“In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless but planning is indispensable.” —President Dwight D. Eisenhower Jean Jacques Machado understands the concept of having a backup plan very well. As part of the famed Machado family of Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners, he’s a lifelong student of the grappling art. THE PLAN One of the most popular and practical bits of advice you’re likely to hear is this: Always have a backup plan. You run into it everywhere—on television, on the radio and online. The reason it’s so common is obvious: One of the keys to achieving happiness and success in life is being prepared for what might happen. It’s as true in the dojo as it is in the real world. In many martial arts schools, the instructor follows the beaten path with respect to the application of techniques: One person initiates an offensive move, and it’s followed by a defense or a counterattack effected by the other person. When the students are beginners, it’s usually a one-step process. Should the initial attack fail, the students regroup, and the process begins again. As their skill level slowly matures, they begin to grasp the concept of setting up attack combinations to counter their opponent’s reactions. In essence, they learn how to develop a backup plan. It enables them to react the moment their initial attack is stopped. One of his family’s most celebrated champions, he received his red/black belt from legendary master Rickson Gracie. The following is the way Machado teaches the concept of the backup plan as it pertains to personal combat on the mat. THE PARTICULARS Jiu-jitsu is a grappling art that’s practiced in a dynamic environment. Because striking is prohibited and submission is the goal, you’re essentially training against full resistance. As a result, there’s no assumption by you or your opponent that a technique will work. If you catch him in a submission—a choke or joint lock—he’ll do everything he can to defend and/or escape. If he cannot, he’ll tap out to indicate his submission and the end of the match. As a new student, you learn offensive techniques from various control positions such as the mount, back, cross side, guard and so on. Against another beginner, you may be able to succeed in making the techniques work, but against a more seasoned practitioner, you’ll struggle if your initial attempt fails. However, as you begin to understand how the human body responds in specific situations, you’ll learn how to adjust and exploit the openings your opponent’s reactions create. This develops your ability to flow, as well as your ability to bait your opponent. THE DEFINITIONS “Flowing” means being able to transition from one attack to the next based on your opponent’s reactions. This is akin to connecting your attacks like links in a chain. They should be executed seamlessly and nonstop until you secure the finish. For the defender, this constitutes an exhausting experience because every time he fends off an attack, he expends energy—both physical and mental. He’s being forced to react to a situation, and as a result, he has to move. Moving on the ground can be tiring enough for him, but when it’s combined with the need to maneuver your weight, it can drain his energy reserves quickly. Furthermore, it can be disheartening for him to succeed in escaping from a predicament only to find himself in another one. “Baiting” refers to the act of setting up your opponent by creating a situation designed to elicit a specific response. It’s similar to the way a boxer uses his jab. The punch isn’t meant to finish the fight; rather, it’s intended to maneuver the opponent into range or cause a reaction that provides the boxer with the opening to land a rear-hand power shot. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, baiting can assume one of two forms. To do the first one, you start by providing a small opening or gap your opponent can see. He’ll perceive it as a way to escape, and as soon as he makes his move, you exploit it. You should initiate the strategy from a position of control such as the cross side, mount, knee-on-stomach and so on. When you give him room to escape, do it in a way that causes him to go exactly where you want him to. Knowing where he’ll go enables you to spring the trap and catch him with your submission. The second way of baiting entails feigning an attack to a specific target. This is the source of the oft-used phrase “Jiu-jitsu is like chess.” Example: You’re controlling your opponent from the mount and want to secure an arm lock. If he’s defending properly, his elbows will be close to his body, making it tough for you to catch an arm. In response, you begin to work on his collar to get him to believe you’re going for a choke. Of course, he’ll try to fend off your choke attempt, but that will require him to move his arms away from his body. That motion gives you the opening for the arm lock. At the highest levels of jiu-jitsu, it’s often said that if you really want to attack the arm, start by attacking the neck. It’s essential that you “sell” your initial attack, so you must commit to it fully. You have to make him believe the threat of the first attack is real because that’s crucial to creating the opening for what you really want—the arm. THE GOAL IN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, submission is the ultimate goal. As in the chess analogy mentioned earlier, you’ll need a strategy to attain that goal. What makes it challenging is that both you and your opponent have a complete understanding of what the other person is trying to accomplish. That’s why developing a backup plan for every position is essential as you move up the ranks. If all this sounds confusing, study the accompanying photo sequences, then reread this article. That will help you grasp the concept of the backup plan and the role it plays in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which will maximize your chances of securing a checkmate on your next opponent. KNEE-ON-STOMACH PLAN A Jean Jacques Machado starts in side control, gripping his opponent’s collar with his right hand and using his left to keep the man’s hips from lifting (1). Machado rises and places his left knee on the opponent’s stomach (2). With his weight pinning him, Machado slides his left hand inside the man’s collar on the left side as he uses his right hand to lift his left arm, thus exposing the elbow (3). The opponent has two defensive options: turn toward his attacker or away from him. He elects to turn toward him (4). The move exposes the right side of his collar, which Machado grabs with his right hand, palm facing down (5). Dropping his weight, Machado pulls his arms toward his chest to complete the collar choke (6).  