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Empty Your Cup—The First Door to Freedom A Zen master once poured tea into a learned man’s cup until it overflowed. “Stop! No more can go in!” the man cried. “Exactly,” said the master. “If you do not first empty your cup, how can you taste my tea?” Bruce Lee treasured this story because it revealed the first and most important key to personal liberation: emptiness. A martial artist whose mind is filled with rigid habits, opinions, and stylized preferences cannot adapt. He cannot observe clearly. He cannot express honestly. Bruce Lee wrote: “The mind must be emancipated from old habits, prejudices, and restrictive thought.” When Bruce Lee shared these ideas more than half a century ago, they were nothing short of revolutionary. He challenged traditions, broke from conformity, and questioned the very foundations of martial structure and identity. What makes his teaching extraordinary is that his message has proven timeless—as clear, fresh, and necessary today as it was then. In an age of distraction, division, and information overload, Bruce Lee’s quest for freedom is not just historical—it is contemporary and profoundly relevant. To honor him on his 85th birthday is to honor this principle: to empty our cup again and again, creating the space necessary for transformation. This is where freedom begins. This is Bruce Lee’s first gift. The Filters That Blind Us It is common for people to not see reality as it is.They see it through layers of conditioning—filters inherited from teachers, systems, culture, and personal experience. My Taiji teacher once told me: “Most people’s thoughts are someone else’s opinions.Their lives become a mimicry, and their passions a quotation.” When martial artists from different backgrounds watch the same fight, each sees something different—not because the fight changes, but because they do. Bruce Lee warned: “Every attempt to describe the fight is really an intellectual reaction…a partialized idea of the total fight.” This means the moment you cling to a preference or stylistic lens, you stop perceiving what is actually happening. You react to your idea of the fight, not the fight itself.You respond to your conditioning, not the moment. You move from memory, not from presence. The more filters you carry, the less freedom you possess. Seeing clearly is not an act of knowledge—it is an act of removal. Removing the filter. Removing the bias. Removing the self. Only then does freedom emerge. The Danger of Crystallization Bruce Lee warned that when a founder passes away, his living art often becomes fossilized. A spontaneous insight becomes a rigid formula. A personal freedom becomes a fixed curriculum. A breakthrough in expression becomes a shrine of preservation. He wrote: “The professed cure of a classical style is itself a disease.” Why? Because once a method becomes systematized, people begin serving the system instead of their own growth. They cling to patterns, drills, and structures because patterns feel safe. They seek certainty because certainty feels comforting. They defend their style because identity feels secure. But combat—like life—is unpredictable, fluid, and alive.A fixed system cannot keep up with a changing world. Bruce Lee did not intend Jeet Kune Do to become another style. He offered a way out  of style. A way out of rigidity. A way into direct experience. His gift was not a set of techniques—it was the courage to break free from crystallization. A dead pattern cannot liberate a living human being. Freedom must be rediscovered by each generation. The Illusion of More — The Trap of Accumulation We live in a culture obsessed with “more.” More techniques. More certifications. More drills. More systems. More seminars. More lineages. More information. But “more” does not create freedom. Often, it creates heavier chains. Bruce Lee wrote: “Accumulation of fixed knowledge is not the process of JKD…Knowledge in martial art simply means self-knowledge.” True progress is not measured by what you collect—but by what you can let go of. Let go of the need to impress. Let go of the need to belong. Let go of the need to be right. Let go of the fear of looking foolish. Let go of the identity you protect through your style. Liberation comes not through acquiring more techniques, but through releasing more illusions. Because beneath the accumulation lies the real obstacle: fear. Fear of uncertainty. Fear of losing respect. Fear of losing identity. Fear of not being enough. These emotional tensions create hesitation, mental noise, and conflict. They block freedom far more than any technical limitation. Bruce Lee’s gift of freedom begins with dissolving these internal knots. The Space Where Freedom Lives Freedom is not found in technique. It is found in space. The space between thoughts. The space between movements. The space between stimulus and response. When a martial artist releases emotional attachment, his awareness opens.His