The 77th edition of BRAVE® Combat Federation, held on December 5th at Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain, was a night of intense competition and exhilarating victories. The event, part of BRAVE International Combat Week 2023, featured seven captivating fights that left the audience on the edge of their seats. Here's a detailed breakdown and results of BRAVE CF 77, a night of major showdowns: Main Event: Lightweight Showdown Abdisalam Uulu Kubanychbek vs. Lucas Martins Kubanychbek defeats Martins by TKO (Round 1, 03:39) . Kubanychbek's remarkable double-leg takedown and subsequent rear naked choke showcased his dominance. His impressive victory was marked by technical prowess and strategic superiority. Co-Main Event: Super Welterweight World Championship Kamal Magomedov vs. Marcin Bandel Magomedov defeats Bandel by TKO (Round 2, 04:28). In a stunning upset, Magomedov's powerful counters and devastating punches earned him a technical knockout, crowning him the new Super Welterweight Champion and marking a significant shift in the division. Heavyweight Bout Haris Aksalic vs. Eid Amer Aksalic defeats Amer by TKO (Round 1, 01:27). Aksalic's overwhelming power and relentless strikes resulted in a swift victory, setting a tone of dominance for his future in the heavyweight division. Bantamweight Clash Nicholas Hwende vs. Mutolibsho Akobirov Hwende defeats Akobirov by unanimous decision. Hwende displayed resilience and tactical brilliance, overcoming Akobirov's initial dominance and grappling skills to secure a unanimous decision victory. Featherweight Bout Adilet Nurmatov vs. Nikolay Samusev Nurmatov defeats Samusev by stoppage (injury) in Round 2 (00:06). Nurmatov's grappling superiority was evident, leading to a stoppage due to Samusev's injury. This victory has set Nurmatov's path towards the featherweight world championship. Flyweight Bout Vitalii Yakymenko vs. Maysara Mohammed Yakymenko defeats Mohammed by submission (RNC) in Round 1 (02:10). Yakymenko's grappling dominance was on full display, handing Mohammed his first professional loss with a skillful rear naked choke. Lightweight Bout Olzhas Eskaraev vs. Ruslan Tedeev Eskaraev defeats Tedeev by submission (RNC) in Round 2 (04:28). Eskaraev's strategy of constant pressure and takedowns paid off, culminating in a rear naked choke victory over Tedeev.

Prepare for an electrifying night of mixed martial arts as BRAVE Combat Federation, in collaboration with Victorious MMA, presents BRAVE CF 78. This much-anticipated event will take place at Ginásio Aécio de Borba in Fortaleza, Brazil, on Thursday, December 7, at 6 PM ET. Headlining the event is a gripping welterweight battle between Joilton Lutterbach and Luan Santiago, promising to be a spectacle for MMA enthusiasts. Main Event Breakdown: Welterweight Showdown: Joilton Lutterbach vs. Luan Santiago Joilton Lutterbach, known for his dynamic fighting style, faces the formidable Luan Santiago, renowned for his striking prowess. Watch out for Lutterbach's grappling techniques against Santiago's striking skills in this high-stakes welterweight clash. Co-Main Event Breakdown: Flyweight Bout: Edilceu Alves vs. Marciano Ferreira Edilceu Alves, with his impressive ground game, takes on the striking specialist Marciano Ferreira. This matchup is a classic striker vs. grappler encounter, promising an intriguing tactical battle. Additional Bouts: Besides the main and co-main events, BRAVE CF 78 features three other professional MMA bouts, each showcasing the talents of rising stars and seasoned fighters in the MMA circuit. These fights are essential viewing for fans looking to discover new talents and witness the evolving dynamics of MMA. Arlen Ribeiro vs. Yabna N’Tchalá [Lightweight Bout] Luiz Cado vs. Vernon Ramos [Welterweight Bout] Marcelo Marques vs. Manuel Mena [Lightweight Bout] BRAVE CF 78 is set to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and athleticism. With a lineup of five compelling bouts, this event is a must-watch for MMA fans. Tune in on December 7, to witness the drama, excitement, and the spirit of martial arts at its finest. Watch the event on the BRAVE TV App and BRAVE CF YouTube channel.

