Sankara Narayana Menon Chundayil, better known as Unni Gurukkal, one of the oldest living teachers of the traditional Indian martial art of kalaripayattu, died in Chavakkad, India Tuesday at the age of 94. Kalaripayattu, which features empty hand techniques and traditional Indian weapons, is sometimes referred to as one of the world's most ancient martial arts. It's believed to have originated in the Kerala state in Southern India where it is still practiced. Unni Gurukkal, Kalaripayattu master, descended from a family of kalaripayattu practitioners said to have lead the armies of a local principality during the middle ages. He started training with his father in the family art at the age of six. Instrumental in helping popularize the art at home and abroad, he had students teaching his version of kalaripayattu in France, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honor, in 2022.

Jigoro Kano, who was he really. By Nicolas Messner My Blog this week is another fantastic article on Kano written by Judo Historian Nicolas Messner, enjoy! Jigoro Kano was a bright young man, with excellent school and university results. He shone with his intelligence and his capacity for analysis and synthesis. Resolutely turned towards the future and relying on the present, he remained fundamentally interested in the past, in the history of his country and of the world. His life was gradually orientated towards the best way to build bridges between generations and different visions of the world. His discovery of martial arts and particularly jūjutsu, if at the beginning was intimately linked to his need for self-defense and affirmation, very quickly became another means of achieving his goals. He saw more and more in the practice of the martial arts a means of educating himself and the youth. To perfect his knowledge of jūjutsu, Kano therefore attended a first school, the Tenjin Shinyo-ryu School (天神真楊流). Tenjin Shinyo-ryu meaning 'Divine True Willow School,’ was a so-called traditional school of jūjutsu (koryū). Founded by Iso Mataemon Ryūkansai Minamoto no Masatari (磯又右衛門柳関斎源正足) around 1830, it specialized in atemi-waza (hitting techniques), nage-waza (throwing techniques), osae-waza (immobilization methods) and shime-waza (choking techniques). In fact, Tenjin Shinyo-ryu is the combination of two jūjutsu systems, on the one hand Yōshin-ryū and on the other hand Shin no Shinto-ryu. The specificity of the school is the use of striking (atemi) with the objective to disturb the balance of the opponent. The training methods were based on fluid and flexible movements of the body, in opposition to what was then practiced in other older schools of jūjutsu. Those older schools tended to use larger and slower movements to simulate combat with the use of armor on the battlefield. However, with the ancestral combat outfits no longer being used, the Tenjin Shinyo-ryu school concentrated on a practice without armor. The movements were faster and the strikes were mainly aimed at the vital points, these being exposed in the absence of protection. The teaching methodology was mostly based on pre-arranged kata or forms of combat that the students had to repeat over and over again. There are thus more than 130 kata of this form of jujutsu, considered classic. Some of these kata were kept secret due to their lethal nature. They included bare-handed combat techniques from seated and standing positions and defense against armed attacks. Jigoro Kano therefore studied Tenjin Shinyo jūjutsu carefully for several years with his first master, Fukuda Hachinosuke and then at his death with Iso Mataemon Masatomo. The learning of all these techniques played a major role in the development of future judo. We know, for example, that Kano simplified certain practices and eliminated anything that could prove dangerous for the physical integrity of practitioners. Nevertheless, it seems that we can affirm that certain techniques that we find today in the panoply of any judoka have their roots in the Tenjin Shinyo jūjutsu learned by Kano: seoi-nage (shoulder throw), harai-goshi (sweeping hip throw) or even o-soto-gari (outer reap), for example. The itsutsu-no-kata, or the kata of the five forms, is another example of the heritage of Tenjin Shinyo jūjutsu, which Kano has integrated into the development of judo. The founder of Tenjin Shinyo-ryu, Iso Mataemon Ryūkansai Minamoto no Masatari, said, "The way of this technique is not to fight with force, it lies deep within one's nature. The way is to be master of victory based on the behavior of the opponent,” undoubtedly a precept that Kano subsequently understood (source: Jigoro Kano, Father of Judo - Michel Mazac - Budo Editions, 2014) first of all under the direction of Fukuda Hachinosuke then Iso Mataemon Masatomo. Jigoro Kano, while pursuing his university studies, quickly became an assiduous member of jūjutsu sessions. He trained daily with four or five other students. In the absence of the master, he practiced alone and back at home, he repeated the movements with his friend Tomita Tsunejirō (富田 常次郎), who later became his very first judo student (Tsunejirō's name appears in the first line of the enrolment book of the Kōdōkan). Among the students of the Tenjin Shinyo-ryu school, there was a certain Fukushima Kenkichi, a sailor by trade, reputed to be strong, whom Kano couldn't beat. He tried many solutions, studied books on the art of fighting and even learned from sumo wrestlers but nothing helped. Kenkichi remained intractable, until Kano discovered a move that perhaps could help him. This movement was a form of what is known today as kata-guruma and it worked wonders. Kano explained, "There was really nothing to say! It was fun to project Fukushima but mostly I was happy to see the result of long-term efforts come to fruition." Kano progressed and in 1879, he found himself among the students of Fukuda who made a demonstration in front of Ulysses S. Grant, the President of the United States, visiting Japan. When master Fukuda died, Jigoro Kano succeeded him as the head of his dojo but he continued to learn by getting closer to Mataemon Masatomo, until the latter's death in 1881. With everything he had already learned from the Tenjin Shinyo-ryu school, Kano retained a thirst for learning that nothing could quench. Through a college friend, whose father had also taught jūjutsu , he was introduced to the Kitō-ryu school whose philosophy was based on rise and fall. Although the very origin of the Kitō-ryu school was rather vague, appealing to the collective imagination and legends deeply rooted in local beliefs, its existence dates back to the 17th century, when it was