The MMA Wrap UP

NEVADA STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION TO BEGIN RANDOM STEROID AND DRUG TESTING FOR ALL FIGHTERS

Cagepotato.com reports that the Nevada State Athletic Commission will begin random steroid and drug testing for all licensed fighters as well as fighters applying for licenses.

All fighters may now be randomly selected for testing. However, if there is some indication that a fighter is taking a non-approved substance, they will also be tested.

A Fighter may also be selected if he or she has previously tested positive for using a non-approved substance.

Fighters who fail or refuse to take the drug test in the specified time-frame, will not be allowed to compete, may face disciplinary action, and could even loose their license.

This is a great step forward for fairness and legitimacy among MMA competitors. It’s one thing if someone is juicing so that they can slam a baseball out of the park or blow out the competition in a 200 meter race; But when the person facing you in the ring has the unfair (and unhealthy) advantage of steroids or growth hormones on their side, the results can be dangerous.

Many fighters don’t want to deal with the long term consequences of steroid and illegal supplement use, however they feel obligated to use these substances because they know that their competition will. This leads to a vicious and potentially deadly cycle of drug use.

However, with this new ruling, fighters will no longer be able to take illegal supplements during training and then quit 30 days before the competition’s drug test to pass it out of their system. Now they can be tested at anytime and receive serious consequences if they are found to be violating the regulations.

It’s about time that the Athletic Commission to a hard look at it’s drug testing policies.

Nice job guys.



UFC 81 TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND

UFC 81: Breaking Point is set to take place this Saturday, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

According to UFC.com, the following fighters are set to enter the octagon;

Main Card

-Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Tim Sylvia
-Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir
-Nathan Marquardt vs. Jeremy Horn
-Alan Belcher vs. Ricardo Almeida
-Tyson Griffin vs. Gleison Tibau

Preliminary Bouts (might not be televised):

-Terry Martin vs. Marvin Eastman
-Keita Nakamura vs. Rob Emerson
-Chris Lytle vs. Kyle Bradley
-David Heath vs. Tim Boetsch

As usual, up to the minute results and fight coverage can be found at MMAMania.com

I got my butt handed to me predicting the wins for UFC 80, so rather than face further humiliation, let me give you the MMA Girls Prediction. Probably more acturate, and definitely prettier than mine.







NEW CEO NAMES 'El GUAPO' AS V.P.

The IFL’s new CEO, Jay Larkin, has big changes planned for the league this year. A former Showtime executive, he has worked hard to improve the format of the IFL events.

The first change was the switch from the strict team vs. team competition to having different MMA camps face one another with a new emphasis on individual champions. No longer are the ‘teams’ associated with cities like so many other professional sports. Instead, fighters will be pooled from the various training camps from which they train.

Probably the most refreshing move is placing a MMA legend; (both as a fighter and as a coach) the former undefeated champion, Bas Rutten in the position of Vice President of Fighter Operations.

This move is sheer genius - putting someone as popular as El Guapo
in a public relations position that is obviously an imitation of Dana White’s UFC Presidency. The only difference is that Dana is intensely despised by most MMA fans, while Bas is greatly admired and loved. (Let’s just hope that the IFL continues to treat it’s fighters fairly so that Rutten’s image isn’t tarnished.)

Unfortunately, Larkin also stated that the IFL will not be holding every event in a different cities as it had in the past. Most events will be held at places like Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and the Izod Center in New Jersey. (For purely selfish reasons, I hope they continue to return to the Sears Centre in Chicago; about 20 minutes from my house.)



MATT DANZIG FILMS VIDEO FOR PETA

Okay, I know a lot of MMA fans could probably care less, but I really admire TUF Champ, Matt Danzig's standing up for what he believes in.

He’s shot a promo video for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals organization. You don’t find many vegans in the Combat Sport world, so when they do make it, I try to give them all the props they deserve.






CAGEPOTATO.COM LISTS THE 12 WORST TATOOS IN MMA

CagePotato.com, which is quickly becoming my favorite MMA website, has a ridiculous post on the 12 worst tattoos in Combat Sport. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Spoiler Alert!!!

The 4 Worst Tattoos Are:

4. Brock Lesnar
3. Gray Maynard
2. Melvin Costa
1. Melvin Costa

No, that’s not a typo. Costa’s tatoos are so bad - and so offensive - that he actually got First AND Second Prize.



FRANK MIR GIVES LIKE THE BEST SELF-DEFENSE ADVICE EVER!

In an interview with MMA Country, Frank Mir discusses his irritation at being Brock Lesnar’s debut fight in the UFC. He also talks about his training, his admiration for Randy Couture, and his life goals after MMA.

But at the end of his interview he gives some of the best self-defense advice I’ve ever heard…



That's right! If someone's giving you a hard time in a bar, don't tell them you know karate, don't tell them you'll kick their face in, don't tell them your a black belt... just say, "Hey Buddy, I'm a lawyer."

They'll walk away faster than you can say the words... "Civil Lawsuit."


Anyway, with those words of wisdom, we'll leave you for another week.

Check back again soon, when we return to give you the 'Best of the Web' concerning MMA

Respectfully,

Rick

The Nagashi Sidestep

[Nathan] TDA Readers, please welcome Markos from Marks Chat to TDA for this guest post. I invited Markos because of his excellent work at his blog, and our relationship built at the Convocation of Combat Arts. For more about Markos, please see my introductory post, Inviting Marks Chat to guest blog.

__________________________________________________________________________

The sidestep is not an unusual fighting technique. It is something that is used by Boxers, Karate fighters, Thai boxers and most other strikers. Everyone knows how to sidestep. Instead of moving backwards when an oncoming attack is thrown towards you, you move sideways. It is used by ring fighters quite often during sparring and fights, as sometimes they can not move backwards as the ropes are in the way, so they move sideways.

Below shows a diagram of two fighters feet, and the way they move during the sidestep technique,


As shown above, the sidestep has been used to avoid the opponents rush of strikes. Nagashi on the other hand is very similar to the sidestep in the fact that you move your body out of the line of attack, but your front foot only pivots, while your back foot moves round. The diagram is now as follows,





As this diagram clearly illustrates, the bottom fighter stays much closer to his opponent than in the first diagram. This gives him/her the ability to strike his opponent much easier than in the first diagram, without being in the line of attack. It is a technique which is used mainly in the Wado Ryu style of karate and by some AikidoKa. If timed correctly the bottom fighter could strike the outside of the top fighter’s knee or bottom thigh area with his/her own front knee, which could be used to off balance him/her, although this is quite hard to pull off. Combined with circular strikes such as hooks and elbows, a lot of power can be generated, but you must make sure not to lose your balance on this.

It is a variation to the normal sidestep, and is something that may be known to people, but rarely used as it requires practice. MMA fighters can particularly find this technique useful, as it gives them the ability to quickly engage in grappling if they prefer that type of fighting over striking. I would not advise that this technique be used always, but when combined with other footwork techniques can be a great mix to your fighting style.

Article created for TDA Training by markschat.blogspot.com , Fighting and Training Methods for the Unarmed Martial Artist.

Technorati Tags: Sidestep,fighter,MMA,Aikido,grappling,Muay Thai,Boxing,Sparring

GROIN KICKS: WHY THEY DON'T WORK... AND HOW TO FIX THEM!

