After my last Kung Fu class, I had the pleasure of meeting Sifu Alan, who trained with my master, Pastor McClure. He was kind enough to give me a brilliant bit of advice: try out as many different styles and moves as I can, but only master the ones which I like. This doesn't mean that you should ignore your master if he teaches something that doesn't appeal to you right away. It simply means that, for each common attack scenario, you should have at least 3-4 signature moves which you know so well that you can do them with your eyes closed.
Doing this will prevent you from getting what I call "combat brain freeze", which is what occurs when your mind has too many moves to choose from. Basically, the more options your mind has to select from, the longer you will take to pick one. This could get you killed if you are in a life-and-death situation, especially if you are up against an experienced assailant. To make it easier on yourself, pick a small number of techniques which you find particularly effective and drill them as many times as you possibly can. In my case, Pastor McClure taught me one technique from six different styles: snake, tiger, crane, leopard, mantis, and dragon. My personal favorite is the crane technique, so I drill that one multiple times a day. I've also decided to add the dragon one to my signature move list, so I drilled that many times tonight as well. I'm still going to review the other styles, since I am just a beginner in Kung Fu. However, the crane and dragon styles are the ones which I am probably going to utilize the most.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Use It Before You Teach It!
As I continue to teach Krav Maga and cross-train in Kung Fu, I am coming up with a myriad of moves which seem absolutely brilliant. When this happens, I want to climb the nearest rooftop and proclaim my newfound knowledge to everyone within earshot, and take to Twitter to reach everyone else. I eagerly anticipate all the "oooooos" and "aaaaahhhhs" of my future disciples as they worship my genius.
Fortunately, I have learned to stop before I make a complete fool out of myself.
The fact of the matter is that, just because something is new, creative, and innovative, does not mean that it will actually work. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't try out different things. It just means that you shouldn't promote something until you have thoroughly tested it out. There is one place where you can experiment without getting yourself killed: training! This is where, with the guidance of an instructor, you can figure out whether or not your new technique will save your life. Most likely, you will need to change the setup, target, and timing of the technique to utilize it effectively. However, if you put in the effort and make the necessary adjustments, you may have just developed something that will save your life, as well as the lives of others. Here are some questions to answer before you start showing off your fancy new move:
1) Will it work on someone bigger and stronger than you?
2) Can you do it without putting yourself in harm's way?
3) Is it easy to remember?
4) Is it quick and efficient?
5) Does it accomplish what you need it to accomplish (i.e. disarming someone with a weapon, handling multiple aggressors, escaping from a grappling hold, etc.)?
If you say no to any of the above, then you don't have a useful martial arts technique. You have a "combat disco" move that will look great at a talent show or in a Youtube video, but which has no self-defense value whatsoever. As much fun as it would be to get an award or to go viral, I'm not doing this for a standing ovation or to get a bunch of likes on Facebook. I'm doing it to protect myself and to teach my students how to save their own lives. For that reason, no matter how awesome a move looks in my head, I'm going to test it out in training to make sure that it works. The only way that I will know if it is effective is if I use it before I teach it!
Fortunately, I have learned to stop before I make a complete fool out of myself.
The fact of the matter is that, just because something is new, creative, and innovative, does not mean that it will actually work. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't try out different things. It just means that you shouldn't promote something until you have thoroughly tested it out. There is one place where you can experiment without getting yourself killed: training! This is where, with the guidance of an instructor, you can figure out whether or not your new technique will save your life. Most likely, you will need to change the setup, target, and timing of the technique to utilize it effectively. However, if you put in the effort and make the necessary adjustments, you may have just developed something that will save your life, as well as the lives of others. Here are some questions to answer before you start showing off your fancy new move:
1) Will it work on someone bigger and stronger than you?
2) Can you do it without putting yourself in harm's way?
3) Is it easy to remember?
4) Is it quick and efficient?
5) Does it accomplish what you need it to accomplish (i.e. disarming someone with a weapon, handling multiple aggressors, escaping from a grappling hold, etc.)?
If you say no to any of the above, then you don't have a useful martial arts technique. You have a "combat disco" move that will look great at a talent show or in a Youtube video, but which has no self-defense value whatsoever. As much fun as it would be to get an award or to go viral, I'm not doing this for a standing ovation or to get a bunch of likes on Facebook. I'm doing it to protect myself and to teach my students how to save their own lives. For that reason, no matter how awesome a move looks in my head, I'm going to test it out in training to make sure that it works. The only way that I will know if it is effective is if I use it before I teach it!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Ronda Rousey: The Women's Champ Is HERE!!!
You know that you are an amazing fighter if everyone knows your signature move and they still get caught in it! That being said, Rousey vs. Carmouche wasn't the squash match that I thought it would be. Here are my thoughts on that bout and the rest of UFC 157.
Koscheck vs. Lawler: Lawler pulled an amazing upset in the first match of the card, knocking out Koscheck in the first round with a shot to the side of the head and then taking his back to finish him with more strikes. After this, I believe that Lawler deserves a top five opponent for his next test. Meanwhile, Koscheck being out of the title picture is the least of his worries. I could easily see him getting the axe like Fitch after he was schooled like this.
Neer vs. McGee: This was a pretty decent fight to watch, with McGee getting a clear decision after picking Neer apart with better striking, a rear naked choke, and a couple of takedowns over the course of the bout. Neer did make a comeback in Round 2, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide. By Round 3, McGee was back in control. While I don't see him entering the top ten anytime soon, I believe that he will work hard enough to stay on the roster.