founded by Fukuno Shichiroemon Masakatsu. Masakatsu-San would have received teaching from Chen Yuan Pin, a Chinese monk teaching calligraphy and philosophy at the Kokushoji temple in the Edo region. Chen Yuan Pin was also a master of Chinese martial arts, among others from the Shaolin school, still famous today. In this whirlwind of schools and currents relating to both sports practice and philosophical development, Fukuno Shichiroemon Masakatsu later created his own school named Fukuno-Ryu, while one of his students launched Teishin-Ryu, where the notion of 'Wa,’ harmony, was put forward. Later still, Kito Ryu focused on bare-hand combat techniques as well as on the aesthetic and internal research at the origin of ‘Do’ (the way). It is not easy to go back in time to the end of the 19th century when Kano was evolving. The schools of jūjutsu were numerous and each of them corresponded to a technical specialty as well as a philosophical current. What is beyond doubt is that the two greatest Kitō-ryu experts of the time were Iikubo Tsunetoshi, who taught Kano, and Tozawa Rokusaburo, who taught Ueshiba, the founder of aikido. Kano learned more about the techniques of the Kitō-ryu school. The latter generally executed in armor or in hakama revolved around the projection of the opponent on the ground. Considered difficult, they are found today in koshiki-no-kata (form of the ancient things), formerly called Kito-ryu-no-kata. Kano revised the form and the execution to incorporate them in this kata with the objective being to preserve the historical sources of judo, but let's not go too fast. As we have seen, Jigoro Kano immersed himself in multiple teachings and many masters who gave him their knowledge. Being put in contact with jūjutsu to learn how to defend himself, he now realized that learning martial arts was deeper and more philosophical than it seemed. Kano was ready to synthesize all his learning and found his own way of practice and thought. (Link to article; Perfecting the Practice Calendar: June - 2023 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 29th Sunday - Hanabi Halloween Classic , Albany, 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.

As a martial artist, you understand the importance of having the best equipment and training to improve your skills, just like Bruce Lee. Bruce had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, pushing the limits and boundaries of his training. He always sought the latest and greatest equipment to enhance his strength and speed. He even had some custom-made equipment he used in his garage. But many times, this type of equipment is expensive to make and difficult to transport. That's where the Exer-Genie comes in, making both these wishes come true and more ! The Exer-Genie: Ahead of Its Time Interestingly, Bruce Lee never had the chance to use Exer-Genie. Exer-Genie was created in California in 1961 and was available for 12 years before his unfortunate death in 1973 . One can only imagine the kind of workouts he could have come up with using it, especially with his unique isometric and interval training routines. But like Bruce, Exer-Genie was ahead of its time, as the concepts of training and philosophy were not yet fully understood. However, a few famous sports teams in the past used Exer-genie, including Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys. Since then, it has become a popular training tool for other professional sports teams such as MLB, NHL, NFL, and college teams. Even the Philadelphia Flyers used it in 1974 and 1975 and won the Stanley Cup in both years. So, the Exer-Genie has a proven track record of success in the world of athletics. Easy to Use and Portable The Exer-Genie is a highly versatile piece of exercise equipment that can adjust resistance levels from as low as 1 ounce to as high as 600 pounds. It is compact and lightweight, weighing only 5 pounds, making it incredibly portable and easy to carry. In addition, the Exer-Genie comes with a carrying sack, so you can easily transport and use it wherever you go. No place is exempt! You can use it at home, in the dojo, at the park, on the court, or in any field. You can even take it on vacation. You literally have a fully functional gym in a bag! Interestingly, NASA used an Exer-Genie 10-foot line for its Apollo missions in 1968 because of its lightweight durability and portability. It was perfect for astronauts to maintain strength in zero gravity. The Exer-Genie comes in three different cord lengths, 36m , and 60m , and a 10ft short cord. These cord options provide customization for your sport or training routine. Quick and Convenient Setup- More Time for Training and Recovery The Exer-Genie system can be set up quickly and easily in under a minute. Simply attach it to any anchor point at any desired level, whether above your head, waist level or on the ground. Once the anchor point is connected, secure the bar or handles to the short line and the waist or shoulder harness to the long line. After securing the harness, if you have a long 36 or 60-meter line, you need to walk it out. Adjust your desired tension with a twist and click. You can adjust from 10 to 100 pounds in seconds, eliminating the need for weights or plates. Lastly, with a long line, put the harness on your hips, shoulders, elbows, hands, knees, or ankles. If you have a short line, grasp the bar or handles, and begin your workout. Exer-Genie Tutorial- How to use and setup Exer-Genie. This video is a tutorial about how to use Exer-Genie and how to set it up. You can set the resistance from 0 to 600 pounds. All you need to do is turn and cl... Versatility at Its Finest speed work, explosive training, agility, sports-specific motions, strongman exercises, functional movements, flexibility rehabilitation, etc. Exer-Genie’s remarkable versatility makes it suitable for martial arts and many other sports. It allows users to train their kicks, punches, agility, or any specific martial arts movements from any angle. The Exer-Genie was designed with multiple training methods in mind, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to enhance, cross-train, and diversify their workout routine. You can do techniques like complex and contrast training, isotonic, isometric, and isokinetic exercises, and more! Furthermore, Exer-Genie teaches you how to feel your muscle and body stabilizing, stretching, and contracting through the whole range of motion. It is a perfect teaching tool to help develop timing and power through any exercise or technique to fix any energy leaks slowing you down. Bruce famously said you never know how you will move in a fight, so you must train