Clash Sparring


It have been officially reported there will be a new fighting division held at the 2012 US Open in Orlando, Fl. The new division is called “clash sparring”. Apparently, Clash Sparring is no different from regular Point Sparring as practiced in most schools and tournaments.  The scoring and equipment are used the same. The only catch is the point system is strictly enforced. Fighters must effective offense and defense to as in ordered to be rewarded.

Now my first thought about this new division is shouldn’t this been required in the fighting division from the beginning? Often times, I have noticed there are some martial arts who are only good as fighters, but can’t defend themselves in a real altercation (vice versa). Too many times competitors have scored on the account of poor techniques (i.e. backfist to the body or bent leg sidekick which lacked power) being rewarded a points. There is no premium placed on “who scores first” but rather, “who scores most”.

Boxing hook punches and upper cuts are prohibited. One good thing is competitors can score with both offensive and defensive counter techniques and combinations, rather than just being “first”. In Clash Sparring a good defensive fighter has the same advantages as someone who is firing off the line. Clash Sparring also eliminates this game of “tag” people happened to label it.

Hearing about this division gotten me a raised eyebrow. US Open has always been acknowledged mainly because of their showcase of emphasis on Weapons and Forms competition on Espn 2. Ironically, martial arts is the art of defense while the sport does not fully appreciate the fighters. Despite the fact there a competitors come from dozens of countries, the fighting division has been the backburner of the sport.

Quite frankly, this has caused fighters to revolt by not supporting the tournament. The only fighters who supports the event are either on sponsored teams, within the regional area and/or trying to be on TV (the most obvious one). Thanks to the power of social media websites, there have been apprehensive feeling for the fighters. What is going to happen to the so-called “superfights” which the enrollment declined within the past few years. Perhaps having a new division such as the “clash sparring” would leave a bandage over the wound. I wonder what do some of the fighters think?

Sibling Rivalry


Took a trip down nostalgia lane as I reflect the moments in Magic Hands with my little brother, Julius. Julius was my younger brother who took up martial arts the same time as me. Sometimes his wisdom was entirely too ahead of his time, I would question whose actually the bigger brother lol. He had some of the best kicks I have ever seen in my life!

Like every sibling, there is always bickering and arguing. Julius was a great debater. At times, he loved to use his tactics he learned from the debate team against me. I was not fond out debates at all; two huge ego adding fuel to the fire on a potential fight. It was said, its best not to let your enemy see you sweat. The poker face remained on my face. I chose to take my anger elsewhere, the dojo.

Its sad my grudges were used for sparring practice as payback. I loved it once we were able to touch gloves as we bowed before we fought. I was already keep my defense because of his lighting kicks. My anger provoked power to subdue my little brother. Indeed, demonstrating powerful techniques against him worked after all; however, the heat intensified more every time he got back up. I always knew he was upset because he loved to throw late hits.

A so called friendly sparring match led to a sibling rivalry full contact fight. Whenever we have our gloves on, WE WERE NOT BROTHERS!! Simple Kicks and punches led to leg sweeps, stomps, and throws across the room! You would actually think it was a movie how we fought. Matter of fact, this Boondocks video with Huey and RIley fighting was the best description how we fought:

It was always war between the two of us fighting; 2 brothers who were expressing their differences in a unique way. Even though our fights were broken up, we hated each other till class was over with. Pride could not hold grudges forever when you love someone. We could help but to smile and hug it up afterwards. Just from reflecting back, its amazing how much we fought like other brothers, mentally and physically.

One thing I have learned about us fighting is we all have our unique ways of expressing it. We must be able to adapt in any kind of situation no matter what. I truly miss those days!

Dana White’s thoughts if Anderson Silva retires


In MMA news, Its has been reported that UFC president, Dana White, was speaking in regards to Anderson Silva fighting Jon “Bones” Jones and/or Georges St. Pierre (GSP). If this fight was to ever occur for Silva, we talking his final bout in the UFC. White stated:

“He’s probably the greatest fighter in history. He hasn’t lost and has been champion since 2006. I think he has two more title defenses and I do not know what he’ll do next or if he will retire,” he said. “He could end his career with a super fight against Jon Jonesor George St-Pierre. He could end his career like that — fight in a different weight class. I would be happy with that. Then he could take a boat and sail into the sunset.”

Although he doesn’t think Jones’ youth would play a major factor in the fight, “The Baldfather” says Father Time and his effect on fighting skills is one of the leading causes of retirement in the sport, even amongst the sport’s best.

“Age is a shit, man. It’s the only thing you can not cheat. The fighters who become champions never finish their careers at the top. Anderson may have the ability to do this. The problem is that you never know when time will catch up with you. You are the king of the world one day, then you get in there and one day is half a second slower than before,” he explained. “And only you will know right away. Anderson is 36 years old. Jon Jones is 24. Jon Jones was in that war with Rampage. He finished the fight with swollen knees, unable to walk. Then six days later he was fine. That’s how you heal when you’re 24. But the fact is that Anderson did not get beat for a long time.”

Speaking of aging veterans, Dana said that he was disappointed that Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira didn’t finish Frank Mir when he had the chance at UFC 140 since he seemed to have the fight in the bag.

“He was two punches away from winning that fight,” White said shaking his head. “Instead he passed the guard and tried to apply a guillotine on Frank Mir. Nobody understood that. He will regret that decision for the rest of life. It was his fight. It was finished. I do not know how he sleeps after that.

I am an Anderson Silva fan without a doubt! Far as his style of fighting, it is a great advantage for viewers who have never seen him right. In fact, he looks like a regular dude you see in the club. This guy is gonna beat the $%&^ outta ya instead. Anderson aggressive techniques and his manipulation around the ring sure does make him one of the best ever.

Calling him the best, I would disagree on. You still have Fedor Emelianenko, who was practically a dominate beast in the ring as silva. Despite the fact he was a pride fighter, I am more than sure Dana White wouldn’t say that. Wouldn’t that be like the president of Coca-Cola says Pepsi taste better. What do I know right? I am just a martial arts/fashion blogger #kanyeshrug ..

However, he correct about silva. He has been the most dominant fighter in the sport. The only accomplishment he hasn’t faced is fighting in a different weight class. GSP and Jon “Bones” Jones would absolutely be a great bout against silva. All three well rounded fighters. #strikersallday

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The state of karate part 1 by Jadi Tention


Here is one of my favorite martial arts fighters growing up, Jadi Tention. He has won countless sport karate titles in fighting. He also fought with various teams such as John Paul Mitchell, Straight up, and All Stars. The vlog he made is quite TRUE. We are currently in a state which karate is not respected. Some of you should know the reason.  This is only part one. part 2 will be coming soon!