ONE Championship Unveils "All Muay Thai" Card for U.S. Primetime For the first time, ONE Championship is set to dazzle U.S. audiences in primetime with an "All Muay Thai" card at ONE Fight Night 17: Kryklia vs. Roberts , airing on Prime Video on December 8th at 8 PM EST. This historic event marks a significant milestone in the world of martial arts, particularly for Muay Thai, which has seen its popularity skyrocket since ONE Championship began hosting bouts in 2018. Innovative Global Muay Thai Rule Set Promises Non-Stop Action ONE Championship's adoption of the Global Muay Thai Rule Set has revolutionized the sport, ensuring relentless action and minimizing the usual feeling-out process. This rule set includes: A mandate for constant engagement, with warnings and potential yellow cards for stalling. Fights conducted in 4-ounce gloves over three 3-minute rounds, creating a sense of urgency. The “10- Point-Must” system for judging, focusing on knockdowns, damage, clean strikes, and ring generalship. Star-Studded Lineup Featuring World Champion Strikers Chatri Sityodtong, ONE Chairman and CEO, boasts of the greatest roster of World Champion strikers, and the event's lineup echoes this sentiment. The main event spotlights Roman Kryklia and Alex Roberts vying for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title, a battle between two formidable strikers. That is highlighted by an iconic main event for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title, featuring two of the most dangerous strikers on the planet today. Reigning ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia will cross over and go for two-sport glory against WBC Heavyweight Muay Thai World Champion Alex Roberts. The stage is set for ONE Fight Night 17: Kryklia vs. Roberts on Prime Video. Full Card Rundown: Roman Kryklia vs. Alex Roberts (ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title) Two of the biggest knockout artists on the planet collide for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title, as long-reigning ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia goes for two-sport glory against new WBC Heavyweight Muay Thai World Champion Alex Roberts. Jo Nattawut vs. Luke Lessei (Muay Thai – Featherweight) World-famous Thai striker “Smokin” Jo Nattawut is eager to rise from his #4 spot in the featherweight Muay Thai rankings and challenge for the gold, but America’s Luke Lessei is ready to upset the superstar in his promotional debut and steal his spot in the rankings! Saemapetch Fairtex vs. Mohamed Younes Rabah (Muay Thai – 150-Pound Catchweight) Third-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Saemapetch Fairtex looks to build some momentum toward another World Title shot, but promotional newcomer Mohamed Younes Rabah wants make a statement in his first ONE Championship appearance and use the decorated Thai veteran as a stepping stone to greater things. Dmitry Menshikov vs. Mouhcine Chafi (Muay Thai – Lightweight) A tale of two athletes who find themselves at slightly different places in their respective careers. Dmitry Menshikov looks to get his second consecutive highlight-reel knockout and earn a rematch with two-sport king Regian Eersel, whereas Mouhcine Chafi wants to get his first promotional victory and make his presence felt in the burgeoning lightweight Muay Thai division. Walter Goncalves vs Jacob Smith (Muay Thai – Flyweight) Two of the most talented fighters in the ultra-stacked flyweight Muay Thai division look to get back on the winning track and move closer to World Title contention. And Walter Goncalves’ #2 ranking is up for grabs! Edgar Tabares Vs Johan Ghazali (Muay Thai – Flyweight) After a dominant run that earned him a six-figure contract with ONE Championship, 17-year-old Malaysian-American sensation Johan Ghazali makes his highly anticipated U.S. primetime debut against his toughest opponent yet – Mexico’s first WBC Muay Thai International Champion, Edgar Tabares. Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat vs Denis Puric (Muay Thai – Flyweight) Vietnam’s most popular combat sports athlete makes his long-awaited return to the world’s largest martial arts organization and re-ignites his charge toward ONE World Title glory. While Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat will look to keep his ONE record perfect and inch closer to the gold, battle-hardened veteran Denis Puric intends to spoil his homecoming and make a statement to the rest of the flyweight Muay Thai division. Thongpoon PK Saenchai vs. Ellis Barboza (Muay Thai – 120-Pound Catchweight) Following a captivating three-bout winning streak that earned him a six-figure contract with ONE Championship, Thongpoon PK Saenchai looks to charm the U.S. primetime audience with one of his lightning-fast knockouts, but hard-hitting British slugger Ellis Barboza is looking to ruin his big night! Highlight Matchups and Rising Stars Alongside the main event, the card features: Former ONE World Title challengers Saemapetch Fairtex and Walter Goncalves. U.S. star Luke “The Chef” Lessei in his promotional debut. 17-year-old Malaysian-American Johan “Jojo” Ghazali, likened to “the next Rodtang,” in his U.S. primetime debut. Key Fights to Watch Jo Nattawut vs. Luke Lessei:  A clash in the featherweight division as Jo Nattawut aims to ascend from his #4 ranking, facing American newcomer Luke Lessei. Saemapetch Fairtex vs. Mohamed Younes Rabah:  A 150-pound catchweight bout with Fairtex seeking momentum towards another title shot and Rabah looking to make an impact in his first appearance. Dmitry Menshikov vs. Mouhcine Chafi:  A lightweight division showdown with Menshikov eyeing a rematch with Regian Eersel and Chafi aiming for his first promotional victory. Edgar Tabares vs. Johan Ghazali:  The young sensation Ghazali debuts in U.S. primetime against Edgar Tabares, Mexico's first WBC Muay Thai International Champion. A Night of High Stakes and Unrivaled Talent ONE Fight Night 17 is not just a showcase of the sport’s elite but also a testament to the growth and global appeal of Muay Thai. With its innovative rule set and a lineup brimming with talent and ambition, this event on Prime Video is poised to be a landmark in the sport's history. As the excitement builds for ONE Fight Night 17, fans can anticipate a night filled with intense matchups and extraordinary displays of skill and strategy. This event is not just a fight night; it's a celebration of Muay Thai's vibrant culture and its ascent on the global stage, a must-watch for martial arts enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Tune in on December 8th at 8 PM EST on Prime Video for an unforgettable experience.