everything. And that's precisely what Exer-Genie provides creativity and versatility to train it all. Proven Results As an exercise physiologist, I implement the Exer-Genie to augment my sprinting, hopping, skipping, lunging, and jumping capabilities. This device augments the utilization of ground forces from your feet, resulting in increased strength, speed, power, and explosiveness from the body rather than just muscles. It develops that push-off from the ground. My favorite workout involves combining the Exer-Genie with additional equipment such as a sandbag, med ball, or kettlebells. This type of training allows me to simultaneously engage two different lines of force: a horizontal force from the Exer-Genie and a vertical force from the kettlebells. It engages all the muscles from the ground up through the core to the top of my head and is nearly impossible to do in the gym. Another technique I enjoy using is complex training. I increase the resistance to around 90% of my maximum weight for one repetition. The first exercise is performed for 5-10 seconds, followed by the dynamic movement exercise. This approach effectively stimulates the nervous system during the initial exercise, resulting in enhanced explosiveness for the subsequent exercise. For example, I perform Exer-Genie hops, skips, or jumps on double or single leg. Thereafter, I perform the bodyweight dynamic version, which is more explosive because of the Exer-Genie resistance. And to top it off, Exer-Genie is an excellent tool for strength and conditioning, aerobics, and HIIT sessions. Its unique design allows for seamless transitions between exercises. When one side is pulled, the other moves closer and is immediately ready to use. This allows you to work to train different muscle groups with minimal downtime. For instance, the first exercise can target the anterior muscles. Then you can quickly switch to the other side to train the posterior muscles. Power Endurance Training- with Exer-Genie #hiit #training #fitness #shortsyoutube Exer-Genie is great to do HIIT and aerobic power endurance training.LINKS TO MY BOOKSINSTANT STRENGTH BOOK- AMAZONhttps://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_... Designed for Multiple Training Methods Exer-Genie does everything from strength, speed, power, endurance, and isometric training. Best of all, it is conveniently controlled in the palm of your hand. Bruce Lee's Isometric Routine with Exer-Genie! #strength #brucelee #exergenie Bruce Lee's isometric routine. He did it 3 times a week. Isometrics are excellent to develop strength speed and power.Here are links to get an Exer-Genie.You... 2) The Exer-Genie 10/12 Isometric Training The Exer-Genie 10/12 Isometric Training Method is an advanced technique that enhances isometric training and takes Bruce Lee’s workout to a higher level. The Exer-Genie 10/12 method holds the isometric resistance for 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, you release the tension and pull for an additional 12 seconds through the full range of motion. This approach provides superior results for those seeking to maximize their isometric training efforts. To perform this, set the Exer-Genie to about 70-80% of your 1RM and get into your isometric position. Next, simply belay the line by gripping it with your index finger. This renders the line and resistance immovable. Then, exert maximal force for 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, loosen your finger grip on the line. This will release the isometric tension. And allow you to pull the line. After pulling the isometric tension, continue pulling the 70—80% resistance through a 12-second full range of motion to finish with a powerful concentric contraction. The 10/12 Method is a technique that focuses on fatiguing the Type I fast twitch muscle fibers first for 10 seconds. The additional pull for 12 seconds activates the Type II intermediate fibers. This method is exclusive to Exer-Genie and is not easily replicable with weights in a gym setting. Isometric Training, Bruce Lee and Exer-Genie 10/12 Method- A New and Greater Level of Isometrics! Exer-Genie is by far one of the best pieces of equipment to do isometric training. Also great to boost sprint and speed velocity and total body power and exp... 3) Train the Horizontal Plane It is vital to focus on developing your body's ability to move rather than targeting specific muscles. One of the primary advantages of the Exer-Genie is the ability to target different planes of motion, particularly those involving horizontal movement . This type of movement is challenging to load with resistance and is crucial for developing powerful techniques, strong kicks, and fast punches. The Exer-Genie's unique design requires you to generate power and speed in your punches and kicks by utilizing ground force with your feet. This level of functionality cannot be replicated with traditional dumbbells or other types of weighted equipment. The Exer-Genie is a highly effective alternative to sled drags, eliminating the need for additional equipment such as weight, plates, or sleds. Sled Drags- NO SLED, NO WEIGHTS, NO PLATES! Sled drags are great for improving strength, speed, explosiveness, and power. They develop sport-specific movements and boost your running and sprinting abil... 4) Great for Resistance Training The Exer-Genie is an excellent tool for resistance training . You can alternate between back rows, chest presses, lat pull-downs, and shoulder presses. This alternating motion helps to train the natural movement flow of your body. Additionally, you can use it for aerobic resistance training, like Bruce Lee used to do, called PHA. You can perform resistance training with a full range of motion at any position. The Choice is Yours Exer-Genie holds extensive value for a martial artist. You can develop strength and train from any angle. Look at videos on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. See other people using it and their successful training stories to see how it fits all your training needs. I guarantee it will enhance your martial arts performance, fitness, strength, stamina, and speed. You can order your Exer-Genie using the links below . Exer-Genie, 1 shoulder harness, and 60m (200 foot) line. https://jasonbb--shop.thrivecart.com/truck-in-a-box-60m-200-one-x-harness/ Exer-Genie, 1 shoulder harness, and 36m (120 foot) line. https://jasonbb--shop.thrivecart.com/truck-in-a-box-x-harness-system-120/ Exer-Genie, 2 handles, and a 10-foot training line. https://jasonbb--shop.thrivecart.com/exer-genie-pro-resistance-trainer/ Check out my book Instant Strength , for strength, speed and explosive training!