perception sharpens. His timing refines. His intuition awakens. Bruce Lee described this inner transformation beautifully: “Behind each physical movement of an accomplished martial artist is this wholeness of being…this all-inclusive attitude.” This “wholeness of being” is the true source of mastery. When the mind is quiet: Time seems to slow Space seems to widen Intentions become visible Rhythms become readable Openings reveal themselves Movement becomes spontaneous and effortless This is the state in which “it” hits all by itself. Not the ego. Not the technique. Not the habit. But the pure expression arising from presence. This is freedom in motion. This is the essence of Jeet Kune Do. This is the gift the Dragon left behind. The Inner Fight Every martial artist understands the outer fight.Few willingly engage in the inner one. The inner fight demands we confront the truth about ourselves: our fears our insecurities our attachments our emotional triggers our conditioned reactions our ego’s need for control our resistance to change Bruce Lee was a warrior of the inner dimension. He trained the self with the same intensity he trained the body. He asked questions others were afraid to ask. He examined his weaknesses without flinching. He challenged his biases relentlessly. He dismantled whatever within him blocked freedom. And he expected us to do the same. Because the individual who conquers himself can adapt to anything. Freedom is an inside job. Bruce Lee’s Gift of Freedom Bruce Lee is not a shadow we stand under. He is a light we stand within. He illuminated a path of self-inquiry. He challenged martial artists to break free from limitation. He invited practitioners to abandon imitation and embrace honest self-expression. His legacy is not just Jeet Kune Do. His legacy is liberation. To honor Bruce Lee on his 85th birthday is to honor his challenge: Empty your cup Question your conditioning See without filters Reject rigidity Let go of accumulation Confront your inner blocks Move from presence, not memory Express yourself—not your style Bruce Lee did not want followers. He wanted free human beings. He once wrote: “Be yourself—not what others want you to be.” This is the heart of his art. This is the heart of his message. This is the heart of his legacy. Bruce Lee’s true gift was not his punch, kick, footwork, or cinematic power.His true gift was freedom —the liberation of the mind, the awakening of self-knowledge, the courage to break patterns, and the encouragement to discover your own expression. This is the gift we carry forward. This is the light he left us. On this anniversary of his birth, may we all step—fully, courageously, honestly—into Bruce Lee’s Gift of Freedom.

In the annals of martial arts history, there exists a technique so formidable, so revered, that it became synonymous with the Blood and Guts era of Karate. Enter the ridge hand – a maneuver so potent that careers were built upon its execution alone. The genesis of the ridge hand phenomenon can be traced back to the original Blood and Guts crew, a league of legendary fighters whose names resound through time. Among them were titans like Mike Stone, Allen Steen, Pat Burleson, Fred Wren, and Jim Harrison. These were men who wielded the ridge hand with unparalleled skill, leaving a trail of awe and devastation in their wake. As the martial arts landscape evolved through the 1970s and 1980s, a new wave of fighters emerged, determined to carve their own legacies from Texas to California, Atlanta to NYC. Among them were luminaries like Steve Fisher, Al Francis, Jimmy "Gato" Tabares, and Raymond McCallum, each carrying the torch of the ridge hand tradition into a new era. For the uninitiated, the ridge hand technique is deceptively simple yet devastatingly effective. By tucking the thumb into the palm and executing a circular motion akin to a hook punch, practitioners unleash a force to be reckoned with.  Thus, the legacy of the ridge hand endures – a timeless testament to the indomitable spirit of martial arts and the enduring legacy of those who mastered its artistry in the Blood and Guts era. Today we pay tribute to this move through the lens of esteemed martial artists who share their stories of its origins, its power, and its legacy. Ridge Hand: Mike Stone The Sport of Karate has one man to acknowledge as the innovator of the ridge hand and it is Mike Stone. But if you ask Mike Stone he will credit the Ridge Hand to his teacher of Shorin Ryu Karate Herbert Peters in Chaffee Ark. In a recent interview with Stone, we got a front-row glimpse of the history of the ridge hand. Stone recalls that his instructor Peters taught the ridge hand as part of the Karate class as a way to defeat larger opponents with an unorthodox move, “sneaky” as Stone would describe it as it would come from angles unlike the linear Karate punches of its time.  