BACKUP PLAN If the opponent chooses to turn away from the Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylist, Machado allows him to do so but maintains control over his left elbow as he lifts it ( 1 ). He then steps over the man’s head, driving his hips against his elbow ( 2 ). With the arm secure, Machado sits back onto the mat and executes an armbar ( 3 ). THE MOUNT PLAN A Jean Jacques Machado assumes the mount position on his adversary, Jay Zeballos ( 1 ). His left hand is gripping the left side of the man’s collar, and his right hand is stabilizing his balance. The opponent chooses to turn to the left, into the collar grip ( 2 ). Machado takes advantage of the exposed right side of the collar and moves to grip it with his right hand, palm facing down ( 3 ). Note how Machado momentarily pushes on his head for balance before inserting his right hand. With both grips in, he moves his elbows close to his chest, drops his head and squeezes to complete the choke ( 4 ). BACKUP PLAN From the same starting position, the opponent elects to turn away from the collar attack while gripping Machado’s left arm in an attempt to defend the hold on his collar ( 1 ). Machado controls his now-exposed left arm at the elbow ( 2 ). Pointing the elbow upward forces the opponent’s left shoulder off the mat; Machado takes advantage of the space by sliding his right knee past the lifted shoulder, which positions his hips behind the trapped elbow ( 3 ). He wedges his left foot under the man’s far shoulder, then leans forward, placing his right arm on that shoulder for support ( 4 ). Machado releases his grip on the collar and raises his left arm to hook the opponent’s left arm ( 5 ). He sits back to effect the armbar ( 6 ). CLOSED GUARD PLAN A From the closed guard, Jean Jacques Machado controls his opponent ( 1 ). He circles his right hand under the man’s left arm ( 2 ) and grabs the wrist as he extends his arm ( 3 ). The Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert turns to his right, opens his guard, puts both feet on the mat and rises onto his right elbow ( 4 ). At the same time, he wraps his left arm over the man’s left arm and locks his left hand on top of his right wrist. Keeping the opponent’s elbow close to his chest, Machado lies back ( 5 ). He turns his upper body toward his foe, forcing his wrist and elbow over his own back, thus completing the shoulder lock. For added control, Machado places his right leg across the man’s back to prevent him from rolling forward to escape ( 6 ). BACKUP PLAN If the opponent’s actions in the guard prevent Machado from trapping and extending his left arm ( 1 ), the jiu-jitsu master can turn to his right as he opens his guard and puts his feet on the mat. He then maneuvers his torso up and to the right so he can wrap his left arm around the man’s left shoulder ( 2 ). Note how he posts his right hand on the mat for support. With the opponent’s left arm secure, Machado drives his hips forward, forcing him onto his back ( 3-4 ). He releases his hold on the arm and settles into the mount position ( 5 ). Photos by Peter Lueders

Jeet Kune Do or “way of the intercepting fist,” is Bruce Lee’s gift to the martial arts world. It’s always been my opinion, however, that to fully grasp Jeet Kune Do’s combat philosophy, concepts, and fighting methods, one already must possess advanced skills. Recall that most of Lee’s original students were experienced in karate, taekwondo, boxing and kenpo.  To intercept an opponent’s movements, thoughts and emotions as taught in JKD is a high-level concept. It requires great control of your body and an ability to read that person’s movements with the intent to deceive. You must be able to empty your mind and become formless. There is precious little time to think. A skilled JKD practitioner is a master strategist who always seeks out the opponent’s weaknesses while avoiding his strengths.  I wrote this article to demystify one small portion of the vast system we know as jeet kune do. I will share three philosophical combat concepts — self-knowledge, perception and strategy — in a way that will enable you to elevate your practice, regardless of your art.  Self-Knowledge In The Art of War, Sun Tzu wrote, “Know yourself and know your enemy, and you are sure to succeed.” He knew that the martial arts were about much more than fighting. They’re about self-discovery. They’re designed to guide us on a journey that promises to reveal the cause of our ignorance, a journey that can help us answer the age-old question, Who am I?  To understand who you are, you need to continually reflect on your experiences. You have to study your victories and defeats, then develop an understanding of the conditions, emotions, environments and opponents you’ve faced. You must ask questions like, What are my strengths and weaknesses? When did I win? When did I lose? What were the internal and external circumstances that precipitated that result? How did I deal with opportunities and threats?  The answers will play a vital role in acquiring a comprehensive understanding of how you act and react in various situations. As Miyamoto Musashi reminded us, “All knowledge is ultimately self-knowledge.”  Next, you need to dive deep into “knowing the enemy.” The enemy is both internal and external. For most of us, the greatest enemy is the enemy within, the voice that tells us what we can and cannot do. We have to intercept this negative voice in our head, choke it out and replace it with a positive one. As my tai chi instructor likes to say, “What you think about, comes about.”  You also have to understand your external enemy, aka your opponent. By baiting your opponent and giving him false information, you can assess his skills and responses. Only when you know who you truly are can you honestly express yourself in the martial arts. Only when you truly know your enemies can you attack their weaknesses, avoid their strengths and take advantage of their habits. Before delving into tools, tactics and strategies, you must cultivate attention and awareness because they’re the keys to understanding yourself and your enemy. The best way to cultivate attention and awareness is through the practice of stillness. Perception: Stillness  Often, martial artists spend too much time fine-tuning their techniques and not enough time developing the ability to pull off those techniques. As Lee reminded us, the individual is far more important than any style or system. In reality, there is no superior style. There are just superior practitioners who have superior attributes like speed, strength, stamina, sensitivity, timing, footwork and distancing. The most under trained yet most powerful attribute of all is perception.  