Earlier this week, I critiqued a self-defense technique that I liked in a post called, “Let’s Play a Game.” In that post, I failed to make one correction that I would change if I had to use that technique myself.

The point of the post as to get people to think more about the way they view the techniques of other martial art styles. I didn’t want to bog it down with my own criticisms, but rather just give an example of how someone might to about trying to improve certain techniques in order to make them more effective.

In the technique, the defender initiates his counter with a kick to the groin of one of his opponents. On the video, the opponent dutifully falls to the ground, allowing the defender to continue with strikes aimed at the other attacker.

Kicks and knee strikes to the groin are a very common self-defense technique. They are popular because the groin is an exceptionally vulnerable target. Even slight pressure against the testicles produces great pain which makes it difficult for an attacker to stand, fight, or sometimes even breathe. There’s no doubt that they can be very effective when applied properly.

Women’s self-defense classes in particular, tend to rely heavily upon groin kicks because they require very little physical strength but can cause a great physical reaction in an attacker.

The following video clip shows the way groin kicks are commonly taught in martial art and self-defense classes.




While groin kicks so have the ability to take an attacker to the ground, I really don’t believe that they will work the way demonstrated in this video.
The problem, as I see it, is nature.

Men are conditioned from the earliest age to protect their genitals. It’s not something that we have to think very much about. It all happens rather naturally.

Without getting too graphic, it’s important to understand that human sperm (like the sperm of many other land mammals) can’t generate in the heat of normal body temperature. So, the sex organs must develop outside of the body’s core. While this allows for ideal climate control for producing sperm, it leaves the testacies unprotected.

Nature however, has not left us totally vulnerable. The sex organs are positioned securely between the legs and rest safely near our lap.

The groin is also packed with many sensitive nerve endings. Every boy quickly learns that failing to protect the groin will result in intense pain.

The male body must protect its groin at all times or possibly forfeit its chance at reproduction. Therefore, natural reflexes tend to take over anytime the senses perceive a threat to the groin area. The knees close, the pelvis tilts inward, and the hands tend to drop.

It’s actually pretty hard to intentionally sneak a strait groin kick into its target. The body’s reflexes are usually just too quick and too protective of this vulnerable area. Every time an attack gets close, the pelvis shifts the groin away while the legs quickly move in to protect.

The solution to this problem is to prevent the senses, namely sight, from perceiving the kick. If your attacker sees the kick coming, even out of the corner of his eye, he’s sure to automatically protect himself.

However, if you can get him to look away with an eye gouge or hair pull, you should be able to kick the groin without problem. The trick is to redirect your opponent’s eyesight.

Even just covering his eyes with your fingers may be enough to distract him from your intention. As long as the brain does not perceive the attack, it will not initiate any reflexive action to protect the groin.

Many martial artists train like the people in the video. They expect that the groin kick will easily reach it’s target and incapacitate their attacker so they can escape. Unfortunately, this strategy can backfire if the kick fails and their attacker becomes further enraged by their failed attempt at defense.

Not only does this method give you a better chance of actually landing your kick, it also provides the added benefit of surprising your attacker. If you first go for the eyes, you opponent will be unprepared for the pain and injury that will follow from a strike below the belt. The result will actually be more severe than if he somehow knew it was coming.

I hope these suggestions help you in the development of your own self-defense strategies. Please remember to always train carefully and with qualified instruction. Groin kicks can be dangerous.

Also be sure that you are always morally and legally justified in using force against your attacker. These techniques should never be misused or played with.

Take care and keep training,

Respectfully,

Rick

Weapons first or last?

I find it interesting that in the martial arts community, there seems to be a divide between those who espouse and practice with firearms, and those who shun them. A recent thread on the Convocation (How would you defend yourself in your home?) highlighted that split, to some extent, with some taking the position (read it to be clear) that "empty hand" should be your first resort, and weapons, including firearms being the last. Others, including yours truly, believe that weapons should always be your first resort, not the last. My reasoning is that, if faced with an unknown threat, especially an intruder that is so bold as to invade an occupied home, you should assume a deadly threat to your family.

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor's home invasion was an attempted burglary that left him dead of a shotgun blast to the leg. Reportedly, the intruders knew Taylor (or had done work for the family in the past, and assumed that no one was home at the time. Taylor, his fiance, and 18 month-old daughter were in the home. From an early account:

... Taylor was awakened by a noise in his living room, Sharpstein said. As the shooter or shooters approached Taylor's bedroom, he reached for a machete or other form of knife he keeps nearby in case of emergency, and two shots were fired, one striking his leg in the groin area.

Cerrato said Taylor's fiancee tried to call police from the house line, only to discover that the line had been cut. She had to use her cellphone to call 911, which delayed the response time.

As of this posting, there is a gag order on the case, so more information may not be revealed for some time. The facts , as we now know them:

• It was approximately 1:30 AM
• Everyone was in bed, and awakened by the intrusion
• Four subjects gained entry by prying open a rear bathroom door, then "kicked in a rear bedroom door..."
• Taylor, hearing a noise, responded by grabbing a weapon (a "machete or other form of knife"), and investigated
• One of the intruders shot Taylor
• Taylor's fiance attempted to call 911, the line was cut, and she made contact with her cell phone

What lessons can we apply to this for our own self-protection? My thoughts:

1. The intruders gained entry without interruption or deterrent. A large dog barking, or an alarm system may have prevented entry by scaring off the intruders.
2. The machete wasn't enough - I'd bet that many, if not most, home invaders are armed. Do you think they just carry clubs or knives? The intruders had the benefit of numbers and weapons, plus at least one or two had been in the home before. Taylor may (a slim chance) have been able to fight off more than one attacker, but they were armed, and the stakes just went up. You may not know (until it's too late) that a home invader is armed. Assume they are.
3. You do need to identify your target, but don't hesitate. If you know where your family is (behind you), and that no one else should be in the home, take appropriate action with no delay.
4. There should be no such thing as a "warning shot." If you shoot, and the subject is armed, you may die. Shoot to kill, no wound.
5. Have a backup plan. What if you gun doesn't fire? Have another. Keep a weapon close at hand, loaded, and unlocked.
6. Train your family members as to how to handle many situations, including fires, first aid, and home invasion. If possible, create a "safe room," and escape route, plus a meeting point.
7. The cell phone being available could be a life-saver. Your phone lines may be cut, or if you use cordless phones, your power may be out. Keep a backup!

Some good tips (from Crime Doctor's Home Invasion page):

Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices

Lock all doors, windows, and garages at all times

Use four three-inch screws to secure heavy duty lock strike plates in the door frame

Use the door peephole BEFORE opening the door

Use your porch light to help you to see clearly outside

Never rely on a chain-latch as a barrier to partially open the door

Never open the door to strangers or solicitors

Call the police if the stranger acts suspicious

Alert your neighbors to suspicious solicitors

Hold a family meeting to discuss home security plans

Set the home perimeter alarm at night, if you have one

Home invasion resources:

The COCA thread
Crime Information
SelfDefenseResource.com
Defend University
Crime Doctor
Charlotte Self Defense

 

Technorati Tags: Crime prevention,self-defense,weapons,gun,home invasion

Inviting Marks Chat to guest blog

Rick and I agreed to try to invite a guest-blogger every month to TDA Training. Markos of Marks Chat has been selected for a number of reasons:

1. Useful information: Articles on training technique, fighting technique, and self-defense
2. Well-written posts: Many blogs and articles are written in a manner that prevents the average reader from understanding the point or details. Marks Chat is easy to read, and detailed enough without jargon.
3. Frequent posts: Marks Chat has been posting almost every day for a while, and always has something informative or interesting.
4. He's a Convocation of Combat Arts member, and a valuable contributor to discussions there.