Although he did not invent the move Stone was the first to initially use it with legendary success. In his early days of competition, Stone would defeat such greats as Pat Burelson using the ridge hand. It is perhaps no coincidence that the ridge would find its way to Texas shortly after Stone's victory, only to become a staple in Texas full contact Karate for over 3 decades.  Today nearly 60 years later Stone still actively teaches at his paradise dojo island in the Philippines, and yes he still practices and teaches the ridge hand, but now as a self-defense technique.   Jeff Smith  According to Jeff Smith, his inspiration to incorporate the ridge hand into his martial arts repertoire traces back to the golden era of Karate, where luminaries like Mike Stone, Fred Wren, and Jim Harrison held sway. Reflecting on those iconic figures, Smith recalls witnessing Fred Wren's unforgettable ridge hand strike that left Chuck Norris with a bloodied nose. "Watching those guys, I realized it was the most devastating move I had ever seen," remarked Smith, acknowledging the profound impact it had on his own approach to combat. Recalling a defining moment in his career, Smith recounted a remarkable knockout during the 1974 PKA World Championships. In his first match against Budimir Vejnovic of Yugoslavia, Smith delivered a precision ridge hand strike that resulted in a knockout within the first minute of the bout.  1974 Champions, where Smith ridge hand would see a world stage.  Left to right Isaiah Duenas, Bill Wallace, Jeff Smith, Joe Lewis. For Smith, the ridge hand wasn't just a defensive maneuver; it was a versatile weapon capable of both offense and defense. Its adaptability at various angles provided him with a range of attack options. "I practiced it extensively from both front and rear positions, dubbing it my 'extended hook.' The ridge hand's unique ability to cut distance and exploit the bend of the elbow made it a formidable tool in my arsenal," explained Smith. Do you still teach the ridge hand? Decades later, Smith continues to pass on the legacy of the ridge hand through his teachings. "We still include the ridge hand in our curriculum, incorporating it into combinations for our students," he affirmed, highlighting its enduring relevance in martial arts instruction. Do you still practice the ridge hand? As for personal practice, Smith remains committed to refining his skills, particularly with the ridge hand's effectiveness in mind. "I incorporate the ridge hand into my training routine, focusing on bag work to enhance its application, especially in the context of MMA where it can hyperextend the elbow," he revealed, underscoring the ongoing evolution and adaptability of this classic martial arts technique. Dan Anderson Dan Anderson, renowned for his dominance on the American Tournament circuit under the moniker "Super Dan," reminisces about his strategic use of the ridge hand in combat. "I relied on the ridge hand defensively against opponents with quicker reflexes," Anderson recalls. "I'd anticipate their backfist reverse punch combination, then execute a backward jump. As they extended, my ridge hand would land squarely on the side of their head." Anderson is in his tournament prime, wearing a signature Baseball Jersey with the Superman logo.  Reflecting on the effectiveness of the ridge hand, Anderson emphasizes its versatility in both sport karate and self-defense scenarios. "When targeting specific areas like the jawline, neck, or temple, accuracy is paramount," he explains. "The ridge hand is glove-safe, reducing the risk of injury compared to an open hand strike. However, there's still a risk of hand injury if not executed with precision." Do you still practice the ridge hand? Regarding his current training regimen, Anderson admits to no longer practicing the ridge hand. "Today, I've shifted my focus to the palm heel or modified hook on the bag," he reveals, highlighting the evolution of his techniques over time. As martial artists adapt and refine their skills, Anderson's journey underscores the importance of versatility and adaptation in the ever-evolving world of combat sports. Keith Vitali  In the dynamic world of 1980s Sport Karate, Keith Vitali emerged as a dominant force on the tournament circuit before transitioning into a successful career as a full-fledged action movie star. Reflecting on his journey, Vitali fondly recalls the impact of the ridge hand technique. "My introduction to the ridge hand came through watching Steve Fisher, who epitomized the technique in my era," Vitali reminisces. "It was a potent knockout move, executed with precision and power. The ridge hand remains a formidable defensive tool, offering a solid counter against offensive strikes." Vitali elaborates on his strategic use of the ridge hand, particularly as a defensive counter against opponents' back-fist strikes. "I would often employ the ridge hand as a defensive counter move, especially in response to an opponent's backlist," he explains. "It served as a reliable defense mechanism, allowing me to effectively neutralize offensive attacks and gain the upper hand in combat." Sport Karate’s dominating ridgehand using fighters of the 80s, left to right  Tony Bell, Mike Genova, Keith Vitali, David Deaton, Larry Kelly.  