Your performance in combat is directly related to your perception, and your perception is directly related to the amount of energy you have stored. If you’re rushing, tense, anxious or gassed, your ability to perceive that which is in front of you suffers. If you’re afraid of being hit, of losing or of finding out what others think, you create tension, and tension robs you of energy — which, in turn, robs you of the moment. Your ability to let go of your fears, let go of the results and be wholly in the moment can spell the difference between victory and defeat.  When you’re calm, cool and collected, you don’t care about the result. Furthermore, you perceive time passing more slowly because you’re not depleting your energy reserves by feeding your fears. The energy you preserve then can be redirected into the fight. Your ability to perceive can be cultivated through the practice of stillness.  Stillness is a state of mind and body in which there is no thought, only a heightened state of awareness — which is when time appears to slow. Athletes and musicians refer to this phenomenon as being in the flow state. I like to call it being in the high-performance zone.  When you enter this state, three powers become available. The first is connectivity. This refers to your ability to connect with yourself, your opponent and the environment. When you’re still, you’re self-aware. You can feel what’s going on within your mind, body and emotions. You also can connect with your opponent and observe his motions and emotions. You’re vigilant and aware of your environment, which is the only way you can adapt to the ever-changing chaos of the fight.  The second power is adaptability. The master key to success in combat is your ability to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Lee told us of the virtues of being like water so we can adapt to our opponent and our environment. “To change with change is the changeless state,” he wrote.  The third power is creativity, which refers to your ability to identify problems and find solutions while under duress. A strategist sees a fight as a problem that must be solved. To do that, you must creatively apply your tactics, tools and strategies to achieve the desired result.  Back to stillness: It manifests in three ways. The first is stillness in stillness. This is your ability to quiet your thoughts and make your mind focus on a singular point like your breath. Most meditation, chi kung and mindfulness practices fall into this category.  The second is stillness in movement. This is your ability to stay in the present and remain fully aware of your mind, body and breath while you’re moving. Many martial artists use shadowboxing and forms to hone this ability.  Finally, there is stillness in movement under chaos, or your ability to maintain that mind, body and breath connection while someone tries to disrupt what you’re doing. You can progressively build your resistance to the chaos factor with feeding drills, counter-for-counter drills, sparring drills — and all of the above with multiple opponents. Making yourself comfortable in uncomfortable situations is the master key to success in combat and in life.  Strategy: Ranges  JKD teaches that empty-hand combat spans five ranges. From longest to shortest, they are kicking, punching, trapping, stand-up grappling and ground fighting. Because you can’t know where a fight will take you, it’s essential to have the ability to adapt to different ranges. This doesn’t mean you must give up on your strengths. If you’re a striker, you’ll want to stay in striking range, but you must have an answer for a grappler who takes you down. That entails training with grapplers so you can understand their timing, angles and distancing and so you can have a plan to get back on your feet after a takedown. Not knowing what to do in such a situation will create tension and fear, which will make you more hesitant.  If you’re a striker and you encounter a better striker, you will likely need to use your ability to function in other ranges to prevail. Never fight your opponent where he’s strongest. Instead, attack his weaknesses. Don’t let your ego or your loyalty to your style blind you to the realities of where the fight can go.  Strategy: Stages  Taking place within those five ranges are the five stages of a fight: preliminary analysis, potshotting (aka probing), the engagement, the rally and the follow-up/finish. In the preliminary-analysis stage, you quickly assess your opponent’s size, stance and temperament. Does he have long arms? What are his posture and stance telling you? Is he crouched like a wrestler or standing upright like a boxer? Does he seem calm? Aggressive? Anxious? These details are crucial to gather before moving on to the next stage.  In potshotting, you probe your opponent to see how he reacts. A probe is a quick and efficient movement, sometimes called a “garbage hand.” The term refers to a rapid strike that’s not meant to land. Its sole purpose is to elicit a reaction, which can reveal how your opponent tends to respond. The data you collect will boost your chance of success in the next stage. You can use a lead-hand jab, a lead-leg kick or a level change.  Your mission is to read his reaction. Does he block? If so, with which hand? Does he retreat? Does he counterattack? Your awareness will increase your chance of success in the next stage.  In the engagement, the action hinges on one of two paths. In one, you attack first, and in the other, your opponent attacks first. When you initiate, it’s called primary attack strategy, and you have five ways to proceed. When the opponent initiates, it’s called secondary attack strategy, and you have five chances to counter.  JKD values interception and deception. Your perception precedes your ability to intercept or deceive. How quickly you can read your opponent, intercept his movements, adapt to his style, select your strategy and apply your tools will determine whether you succeed. Your ability to observe him and therefore shorten the reaction gap is proportional to the speed with which you can respond.  Your ability to deceive depends on your ability to fake, feint, draw, and set and break rhythms. By constantly setting traps and giving your opponent things to think about, you increase the number of stimuli he must deal with, which increases his processing time and slows his reactions. By reading his reactions, you manipulate him into doing what you want him to do. Like a chess master, you stay three moves ahead of him, which enables you to intercept his reactions.  Without cultivating stillness, you cannot expect to intercept anyone. The opposite of stillness is feeling stress, fear and anxiety. If you try to intercept a foe, you never will because you’re trying. Remember Lee’s quote: “I didn’t do it; it did it.”  