Markos should be posting sometime this weekend at TDA, but meanwhile, check out some of my favorite recent posts there:

On Striking and Breathing, "Some say that when striking, you should force all your breath out fully on impact, which will create extra strength in your stomach muscles allowing for a more powerful and accurate strike. Although this creates a strong strike, if you force all your breath out on impact, surly if you are doing combination striking, after 2 maybe 3 strikes, you shall be out of breath and shall have to breathe again while striking, and this is extremely difficult. But then there is the argument that if you breathe in and exhale on impact, fast..."

Fighting Against the Cage on the lesson that MMA can teach us, and how to drill for fighting when your movement is obstructed. "... practice ground fighting and stand up fighting being in this awkward position. When sparring, before you begin, start in an awkward position (against the wall on your back, and maybe with your opponent in the mount, or clinched standing, with your opponent having a double under hook grip.) Keep the sparring contact light at first and with relevant experience add the amount of force in the strikes gradually over time."

A Great Takedown for all Martial Artists "When people see throws and takedowns, the majority of them tend to be double leg pickups, hip throws of some sort, wrestler type suplexes or reaping techniques (O soto gari etc) One of the most underused takedowns which is very quick and requires little energy is the back of the knee press."

There are many more. Check his site out here!

 

Technorati Tags: Karate,striking,breathing,MMA,takedown,martial arts,wrestling,judo

Fight Science Coming to National Geographic Channel

The National Geographic Channel has a new martial arts related series that premiers Sunday.

Keeping the same name as a previous National Geographic special, this series explores common techniques and tactics used by martial and combat arts experts by using scientific method to record and analyze their techniques.

The show claims to show why the techniques and strategies are so effective, and also demonstrate exactly how they work.

Two episodes will premier Sunday, with Mixed Martial Arts at 8pm et/pt
and Special Ops at 9pm et/pt

The Mixed Martial Arts episode will include techniques presented from legendary fighters such as the former UFC Heavyweight & Lt Heavyweight Champion, Randy 'The Natural' Couture; The undefeated former Heavyweight Champion - El Guapo - Bas Rutten; former Lt. Heavyweight Champion, Tito Ortiz; and King of the Cage, MMA Middleweight Champ, Dean Lister.




The Special Ops Episode will include tactics demonstrated by the former US Navy Seal, Stew Smith, as well as former Israeli IDF Commando, Amir Perets.

Much like the Human Weapon series, this show promises to very interesting and should inspire some really good posts on the Convocation of Combat Arts Forum.

Check it out.

Respectfully,

Rick

 

Technorati Tags: Fight Science,National Geographic,IDF,special ops,combatives,MMA

Peace Warriors

I'm pleased to see that many of my favorite bloggers have dedicated their sites this day to a warrior for peace - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929—1968). I decided to do the same after my kids, my daughter especially, kept talking about how special this day is to them. I don't know that my eight year-old really understands who MLK was, so we discussed it over breakfast, and I explained to her, briefly, why I think he is great, and worthy of a day in his name.

Our country was founded on principles of liberty based upon one thing: the belief that God alone determines human value, and He, Himself, said that man was created in His image.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27, NIV

At the time of our nation's founding, their was a extreme injustice that was prevalent throughout the world: slavery. Slavery has been present throughout human history, and no peoples have escaped being subject to it, nor have many been innocent of partaking in the process of the enslavement of others. In the founding of America, though, something truly profound occurred: the basis of our existence was justified by appealing to the justice and wisdom of no man, but the Almighty, himself!

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [emphasis ours] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - American Declaration of Independence

In other words, ALL men are equal. Not based upon the whims of men or kings, but are given that station by their Creator Himself. And, included in those "unalienable rights" is liberty itself, or freedom from captivity, restraint, or confinement.

It took nearly a hundred years, and several hundred thousands of lives to secure the emancipation of the slaves in our country, but it took the sacrifice of Dr. King, and many others who toiled, suffered, and died for that freedom in word to become freedom indeed.

May we all give thanks for Dr. King, the moral movement he led, and for those who are fulfilling his dream that, "... one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today."

Let FREEDOM ring!

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof - Lev. XXV, v. x. By order of the Assembly of the Province of Pensylvania [sic] for the State House in Philada."
- Liberty Bell Inscription

THE MMA WEEKLY WRAP UP FOR 1-21-08

Hello and welcome again to this weeks installment of MMA Weekly Wrap Up! This is where we deliver all the latest news and happenings in the Blogosphere of Mixed Martial Arts. We’ll keep you up to date and in the know of all the major Combat Sport stories… and a lot of the not-so-major ones as well.


UFC 80 RESULTS

UFC 80 took place on Saturday in Newcastle, England, with a couple of really good matches. The Main Event was won by B.J. Penn which was no surprise to anybody, but me. (Last week, I predicted Joe Stevenson would pull out a win.)

Although Stevenson put up a good fight, he was simply out performed and out maneuvered by the quick and very strong Penn. The first round was dominated by Penn who took Stevenson to the mat and pounded him with punches. Stevenson was able to land some strong shots from below, however Penn split his forehead open with an elbow. Blood poured everywhere making it difficult for Stevenson to see.

The fight continued into the second round where Penn continued to punish Stevenson with punches before taking his back and mounting a rear naked choke to win the UFC LIGHTWEIGHT Belt.

The surprise of the night was the win of Fabricio Werdum over Gabriel Gonzaga.

Gonzaga started the fight off well with several well placed leg kicks against the larger Werdum. Both fighters seemed to be swinging for the fences, trying to land power punches and head kicks. It looked like it might be a short fight.

Sure enough, in the second round, Werdum was able to land a couple knee kicks and take Gonzaga to the ground where he beat him until the fight was called.

As MMAMainia.com points out, this most likely means that the little noticed Werdum will get a title shot at the winner of the Tim Sylvia and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira fight; which will take place February 2nd at UFC 81: “Breaking Point.”

The final results of UFC 80, as reported at CagePotato.com, are:

BJ Penn def. Joe Stevenson via submission (rear-naked choke), 4:02 of round 2

Fabricio Werdum def. Gabriel Gonzaga via TKO (punches), 4:34 of round 2

Marcus Davis def. Jess Liaudin via KO (punch), 1:04 of round 1

Wilson Gouveia def. Jason Lambert via KO (punch), 0:37 of round 2

Jorge Rivera def. Kendall Grove via TKO (punches), 1:20 of round 1

Sam Stout def. Per Eklund via unanimous decision

Alessio Sakara def. James Lee via TKO (punches), 1:30 of round 1

Paul Kelly def. Paul Taylor via unanimous decision

Antoni Hardonk def. Colin Robinson via TKO (punch), 0:17 of round 1



FINANCIAL RECESSION AFFECTS UFC 80

The only thing uglier than Stevenson’s bloody face on Saturday night was the fact that the cost to purchase the event on PayPerView had risen, while (again according to CagePotato.com) the nightly fight bonuses were reduced.