The World Taekwondo Championships concluded Sunday in Baku, Azerbaijan featuring the participation of competitors from a record 144 nations. After a disappointing world championships last year in Mexico, that saw them fall from the top of the medal standings for the first time in history, taekwondo powerhouse South Korea brought back some glory leading the way with 3 golds this year. Lightning fast Park Tae-joon took the men's 54 kg class for Korea and was joined by men's 58 kg champion Bae Jun-seo, who captured his second world championship, and men's 87 kg titlist Kang Sang-hyun. Turkey also took home three golds including men's 63 kg champion Hakan Recber, women's 49 kg champ Merve Dincel and women's 73+ kg winner Nafia Kus. The lone bright spot for the United States was Carl Nickolas, whose silver medal at 80 kg was the first men's medal at a world championship for the U.S. since 2009.

When a fighter is known as ‘Mr Low Kick’ and was able to beat famed low kick specialist Ernesto Hoost at his own game, it’s safe to say you have an expert leg kicker. Rob Kaman is one of the greatest kickboxers ever to fight, but also exists in an awkward place in kickboxing history. Rob Kaman was past his prime by the time the great K-1 Grand Prix was in full swing, and as a result we never saw him take part in one. Instead, he fought in a strange no man’s land era, where a kickboxer would have to take fights under any ruleset they could. This meant that Rob Kaman fought under what would now be called K-1 rules (then known as Oriental rules), full Muay Thai rules and the amusingly named ‘Full Contact’ rules kickboxing, a ruleset that ironically prohibited low kicks. Today we will look at Rob Kaman and how he adjusted from ruleset to ruleset. Former Cracked.com writer SeanBaby once described Oriental Rules as ‘a vaguely racist way of saying you can kick someone in the leg’. Today this ruleset is synonymous with K-1, the largest kickboxing promotion in the world. While K-1 would further adjust the rules, it’s more or less the same. The ruleset originates from Muay Thai, but prohibiting elbows and unlimited clinching. While Muay Thai fighters do have a disproportionate amount of success in this sport, generally speaking, this ruleset is associated with Japanese and Dutch fighters. Rob Kaman was an early example of ‘The Mejiro Style’. Coming from Amsterdam’s Mejiro Gym, Rob Kaman’s style was heavily based upon Japanese Kyokushin based kickboxers from the original Mejiro Gym in Tokyo. While most kickboxers are primarily low kickers, due being high reward, low risk, Rob Kaman is different from a lot of his peers in that he had an entire system and gameplan built around low kicks. Low kicks weren’t just a tool in the box, they were the toolbox. Rob Kaman would build his low kicks off three major principles; distance management (which we will get to later), hiding behind punches, and on the counters. Hiding behind punches is the easiest way to land a low kick. By setting up with punches, you draw your opponent’s focus away from the oncoming leg kick which is about to follow. The most common way of doing this is to throw a jab, straight, hook, and follow it with a leg kick. Amusingly though, this wasn’t Rob Kaman’s specific go to set up for leg kicks. Rob Kaman would instead use a light, almost throw away lead hook and immediately follow into the leg kick. On paper this would be less set up; the hook is so light that it’s really meant more as a distraction. The second way Kaman would land his low kicks would be to throw a low kick either as the opponent throws a strike, or after successfully stopping their strike. Rob Kaman’s instructional tape series puts a lot of emphasis on parrying front and middle kicks, scooping them out of the way to land a follow up counter low kick. Unlike a lot of instructional tapes, this one would show examples of him actually doing it during fights. But what about when Rob Kaman fought under full contact rules, which prohibit low kicks? What made Rob Kaman effective under these rules? Rob Kaman was uncharacteristically mobile for a kickboxer. While a lot is made of kickers being ‘flat footed’, this is usually less being slow and more being methodical to avoid damage from leg kicks. Kaman was a surprisingly bouncy kickboxer, with movement that you would expect to see from a boxer, or indeed a full contact stylist. His style of low kicks was less about walking forward, getting in close and chopping the legs, in the way most low kicks do today. Under Oriental rules he could use these techniques as his third method to setting up low kicks, but this bouncy, movement-based style meant that he had to make relatively few adjustments when it came to moving into full contact rules. Kaman would make use of what Filipino martial arts call the ‘triangle’ step, where you have an orthodox stance, a southpaw stance, and shift between them by using a neutral stance with feet shoulder width apart. From that neutral stance it’s hard to read whether the opponent is going to attack from a southpaw or orthodox position. Kaman would bounce out of range and into a neutral stance before re-entering the fight, with his opponent unclear on his next move. The other way Kaman would make distance would be through simply pushing the opponent. Pushing is actually legal in kickboxing, something which confuses boxers frequently. Kaman would throw a low kick in close range, before making a jab like push with the lead hand, creating distance to open up another low kick or high kick. These kicks were always there, regardless of the ruleset. This focus on creating distance between the opponent, especially in a sport known for forward moving aggression, entices the opponent to step forward and pursue. By creating distance, you force your opponent to move forward to meet you, and thus you can create collisions by striking them as they enter. This was how Kaman got the majority of his knockouts. While he was certainly powerful, it wasn’t any athletic attribute that carried him to success. Rob Kaman was a champion under both rulesets, with Kaman beating full contact legend Jean Yves Therriault for the title. In truth his adaptability came less from being able to drastically change from sport to sport, but instead having a very mouldable style built on principles which could work in any sport.