The internal martial arts principle of unconditional yielding and structure is the yin-yang you’re after here. You must be able to let go of the result so you can truly be present and then execute in the moment. This is the only way to connect with your opponent, adapt to the situation and create opportunities.  The appropriate structure comes from mastering your posture and your body. It’s the ability to throw your techniques at will while acting and reacting naturally. For this to happen, your movements must be instinctual. Your only concerns are focusing on your breath, entering the moment and letting go of the result.  The purpose of the engagement stage is to enter past your opponent’s kicking and punching tools by causing momentary pain, either by attacking first or by counterattacking. This moment marks your opportunity to steal a beat in time and use forward pressure to pounce like a tiger. That forward pressure might be in the form of a straight blast from wing chun, a double-leg takedown from wrestling, a punching sequence from boxing, a barrage of kicks from taekwondo or a combination of all of the above. The purpose is to put your adversary in the “wounded-crane posture,” which has him flailing his arms, trying to cover and moving backward. At this point, he will have no base and no balance, and he won’t be able to mount an effective response.  When you’re at a longer range, you need to stay loose and relaxed — to “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee,” as Muhammad Ali taught us. But as soon as you inflict a moment of pain or create a moment of weakness, you have to activate your killer instinct and move in like Mike Tyson. This is the rally.  The rally stage is also the most dangerous stage. Whenever you go for the kill, you too can be killed. The rally takes place in the overlapping ranges of boxing, trapping and wrestling. A move from any one of those ranges can counter a move from the others, and everything can happen in a flash. So, along with the attribute of killer instinct, you have to develop your sensitivity. In other words, you have to be able to feel what your opponent may do before he actually does it.  For that reason, your perception and/or tactile awareness must be razor sharp. You can’t just blindly rage forward. You must be aware of your opponent and able to feel what he’s about to do — and then instantly counter him. This is why sensitivity drills like chi sao, muay Thai clinching, pummeling and close-quarters boxing are used so often to develop the requisite reflexes and reactions.  Endgame  In the follow-up/finish stage, you’re out to end the altercation. Your opponent is likely hurt, moving backward, and flailing and covering. Here, three levels of force need to be considered when selecting the appropriate tactics. • Level one: The person is no longer a threat, which means you can apply a lock or joint manipulation.   • Level two: The person is still strong and very much in the fight. You need to restart the process described above and take another shot in an attempt to break him down and wear him out. • Level three: You’re in a life-or-death situation. Maybe you’re facing multiple opponents. Maybe you’re protecting your family. Maybe you’re a soldier in enemy territory. You need to escalate the level of violence so you can immediately eradicate the threat. Quickly trap and clinch, then shift to the heavy artillery: head butts to the face, knees to the groin, elbows to the temples, gouges to the eyes and so on.  It’s essential to have the presence of mind to initiate a cease-fire once the threat has been neutralized. If you’re blinded by rage, it’s easy to make mistakes. If you stop the threat and keep going, you might cause irreversible damage or death — and you’ll likely end up behind bars. This is why the dual cultivation of perception and compassion is mandatory.  Parting Thoughts on Jeet Kune Do’s Combat Philosophy Knowing who you are; mastering your mind, body, tools and strategies; and developing your perception are the keys to becoming a complete martial artist — and a complete human being. Only when you are in discomfort do you find out who you truly are. That is when you are forced to confront your fears, to make yourself comfortable in uncomfortable situations. It’s when you learn to thrive in chaos.  Clearly, the way of the warrior is about more than violence. As I said, it’s a lifelong voyage of self-discovery. There’s no limit to what you can do and what you can achieve.  Discover the cause of your ignorance, let go of the past, adapt to situations and circumstances, and learn to honestly express yourself. As a martial artist, you know there is no easy way, no quick fix, no certification, no title, no rank and no lineage that can save you. Only you can save yourself. Things don’t happen to you; you make things happen through you.

The November 1969 issue of Karate Illustrated marked the magazine's second-ever cover, showcasing a young Chuck Norris executing the iconic flying side kick from his Korean martial art, Tang Soo Do. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Get ready for action, intrigue, and martial arts mastery! At 8:37 AM ET today, Black Belt Magazine is premiering the 1974 classic Get Christie Love!  on our official YouTube channel. Click above to watch!! Starring the fierce and captivating Teresa Graves, this iconic film follows the story of a beautiful, undercover policewoman who uses her wit, charm, and combat skills to bring down a dangerous drug ring. Don't miss this special premiere showcasing the legendary Teresa Graves alongside Hartry Guardino. A must-watch for martial arts enthusiasts, crime drama fans, and anyone who loves seeing a powerful woman take on villains with style and skill! Tune in now and witness this trailblazing piece of cinema that paved the way for fierce female action heroes. Click here to watch the full movie on Black Belt Magazine’s YouTube! https://youtu.be/9E7wUEra6Cs

Attention, martial arts movie buffs! If you're a fan of high-octane action and vintage fight choreography, set your alarms—Scorpion (1986) is premiering on Black Belt Magazine’s YouTube channel today at 8:37 AM ET . This under-the-radar martial arts thriller stars Tony Tulleners , a karate champion and legendary martial artist, alongside Don Murray , and it's an absolute must-watch for fans of ‘80s action cinema. The film follows an American spy, codenamed Scorpion , who’s assigned to protect an international terrorist from deadly enemies. But when the mission takes an unexpected twist, Scorpion finds himself in a relentless pursuit of the real  villains. Packed with adrenaline-fueled fight scenes and heart-pounding suspense, Scorpion  is a forgotten gem you won’t want to miss. Why should you tune in? This is your chance to revisit or discover a classic, right from the golden era of martial arts cinema, brought to you by one of the premier martial arts magazines— Black Belt Magazine . Click the link below to watch the premiere and join the martial arts community as we dive into this action-packed story of espionage, betrayal, and redemption! Tune in at 8:37 AM ET on Black Belt Magazine’s YouTube channel! Watch the full movie here: https://youtu.be/b6MYiOhF-Fo