In this interview, Jared and Tony Parrish shares a story about a combative real-world application of martial arts and how he'd do it differently. Jared Wihongi is a full-time International Close-Quarters Combat (CQC) Instructor. His TRICOM combatives system is an integration of empty-hand combat, impact weapons, edged weapons and firearms tactics. Jared has trained in multiple traditional martial arts for 40 years, and is a senior Tuhon of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali under Grandtuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. He is the founder and President of the Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association. Jared worked 23 years as a Police Officer and Operator on three SWAT Teams, and was contracted as a U.S. Army Special Forces Combatives Instructor for almost two decades. These experiences heavily influenced his training programs. He has taught his TRICOM programs to police and military Special Operations personnel and civilian martial artists across North & South America, Western & Eastern Europe, East & Southeast Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. For more about Jared, visit: www.tricomtraining.com for TRICOM programs. www.pekiti.university for Kali programs. www.jaredwihongi.com for personal Bio.

An undefeated boxer and kickboxer, Graciela Casillas is the first athlete male or female to hold 2 world championships in martial arts and boxing at the same time. Long time advocate of self defense training for women, Graciela has expertise beyond the ring as a certified NRA weapons instructor, Kali FMA master, and one of the first and few women to graduate the ESI Executive Protection Program. Today she is one of the most sought-after martial arts and tactical trainers in the world teaching self-defense programs with stick, blade, gun and empty hand to civilian law enforcement and even military personnel around the world. She is also an adjunct professor at Oxnard College with two masters degrees. Graciela sat down with Black Belt’s Tony Parrish to discuss real world self-defense and trailblazing in multiple styles:

Martial arts has captivated audiences across the world for centuries. The adrenaline-pumping action and the strategic prowess of fighters have made martial arts events a popular choice for sports enthusiasts and bettors. Thankfully, the rise of online betting platforms has made it easy for fans to wager on their favourite martial arts competitions. So, join us as we elaborate on the best online platforms to bet on martial arts events. How Do We Select the Best MMA Betting Sites? What makes a gambling platform the best? Is it bonuses like free spins for $1 or deposit bonuses up to the third deposit? Many factors come into play and below are some we considered when choosing the best MMA betting sites. Betting Bonuses A great betting platform prioritizes bonuses. These are like handouts that help players bump up their bankroll. Some of the best bonuses to keep an eye out for include: ● First deposit bonus ● Reload bonus ● Cashback bonus ● Loyalty bonus Licence and Regulations Martial arts betting in Canada is legal but regulated by the authorities to ensure players' safety. As such, it's essential that an y gambling platform you use is licensed and complies with regulations requirements. Betting Options If you want to bet on martial arts, you can choose between several betting options. The more betting options a platform offers, the more exhilarating your experience will be. Payment Methods We also consider the different types of payment methods made available to players. The more vast the payment options are, the better. Customer Support A betting site with excellent customer support is also a part of giving customers a great experience. We look out for betting sites with customer support like live chat, email, and phone number contact. Top Online Betting Platforms for MMA You can use thousands of sportsbooks in Canada to bet on MMA. However, after much research, we narrowed the list to the top 5 online betting platforms for MMA: Betway Sports Bodog Betonline Casumo Sports Interaction Categories of MMA Betting Regarding MMA betting, not everyone competes in the same category. As such, it's essential to take note of the different categories of MMA betting before you start placing a bet. Below is a table showing the different categories of MMA fighters. Category Weight Limit ​Strawweight 52 kg Flyweight ​57 kg Bantamweight ​61 kg Featherweight ​66 kg Lightweight 70 kg Welterweight 77 kg Middleweight 84 kg Light heavyweight 93 kg Cruiserweight ​102 kg Heavyweight ​120 kg Super heavyweight 120+ kg Conclusion Summarily, betting on MMA is an exciting way to pass the time. But with several sportsbooks available, choosing a platform can be somewhat daunting. But with this guide, making a decision should be a lot easier. We took you through the decision-making process to make the process seamless if you choose to make a more personalized sportsbook.