Do you still practice the ridgehand? Today I still practice the move when I work out, as it is still an effective weapon. Ishmael Robles  Hailing from Texas, full-contact legend and World Champion Ishmael Robles struck fear into the hearts of his opponents with his devastating hands and feet. When asked about his experience with the ridge hand, Robles shares a tale that epitomizes its power and effectiveness. "In my college days, I competed in bare-knuckle tournaments where the ridge hand was a staple technique," Robles recounts. "Its impact was truly devastating, delivering unparalleled power and precision." While the reverse punch was a cornerstone of his sport karate arsenal, Robles found versatility in the ridge hand, seamlessly transitioning between sport and full-contact styles. "I relied heavily on the reverse punch in sport karate, but I also incorporated the hook for variation," he explains. "The ridge hand, executed like a hook, emerged as a potent weapon in both disciplines, unleashing its most dangerous potential." Do you still teach - Yes. Do you still practice the ridge hand: Yes but I use an elbow bend strike not a straight arm move.  Mike Genova   In the South East Karate scene of the 1980s, Mike Genova and his South Carolina martial arts style reigned supreme, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament circuit alongside teammates Keith Vitali and Bobby Tucker. Reflecting on the influential figures who shaped his approach to combat, Genova recalls observing the mastery of the ridge hand technique by Robert Harris, Al Francis, and Larry Kelly. "I first took notice of Robert Harris executing the ridge hand against Eddie 'Flash' Newman at the Top Ten Nationals," Genova reminisces. "It was a seamless transition, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness in combat. Later, I drew inspiration from the success of Al Francis and Larry Kelly, who also showcased exceptional skill with the ridge hand." For Genova, the ridge hand became an integral part of his fighting strategy, often employed as a follow-up to the back fist. "I utilized the back fist as a setup, with the ridge hand swiftly following from the lead front hand," he explains. "Additionally, I found the ridge hand to be a valuable defensive tool in my arsenal." Do you still teach the ridgehand: When asked about his approach to teaching the ridge hand in his martial arts school, Genova affirms its continued inclusion in their curriculum. "We still incorporate the ridge hand into our training, focusing primarily on its application in sport karate," he confirms, highlighting its relevance within the competitive arena. Richard Plowden Richard Plowden, a distinguished inductee of the Black Belt Hall of Fame, boasts an impressive resume as both a World Champion and coach of world champions. Reflecting on his martial arts journey, Plowden recalls the pivotal influence of observing Steve Fisher's performances on the circuit. "During my time on the circuit, I had the privilege of witnessing Steve Fisher compete," Plowden reminisces. "His techniques left a lasting impression on me, particularly his mastery of a certain defensive move." Steve Fisher circa 1978 using the ridge hand technique in pursuit of victory against Ray McCallum Plowden notes that Fisher's protégé, Freddy Letuli, later adopted this move as his signature technique. "Under Steve's mentorship, Freddy honed the move to perfection," Plowden explains, highlighting the evolution of the technique within the martial arts community. Describing the move as a defensive maneuver executed with the front hand, Plowden emphasizes its effectiveness in combat situations. However, he acknowledges that the use of gloves in modern competition limits the flexibility required to execute the technique with precision. "In today's fast-paced, speed-oriented game, the circular motion of the move and its fade-away technique pose challenges for elite athletes," Plowden observes, explaining why the ridge hand has fallen out of favor among contemporary practitioners. Do you still teach the move?  