The Professional Fighters League (PFL), ramped up the action as its inaugural PFL MENA season entered the playoffs. Fighters in the Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, and Welterweight divisions have officially clinched their spots in the 2024 PFL MENA Championship. In the main event of the Featherweight Semifinal, Abdelrahman Alyhasat stuns the Riyadh crowd with a unanimous decision victory over hometown favorite Abdullah Al-Qahtani, advancing to the 2024 PFL MENA Championship. The Welterweight Semifinal co-main event saw Omar El Dafrawy shock the crowd with a first-round TKO over heavy favorite Jarrah Al-Selawe, securing his place in the 2024 PFL MENA Championship. Mohammad Alaqraa dominated Amir Fazli in every aspect of their Welterweight Semifinal bout, earning a unanimous decision and booking his spot in the 2024 PFL MENA Championship. Mohsen Mohammadseifi, after an intense three-round battle, earned his place in the 2024 PFL MENA Championship with a unanimous decision over Souhil Tairi in their Lightweight Semifinal matchup. In another Bantamweight Semifinal clash, Ali Taleb sealed his spot in the 2024 PFL MENA Championship with a devastating first-round knockout of Jalal Al Daaja. During the event, a major announcement was made as Saudi Arabian Light Heavyweight Mostafa Nada is set to face Egypt’s Ahmed Sami in the PFL SmartCage at "Battle of The Giants: Brace for Impact" on October 19th at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Islam Reda secured his place in the 2024 PFL MENA Championship in the first Featherweight Semifinal of the night, outgrappling Marouane Bellagouit to earn a unanimous decision victory. Rachid El Hazoume earned his Bantamweight Championship spot with a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Elias Boudegzdame. Georges Eid was the first to secure a place in the 2024 PFL MENA Championship after overwhelming Omar Reguigui with ground-and-pound, winning by TKO in the first round of their Lightweight Semifinal clash. In an amateur Flyweight showcase, Malik Basahel picked up his eighth-straight victory with a dominant unanimous decision over Saher Qasmieh. The night’s action kicked off with Adam Meskini, who overcame a slow start and finished strong to defeat Yazeed Hasanain by split decision. 2024 PFL MENA Championship Matchups Bantamweight:  Rachid El Hazoume vs. Ali Taleb Featherweight:  Islam Reda vs. Abdelrahman Alyhasat Lightweight:  Georges Eid vs. Mohsen Mohammadseifi Welterweight:  Mohammad Alaqraa vs. Omar El Dafrawy PFL MENA Playoff Results: Featherweight Semi Final bout: Abdelrahman Alhyasat  def.  Abdullah Al-Qahtani  by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)   Welterweight Semifinal bout:  Omar El Dafrawy  def.  Jarrah Al-Selawe  by 1st Round TKO (3:09)   Welterweight Semifinal bout:  Mohammad Alaqraa  def.  Amir Fazli  by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)   Lightweight Semifinal bout:  Mohsen Mohammadseifi  def.  Souhil Tairi  by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)   Bantamweight Semifinal bout:  Ali Taleb  def.  Jalal Al Daaja  by 1st Round KO (2:18)   Featherweight Semifinal bout:  Islam Reda  def.  Marouane Bellagouit  by Unanimous Decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-27)   Bantamweight Semifinal bout:  Rachid El Hazoume  def.  Elias Boudegzdame  by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)   Lightweight Semifinal bout:  Georges Eid  def.  Omar Reguigui  by 1st Round TKO (1:37)   Amateur Flyweight Showcase bout: Malik Basahel  def.  Saher Qasmieh  by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)   Featherweight Showcase bout: Adam Meskini  def.  Yazeed Hasanain  by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Georgian MMA superstar Raul Tutarauli is set for the biggest fight of his career at BRAVE CF 87 in the Netherlands, where he will face BRAVE CF Lightweight champion Abdisalam Kubanychbek. Already a well-known name in European MMA, Raul now has the opportunity to gain global recognition and beyond aiming for his first world title, the fight holds personal significance for Raul as it represents a chance to secure a better future for his family. Raised in poverty, Raul's MMA journey is driven by his desire to provide for his children.  “My children have made me think a lot about life. They are my motivation in sports. That is why I never give up, because my family and children are behind me. It is thanks to them that I train harder and strive more. I want to create a future for them and give them what I did not have in my childhood and what I always lacked,” he said in a recent interview.  Despite his strong family motivation, Raul is anything but soft when it comes to competition. Once inside the cage, he transforms into a ruthless fighter, a trait that has brought him a good amount of success in his MMA career.  “Mixed martial arts is tough, but outside the ring, I am a completely different person. However, when I step into the octagon, the door closes behind me, and the referee signals the start of the fight, I become a completely different Raul. I lose all sense of feeling; I am ruthless and relentless. I’m ready for anything, and I feel no pity. I do not feel pain. During fights, I have even had bones broken, but it had no impact on the fight," Raul added.  In addition to supporting his family, Raul sees this fight as an opportunity to bring pride to Georgia. No Georgian fighter has won a title in BRAVE CF, despite notable athletes like Ilia Topuria and Guram Kutateladze competing in the organization.  "Becoming the first Georgian BRAVE CF champion would be a great honor, and with that honor comes great responsibility. I want to make my family, fans, and country proud by bringing the belt home. Good luck to my opponent, but he should say goodbye to his belt" Raul concluded.   If Raul indeed emerges victorious at BRAVE CF 87, he would not only end Kubanychbek’s undefeated streak in BRAVE CF but also maintain the "Lightweight title curse," as no fighter has successfully defended the title in the organization. BRAVE CF 87 will take place on September 22 in the Netherlands, marking BRAVE Combat Federation's second event in the country. The event will be held in association with ECE MMA and will feature top MMA talent from around the world.

