japanese sword work, and I thought it was amazing. Then I did some capoeira and I thought it was amazing. And now I'm studying with this new kung fu teacher, and there are over 300 styles of kung fu, and I'm thinking 'How could anybody say which style is the best?' They are all fantastic." Born in Hawaii, Dacascos lived in Hamburg, West Germany, throughout his teens. Although he had a hard time adjusting to the language, food, and mentality of the people, he values the education he received, and now speaks fluent German. The move also strengthened his interest in the martial arts. "They didn't really have P.E. classes," he relates. "It was very academic, which is a good thing, and now I really treasure it. But at the time, I just thought it was awful. The only place I felt secure and at peace was at my mom and dad's martial arts studio." Being the son of two prominent martial artists, Dacascos says he felt pressure to perform well in competition, and he claims his opponents were more determined to beat him because of who he was. "When I had the name 'Dacascos' on my back, they wanted to kill me," he remarks. "But it was fun." Dacascos abandoned tournament competition for nearly eight years, but fought in Germany one last time when he flew overseas to watch his father's tournament three years ago. "Apparently somebody leaked to the press that I was going to be there and that I was going to fight," he recalls. "So I thought 'What the heck, I'll fight.' He flew from Los Angeles to Germany the day before the tournament and got little sleep that night. "I had five fights the next morning and made it to the finals," Dacascos says. "I had to at least do well; I couldn't lose face for my father and for myself." The title bout was tied, 3-3, at the end of regulation, requiring an overtime period. "We both scored one point in overtime, forcing a sudden-death overtime where the first point wins. My legs were tired, my hands were really tired, and I thought 'You know what, I've done OK. It doesn't matter what happens.' And just like that—boom! I lost. So it just shows you that the mind really wills the body. I gave up in my head, so I ended up taking second place. But I thought 'That's not bad for somebody who didn't train at all.'"