Some of the Forums that I read had many fight fans complaining about the increased price for PayPerView and the fact that there weren’t many big names on the card. A lot of fans claimed that they would go to watch the fights at Hooters instead of spending the extra money. (Some, however, may have just used that as an excuse to go ogle waitresses in hot-pants.)

MMAPayout.com seems to agree with these fans, citing expensive prices, fewer important fights, and diminished star power as reasons why the UFC may begin delivering less bang for the buck.

Even more unsettling is the fact that the UFC has reduced the amount of its fight bonuses by $20,000.

The Awards for Fight of the Night (given to the Paul Kelly and Paul Taylor match), Knockout of the Night (won by Wilson Gouveia), and Submission of the Night (awarded to B.J. Penn), which help to ensure exciting matches, netted each fighter an extra $35,000 (down from $55,000 at UFC 79)

Now let's get this strait; The UFC is making MORE money than ever, while paying its fighters, (the ones we pay to see) LESS money.

Somehow this just doesn’t seem right.


UFC SUES 'THE NATURAL'

Cagepotato.com is also reporting that the parent company for the UFC, Zuffa has filed a lawsuit against one of the UFC’s best known fighters, Randy 'the Natural' Couture. The lawsuit claims that Couture intentionally intended to inflict harm on the UFC and engaged in a breach of contract by engaging in direct or indirect competition with the UFC within a year after leaving the organization.

The UFC is upset that Couture has agreed to sponsor a team for the International Fight League and claims the damages in excess of $10,000.

Couture is set to coach a new IFL team: Xtreme Couture this year.

This all promises to get very messy.


WAY MORE OF Q. JACKSON THAN YOU EVER WANTED TO SEE

Let’s see, price gouging…lower fight bonuses… lawsuits; Are we beginning to see a pattern here?
I gotta quit writing about the UFC Administration before I wretch.

It’s time to switch over to something a little more entertaining.

Now, I know Quinton “The Rampage” Jackson has a reputation of being this mean, angry bad-ass all the time.

Well, that reputation is officially sunk after seeing this next clip! You’ll never look at this guy the same way again. (I nearly died laughing watching him do his MAD TV ’Look what I can do’ impersonation.) Watch it here!
[Warning: profanity]

Very funny stuff. I’m really starting to look forward to the next season of TUF on Spike TV.


NEW LOGOS UNVEILED THIS WEEK

IFL.tv announces that it is unveiling “the new visual identity of its corporate brand.”

As the website describes it; “The new logo is a reflection of the IFL’s exciting style of MMA action as the league enters its second full season of competition. The design incorporates the traditional gloved fist coming towards the viewer from between forward-slanted “IFL” initials in front of a silver oval plate, utilizing the league’s new color scheme of deep red, silver and blah… blah… blah…”

Is this news? Whatever.

If you wanna talk about logo changes, check out the new logo for my personal favorite blog… KICKSBOXES.

Yes, Kicksboxes has finally changed its look - which is meant to represent the fact that it’s author has finally gotten around to changing his logo from a ’Window's Sample Photo’ to something that actually took a little bit of effort.

The point is; who cares. What we really want to see is the IFL bring us some quality fights and finally bring some competition to the UFC. And while we’re at it, it would be nice if the author of kicksboxes got off his duff and added some new content to his blog!

SHAMROCKS TO BATTLE SOMEDAY

In an interview at MMAWeekly.com, Frank Shamrock confirms that he will face his adoptive brother, Ken Shamrock sometime in 2009.

Frank is scheduled to defend his Strikeforce Middleweight Title against the Sanshou Champion Cung Le on March 29th. However, it is the possible fight between the two brothers that is gaining the most attention.

Frank fights as a middleweight, while Ken has spent most of his career fighting in the Heavyweight division. The two will compromise with a Light Heavyweight match.

There have been years of both brotherly love and frigid rivalry between these two great competitors. Frank promises that this fight will be the biggest in MMA history.

Judging by the amount of hype that various rumors of a fight have received, he may be right.

We'll report more as it becomes official.

-That's going to do it for this week. Check in again next Wednesday to find out the latest MMA buzz on the Internet.

Respectfully,

Rick

IMPRESSIVE FEATS OF STRENGTH

Hopping around YouTube.com, I’ve come across a couple of really inspiring workout clips. As I struggle to push myself during my own morning workouts, it’s always good to see what others are able to accomplish.

Some people might allow themselves to be discouraged by watching other people achieve these physical exploits, but I just tell myself that ‘If they can do it; it can be done… And if it can be done; I can do it too.”

The first one is one of my favorites. I’ve just added chin ups & pull ups to my weekly routine, and to be honest, I’m not very good at them yet. But, watching 6 year old Olga go at it always motivates me to keep trying. (P.S. I don’t care if her form isn’t perfect. Kipping is a perfectly acceptable way to generate full body motion during the exercise. She’s getting a better workout by using her core muscles than if she just used her arms. Anyway, she’s SIX; she can do the exercise anyway she damn well wants!)





The next video comes from Ross Enamait at RossTraining.com.

I’ve always found his stuff to be very motivating. Just this year, I’ve begun using an ab wheel to help improve my core muscles. Man, does that thing ever work!

I’ve always felt that I have pretty strong abs and have spent a lot of time training them with a variety of crunches, leg lifts, and isometric holds; but nothing compares to the ab wheel. I can feel a slight soreness in my belly for days after a workout.

However, as usual, Ross takes it to the next level. I always thought that standing roll outs where tough, (I can almost go completely down now), but One Arm Roll outs are totally sick!)

Thanks for the great video and article Ross. You’ve given me yet another goal to strive toward.




I hope others might find these clips as inspirational and motivating as I do. Although I don‘t know who said it first, I‘ve always liked the quote that reminds us; ‘Today we do what others won‘t , so that tomorrow we do what others can’t.’

Respectfully,

Rick

THE GAME OF SELF DEFENSE

Okay, let’s play a quick little game that’s sure to improve your self-defense skills.

It’s really quite easy to play and almost anyone can do it, regardless of their ability or expertise in the martial arts.

First, watch the short clip below. It’s from a video called, “Self Defense Against Attacks From All Directions.” Available at RisingSunProductions.net.

The video clip provides us with 5 European martial artists showing us self defense techniques from a variety of styles, including Penchak Silat, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, and Tae Kwon Do.

The presenters each show us multiple ways of handling the same type of defense situation as it is practiced in their particular discipline. In this clip, we see how the martial artists would handle a two-person attack or an attack with a weapon.



Now, here’s how we play the game;

First, watch the entire clip and pick out one technique that you really don’t like; something that you think wouldn’t work ‘in real-life.’ There’s probably at least one move out of the bunch that doesn’t seem realistic.

Now, ask yourself, “How could I make that technique work?”

What would you do to improve it? Would you move differently? Strike another target? Grapple instead of strike? (Or vice-versa?)

Even though we practice and drill our techniques a certain way in class, there’s always the possibility that during the chaos of a fight, we might find ourselves in an unfamiliar position. By playing this mental game, we allow ourselves to think our way out of a bad situation.

Go ahead and try it!