ONE Friday Fights 80 fans will remember the evening’s festivities inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, September 20, for quite some time with highlight-reel moments made as world class athletes looked to take one step closer to ONE Championship’s global roster. The main event saw Yodnumnchai Fairtex pick up his sixth consecutive win in the series after outstriking Rak Erawan across three-rounds of high-octane atomweight Muay Thai action at the top of the bill. Yodnumchai controlled the ongoings emphatically after thumping Rak with a huge right punch just seconds into the bout. From there, Rak seemed to have awoken as he attempted to start a firefight with his foe, but Yodnumchai remained cautious.  The 20-year-old served more of the same offense in round two as Rak began to wear the effects of his punches, landing heavy, sharp single strikes. The former oozed confidence heading into the final minutes. Knowing a finish was needed, Rak attempted to drag his man into a slugfest, but Yodnumchai remained calm to avoid any unnecessary danger to pick up the unanimous decision and move to 6-0 in the series. In the featured bout of the evening, Kongklai announced his return to the win column with a first-round knockout win over Deniz Demirkapu in a fast-paced 138-pound catchweight Muay Thai outing. Demirkapu charged the Thai instantly, swinging heavy haymakers that were finding a home. But Kongklai utilized his durability to fight through the surge and land counters of his own. And just as the Turkish-Moroccan hitter thought he sensed a finish, Kongklai looped a huge left hook to the head of “Bad Boy” to send him down to the canvas and render him unable to answer the count at 1:45 of round one. ONE Friday Fights 80 – Full Results Yodnumchai Fairtex defeats Rak Erawan via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – atomweight) Chartpayak Saksatoon defeats Petnamngam PK Saenchai via KO (punch combo) at 0:28 of round two (Muay Thai – catchweight 127 lbs) Teeyai Wankhongohm MBK defeats Yoddoi Kaewsamrit via KO (left hook) at 1:00 of round one (Muay Thai – atomweight) Lamnamkhong BS Muaythai defeats Anurak Wangkhongohm MBK via TKO (3 KDs in a round) at 1:57 of round one (Muay Thai – catchweight 140 lbs)  Petninmungkorn DrRatNamkangIceland defeats Komkrit J Power Roof Phuket via KO (straight right) at 0:37 of round two (Muay Thai – catchweight 114 lbs) Chabakaew Sor KanJanchai defeats Nongam Fairtex via split decision (Muay Thai – catchweight 110 lbs) Kongklai Sor Sommai defeats Deniz Demirkapu via KO (left hook) at 1:45 of round one (Muay Thai – catchweight 142.6 lbs) Mavlonbek Kakhkhorov defeats Thway Thit Win Hlaing via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – featherweight) Bektur Zhenisbek Uulu defeats Avazbek Kholmirzaev via unanimous decision (MMA – catchweight 130 lbs) Emily Chong defeats Kokoz via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – catchweight 117 lbs) Jang Soon Gyu defeats David Cooke via split decision (MMA – catchweight 159.4 lbs) Shoya Ishiguro defeats Hiryu Niwa via unanimous decision (submission grappling – flyweight)

In a world where personal safety is paramount, the need for practical self-defense techniques has never been more pressing. Enter Burton Richardson’s “Silat for the Street,”  an exclusive digital course on Black Belt Drills that promises to transform traditional martial arts into street-ready survival skills. Whether you are a seasoned martial artist or a beginner looking to learn effective defense strategies, this course provides the blueprint for navigating real-world threats with confidence and precision. ( Watch the Pilot Episode ) ( Watch Episode 1 ) Buy the Full Course: https://bit.ly/burtonrichardson Who is Burton Richardson? Burton Richardson is no stranger to the world of martial arts. A pioneer of functional, street-ready self-defense, Richardson has over four decades of experience in multiple martial arts disciplines. His unique blend of traditional training and modern application has earned him worldwide recognition. Trained under legendary figures like Dan Inosanto—Bruce Lee’s protégé—Burton Richardson is a master of arts like Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Filipino Martial Arts. However, it is his approach to Silat , a highly effective Southeast Asian martial art, that stands out for its practicality in real-life confrontations. Why Silat for the Street? Traditional Silat is known for its fluid, often intricate movements that blend strikes, joint locks, and takedowns with a strategic, almost dance-like grace. While traditional Silat is effective, Richardson’s “Silat for the Street”  distills these techniques into something more accessible, dynamic, and—most importantly—functional for unpredictable situations. He strips away the ceremonial aspects, focusing solely on what works under duress in real-world scenarios like street altercations or self-defense against armed attackers. This digital course isn't about flashy moves or choreographed drills; it’s about real-world survival.  Burton’s teaching revolves around making Silat practical for anyone, regardless of size, strength, or prior experience. He focuses on leveraging angles, balance disruption, and ruthless efficiency—principles that allow practitioners to neutralize threats quickly and effectively. What Can You Expect from the Course? 1. Simplified, Effective Techniques: Burton Richardson’s teaching style ensures that anyone can grasp and implement the core strategies of Silat. He breaks down complicated techniques into digestible chunks, making it easy to understand and apply immediately in stressful situations. 2. Real-World Application: The course isn’t just theory; it’s packed with drills that mimic realistic confrontations, ensuring that you can respond effectively under pressure. Whether it’s defending against grabs, strikes, or knife attacks, this course provides tools you can use on day one. 3. Focus on Strategy, Not Strength: In self-defense, speed, and leverage often trump brute force. Burton’s techniques are designed to help you exploit an attacker’s weaknesses, regardless of your size. It’s about being smarter, not stronger. 4. Integration with Other Disciplines: If you’re already a martial artist, the course provides an excellent way to integrate Silat’s deadly efficiency into your existing skillset. For those new to martial arts, “Silat for the Street” serves as a perfect entry point, laying a strong foundation in practical self-defense. Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out In today’s unpredictable world, having a reliable set of self-defense tools can be the difference between life and death. Burton Richardson’s “Silat for the Street” cuts through the noise, offering you a no-nonsense, effective approach  to personal safety that works in the real world. If you’ve ever wondered how you’d react in a dangerous situation or if traditional martial arts are sufficient on the street, this course is your answer. The blend of decades of expertise  and an emphasis on practical application makes this a must-have  for anyone serious about self-defense. Plus, the digital format allows you to train at your own pace, revisiting key concepts and drills anytime, anywhere. Ready to become street-ready?  Dive into “Silat for the Street” today, and start mastering the art of survival!!