Here are 21 Rules of Life The Greatest Japanese Samurai Wrote Over 400 Years Ago That May Change Your Life. I share these as my JudoBlog for this week. Miyamoto Musashi is remembered as one of the greatest samurai who ever lived. A Japanese Buddhist born in 1584, he taught that there are twenty rules one should follow in order to lead a happy and fulfilled life. He was a famous warrior and expert swordsman, and his wise teachings are still studied today. These are according to his famous texts Musashi’s Dokkōdō and The Complete Book of Five Rings , as well as a Musashi Video . 1. Accept Life, As It Is People tend to often create stress for themselves by wishing that things and circumstances were different than they are. Rather than obsessing on why life should be different, accept it for what it is, accept things as they are. Stress, worries and anxieties are a natural part of life, and rather than attacking your natural feelings, accept them and you will become stronger. 2. Abandon Obsessions To Seek Pleasure Humans tend to spend a large amount of their time on Earth chasing fleeting pleasures, becoming slaves to their inner desires. Instead, live in the moment, do not chase pleasure but rather appreciate it when it comes naturally. 3. Do Not Act On Impulsive Emotions Musashi believed that sudden strong feelings should be regulated by reason, before turning into action. When powerful feelings seek to sway decisions, first engage in reason and have your decisions be well thought out, not controlled by random impulses. 4. Don’t Self Obsess Too much of a focus on how we appear and on our ego causes us to lose sight of what’s truly important in life. Realize that you are deeper than yourself, and do not obsess over superficial things. 5. Jealousy Should Not Be Part Of You Jealousy is a powerful form of hatred, and Miyamoto Musashi taught that if we get stuck in a world of jealousy, we can easily destroy ourselves. Instead, be grateful for what you already have, and you will be blessed with true abundance. 6. Let Go Of Your Desires By desiring for things which we do not have, we create suffering in ourselves as we begin to feel that we lack something. The great samurai taught you to not live wanting more than you have, but rather let go of desire and all good things will come to you. 7. Never Live In Regret Musashi believed that everything happens for a reason, that everything has a purpose and is part of our life path. The past served a purpose and cannot be changed, so rather than stress over or regret it, learn from it and let it prepare you for your future. 8. Do Not Dwell On Sad Separations Choosing to constantly think of or dwell on the sad departing of friends and loved ones prevents us from moving forward with our lives. Musashi believed that since there was no way to bring back the dead, stay in the moment and choose to move on. 9. Avoid Complaining People often end to complain when problems arise, but Musashi’s teaching was that this can damage our mental strength and keep us stuck in the past. Rather than complain, let your troubles pass you by as your mind keeps calm in the moment. 10. Don’t Let Lust Control Your Life Humans are sexual by nature, but many people spend their lives in a state of constant desire. Musashi believed we should not seek for lust, but rather seek for love and long lasting relationships, as in the long run they are much more beneficial to one’s life. 11. Keep Your Options Open Do not become narrow minded, and do not become stuck in only one possible future. Stay open minded and allow for life’s possibilities. 12. Don’t Be A Slave To The Material World While society throughout the ages always teaches that material possessions are the most important things in life, the reality is that we cannot take any of these luxuries with us after our lives have ended. Instead, build up things that truly matter in life; your character, love, and an inner state of tranquility and calm. Miyamoto Musashi believed that food was fuel for the body, not an object of unnatural cravings or desires. A warrior knows that food is a tool to be utilized, not a pleasure to be abused. 14. Abandon Possessions And Practice Minimalism We do not need many things to be happy, in fact having less can often make us the happiest as a simple life is stress-free. If you have things you don’t need, get rid of them and travel light. 15. Do Not Believe In Something Just Because You Are Told To Never believe anything unless it agrees with your own reason and inner knowing. We must learn to form our own opinions and own beliefs. Do not just follow the crowd. 16. Respect The Gods, But Do Not Rely Solely On Their Guidance Musashi believed that Gods should be praised, but never let that be a cause for your own inaction. A person must forge their own path. 17. Have No Fear Of Dying If we fear death, we cannot live fully. Live one day at a time, and do not fear the outcome of each action you take. Be free from fear. 18. Only Use Your Weapon When Absolutely Necessary Miyamoto Musashi was an undefeated samurai who had over 60 duels on record, yet he believed that attacking another for no reason was a sin. Self-defense should be the only reason to use your sword, and it should never be taken lightly. 19. Do Not Focus On Riches Musashi believed those who live simple lives are to be more admired than those who amass large quantities of wealth for themselves. Living in the moment is the sign of a wise person, and hoarding riches is the sign of someone whose own priorities are not of the heart. Possessions distract from life’s true meaning, so let them go and live simply. 20. Protect Your Honor Musashi said we must stay true to ourselves and follow our own beliefs. Live with integrity and honor, and do what you believe to be morally right. 21. Never stray from the way. This last rule of Musashi definitely applies to the study of judo! Update - Treasure Found: RIP Gene LeBell – Part I RIP Gene LeBell – Part II RIP Gene LeBell – Part III Gene LeBell’s & Bruce Lee's Infamous Brawl Calendar : 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.