The Lee Family dynasty will continue in ONE Championship . The youngest Lee family member, Adrian Lee, younger brother of Angela and Christian Lee, has officially signed on the dotted line with the organization. The talented youngster shared the good news on his social media on Monday. "Contract signed. Thank you Chatri Sityodtong for giving me this amazing opportunity to showcase my skills and fight in one of the biggest organizations in the world" - Lee wrote on social media. Like his siblings that came before him, Lee has had tremendous success as an amateur. Last year, he picked up an amateur title in Hawaii and became the 2023 Hawaii State Wrestling Champion in February. Lee recently defended his amateur belt to the glee of his brother, ONE Lightweight and Welterweight World Champion Christian. "Last night my bro Adrian [Lee] defended his Toughman Hawai'i Pankration title against a tough opponent in Eric Cortez. He dominated the striking over 5 rounds to keep his title. Look up Toughman Hawaii on YouTube to catch the fight. Future world champion in the making." the elder Lee posted. There is no timetable or date for Lee's professional debut, but all of his siblings jumped into ONE competition as teenagers to high degree of success. His sister, Angela, became the youngest World Champion in hstory when she won the inaugural ONE Atomweight MMA World Championship in May 2016 and held it until her retirement earlier this year. The outstanding teenage prodigy has the lineage to excell just as much, if not more, than his brother and sisters. If he can live up to the hype, the 17-year old will be a global superstar. Now, with pen put to paper, the world awaits the arrival of the next great Lee onto the global stage.

With only a few weeks left in 2023, ONE Championship is trying to bring the cheer to the holiday season. On Friday, December 8, ONE Friday Fights 44 will continue the amazing streak of exceptional martial arts action from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. At the top of the card, Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri and Ilyas Musaev will wage Bantamweight Muay Thai war in the hopes of securing a six-figure contract with the promotion. The 21-year old Thai athlete already has more than 100 career victories and hopes to shine in front of his home crowd on Friday. In a 132-pound catchweight Muay Thai affair, Rittidet Sor Sommai and Pompet PK Saenchai will sling leather back and forth at one another. Rittidet is looking to make it three consecutive knockout victories on ONE Friday Fights to prove he belongs among the elite. Seven more extraordinary Muay Thai slugfests help fill the card with excitement. In one of the featured bouts of the evening, Avatar PK Saenchai looks to. make it three straight victories when he meets Wang Kaifeng in a bantamweight scrap. To begin the night, three mixed martial arts contests will get the action rolling in Bangkok, Thailand. Fritz "Kid Tornado" Niagtan has looked good in his first two outings on ONE Friday Fights with two stoppages. The Filipino star is hoping to continue to show improvements as he meets Babar Ali and seeks a step up onto the global stage in 2024. ONE Friday Fights 44 airs live and free on ONE Championship's YouTube channel at 7:30 am EST / 4:30 AM PST on Friday, December 8, 2023. ONE Friday Fights 44 Full Card Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri vs. Ilyas Musaev Rittidet Sor Sommai vs. Pompet PK Saenchai Maisangkum Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang vs. Chalamdam Nayokatasala Peemai Por Kobkuea vs. Thanungern FA Group Ganchai Jitmuangnon vs Binladen Sangmorakot Sungprab Lookpichit vs. Petmuangthai TBM Gym Avatar PK Saenchai vs Wang Kaifeng Lenny Blasi vs. Ferzan Cicek Yuly Alves vs. Chellina Chirino Fritz Biagtan vs. Babar Ali Carlo Bumina-ang vs. Illyas Dursan Leandro Gomes vs. Milad Hosseini