The mid-20th century marked a seismic shift in action on screen, turning subtle sparks into spectacular fireworks. So, where did this cinematic explosion truly ignite? It all came from a city that would come to define the genre—Hong Kong, the undisputed epicenter of cinematic martial arts. The Legacy of Peking Opera Hong Kong action cinema traces its roots back to the dazzling world of Peking Opera. This wasn’t just any old performance—it was a spectacular mix of acrobatics, singing, and, most importantly, theatrical action that was as much about artistry as it was about combat. With their vibrant costumes and intricate moves, these performances laid the groundwork for the talent who would soon explode onto the screen. A great example of this is the lineage under Yu Jim-yuen, the stern but legendary master of the China Drama Academy. His students—including Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao—were known as the "Seven Little Fortunes." These future stars took the dramatic flair of Peking Opera and spun it into a thrilling, high-flying action style that would go on to take the world by storm. Kung Fu Films: A Revolutionary Era in the History of Fight Choreography The 1970s marked a turning point in the history of fight choreography, thanks in large part to Shaw Brothers Studios. These pioneers weren’t just playing around. Inspired by Japan’s samurai films, they added their own flair with gritty, up-close combat and a splash of blood. But it wasn’t just about the bloodshed—these films had style. With dramatic camera angles and a focus on raw physicality, they stood out in the action genre. And then there was Bruce Lee. With Fist of Fury (1972) , Lee didn’t just star in a martial arts film—he revolutionized it. His choreography was powerful, purposeful, and packed with emotional punch. Every fight wasn’t just a brawl; it was fluid movement with meaning, each action adding to the narrative. Lee’s influence spread like wildfire, and suddenly, everyone wanted to capture his electrifying energy. From Bruce Lee to Today’s Trailblazers After Bruce Lee’s untimely death, the hunt was on to recapture his magic. By the mid-80s, Jackie Chan stepped into the spotlight, blending kung fu with his own brand of comedic timing and creativity. Films like Meals on Wheels   (1984) showed that fight scenes could be both fun and inventive while still packing a punch. Donnie Yen also began making waves with films like Mismatched Couples (1985) , mixing traditional martial arts with a modern twist. The late 80s and early 90s were a hotbed of innovation, with filmmakers pushing the envelope and experimenting with new styles. By the time the 90s rolled around, Hong Kong action cinema was firing on all cylinders. Stars like Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh weren’t just showcasing martial arts prowess—they were redefining it. From the jaw-dropping wire-fu in Once Upon a Time in China  (1991) to the raw intensity of Fist of Legend  (1994), Hong Kong cemented itself as the global hub of action cinema, blazing the trail for the next era in the history of fight choreography. As the new millennium approached, a fresh wave of visionary filmmakers emerged, armed with cutting-edge tools and technology, ready to redefine the limits of what fight choreography could achieve.