After battling ninja mercenaries in The Octagon, for Norris’ next film, An Eye for An Eye, he is fighting an enemy cloaked in respectability and camouflaged in business attire. An Eye for An Eye stands out as being a darker movie and also sporting an impressive supporting cast that includes Christopher Lee ( Lord of the Rings, Dracula: Prince of Darkness ), Richard Roundtree of Shaft fame, Mako ( Conan the Barbarian, The Killer Elite ), and the first movie credit for the physically impressive Professor Toru Tanaka. Other recognizable supporting actors fill out the rest of the cast and help make An Eye for An Eye a cut above the rest in the martial arts film genre. An Eye for An Eye (1981) Norris plays Sean Kane, an undercover narcotics officer in San Francisco, who is looking for the killers of his partner and the daughter of his master, James Chan (played by Mako). All leads point to the drug trafficking triads, so Kane, relieved from duty from his police gig for taking things too far, decides to uncover the truth and deliver some payback on his own. Of all the Chuck Norris films up to this point, An Eye for An Eye feels much more like an 80s action film than a traditional martial arts movie, with more gunfights and some set pieces that would feel at home in a Stallone or Schwarzenegger movie. While vehicles haven’t really been a fixture in most of Norris’ films, the red Pontiac Trans Am features prominently throughout. On the technical side, Aaron Norris returns as the stunt coordinator, and An Eye for An Eye is directed by Steve Carver, who would later work with Norris on the film Lone Wolf McQuade (1983). Christopher Lee is a great villain in his portrayal of aloof TV station owner Morgan Canfield. Perfectly cast, Lee’s villainous chops had been honed superbly after portraying so many Hammer Horror creatures over the years, including Dracula multiple times, and the Bond nemesis, Saramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). Lee’s presence adds a touch of class and elevates the film. Fights There is no shortage of action in this outing from Norris. Early on, Kane has to use some knife defense skills in a skid row hotel room against brother and Stunt Coordinator Aaron Norris, in an uncredited role, and shows how defenestration can be an effective ending to a kick, punch combo. Looking for how drugs are being smuggled into San Francisco, Kane infiltrates a freighter used by the triads, which provides a great opportunity for Kane to demonstrate some stealth ala The Octagon before dealing out kicks, punches, and chops to the unsuspecting henchmen. The fight on the ship is an interesting sequence that has Norris, as Kane, mixing up his prodigious kicking and punching with some more conventional pugilistic techniques. It works well and showcases simplicity in action without sacrificing the great on-screen work audiences had come to expect from a Chuck Norris movie. There are plenty of great techniques utilized during the fight on the freighter, such as the re-using of the double-rolling kick/sweep from The Octagon to flatten his opponent on the deck of the ship. Overall, the fight has a similar rhythm to The Octagon’s last battle with the ninjas, with Norris dealing with multiple opponents, weapons, and escaping holds before ultimately diving from the bow of the ship into the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay. An inspired exchange is Norris showcasing his kicking prowess by defeating one of Lee’s henchmen with his hands, literally, tied behind his back. If it was Stallone, I wouldn’t believe it, but with Norris, it seems totally legit. When Chan and Kane descend on Canfield’s (Lee) lair, to rescue Kane’s love interest, Heather (Maggie Cooper), the epic showdown begins. The last battle has an almost Bond flavor to it. Explosions, machine guns, and battling armies of police and triad soldiers face off, while a helicopter strafes the compound. There are some classic Norris techniques mixed in with some 80s-style comedy and ultimately a showdown with the mammoth Professor Tanaka. The confrontation with Professor Tanaka is the first time we see Kane in real trouble as the formidable Tanaka seems at first impervious to the power and skills of Kane’s attacks. For example, a devastating spinning sidekick to the gut has scarily little impact on the Professor, and after taking a couple more blows from Kane, responds with a wicked swat. Similar to the battle with Kyo in The Octagon , there is some great give and take in the fight. Kane gets thrown around Canfield’s chic abode a few times, before coming up with a kicking combination that ends with a callback to the signature kick from Good Guys Wear Black . The 80s would end up being a prolific decade for Chuck Norris, with Code of Silence , Delta Force, and the Missing in Action trilogy to name just some of the films still in the offing. The decade of decadence would see Norris further solidify himself as more than a great martial artist but as an action-film star. He was able to expand his reach from the narrow niche of martial arts aficionados to the wider film audience that was going to see the action vehicles of Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and newcomer Van Damme. Norris had progressed a long way from Breaker! Breaker! and he still had a whole decade left to make more great films, but more about those next time.

Sunday, May 28, marked the 50th anniversary of World Taekwondo, the worldwide governing body of Olympic-style taekwondo. Originally called "The World Taekwondo Federation," the organization was founded at a 1973 meeting in South Korea, in part as a counter to The International Taekwon-Do Federation, whose leader, General Choi Hong Hi, had lost favor among the Korean political establishment. The founding of World Taekwondo coincided with the first world championship tournament, which saw fighters from South Korea win the two men's sparring divisions contested. Four fighters from the United States placed, lead by heavyweight silver medalist Mike Warren and Black Belt hall of famer Joe Hayes, who took bronze at lightweight. World Taekwondo would go on to garner recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 1980 and become a demonstration sport at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. It became an official Olympic sport in 2000. Though it was originally founded with just 17 member nations, World Taekwondo's governing council, meeting in Azerbaijan ahead of the upcoming world championships, moved to admit Namibia as what will now be their 213th member nation. The world championships are slated to run from May 29-June 6 featuring eight men's and eight women's sparring divisions.