Now, let’s play the game again, only this time find a move that you really like; something that you think you would actually try to do in a fight. Remember, there’s five diverse styles represented here, so there’s bound to be something appealing to you.

Now, (here’s the fun part) ask yourself, “What would I do to improve that technique?”

Even though you feel it’s a good move, there’s probably still a little room for improvement. What would you tweak?

Would you change the timing? Could you simplify the movement? Is there an opening somewhere that needs to be defended? How could the attacker counter you?….

Be creative and please post your thoughts in the ‘comments’ section below.


Here’s how I’d play:


LEAST FAVORITE TECHNIQUE

One of the moves that I really didn’t like much took place 36 seconds into the clip. In it the guy in red (I don’t know his style - it doesn’t matter) is approached by the side and from behind.

He first hit’s the guy to his side with a strike to the chest (that doesn’t even seem to phase him) then gives the guy behind him a back kick (which luckily drops him), before finishing up by blocking a roundhouse kick and countering with a groin kick.

I don’t think his initial strike was very strong and believe that he would be in big trouble if his back kick fails to drop the man behind him.

If I were in his situation, I would try to attack the man behind me first with a reverse elbow (if close) or a spinning backfist (if further away).

While striking, I would move myself out of range of the other attacker and attempt to place the man behind me between us. I would angle off to his left and continue punishing him with elbows and strikes to the neck and head keeping him between myself and the other attacker. I would finish with a low kick to the leg, sending him down.

Then I would rush the other attacker, sweeping his base leg as he attempted the roundhouse kick and run away before either of them could get up… At least that’s the way it plays out in my mind.


MY FAVORITE MOVE

At 54 seconds into the clip, one guy’s arms are grabbed by two attackers. He groin kicks the opponent on his right, then side kicks the opponent on his left. (Pretty good so far.)

Then he does a really cool punch-release to get out of the right opponent’s hold. With his right hand now free, he traps over the other opponent’s arm and lets loose with a right punch to the neck.

He then kinda arm bars as he moves off of the angle of attack to escape.
A really good technique, I think.

If I had to change anything, I guess it would be the fact that he puts an awful lot of confidence in the groin kick taking out the right attacker. (It might work… but then again, if he misses, that guy will be on him quick!)

I think that rather than attempt the kinda arm bar and moving off angle, he should pull the left opponent over into his buddy. (He could still control the arm while he does this.)

This way, if the right opponent is still able to fight, they both end up tangled together. (Or, if he’s on the ground holding his groin, ‘Lefty’ ends up tripping over him.) Allowing the defender to escape.

Also, I think that I'd change the target of the side kick lower into the leg. A rib shot is okay, but I think that a hard kick to the kneecap has a better chance of dropping the attacker.

What do you think? Are my ideas any good?

What would YOU DO?

Let’s play!


Respectfully,

Rick

Back shortly!

Unfortunately, I've experienced a couple of personal losses - good friends and co-workers from Virginia, and been swamped catching up on work. Posting has been light. We'll be back on track next week. Meanwhile, it's been a pleasure having Rick on board now. I'm loving his MMA Weekly Wrapup posts(new category!).

- Nathan

MMA Weekly Wrap Up for week of 1/14/08

UFC 80 NEWS
The big news this week revolves around UFC 80 which finally happens next Saturday, February 19th in Newcastle, England at 3pm Eastern Timezone. The fights will be tape delayed for Pay-per-view at 10pm ET. You can find some great pre-fight interviews to pump you up for the Penn vs Stevenson and Gonzaga vs. Werdum fights at 80.UFC.com.

MMAMania.com has the entire card and will provide up-to-the-minute fight results starting at 3:00pm.

The fight card is as follows:

Main Event:

• BJ Penn (11-4-1) vs. Joe Stevenson (28-7) for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship

 

Broadcast Fights:

• Gabriel Gonzaga (8-2) vs. Fabricio Werdum (9-3-1) - Heavyweight Division
  
• Marcus Davis (13-3) vs. Jess Liaudin (12-8) - 170 lbs Weightclass
  
• Jason Lambert (23-6) vs. Wilson Gouveia (9-4) - 205 lbs Weightclass
  
• Kendall Grove (8-4) vs. Jorge Rivera (14-6) - 185 lbs Weightclass

Also on the Card (But not set for Broadcast):

• Antoni Hardonk (5-4) vs. Colin Robinson (8-3) - Heavyweight Division
  
• Paul Taylor (8-2-1) vs. Paul Kelly (6-0) - 170 lbs Weightclass
  
• Alessio Sakara (11-6) vs. James Lee (12-2) - 205 Weightclass
  
• Sam Stout (12-3-1) vs. Per Eklund (12-2-1) - 155 lbs Weightclass

So, before you head out to Vegas to but this month's mortgage on a winner, what do the 'experts' predict?

One of my favorite sites, UFC Results, is picking B.J. Penn. I'll agree that B.J. has great flexibility and incredible ground skills. No one can tie up an opponent better than Penn. However, I believe that Stevenson is more focused, in better condition, and more hungry to win this fight; and that counts for something. I'm going to go against the grain and predict an upset... I think Joe Stevenson will walk away with the UFC Lightweight Championship Belt.

However, I do agree with UFC Results in picking Gonzaga to beat Werdum.

Fabricio beat Gonzaga in an earlier fight in Brazil, however I believe that Gabriel Gonzaga now everything it takes to win this Saturday.

Check out UFC Results for more UFC 80 fight predictions.

What's that? You don't agree with my predictions???

Well, okay hotshot, here's a chance to prove just how smart you are...

MMAPlayground.com is a Fantasy Mixed Martial Arts site that allows you to play along either by scoring points from picking fight winners, or going Vegas style and wagering fantasy bets on upcoming fights. It's really a nice MMA website with a forum, videos, rankings, and even a section where you can even create you own Fantasy Fight Camp and compete against others. (I haven't set up an account because the last thing I need is ANOTHER reason to spend even more time on the computer doing martial arts stuff... but then again, knowing me, I'll probably set up an account anyway. And I better hurry; UFC 80 is the first chance to start earning points for the 2008 season!)

'KIMBO' JUST WON'T GO AWAY

Even with the UFC 80 hype going full blast, the one fight that EVERYONE is talking about is Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson vs. Tank Abbott.

Why is it that a Youtube.com Nobody and a MMA Has-Been are getting so much attention. Is it hype? Or is it something in the psyche of fight fans that just attracts them like moths to a flame (or flies to...). Sure, 'Slice' is now training with Bas Rutten, but c'mon, he's still hardly more than an amateur. And Abbott should have hung up the gloves a while ago; he's obviously just shaking this out for another quick payday before a well deserved retirement.

Anyway, Ferguson is set to fight Abbott on February 16th in Maimi, in a contest televised by Showtime.

Here's a YouTube.com interview with Ferguson at his training camp. I'll give him this much; The guy is entertaining.



And the Award Goes Too...

And while we're on the subject of entertainment, Cung Le (a personal favorite) has a movie coming out soon.

As Cagepotato.com reports that Le with star in the movie Blizhniy Boy: The Ultimate Fighter with action movie stand-bys: David Carradine, Bolo Leung, Gary Takawa, and (can you believe it) Gary Busey. This movie promises to be so low budget that it might not even make it to my local theaters, but I'll have to search, 'cause hey it's Cung Le AND Gary Busey.