On December 5th, 2023, Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain will be electrified with the pulse-pounding excitement of BRAVE CF 77. This premier event marks the first of four action-packed showcases during the BRAVE International Combat Week, culminating the year with unparalleled martial arts prowess. The fight card for BRAVE CF 77 features five bouts, each promising a blend of skill, strength, and strategy. The main event and co-main event are set to be explosive championship clashes, showcasing some of the finest talents in MMA today. The Main Event: Lightweight Championship Battle Kubanychbek Abdisalam Uulu, a formidable contender with a record of impressive victories, will be challenged by the Brazilian MMA star Lucas Martins for the prestigious BRAVE CF Lightweight Championship belt. This bout is more than a contest for the title; it's a clash of styles and wills, with both fighters known for their aggressive tactics and indomitable spirits. Co-Main Event: Welterweight Championship Showdown In the co-main event, Kamal Magomedov steps into the cage to challenge Marcin Bandel for the BRAVE CF Welterweight Championship belt. Both fighters have carved their paths to this title shot with determination and skill, promising a fight that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The Supporting Bouts Beyond the title fights, the main card features a trio of equally compelling matchups: Lightweight Bout : Olzhas Eskaraev vs. Ruslan Tedeev – A battle of rising stars in the lightweight division, where technique and agility will be key. Flyweight Bout : Egyptian sensation Maysara Mohamed takes on Vitaliy Yakimenko. This fight is expected to be a fast-paced display of striking and grappling prowess. Bantamweight Opening Bout : Nicholas Hwende faces Mutolibsho Akobirov, setting the stage for the night with what promises to be a dynamic and engaging contest. BRAVE CF 77 is more than just a series of fights; it's a celebration of martial arts, bringing together athletes, fans, and enthusiasts from around the world. As part of the BRAVE International Combat Week, this event serves as a testament to the growing global appeal of mixed martial arts and the unifying power of sport. With a lineup featuring some of the best fighters from around the globe, BRAVE CF 77 at Khalifa Sports City promises to be an unforgettable night of high-octane MMA action. Whether you're a die-hard MMA fan or a newcomer to the sport, this event is not to be missed. As these warriors prepare to step into the cage, the anticipation and excitement continue to build for what is sure to be one of the most thrilling events of the year.

Bahraini icon has earmarked Alsameea as a future hero of the sport and has hailed him as ‘’a fighter with heart and no fear’’ As the number one fighter in Bahrain’s history, Hamza Kooheji is in the best position to analyze the future of the sport of MMA in the Kingdom. And as he’s currently sidelined with injury and unable to represent his beloved country and the Arab world at the Arab Legends vs UK & Ireland duel that will take place during BRAVE CF 80, December 15, at the Khalifa Sports City Arena, Hamza is putting his hopes on young Mohammed ‘’Zuhair’’ Alsameaa. The 20-year-old has recently turned professional following a victorious run in the amateur scene, and a world silver medal in the IMMAF Championships. And ‘’Zuhair’’ will be in action at BRAVE CF 80, when he will face Yehia Ashraf, and Hamza has spoken of his beginnings, and hailed the young man from KHK as one to watch out in the future – and now. They trained together since Alsameea was beginning. ‘’ Zuhair came to the gym when he was young. He trained with Yousif (Kooheji) much more than with me. I wasn’t always available at that time because I would train around the world. When I used to see him, he was 12 or 13 and really motivated. The good thing about him is that he has a heart, he’s not afraid. He is a really good fighter and is not afraid to give his 100% all the time’’. Mohammed Alsameea is now earmarked as the next man to take over the sport in Bahrain and, as a Flyweight, he will be hoping to make a similar impact worldwide as the one made by Hamza Kooheji, one of his idols. His next step towards reaching that goal will be on December 15, at BRAVE CF 80.

