Jean Franette is one of the pioneers of the forms division in the sport karate world! Although the techniques are not as advance as for the tricks today, but there is no doubt these guys had the greatest techniques. The beauty of his Kara is how he synchronized the choreography along with the music. Very dynamic and precise. Homage!
“Iron Will”
Not too long ago, I attended a regional martial arts tournament in Louisville held by Master Fred Dillon and family. Considering the fact he’s a martial artist I truly respect, it was no reason to not attend. As expected, the tournament had a great turn out. People from different martial arts circuits came out to support The Dillon family a great event.
Going to a tournament is always like a kid at the candy store. Besides waiting for black belt men to start fighting, there is never a dull moment. Countless faces you have not seen in years; there are of course rivalries, but those are easily unacknowledged. The most amazing feeling was seeing majority of the people who inspired me all under one roof! These guys, Anthony, Juan, Goo, Romeo, Master Sumler from cincinnati, and several others made it worthwhile. The feeling was a incredibly unfathomable release of excitement. I rarely get the chance to fellowship with my martial arts brothers as often. It was like being an adolescent again. Besides my burning desire to become a great martial artist, these guys were my inspiration!
The only problem I have at karate tournaments is the inability to compete. It has been over 6 months since I have competed or sparred with someone else. Its like telling a basketball player he can’t play basketball or a dancer not dancing. Its not going to happen. Not training was not going to be my excuse to not fight (strongly don’t recommend it). I am a fighter at heart!
I fought in the 18-34 heavyweight division. I won my first fight (pictured above). Then I had to fight for 1st and 2nd place. whoever win the fight, they will fight for Overall grand champion. Fighting against one of my rivals for the heavyweight division was pressure. I had him by skill, but the lack of timing/endurance can turn the tables quick! A battle which got the crowd excited while shady judging. The score was a close match, 6 – 4. Honestly, I was not happy getting 2nd place, but there was something more valuable gain then the placing. For not having a trainer while putting on a great show was good enough. Regaining my competitive edge back has motivated me to train harder! Overall, Master Dillon’s tournament was a great event.
There has always word from other people who believe martial arts tricks can not be used inside or outside the ring. This video is a prime example that defies the statement. It’s how you do it when it’s all said and done. It ain’t tricking if you got it.
Sometimes I get sick and tired of “traditionalist” and MMA fight claim sport martial arts being useless. When it comes to intensity and entertaining, there is no era better than the 80′s and early 90′s era. Take this fight for instance, you have one of chi-town’s great fighters, Harold “Scorpion” Burrage against Raymond McCallum. This was an interesting match up considering the reputation Scorpion has in the sport martial arts world. Both of these fighters put on a show!! This is one of the best examples what the game is missing today!
I have concentrated so much attention of the black individuals in the fashion world, I neglected some of the people who made contribution in the martial arts world. One person I am extremely proud to pay a tribute towards Steve “Nasty” Anderson. He is arguably the greatest fighter in sport karate of all time!
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Steve Anderson was the jack of all trades. He could kick and move like a lightweight and punch hard like the heavyweight he was. The amazing about him is the desire to win. Losing was nowhere near his vocabulary. If had to do some trash talking in the process, best believe he is gonna do it!
Fighting in the heavyweight against some big names in sport karate such as Anthony Price, Richard Plowden, Terry Creamer, etc. was a difficult task all of its own! Back in the 1980s, you are talking about having over 30 men in the same division fighting in at 2 rings (whereas today you are lucky to have 12 – 13 people in the division)! He has won title after title and even had a televised fight against Boston TKD’s Billy Blanks.
He truly possess the attitude every fighter should. Steve Anderson is certainly the Muhammad Ali of sport Karate.
This movie was made for quite some time now, but its great to actually see people compete and play in movies with your favorite martial arts stars. Jake Strickland was a national sport karate champion several years back. Its quite interesting both him and Taylor Lautner use the Bo staff.
Here is a scene of the young Jake Strickland displaying his flashy Bo techniques in Jackie Chan’s House of Fury.
Here is Jake
Despite the fact this fight is several months old, Its probably one of the most exciting ones of the year! Raymond Daniels (yeah the guy who looks like Drake, JK) of Team All stars bouts it out again Jason Grenier of Team Full Circle in the team sparring division at the New England Open 2011. Both of these fighters are not known on the national circuit for great basics and quck counters!
The fight was intense which left a surprise result of Grenier winning the match 4-2. The footage is from sport martial arts
For those people out there who believe sport martial arts never got down (especially the female fighters), feast your eyes on this. The woman you see in this video
Master Linda Denley is a 6th Dan Korean Style martial artist (Tang soo do) is unarguably the best woman fighter of all time! Hailing from Houston, Texas with the nickname, “The Texas Terror”, was given based on her heavy hitting strikes. This ruthless attitude not only made number one from 1973 to 1996, but being undefeated for 9 years (7 years without a getting a point on) is the tip of the Iceberg not counting the endless national and international championships.
Her accomplishments decided for her to own a successful number of martial arts schools which she teach her students to not only excess in martial arts, but use it as a template towards everyday life.
Her athleticism also landed her in working world renown martial artist Chuck Norris (Sidekicks) and Jackie Chan (Armour of God).They say it ain’t nothing like old school and I must say they don’t many women fighters like her today #knownfact
I will say this, I don’t try to trick or say I am great tricker, but I do support the movement. Most importantly, support the people who has paved the way for other martial artist to exhibit their martial arts techniques. This era tends to focus less on the kicking, which the result look like hardcore tumbling or cheerleading (that was a joke)..
Old me old skool because if it doesn’t have a kick in it, I could care less. Anywho , I discover this video someone made throughout the years of tricking.
There is nothing like Old skool martial arts fights! One thing I can say is guys in this era you are watching really brought their A game and truly hit!! Some east coast fighting legends executing dynamic kicks and strikes. gotta love the old skool #homage
One of my favorite martial artist, David Douglas. Excellent basics and techniques. I can truly say most people who kicked back in the day focused on their basic kicks, which actually show! Oh did I mention he’s one of the great members from West Coast Action Team (WCAT)
I really can’t express my love for old skool competitions. Personally, I feel like the skill and attitudes were so organic opposed to providing an ostentatious commercial feel it has today. These two guys are among some of the best fighters (still are)! Anthony “Mafia” Holloway vs. Jerry “fast feet” fontanez, founder of Reksuits, duke it out! Both fighters have their own sense of style followed allowed with strong basics. These east coast fighters always made a statement. Check out the ref in the middle killing it with that 80s swag!