Despite its decline in popularity, Plowden affirms that he continues to incorporate the ridge hand into his practice. However, he admits that he no longer teaches the technique, recognizing its diminishing relevance in modern martial arts. Do you still practice the move? "Yes, I still practice the ridge hand," Plowden confirms, underscoring the importance of maintaining proficiency in fundamental techniques even as martial arts evolve. Linda Denley   Renowned as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in Sport Karate, the legendary Denley was celebrated for her mastery of the ridge hand, despite her personal preference for sidekicks. Reflecting on her iconic move, Denley admits, "It wasn't my favorite, but it's what many remember me for." "My journey with the ridge hand began in my Tang Soo Do training," Denley recounts. "One unforgettable moment was during a match against Mary Owens at Roy Kurban's tournament. I delivered a lead ridge hand followed by a reverse rear, resulting in a knockout. Another memorable instance was when I hit Danielle Dixon so hard, I tore my rotator cuff." Denley's success with the ridge hand stemmed from its reliability, with a remarkable success rate. "I maintained the technique's power and focused on speed, making it incredibly effective," she explains. Adding to her legacy, Denley shares notable facts about her relationship with the ridge hand. "I taught Jimmy 'Gato' Tabares the tornado ridge hand technique," she reveals. "We even adapted it for body strikes, with consistent success." Do you still teach and practice the ridge hand:  Denley responds with a resolute nod. "Yes, I still use it," she affirms. "People underestimate its power, but it never fails to deliver." With a glint of determination in her eyes, Denley's commitment to her signature move continues to inspire awe in the martial arts world. KC Jones In the vibrant California tournament scene of the 1970s, KC Jones carved out his place among the elite, securing victories in prestigious competitions like the Internationals. Reflecting on his journey through the martial arts landscape, Jones fondly recalls the pivotal role of a particular technique—the ridge hand. "I vividly remember watching Mike Stone's fights in the 1960s," Jones reminisces. "He was a striking figure in his white gi, with afro-style hair and an unorthodox style. His intense demeanor and intimidating presence left an impression on me. It was during one of his fights that I witnessed the effectiveness of the ridge hand, although, at the time, I couldn't quite grasp its mechanics." Jones's journey to mastering the ridge hand began in the mid-1970s while training under the tutelage of Joe Lewis in Hollywood. "I started practicing the ridge hand on a punching bag," Jones recalls. "Its simplicity, speed, and deceptive nature appealed to me—it was like a martial arts hook, easily executed due to the loose structure of the hand. The ridge hand became a cornerstone of Jones's fighting arsenal, and he observed its widespread use among his peers, notably Cliff Stewart. "Cliff utilized the ridge hand extensively," Jones notes, highlighting its versatility and practicality in combat scenarios. “Evolution has transformed the martial arts landscape, but the fundamentals remain essential," Jones emphasizes. "I still practice the ridge hand regularly, believing that mastering the basics is key to advancing in the art." I still use it and practice with the handset. If you can't do the basics you can't do the advanced. Team Steve Fisher 1980 IKC Champions. Left to right Irv Hoffman, KC Jones, Mike Stone, Steve Fisher, Dwain Dakari bottom center    Al Francis  Renowned as one of the most formidable tournament fighters hailing from the heart of Texas, Al Francis emerged onto the combat sports scene during the gritty bare-knuckle era that laid the foundation for modern sport fighting. In an exclusive interview, Francis delved into the origins of his unparalleled skill set, shedding light on the pivotal role of a rare technique that became his signature move. "I first honed my craft under Sensei Mikami in New Orleans, studying Shotokan," Francis recalled. "Later, I refined it through Taekwondo. The technique proved exceptionally potent due to my small stature combined with formidable power—it packed a punch." During the 1970s, Francis found himself thrust into the bare-knuckle arena in Texas, where weight divisions were limited to lightweight and heavyweight. Weighing in at a mere 135 pounds, he relied on the sheer force of his signature move to hold his own, a tactic that would later define his fighting style. Vintage 70s Texas tournament era, left to right Ray McCallum, Phil Wilemon, Archie Cole, Al Francis "In the '80s, I faced off against Freddy Letuli, and that move—my ridge hand—literally folded him," Francis recounted. "It was a display of sheer power." Notably, Letuli would go on to adopt the ridge hand as a hallmark of his own sport karate career, a testament to its effectiveness. "As the '80s progressed, I incorporated the ridge hand into my fighting strategy even more," Francis continued. "Given my stature, I often found myself pitted against taller opponents who favored kicking techniques. I combined the ridge hand with takedowns and sweeps, making it a formidable tool in my arsenal. The element of surprise, coupled with the precision of my technique, often caught opponents off guard." Francis's legacy in the martial arts world endured for decades, his mastery of the ridge hand leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring generations of fighters to come. Do you still teach it today:  Still teach it today to my students, I teach for both sport and defense.