I am a firm believer in the power of nicknames. They increase the entertainment value of any sport, give the fans an idea of who that athlete is, and allow the audience to connect with fighters in a different way. For sport karate, nicknames could play a small part in helping the sport grow in popularity because of those benefits. Fortunately, looking back through recent and distant point fighting history we already have quite a few great nicknames, so I decided to rank the top five. This list does not include some of the current best nicknames such as Bailey "B-Reel" Murphy or Darren "Dee Stacks" Payne. I also had to make some tough decisions for iconic nicknames like Hakim "The Machine" Alston, Gerald "Awesome" Dawson, and Ross "Turbo" Levine to barely miss the list. Ultimately, I had to choose in favor of names that directly reflected something about that fighter's game, something that few others could lay claim to. I also need to throw out the biggest honorable mention of them all, which is the wide variety of nicknames that the late, great Kevin Thompson had. His iconic pseudonyms include "Little KA" named after his instructor Karriem Abdallah, "The Total Package" for his ability to win every division available, and even "The Eighth Wonder of the World". Now, let's get to the top five. 5. Jerry "Fast Feet" Fontanez and Justin "Hot Foot" Ortiz These two fighters are probably pointing at me in the picture, because they know that I'm cheating by using two nicknames in the number five spot. HOWEVER, how could anyone pick between two fantastic foot-related nicknames? The history of such nicknames dates back to legendary kickboxer Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, who undoubtedly inspired both of these point fighters. Jerry "Fast Feet" Fontanez was renowned for his lightning-fast kicks that helped him earn 8 world championships during his career. He was active as recently as November 2022, when he appeared in the Virtual Fight Tour to defeat Brian Crumb in a hybrid point fighting/continuous fighting match. Justin "Hot Foot" Ortiz was widely considered the best lightweight point fighter in the world at his peak and won the lightweight diamond ring championship at the Diamond Nationals in 2015. He added some style to his nickname by wearing a signature red sparring boot on his right foot that he consistently planted on his opponent's helmet for 2 points. In a sport that is dependent upon skilled footwork and kicking, these two nicknames had to make the list. 4. Jack "The Iceman" Felton When MMA fans hear Iceman , they think Chuck Liddell, but when sport karate fans hear Iceman , everyone knows you're talking about Jack Felton. He earned this nickname from the calm, cool-as-ice demeanor that he fights with. Never too excited when he is up, and certainly never too frustrated when he is down, he is always steady and level-headed. This mentality helped him craft a career as one of the best lightweight point fighters to ever do it. He has NBL, NASKA, and WAKO world championships under his belt, with remarkable longevity. You can find highlights of his back in the days of the World Combat League fighting for the Los Angeles Stars, and most recently winning the overall grand championship at the Compete Internationals in February. Another nickname worthy of mentioning is "Captain Jack", which Raymond Daniels commonly calls him as the veteran leader of Team All Stars. 3. Pedro "The Axeman" Xavier A number of sport karate nicknames were either created or popularized by the WMAC Masters television series. My personal favorite of these has to be The Axeman for Pedro Xavier. This one is pretty self-explanatory, as Pedro Xavier had the gnarliest axe kick the point fighting game has ever see. The way that he could come off a kicking combo, hold that leg what seemed like 15 feet in the air, and slam it down on some of the best fighters in the world was simply insane. The Team Paul Mitchell legend won the WAKO lightweight world championship three times in 1991, 1993, and 1995, among many other prestigious titles throughout his career. 2. Raymond "The Real Deal" Daniels You probably saw this one coming. It doesn't get much better than the man most people consider to be the greatest point fighter of all time being referred to as The Real Deal . This isn't just a great nickname because it shares the "RD" initials with his actual name, or just because it is original. I love this nickname so much because it truly describes Raymond Daniels. If you watched Ray fight for the first time, you would see him dance around the ring, talk to the crowd, and do his signature pre-fight ritual complete with prayer and fanfare. You'd probably be thinking "man, this guy sure acts like he's something, I wonder if he can really fight". The next thing you would see is him nailing somebody with three straight blitzes before backing off so that he can blast them with a signature two-touch spinning back kick. He literally proves that he's The Real Deal . This also applies to the common keyboard-warriors' criticism of point fighting as a light contact sport, suggesting these guys can't really fight. If that was the case, then Raymond Daniels wouldn't have been able to make a successful transition to full-contact including a Bellator Kickboxing World Championship, a knockout-of-the-century highlight with a 720 punch during a Bellator MMA bout, and now being signed to Karate Combat. 1. Steve "Nasty" Anderson How can a nickname not be the best ever when it literally becomes that person's first name? I don't think I have ever heard anyone refer to Steve Anderson as "Steve Anderson", it is ALWAYS Nasty . This dude was bigger than everybody, stronger than everybody, and beat up just about everybody during his point fighting career. If an opponent went down after a clash, he would go down with them just so they would feel his weight and have to expend even more energy to get back up. Not only was he tough, but he had all the skills to back it up. His lethal blitz helped him win a ridiculous 92 consecutive tournaments... AS A BROWN BELT. He was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame in 1982 as the Competitor of the Year. His nickname didn't just apply to his Nasty skills and Nasty toughness, it applied to his mind games as well. Richard Plowden once told me on The Jackson Rudolph Podcast that he would call opponents at 3:00 AM the night before a tournament just to get in their head. You'll have to listen to the whole episode to know exactly what he would tell them, as it isn't necessarily PG-13. We also have to give a shoutout to the mother of his instructor, Orned "Chicken" Gabriel (a great nickname in its own right), who gave Nasty his legendary nickname. All these factors combined, with the fact that he is one of the all-time greats who many argue should even be considered the GOAT, Nasty is the only right answer to come in at number one on this countdown. I know I probably missed some great nicknames during this discussion, and I haven't even covered the forms and weapons competitors yet! I encourage you to share this article on social media and let me know what other great point fighter nicknames are out there. If there's enough support, a countdown of the top forms and weapons competitor nicknames may be on the way!