In an electrifying night of mixed martial arts, Combate Global 's December 2nd event showcased a series of compelling bouts with fighters delivering memorable performances. The main event saw Cristian "Puas" Perez secure a stunning victory over Sebastian "Pitbull" Piedranhita with a technical knockout only 17 seconds into the second round. Perez's swift strikes proved too much for Piedranhita, demonstrating his prowess in the cage. Co-main event action featured Anastasia Nikolakakos against Ana "La Guerrera" Palacios, with Nikolakakos triumphing via a technical knockout at the 3:20 mark of the third round. Her relentless pressure and striking accuracy earned her the win in a hard-fought battle. Kayla "Kayrock" Hracho claimed a unanimous decision over Andrea "Kali" Meneses in a bout that showcased Hracho's superior technique and stamina. Michel Martinez emerged victorious against Carlo "El Bambino" Ricci, securing a technical knockout 1 minute and 25 seconds into their match, proving his dominant striking capabilities. In a closely contested match, Janet Garcia won by unanimous decision over Katie "Maquina Asesina" Perez, displaying impressive grappling and control throughout the fight. The featured bout of the evening saw Ernesto “The Stallion” Ibarra win by unanimous decision against Javier "El Pantera" Valdebenito. Ibarra's comprehensive skill set and adaptability shone through, earning him a well-deserved victory. Fans won't have to wait long for more action as Combate Global's next event is slated for December 9, 2023. Be sure to follow all the excitement and updates on Combate Global's official social media pages on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Here are the social media links for Combate Global: Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/CombateGlobal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CombateGlobalOfficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CombateGlobal​​.

Judo in the United States continues to take a back burner to major sports like Football, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Tennis, Golf, Swimming, Track & Field and Soccer. It’s interesting that Soccer like Judo has a huge international following and was able to catch on in popularity in the US. In terms of the martial arts in the United States; Boxing and Wrestling were always popular, but Karate, Taekwondo, and BJJ all have also become well know. Yet Judo still lags behind with rare exceptions such as Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison. In the article The Established Order , by Pedro Lasuen; photos by Gabriela Sabau, Emanuele Di Feliciantonio, & Tamara Kulumbegashvili which appeared on the International Judo Federation’s (IJF) website recently, it focuses on 3 countries where judo has done extremely well. I wanted to share it this week in my Black Belt Judo Blog . If constancy were a country , this would be Japan and if it had friends, they would be France and Georgia. The podium of medals by nations shows an encouraging balance for the traditionalists, with an overwhelming Japan and some princes faithful to their reputation. The favorites have not disappointed in this 2022 that is ending, but to think that the result is easy to obtain would be to make a mistake. Japan has dominated the international scene for a decade. It has a lot of raw material and an abundance of talent but that is where the danger lies. You have to know how to manage a fortune so as not to go bankrupt and the secret of Japan is work and competition at the highest level before going abroad. It's a bit like the United States in swimming or Kenya and Ethiopia in distance running. There are so many candidates for everything that the most difficult thing is to reserve a place in the starting team and keep it. Then, once your national status is established, at least for a while, you have to go out and beat everyone with a different passport. No, being a Japanese judoka is not easy and it is not a guarantee of gold either. With more than a hundred accumulated medals, more than fifty gold, Japan far exceeds any hint of adversity. Their athletes have been the best, especially at important moments, and the substitutes, the members of the second and third rows, have had notable roles. It can be said that, until Paris 2024, Japan is assured of a calm and non-turbulent trip, although it would be advisable not to be overconfident to avoid an emergency landing, as happened in London 2012. France is the eternal contender, which means perseverance and frustration. It is the country with the most graduates in the world and has a solid tradition in our sport. In recent years, the competitive capacity of the French has been kept up thanks to a prodigious women's team, while the men were going through an evident stage of decline. Overreliance on Teddy Riner, injuries, bad luck and a few mistakes have relegated the men to supporting roles while the women shone in the hands of Clarisse Agbégnénou, Madeleine Malonga and Amandine Buchard. However, France has managed to make a generational