Today, we celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest fighters to ever step into the octagon, Khabib "The Eagle" Nurmagomedov. Undefeated in his MMA career, Khabib’s impact on the sport transcends wins and losses, inspiring a generation of fighters while showcasing dominance rarely seen in any athletic discipline. Here are five moments that solidified Khabib as the undisputed GOAT: 1. UFC 229: The Submission of Conor McGregor (October 6, 2018) Arguably the most anticipated fight in UFC history, Khabib faced his bitter rival, Conor McGregor, at UFC 229. With tensions at an all-time high, fueled by McGregor's infamous pre-fight trash talk, the stakes couldn't have been greater. Khabib dismantled McGregor in one of the most dominant title fights ever, controlling every aspect of the bout. The moment that made the world take notice was in Round 4 when Khabib sunk in a neck crank submission, forcing McGregor to tap. This victory not only solidified Khabib's reign as the lightweight champion but also showcased his mental toughness under the brightest spotlight. After the fight, the infamous post-fight brawl showed Khabib's fiery passion, though it also served as a reminder that emotions sometimes spill over in this brutal sport. Why It’s GOAT-Worthy:  This fight was a masterclass in how Khabib could drown even the most elite strikers with his relentless grappling. McGregor’s aura of invincibility was shattered, and Khabib’s legacy as the undisputed champion began in earnest. 2. UFC 254: Retirement After Defeating Justin Gaethje (October 24, 2020) Khabib's final fight came against the dangerous striker Justin Gaethje, known for his knockout power and defensive wrestling. Despite the personal weight Khabib carried following the loss of his father and mentor, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, he stepped into the cage and delivered a performance for the ages. Khabib’s relentless pressure forced Gaethje into survival mode from the start. In Round 2, Khabib seamlessly transitioned into a triangle choke, putting Gaethje to sleep in a matter of seconds. After the victory, Khabib shocked the world by announcing his retirement, citing a promise he made to his mother after his father’s death. Why It’s GOAT-Worthy:  The combination of tactical brilliance and emotional resilience made this one of the most iconic moments in MMA history. Khabib left the sport with a 29-0 record, retiring at the top and securing his legacy as one of the few champions to walk away undefeated. 3. UFC 205: Dominating Michael Johnson (November 12, 2016) Before Khabib became the household name he is today, his performance against Michael Johnson at UFC 205 sent shockwaves through the MMA community. This fight is often remembered for Khabib's dominance and his mid-fight trash talk. As Johnson tried to strike, Khabib absorbed the blows before taking him to the mat, where he absolutely overwhelmed him. While in top control, Khabib famously yelled at Dana White from inside the cage, demanding a title shot. Johnson had no answer to Khabib’s superior grappling and was forced to tap to a kimura in the third round. Why It’s GOAT-Worthy:  Khabib’s ability to completely nullify an elite striker, while simultaneously negotiating for his future in the middle of a fight, showcased the level of confidence and mastery he had over the sport. 4. UFC 242: Neutralizing Dustin Poirier (September 7, 2019) Heading into UFC 242, Dustin Poirier was riding a wave of momentum, having defeated Max Holloway to claim the interim lightweight title. Many thought Poirier’s boxing and experience could present challenges to Khabib, but the Dagestani once again proved his critics wrong. Khabib dominated the fight with his relentless pressure and smothering top game. In Round 3, he capitalized on a tired Poirier, sinking in a rear-naked choke and forcing "The Diamond" to tap. Why It’s GOAT-Worthy:  Khabib unified the lightweight title in dominant fashion, and the fact that he controlled such a well-rounded fighter like Poirier reaffirmed his supremacy at 155 pounds. What made this moment even more special was his display of sportsmanship, as he swapped shirts with Poirier post-fight, demonstrating respect and humility. 5. UFC 148: The Debut of the Eagle (July 7, 2012) Before Khabib became a UFC champion, he made his UFC debut at UFC 148 against Kamal Shalorus. It was a coming-out party for the Dagestani, as he delivered an impressive performance to kick-start his UFC journey. Khabib’s grappling was on full display, and though Shalorus was a seasoned veteran, he couldn’t deal with the young prospect’s relentless pace and ground control. Khabib finished the fight in the third round with a rear-naked choke. Why It’s GOAT-Worthy:  Every legendary career has a beginning, and Khabib’s UFC debut marked the start of something extraordinary. He not only introduced himself to the UFC but also set the tone for his future dominance. Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Khabib "The Eagle" Nurmagomedov As we celebrate Khabib’s birthday today, it’s important to reflect on the legacy he left behind in the MMA world. His perfect 29-0 record, combined with his discipline, humility, and dedication to his family and culture, set him apart from other champions. While many fighters are celebrated for their highlight-reel knockouts or flashy personalities, Khabib’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, mental toughness, and mastery of technique. Khabib’s legacy is more than just his unbeaten record—it's about how he carried himself inside and outside the octagon. The "Eagle" soared to heights few have reached, and on his birthday, we honor the fighter, the champion, and the man. Happy birthday, Khabib Nurmagomedov—the GOAT!

Khalil Rountree Jr. is on the verge of making history as he prepares to challenge Alex Pereira for the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 307  in Salt Lake City. Once a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter  Season 23, Rountree’s career began with ups and downs, but his resilience has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Los Angeles, California, Rountree didn’t start mixed martial arts (MMA) in pursuit of championship glory. In fact, his entry into the sport in 2010 was simply for weight loss, as he tipped the scales at over 300 pounds. What began as a personal fitness journey soon evolved into a passion for combat sports, and before long, Rountree was honing his skills at Syndicate MMA  in Las Vegas. He turned pro in 2014 after an impressive amateur run, capturing titles in the Tuff-N-Uff promotion. Rountree’s career trajectory shifted drastically in 2021  when he started a five-fight win streak, including four electrifying knockouts. His victories over top contenders like Dustin Jacoby  and Anthony Smith  have propelled him to the top of the light heavyweight division, where he now boasts a record of 14-5, 1 NC , including 10 knockouts . Known for his southpaw stance and aggressive striking, Rountree's fight IQ and relentless power have earned him the reputation of a knockout artist, with 77% of his wins coming by KO/TKO ​ Rountree faces a daunting task in Alex Pereira , the reigning light heavyweight champion and former middleweight kingpin, who is riding a four-fight winning streak and defending his belt for the third time in 2024 at UFC This matchup will test Rountree’s grit, but his journey from a fighter who once struggled with consistency to a title contender is proof that he’s ready for the challenge.