Check out the trailer;

This movie has everything; fights, drama, fights, suspense, fights, comedy, fights, and, oh yeah, the obligatory naked girl being used as a salad bar... I'm thinking Oscar worthy material here.

Lucky for le, if this acting thing doesn't pan out, he's still got a daytime job. According to FiveOuncesofPain.com, He's scheduled to fight MMA Legend Frank Shamrock on March 29th. Should be good fight. I'm expecting Le to give Shamrock some flying lessons.

 

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY OF MMA

As the saying always goes, "There's good news and there's bad news." The good news is that the UFC is doing great. Cagepotato.com and MMAPayout.com report that the in addition to recently signing an advertising deal with Harley Davidson motorcycles, the UFC is about to break into the big-time by securing a deal with Budweiser beer company. The addition of mainstream advertising dollars is a sure sign that Mixed Martial Arts is a growing and legitimate sport. How long will it be before small time companies like Xyience and Mickey’s Malt Liquor are pushed out of the Octagon?

Maybe this information can be tied to another report by Cagepotato.com which shows the UFC shows made up over half of PayPerView's top 15 events for the year. Although the De La Hoya/Floyd Mayweather fight took first place, the Mayweather/Ricky Hatton fight took second, and Wrestlemania took third; the UFC took positions 4th through 10th and 14th. Those numbers aren't bad numbers at all.

1st. Boxing: Oscar De La Hoya/Floyd Mayweather, May 5: 2,400,000
2nd. Boxing: Mayweather/Ricky Hatton, December 8: 850,000
3rd. WWE: Wrestlemania, April 1: 760,000
4th. UFC: Chuck Liddell/Quinton Jackson, May 26: 675,000
5th. UFC: Tim Sylvia/Randy Couture, March 3: 540,000
6th. UFC: Couture/Gabriel Gonzaga, August 24: 520,000
7th. UFC: Liddell/Keith Jardine, September 22: 475,000
8th. UFC: Tito Ortiz/Rashad Evans, July 7: 425,000
9th. UFC: Anderson Silva/Travis Lutter, Feb. 2: 400,000
10th. UFC: Georges St. Pierre/Matt Serra, April 7: 400,000
11th. Boxing: Manny Pacquiao/Marco Antonio Barrera, October 6: 350,000
12th. WWE: Summerslam, August 26: 344,000
13th. Boxing: Miguel Cotto/Shane Mosley, November 10: 340,000
14th. UFC: Anderson Silva/Rich Franklin, October 20: 325,000
15th. WWE: Royal Rumble, January. 28: 314,000

However, not everything is going as well in the world of Combat Sport. The World Cagefighting Organization's Saturday night fight was canceled after the California State Athletic Commission learned that not enough money had been secured to pay the fighters. According to Sherdog.com, the event which was to feature Mark Kerr and K1 Champ Rick Roufus (Is he MMA now?), was stopped when the promoter of record, Rick Bassman, learned of weak ticket sales and feared that there might not be enough money to pay all 18 fighters on the card. The State Athletic Commission was informed and the event was shut down.

This is a serious blow to everything MMA that isn't UFC. While the UFC continues to make money hand-over-fist, it's competitors are still struggling simply to exist. While it's great to know the UFC is earning respect for Sport Combat, it's also important that the other organizations do well to ensure competition. This creates motivation for all of the fight organizations to provide better events, to compensate fighters fairly, and to make improvements to the way they present themselves to the public.

It's sad to see an organization like the WCO make such a ridiculous mistake.

WEEKLY WRAP UP'S POLITICAL CORNER

What? You didn't think you could escape political news just by coming here did you? Hey, it's Primary Season and EVERYTHING is politics now.

CagePotato.com is reporting that in a thread left on a MMA forum, that Presidential Hopeful, Barrack Obama states, “although he disagrees with steroid use in any sport, he really enjoys and supports MMA” (This was reported on the Internet - So you know it has to be true!)

It should be noted that this post may be somewhat biased as is written in the Senator's hometown of Chicago, Illinois (The Land of Oprah... err. Lincoln).

But compared to Arizona Senator, John McCain, who called the sport "human cockfighting" and wrote letters to condemn it, it's refreshing to know that a politician can see beyond the media hype and support this type competition.

It should be noted that according to National Public Radio, McCain has softened his rhetoric against MMA, now saying; "They have cleaned up the sport to the point, at least in my view, where it is not human cockfighting any more. I think they've made significant progress. They haven't made me a fan, but they have made progress."

Gee Senator, nice of you to jump on the bandwagon now that MMA popularity is at an all time high and you happen to be running for office.

As a Vietnam Veteran and former POW, you have my whole-hearted respect and gratitude; just not my vote.

NEWSFLASH: TUF COACHES NOT EXACTLY 'BRAIN SURGEONS'

This may come as a surprise to some of our readers, but according to this season's The Ultimate Fighter coach, Quinton Jackson; his opposing coach, Forrest Griffin, "ain't that bright." Jackson is however quick to point out that he "ain't much smarter."

Let's face it folks, BOTH of these guys are a couple of fruit loops short of a box, and that's what will probably make this the most entertaining season of TUF yet! After all of the mind games and strategy of Serra vs Hughes, it'll be nice to watch these guys resort to good, old fashioned 'trash talk' and fists.

AND FINALLY, FORMER PRO WRESTLER TURNED 'REAL' FIGHTER BROCK LESNER MAKES COVER OF MUSCLE & FITNESS MAGAZINE

The former WWE Superstar turned K-1 Fighter and now training for the UFC, Brock Lesner, graces the cover of this month's Muscle and Fitness magazine.

Now, personally, I'm no fan of Professional Wrestling, and I hate to see Brock get all the glory when it seems there are a lot of other guys more deserving in the sport. Also, Brock has had difficulties with the law over possession of steroids (or hormones, or something), so I don't think he's the best role model for physical fitness.

But, like him or not - steroids or not, you've got to admire his workout routine. Even if he was on the juice, it's pretty damn impressive.



Well, that wraps up Wrap Up for this week.

See you again soon,

Respectfully,

Rick

The 'Hammerfist' from a Traditional Viewpoint

Hi again.

A couple of days ago, Nathan posted a great article on one of my favorite techniques: the Hammerfist.

I really liked the post and agree with Nathan that (for causing damage) the Hammerfist is a much better option than the standard Backfist. However, I was a little surprised to read that one of the old school, bare knuckle contemporaries, Lord Headley, felt that the Hammer fist “was a poor hit and never could do much real damage.”

Just the opposite, I’ve always liked the Hammerfist because I’ve found that I can generate A LOT of power with it.

Looking carefully at the pictures that Nathan provided, I think I may have found a reason why some people feel the Hammerfist is a weak movement.

In the pictures, both of the combatants are fairly far apart. The defender is forced to almost completely extend his arm in order to strike with a Hammerfist.

When I use this technique, I stick much closer to my opponent (with a 90 degree bend in my elbow.)

In order to better to describe what I’m talking about here, I’ve made a short video to demonstrate why and how I use this technique. It’s much easier to show the movements on video than it is to explain them in written words. I hope you like it.



In addition to the power generated by the Hammerfist movement, there are also several Pressure Points that work very well with this type of technique.