Let me tell you something you already know. Every martial art is about more than just physical training. It is mental as well. Even if you study the most battle hardened real world combative system, there is still an emphasis on taking action rather than allowing panic to freeze you in place. Your mind cannot be allowed to hold your body back from what needs to be done. Turn your heads towards the Japanese styles and you'll see not only the same importance allotted to the correct mindset, you'll also see that various terms are coined for the important aspects of the martial artist's mind. While there are several mindsets in martial arts that are crucial for success, the ones we are focusing on today are Mushin, Shoshin, Fudoshin, and Zanshin. Ready to unlock these mental skills? Let's go. Mushin - The Mind of No Mind Think back to a time when you had to urgently make a major decision. There are multiple ways people respond to such a situation, however the worst one is to allow paralysis to settle in. We get afraid of making the wrong choice and thus we make no choice (which is totally still making a choice...). Or we over analyze and, still, stay stuck trying to process everything in front of us. Neither of these options are great. In fact, they are downright terrible. Mushin is a Japanese term that translates to "the mind of no mind." It is a state of mind where one is free from distractions and emotions, and able to act instinctively and without hesitation. It’s a dichotomy of full concentration and release/acceptance of the moment. The mindset of mushin is critical in martial arts, as it allows a martial artist to respond quickly and effectively to their opponent. To achieve Mushin, one can practice meditation and focused training. Cultivate a mind that can obtain stillness when movement and chaos is happening externally. Learn how to turn it on and stay dialed into your body when doing monotonous tasks or abstaining from physical action. Stillness in motion. Motion in stillness. It requires an ability to clear one's mind and focus on the present moment. Not past mistakes or future worries. In martial arts, Mushin is often achieved during sparring or fighting, where the martial artist is fully focused on their opponent and able to react instinctively. The challenge entices the moment of flow. Shoshin - The Beginner's Mind Shoshin is a Zen concept that translates to "the beginner's mind." It is a state of mind where one is open to learning and willing to receive new information without preconceived ideas or biases. This mindset is essential in martial arts, as it allows a martial artist to continue to learn and grow. To achieve Shoshin, one must let go of preconceived notions and be open to new ideas and experiences. In martial arts, this means being willing to try new techniques and approaches, even if they are different from what you have learned before. It also means being humble and acknowledging that there is always more to learn. Step out of your comfort zone and try a new skill. This can be within the realm of martial arts, but doesn't necessarily have to be. It is only a foolish man who thinks he has all the wisdom the world has to offer. Keep learning. Keep growing. Fudoshin - The Immovable Mind Fudoshin is a Japanese term that translates to "the immovable mind." It is a state of mind where one is calm and focused, even in the face of danger or adversity. This mindset is critical in martial arts, as it allows a martial artist to remain calm and focused under pressure. Move with bravery in your heart, especially when the fingers of fear try to seize your heart. To achieve Fudoshin, one must practice discipline and training. It requires an ability to control one's emotions and remain calm in stressful situations. In martial arts, this means staying focused and alert during sparring or fighting and not becoming overly emotional or reactive. When you raise your fists, you must also lower your temper and ego. An upset fighter is one who no longer has control over their actions. Zanshin - The Remaining Mind Zanshin is a Japanese term that translates to "the remaining mind." It is a state of mind where one is aware of their surroundings even after an action is completed. This mindset is essential in martial arts, as it allows a martial artist to be aware of their opponent's movements and ready to respond. To achieve Zanshin, one must practice mindfulness and training. It requires an ability to stay focused and aware even after a move has been completed. In martial arts, this means being aware of your surroundings and your opponent's movements, even after a move has been completed. When you strike successfully, don't lose your concentration by needlessly celebrating. Live in the moment and stay ready for whatever you need to do next. Concluding Thoughts In conclusion, the mindsets of Mushin, Shoshin, Fudoshin, and Zanshin are crucial for success in martial arts and in life. Each mindset has its unique benefits and can be achieved through training and discipline. By adopting these mindsets and incorporating them into your martial arts training, you can improve your focus, discipline, and ability to respond quickly and effectively to your opponent. Remember, martial arts are not just about physical techniques, but also about developing the right mindset to achieve success. Anybody can move their limbs. That's called bad dancing. If you are a martial artist, integrate your heart with your hands and use your techniques to paint a visual for every onlooker. Involve your mind and then you can call what you do truly high level.

It's been reported that Michael DePasquale Jr., a fixture on the East Coast martial arts scene for nearly five decades, has passed away at the age of 70. DePasquale learned Japanese style jujutsu from his father, Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame member Michael Sr. DePasquale Jr. headed up his father's yoshitsune jujutsu system writing several books on the style and other facets of self defense. He was an occasional guest on various television shows providing tips on personal safety and was the publisher of his own martial arts magazine, "Karate International." A stunt coordinator for martial arts scenes in several movies, DePasquale Jr. was known for presenting seminars in fight film choreography through his Action Film Academy. He served for several years as a mixed martial arts judge in his home state of New Jersey having officiated at a number of UFC shows.

Francis Ngannou, the biggest free agent in mixed martial arts history, has finally found a new home signing with the Professional Fighters League . Ngannou is expected to debut in the PFL's pay-per-view "Super Fight Division" some time in 2024. Ngannou abdicated his position as UFC heavyweight champion when his contract with the company expired and the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new deal in January. One sticking point seemed to be Ngannou's desire to also compete outside the UFC in boxing matches. The new PFL deal will allow him the freedom to box and he's expected to have a match in that sport this year. Though heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury and former champion Deontay Wilder have been teased as possible foes, so far no opponent or date have been named. Ngannou characterised the new deal as more than anyone else had offered him with reports saying that he'll be guaranteed a high 7-figure purse for each fight with the PFL. Additionally, Ngannou will have the right to secure his own sponsors, will have a role on the PFL's advisory board and serve as chairman of PFL Africa as the company seeks to expand it's operations into that continent.