Just in time to honor Bruce Lee on what would have been his 85th birthday, we are proud to announce a new era for Black Belt Magazine - The Next Generation . Over the past two years, we’ve been listening, learning, and evolving. One message came through loud and clear: our readers demand authenticity  in martial arts. Whether on-screen or in the dojo, the standard must be world-class to be truly “Black Belt.” That’s why we are excited to unveil our new website and introduce a dynamic, expanded digital multiverse of inspiration, knowledge, and community. To ensure everyone can experience the dedication and passion that went into this transformation, we are offering two weeks of full access absolutely free —just sign up to get started. Past members will simply need to update their passwords. We’re also extending a limited-time offer of 50% off an annual membership , making Black Belt more accessible and affordable to martial artists around the world. And to show our appreciation for our loyal subscribers, all current paid members will receive a complimentary one-year extension  to their existing subscription—no matter when you joined, even if you only have a few weeks remaining. We are deeply passionate about martial arts, and we hope you’ll continue your journey with Black Belt Magazine. Here’s what’s new: A fully upgraded website  that’s easier to read, navigate, and explore—featuring hundreds of hours of free video content. Digital e-reader editions  of the magazine, offering faster access and optimized reading on web, tablet, or mobile devices. More than 1,000 hours of instructional content  from some of the world’s greatest martial arts masters. Be sure to follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube , and subscribe to our newsletters for future updates and announcements. Sincerely, George Chung Publisher and CEO, Black Belt Magazine

Just in time to honor Bruce Lee on what would have been his 85th birthday, we are proud to announce a new era for Black Belt Magazine — The Digital Universe . Over the past two years, we’ve been listening, learning, and evolving. One message came through loud and clear: our readers demand authenticity  in martial arts. Whether on-screen or in the dojo, the standard must be world-class to be truly “Black Belt.” That’s why we are excited to unveil our new website and introduce a dynamic, expanded digital multiverse of inspiration, knowledge, and community. To ensure everyone can experience the dedication and passion that went into this transformation, we are offering two weeks of full access absolutely free —just sign up to get started. Past members will simply need to update their passwords. We’re also extending a limited-time offer of 50% off an annual membership , making Black Belt more accessible and affordable to martial artists around the world. And to show our appreciation for our loyal subscribers, all current paid members will receive a complimentary one-year extension  to their existing subscription—no matter when you joined, even if you only have a few weeks remaining. We are deeply passionate about martial arts, and we hope you’ll continue your journey with Black Belt Magazine. Here’s what’s new: A fully upgraded website  that’s easier to read, navigate, and explore—featuring hundreds of hours of free video content. Digital e-reader editions  of the magazine, offering faster access and optimized reading on web, tablet, or mobile devices. More than 1,000 hours of instructional content  from some of the world’s greatest martial arts masters. Be sure to follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube , and subscribe to our newsletters for future updates and announcements. Sincerely, George Chung Publisher and CEO, Black Belt Magazine

The February 1973 cover of Black Belt magazine spotlighted martial artist Darnell Garcia . A Chuck Norris student who earned his black belt in 1972, Garcia stunned the martial arts world by defeating the legendary Joe Lewis and claiming the Grand Championship at Ed Parker’s 1972 International Karate Championships. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

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2025 PFL WORLD TOURNAMENT 3: FIRST ROUND - APRIL 18, 2025   Impa Kasanganay, Fabian Edwards, Brent Primus and others speak to the media ahead of the PFL World Tournament 3: First Round event in Orlando, FL on April 18 at Universal Studios Florida

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How a humble start, a master’s in psychology, and a passion for coaching shaped one of MMA’s rising grapplers. As the managing editor of Black Belt , I get to sit down with some incredible martial artists. But some interviews linger long after the camera turns off, and my virtual conversation with Natalie Salcedo was definitely  one of those moments. Curiosity Turns Into Passion Let’s rewind the clock.  Natalie’s journey into martial arts didn’t start with visions of the cage—it started with curiosity. “I originally started training Muay Thai as a teenager because a friend was doing it,” she laughed. “It was very recreational, once or twice a week. I just wanted something positive to do with my time.” Life, however, nudged her in unexpected directions. At her small, competitive gym, Natalie found herself jokingly “peer-pressured” into jiu-jitsu. At first, she resisted—after all, striking was her comfort zone. Yet three or four months later, she admitted, “Okay, I kind of like this,” and grappling became her passion. Her days now are a blend of coaching and training—Muay Thai, MMA transitions, timing rounds, technical sparring, and plenty of jiu-jitsu. Training, Coaching, and Growth Coaching has sharpened her own performance in unexpected ways. “Being a coach is really beneficial because it forces you to really look at what people are doing. Like, how can you pick people apart? And obviously in class, it’s for the purpose of helping your students—like, okay, I see your foot’s not turning all the way, I see you’re dropping your hand here, I see your weight’s a little off, and that’s why you’re struggling.”  