Be careful practicing these points as they can cause serious injury to your training partner if you strike too hard. Also be certain that you are legally justified in using them if you have to defend yourself. (Remember that Force is always used as a last resort. Try to talk, walk away or call for help before you attempt to do anything that might injure another person.)

Pressure points can be dangerous, so please use caution when training.

• The first point is Stomach-5, located in the notch at the center of either side of the lower jawbone. An upward strike at this point can usually cause unconsciousness.

• A little lower, in the neck, is Stomach-9. Located on either side of the Adam’s Apple, this point should be struck inward at a 45 degree angle for a knock out.

• The next target is Triple Warmer-23, located in the Temple on either side of the head, just above the outside edge of the eyebrows. Strike this point with a slight downward motion.
  WARNING - THIS POINT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NEVER ACTUALLY BE STRUCK DURING PRACTICE.

• At the rear edge of the jaw is Triple Warmer-17. Located behind the jaw, just below the earlobe, this point is struck in a forward direction.
  It’s not possible to strike this point if your opponent is facing you. However, it may be hit if your opponent’s head is turned.

• The last pressure point is an extraordinary point that goes by the Chinese name ‘Be-tong.’ Located in the center of either side of the nose, this point may be struck horizontally to cause a break.
  

Remember, the Hammerfist can be a very powerful strike. When you add the benefit of pressure point targets, you begin to develop a very dangerous technique.


I hope that you’ve found this post helpful. Please remember to train carefully.


Best Wishes,


Respectfully,


Rick


[Nathan] Several points:

• Rick's post is exactly the way that we envisioned this partnership working. One of us may post, then the other may either comment within the body of the post, like this, or respond with a counterpoint or a post to build upon the points made, as this one does so well.
• Rick Fryer brings a different viewpoint to the TDA Training group. Our focus here has always been on what is most effective, not necessarily what's traditionally a part of any particular style. Rick brings the Kyusho Jitsu perspective, while sharing the TKD and full-contact experience that I have. My combatives, arnis, and Muay Thai experience, along with his Karate and Tai Chi make the TDA perspective more diverse while preserving the original goal: sharing what works.
• With the above points in mind, I consider myself a pressure point skeptic. I've been around long enough in martial arts (30+ years, how many over that is none of your business! :-)), and in mostly "traditional" styles and schools to have exposure to them, but been in enough fights and around enough LEO-types (and taught enough) to have some skepticism from that experience. What Rick's teaching you here, though, isn't a reliance on the pressure point, but on targeted striking of "vital points." That distinction is important.
• Last, my post, The Practical Backfist, was meant only as a response to the utility (or not) of the backfist, and not an analysis of the hammerfist in general - this post is! You should know that the hammerfist can take the place of almost every situation where you may use the knifehand strike. It's extremely hard-hitting, and easy to train and teach (most people like to use their fists as opposed to empty-hand anyway), plus it reduces the chance of injury to the hand and fingers. Almost every closed-fist "block" in Karate and TKD forms are also usable or interpreted as hammerfist strikes. They work well, and should be a part of every fighter's arsenal.

Technorati Tags: Hammerfist,striking,punching,karate,sparring,knifehand,Tae kwon do,kata

Pittsburghese on TDA?

I don't live in Pittsburgh, but I live close enough that I hear the dialect. For years, I've (lovingly) teased my wife when she said things like, "warsh," "pow (pile)," "pop (soda)," "acrost (across)"and so many other things that just come out. Well, I live in the area now, and I'm supposed to do as these Romans do here, so I've decided to convert the TDA Training site to... Pittsburghese! Did you know there was such a thing? No? Take a look!

...if you cannot understand the following exchange between Pittsburghers Don and Howard, you may want to learn a new language!

Howard: Hey Dawn,jeet jet?

Don: What?

Howard: I axst, jeet jet?

Don: Na, j’ew? Hauscome don’t we go dahn dahntahn fer a cut of Vinnie Pie.

Don't understand it? That's OK, I don't either - YET! To assist our readers in learning this dialect - check that - other language, I've decided to use this handy translator to convert one of your favorite posts into Pittsburghese.

From the original Making the Transition from Boxing to MMA Gloves:

Boxing gloves (esp. 16-ounce training gloves) tend to allow you to (unrealistically) hit harder to well-protected areas than you could realistically do without them, for example, a punch to the forehead is no problem, nor a jab to an elbow. In reality, both of those targets with a clenched fist would incapacitate the puncher, not the punchee. MMA gloves provide minimal protection for the hand, and don't really increase the likelihood of damage to the recipient, so they teach you to punch to better (softer) targets, or else!

Amazing, isn't it? Easy to read, understand, and learn from. Brilliant! Now, let's try the same text in the Pittsburghese!

Boxing gloves (esp. 16-unce training gloves) tend to allsow yinz to (unrealistically) hit harder to woll -protected areas than yinz could realistically do witout them, fer example, a punch to da ferehead is no problem, nor a jab to an elbow. In reality, both of dose targets wit a clenched fist would incapacitate da puncher, not da punchee. MMA gloves provide minimal protection fer da han, and don't rilly increase da likelihood of damage to da recipient, so they teach yinz to punch to better (softer) targets, or else!

Hard to understand? Did yinz get it? Well, I hope yinz alls have a great day and keep training!

For more Pittsburghese:

http://www.pittsburghese.com/
http://www.sesraw.com/Birdra/pitt.htm
http://www.carnegielibrary.org/subject/pgh/pittsburghese.html
http://pittsburgh.about.com/library/weekly/aa071200a.htm
http://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/pittsburghese/

Pic of the Day: Break, Darn You!

Sometimes wishing isn't enough...

UPDATE: Pat Parker has requested I humiliate myself further and explain my failure publicly:

Being the confident (read arrogant here) martial artiste that I am, after being asked to do a breaking demonstration a few days prior to the event (my son's Boy Scouts dinner), I confidently (read stupidly here) obtained my breaking materials the day prior to said event. As most experienced breakers understand (read... ah never mind!), you always make sure you have your materials checked for issues like knots in the wood, thickness, MOISTURE!, and minor things like that. While at Home Depot, while I was grabbing the slabs, I noticed some cool looking red ones off to the side, and said, "Hey honey, I think I'll break those. They look cool!" I failed to consider the considerable moisture in them, nor the fact that it turns out that they are much denser than the regular wimpy gray slabs that I usually hit (at least when I did that kind of stuff over 10 years before, but I digress...).

Hmmm. Turns out that they're muuuuch harder when wet, and don't like to cooperate.

New Feature: MMA Weekly Wrap-up!

Welcome to a new feature here at TDA Training. Every week, I'll be bringing you the 'Best of the Web' in the World of Combat Sports.

We'll check out the the big news, stories, rumors, and excitement from the UFC, IFL, WEC, Bodog Fight, or anywhere else even remotely related.

We'll be reviewing the best MMA and Combat Sport sites on the web and add our own viewpoints into the mix. But don't just settle with our opinions; Be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think as well.

Now enough of the intro... In the works of 'Big' John McCarthy, "Let's get IT on!"

MATT SERRA VS. ?

Well, all of the talk this week is from the fallout of the UFC 79 fight held in Las Vegas, December 29th, where Chuck Liddel and Wanderlei Silva put on one of the best fights of the year. Liddel came up with a tough, but much needed win.