transition with the appearance of some youngsters hungry for glory. Their names are Dicko, Boukli, Djalo, Cysique and Fontaine, to name just a few. They are young, some already champions and with many years ahead of them. Being second in a row, like Raymond Poulidor in the Tour de France, can generate frustration but it is also a source of pride, especially when you have to say goodbye to the representatives of so many glorious afternoons and carefully polish the new diamonds. France has added, more or less, half the medals of Japan, which indicates the gap between them but since everything is relative in life, you can have a glass half empty or half full. The difference is, for the moment, considerable, but less than a few years ago. Let everyone draw their own conclusions. The small one closes the march, by extension and size of the budget. It is no longer a baby but an adult, a robust and fearsome country in judo matters and for that it has even more merit because its population does not reach six million. Georgia has signed off on an exceptional season with a dozen medals less than France. Georgians are that neighborhood that nobody wants to go through. Regardless of the results, the most resounding success of the federation has been to strengthen a women's team, which was the weak point of the Georgian school. The figurehead is Eteri Liparteliani and her example has helped her teammates understand that it is possible to win. There is still a long way to go but the foundations have been laid and are solid. This trio is the image of judo. There is work, talent and hardness, there is a desire to excel, to do better, to take nothing for granted. This trio should be a source of inspiration for those countries eager to upend the established order. They have travelled the path to the top and do not want to go down because things look better from above. It is the others who have to escalate, perform the same tasks and evict them from there. We know that there are ambitions and the desire to do it, which is why 2023 promises to be a very interesting year. Updates: The Return of Teddy Riner at the WJC, Controversial Match & IJF Post Match Statement Survey Request My friend Leandro Lorenco of Milestone Martial Arts in Las Vegas is pursuing a PhD in Psychology. As such is researching and developing and validating a scale to access the degree of mental strength in combat sports practitioners. Here is the link to the simple and anonymous Google Form that should take less than 5 minutes to complete for those over 18 years old. Leandro appreciates your participation! San Gabriel Judo Student Maddie Tamanaha featured on CHLA TV News Story Our Visit to LA Judo Club I’ve watched Justin Cho, 6th Dan and Henry Jeong, 5th Dan on their development of this dojo in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles for over a decade. My interest was sparked by having had two of the top Korean Judo competitors of all time; Kyu Ha Kim and later, Kiel Soon Park as my original Sensei. It’s good to see the success LA Judo Club is having. They have become a powerhouse at Nanka tournaments and most recently the Golden State Open. My good friend Joon Chi the Referee Member of USA Judo’s Board of Directors and I had the opportunity to visit LA Judo Club recently followed by dinner at a terrific Korean restaurant. Here are some photos from the visit… Calendar: May - 2023 27th Saturday – Olymp’s Tournament – North Hollywood, CA 27th Saturday - 7th Annual Nagase Cup Tournament , Piano, TX June - 2023 4th Sunday - Nanka Spring Tournament , Westminster, CA 16th Friday to 18th Sunday - USA Judo Junior Olympics , Shreveport, LA 25th Sunday - U.S. Adaptive Judo Championships , Riverside, CA July - 2023 16th Sunday - CA State Games , San Diego, CA August - 2023 6th Sunday - Nikkei Games Budo Tournament , Cypress, CA September - 2023 17th Sunday - Nevada State Judo Championship , Las Vegas, NV 24th Sunday - Nanka Fall Tournament , Westminster, CA October - 2023 1st Sunday - Capitol Open Judo Championships , Sacramento, CA 22nd Sunday - Fresno Invitational Tournament , Fresno, CA 29th Sunday - Fight for a Cure Women's Tournament & Clinic , Riverside, CA November - 2023 1st Wednesday to 3rd Friday - IJF World Veterans Championships , Abu Dhabi, UAE 5th Sunday - Nanka Team Tournament , Westminster, CA 19th Sunday - Presidents Cup National Championships , Irving, TX December - 2023 8th Friday to 10th Sunday - Nanka Winter Nationals & Clinics , Azusa, CA April - 2024 7th Sunday - Nanka Spring Tournament , Westminster, CA May - 2024 5th Sunday - Nanka West Coast Invitational , Westminster, CA June - 2024 28th Friday to 30th Sunday - USJF & USJA Summer Nationals , Tacoma. WA September - 2024 29th Sunday - Nanka Fall Tournament , Westminster, CA October - 2024 20th Sunday - Nanka Team Tournament , Westminster, CA December - 2024 6th Friday to 8th Sunday - Nanka Winter Nationals & Clinics , Azusa, CA I'm always looking for new subjects to write about regarding judo as well as contributions from my readers. Please send them to gary@garygoltz.com , thanks.