she explains. Watching and analyzing students’ movements has strengthened her ability to adjust mid-fight, giving her a mental edge that rivals any physical skill. The Mental Edge That edge is amplified by her master’s degree in sports psychology, earned earlier this year, and shaped further by her husband’s military experience in resilience training. “Someone can have all the potential, but then they fall apart—and it’s just because the mindset isn’t there. Especially at the elite level, I really think that’s what separates people.”  she says. Aggression With Intention Her fight style? Aggressive—but intentional. Standing shorter than many partners she works with, Natalie learned to push forward, set the pace, and blend instinct with strategy. For anyone watching her story unfold, she has one key message: “Never be afraid to chase your dreams based on how long it will take. Ten years from now, the time is going to pass anyway. You can either be where you are now, or ten years into your progress.” Natalie Salcedo is a ONE Championship fighter, a coach, a scholar—and a reminder that passion paired with mindset can take you further than you ever imagined. See her in action on One Fight Night 35 , September 5th.

Some dreams find you when you're not looking. For Bampara Kouyate, one Instagram message transformed his entire world, launching the #2 -ranked featherweight Muay Thai contender from the familiar confines of training camps into the glamorous chaos of Milan Fashion Week. Now, he’s splitting time between throwing piercing kicks and striking poses, between “the art of eight limbs” and “the art of high fashion.” On September 5, the French-Malian striker will step into Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium to face Thai knockout artist Shadow Singha Mawynn at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video. For Kouyate, victory could mean a shot at featherweight gold. But win or lose, he'll likely have a photoshoot scheduled for the following week. It's a lifestyle that began almost by accident, born from the same platform that connects fighters with fans worldwide. Social media opened a door Kouyate never knew existed. "I got a DM (direct message) from an agent on Instagram, and I didn't reply because I thought it was a scam. Then I realized this was something real,” the 30-year-old recalled, describing a journey that reads like a modern fairy tale. “He asked me to sign with big agencies around the world, like in Italy, London, New York, Paris. So, I just started like this, and then I went to Milan Fashion Week." From that single Instagram message, Kouyate found himself walking the runways of one of the fashion world’s most prestigious events. But balancing elite-level Muay Thai training with the demands of international modeling has created a lifestyle that would exhaust most people. But not for Kouyate. For him, it's become the rhythm of his life. "It's been completely different and very intense to combine both. A lot of travel, a lot of shootings, training, flights. My life is very intense, but I love it. I really love it, actually, to be active and feel productive," he explained, revealing the mindset that allows him to thrive in such a demanding dual existence. The constant movement between photo studios and training facilities, fashion capitals and fight venues, could easily overwhelm someone less committed to both crafts. Yet Kouyate has found success in each arena, building a modeling portfolio that spans continents while establishing himself as one of ONE Championship's most dangerous strikers with TKO victories over America's Luke Lessei and Thailand's Jo Nattawut. What makes this balancing act possible isn't just physical stamina or time management – it's Kouyate's unique perspective on what connects these seemingly opposite pursuits. "This feeling for me, it's just amazing. To do something that I love, and get money for it — that's just amazing. I'm just very grateful to life, and I love it," he shared, his appreciation evident in every word. But perhaps most revealing is how Kouyate sees the deeper connection between standing in front of cameras and standing across from opponents intent on his destruction. Where others might see contradiction, he sees harmony. "It's extremely different things, but the main part is art. For me, I see the artistic part from fashion and from Muay Thai. For me, it's just art, and I'm an artist," Kouyate offered. Now, as he prepares for his battle with Shadow, Kouyate stands at a crossroads where his dual careers could converge in the most meaningful way. Victory would likely earn him a title shot, potentially making him one of the few people on Earth who could claim to be both a legitimate fashion model and a Muay Thai World Champion. For the man who sees beauty in both fashion and fighting, it's just another day at the office – albeit one that millions will be watching.