However, the most of the buzz is about someone who didn't fight at all that night; Matt Serra. (Serra was to fight former champ, Matt Hughes, that night, but was forced to sit it out due to a severe back injury. Instead, he ended up watching the fight at Madison Square Garden.)

The winning of the interim UFC Welterweight title, instead went to Georges St-Pierre with a second round, arm bar submission over Hughes. It was a great victory for St-Pierre, who earlier this year had suffered a knock-out loss to Serra. Although the Canadian, St-Pierre has won the admiration of many fans here in the US, there's still a bitter, unsatisfied taste in the victory.

The last season of Spike TV's Ultimate Fighter featured Serra and Hughes as coaches. Both engaged in taunting and baiting one another throughout the show. The UFC 79 was to feature a 'grudge match' between the two fighters. A Serra/Hughes match was anticipated by all.

Yet an earlier loss... a knockout loss, to Serra also left George St-Pierre badly wanting a rematch as well.

It seems everyone now wants a piece of Serra. But has his back injury healed? (A herniated disk is an awful injury for a grappler - If you can't move your core/your back, you can't fight.) And what about his training? CagePotato.com reports that Serra may be terribly out of shape following the injury and possibly weighs over 200lbs.

So, will who will Serra fight, if anyone? Well , CagePotato.com reports that Serra has agreed to fight George St-Pierre in April in Pierre's homeland of Canada. (I guess the Belt's more important than the grudge.)

This could be a really tough match for Serra. St-Pierre is now at the top of his game, fighting in his own back yard, fresh off of a big win against Hughes, and anxious to hold on to his Welterweight Title. Good luck Serra. Train hard, take care of that back, and stay healthy... we all still want to see a Hughes match-up sometime soon!

UFC TOP TENS

True to the Year End Wrap-ups of everybody else, UFC.com has announced its TEN BEST LISTS of 2007 including the 10 Best Fighters of the Year, 10 Best Knockouts, 10 Bests Submissions, and 10 Best Upsets.

The Top Ten Fighters (as UFC.com ranks them):

10. Kenny Florian & Marcus Davis (a tie)

9. Matt Serra

8. Roger Huerta

7. Jon Fitch

6. Forrest Griffin (One of the next Coaches for Spike TV's Ultimate Fighter)

5. Georges St-Pierre

4. Frankie Edgar

3. Randy Couture (I'd personally have made him #1, but he's had a bit of a falling out with the UFC lately)

2. Anderson Silva

And #1... Quinton Jackson - A fighter who's certainly earned all the respect he's now receiving and who will also be coaching the next season of Ultimate Fighter.

In addition to the UFC's rankings, I'd like to make a few Honorable Mentions myself.

First, Toughest Vegetarian of the Year goes to The Ultimate Fighter Winner, Mac Danzig.

MMAFighting.com tells us that Mac has teamed up with PETA. (The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to bring awareness of the vegetarian lifestyle.

Danzig, who is a vegan, (No meat, dairy, or poultry products.) has chosen to use his newfound fame to champion the the fight for animal rights and is doing his part to show that vegetarians are not all a bunch of tofu-snacking weaklings.

I try not to push my own personal or political beliefs in the posts that I write, but as a vegetarian myself, I have enormous respect for what Mac is doing.

Which brings me to my next mention... Sexiest Vegetarian. I again agree with PETA that Carrie Underwood is definitely this years sexiest vegetarian.

Okay, I admit that this has nothing to do with martial arts...I just wanted to post a picture of Carrie while my wife was out of the room! Can you blame me?

See, vegetarians aren't all sickly, hippy-types either... some of them are really HOT!

(You can find more pictures like this one at her official Website CarrieUnderwoodOfficial.com)

Finally, and back to being serious, I'd like to give the Coolest MMA Fighter of the Year award to Anderson Silva, who has donated the entire proceeds from a recent auction of his gloves and trunks used at UFC 77 (selling at over $10,000) to the Ronald McDonald House Charity. As UFC.com reports, even with the fame, Anderson Silva remembers 'where he came from; His first job was working at a McDonalds.

Definitely a classy move Silva.

(However, still no report on exactly why someone would spend $10,000 on pair of used MMA fighter shorts.)

"KIMBO SLICE" FERGUSON TO FIGHT "TANK" ABBOTT

Sherdog.com reports that Kevin Ferguson (aka 'Kimbo Slice from his backyard brawl videos on YouTube.com) will fight David "Tank" Abbott, a man also known for his streetfighting past, on February 16th in Miami, FL.

As I've already written about my feelings about video taping fights and posting them at TDA Training's Sister Site, kicksboxes; I don't even know if I should be mentioning this match. I don't want young fighters to get the wrong idea and try to follow in Ferguson's footsteps.

But, as DojoRat has pointed out, Ferguson has made a lot of changes lately, (Training hard, working with Bas Rutten, etc.) so I hope he makes good on his turn around.

Still, let me give you this prediction: I'm almost certain Ferguson will win this fight and he's already starting to make some serious money...

But, it's only a matter of time before some of the people he beat up in those YouTube.com fights come crawling back with lawyers looking for a payday. And they'll get it too. After all, the evidence is plain as day on the Internet.

"Kimbo" your past will return to haunt you.

MMA ON PRIMETIME

This last week also showed Tito Ortiz in Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice. (Didn't this show 'jump the shark' about 2 seasons ago?")

Tito managed to survive the first show without being "fired," but UFC ring-girl and former Playboy Playmate/ 2001 Miss Georgia, Tiffany Fallon was not so lucky.

Also on NBC, Woman's MMA Gina Carano, a female MMA fighter with a record of 5-0-0 with 3 wins by K.O./Submission, made her debut on NBC's American Gladiators under the silly Gladiator name "Crush."

For anyone not familiar with her, here's a quick interview with Gina before a match on Showtime.

Now, I can kinda understand why Gina Carano would make the move to a cheesy television show; Female fighters simply don't get enough respect or money for what they do.

Besides, she's beautiful, with the right exposure, she could end up on a real show, or in the movies, or something.

But, what would make Tito Ortiz sign up for one of these Game/Reality/Freak shows? Ortiz, like him or not, he is a serious athlete, a champion, and a legend in Mixed Martial Arts competition. Certainly he could do better.

Perhaps his new girlfiend, 'crossover' porn star - Jenna Jameson, has been directing his career moves.

THE SILENT ASSASIN RETURNS IN UFC 82

MMAMania.com reports that the welterweight finalist from Season Two of The Ultimate Fighter, Luke Cummo (6-4) will take on Luigi Fioravanti (11-3) at UFC 82 to be held at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

As a big fan of Cummo and his unorthodox style of fighting, I can't wait to see him fight again. Although Cummo is on a two fight winning streak and Fioravanti has suffered losses in his last two fights, this still promises to be a good match, with both fighters hungry for recognition and respect. (You can find out more about Cummo at LukeCummo.com, and even join his forum where he talks about his preparation for the upcoming fight... along with a whole lot of other weird topics.)

Oh yeah, also on the card for UFC 82 is Anderson Silva vs. the former Pride champion, Dan Henderson in the 185lbs division. Henderson willl certainly have his work cut out for him in the Octagon.

Until next time,

Respectfully,

Rick