Faber vs. Menjivar: I wish Faber had fought like this in his last title fight! He pulled off an amazing first-round submission, transitioning from a crucifix to a rear naked choke while hoisted in the air! I went completely crazy after I saw that the California Kid still has it! While I don't think that he should get another title shot anytime soon, Faber has proved that he can still prevail over high level competition.
Machida vs. Henderson: I think that this match was better than a lot of people gave it credit for. At any rate, while Henderson did manage a takedown in Round 3, Machida's speed, agility, and superior striking were too much for him and he lost by a split decision. I was also surprised that Machida was able to trip Henderson and do some ground-and-pound in Round 1. He's not really the grappling type, to say the least. While Machida has earned his title shot against Jones, I'm a little disappointed that Hendo didn't win. He probably would have been squashed by Jones, but it would have been nice to see him get a shot nonetheless.
Rousey vs. Carmouche: This was easily the most exciting fight of the PPV! Carmouche was seconds away from making it to Round 2, and against Rousey, that's a serious accomplishment! Not the mention the fact that she managed to pull a Vitor Belfort and nearly upset a heavily favored adversary in the first round! She took Rousey's back and got a rear naked choke, which was very similar to the one that Faber used to submit Menjivar earlier. Unfortunately for Carmouche, Rousey can take pain as well as dish it out, and managed to hang on until she pried "Girl-Rilla's" foot loose and flipped her. Rousey also absorbed a nasty kick to the chest and managed to get the submission with her signature armbar, although Carmouche made her fight for it. I was happy for Rousey's victory, not least because I told my Christian young adult group that if she lost to Carmouche, I would show up to our next event in jeans, a t-shirt and a Curious George bathrobe. While I'm glad that I will not have to follow through on that promise, I have a bigger reason for being happy: I am hoping for an Olympian vs. Olympian superfight!
My dream fight for women's MMA would be Rousey vs. McMann. McMann's silver medal in wrestling makes me believe that Rousey will have a much harder time taking her down and getting her arm. If anyone has a chance of dethroning the Queen of MMA, it's McMann. Also, as much as I am proud of Rousey for getting women into the UFC, I'm not one of her fans and hope that McMann can teach her a lesson in humility and respect, octagon-style! In the meantime, Rousey should enjoy the limelight as the first ever UFC women's champion, because she has earned it, and like it or not, the champ is HERE!!!
Koscheck vs. Lawler: Lawler pulled an amazing upset in the first match of the card, knocking out Koscheck in the first round with a shot to the side of the head and then taking his back to finish him with more strikes. After this, I believe that Lawler deserves a top five opponent for his next test. Meanwhile, Koscheck being out of the title picture is the least of his worries. I could easily see him getting the axe like Fitch after he was schooled like this.
Neer vs. McGee: This was a pretty decent fight to watch, with McGee getting a clear decision after picking Neer apart with better striking, a rear naked choke, and a couple of takedowns over the course of the bout. Neer did make a comeback in Round 2, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide. By Round 3, McGee was back in control. While I don't see him entering the top ten anytime soon, I believe that he will work hard enough to stay on the roster.
Faber vs. Menjivar: I wish Faber had fought like this in his last title fight! He pulled off an amazing first-round submission, transitioning from a crucifix to a rear naked choke while hoisted in the air! I went completely crazy after I saw that the California Kid still has it! While I don't think that he should get another title shot anytime soon, Faber has proved that he can still prevail over high level competition.
Machida vs. Henderson: I think that this match was better than a lot of people gave it credit for. At any rate, while Henderson did manage a takedown in Round 3, Machida's speed, agility, and superior striking were too much for him and he lost by a split decision. I was also surprised that Machida was able to trip Henderson and do some ground-and-pound in Round 1. He's not really the grappling type, to say the least. While Machida has earned his title shot against Jones, I'm a little disappointed that Hendo didn't win. He probably would have been squashed by Jones, but it would have been nice to see him get a shot nonetheless.
Rousey vs. Carmouche: This was easily the most exciting fight of the PPV! Carmouche was seconds away from making it to Round 2, and against Rousey, that's a serious accomplishment! Not the mention the fact that she managed to pull a Vitor Belfort and nearly upset a heavily favored adversary in the first round! She took Rousey's back and got a rear naked choke, which was very similar to the one that Faber used to submit Menjivar earlier. Unfortunately for Carmouche, Rousey can take pain as well as dish it out, and managed to hang on until she pried "Girl-Rilla's" foot loose and flipped her. Rousey also absorbed a nasty kick to the chest and managed to get the submission with her signature armbar, although Carmouche made her fight for it. I was happy for Rousey's victory, not least because I told my Christian young adult group that if she lost to Carmouche, I would show up to our next event in jeans, a t-shirt and a Curious George bathrobe. While I'm glad that I will not have to follow through on that promise, I have a bigger reason for being happy: I am hoping for an Olympian vs. Olympian superfight!
My dream fight for women's MMA would be Rousey vs. McMann. McMann's silver medal in wrestling makes me believe that Rousey will have a much harder time taking her down and getting her arm. If anyone has a chance of dethroning the Queen of MMA, it's McMann. Also, as much as I am proud of Rousey for getting women into the UFC, I'm not one of her fans and hope that McMann can teach her a lesson in humility and respect, octagon-style! In the meantime, Rousey should enjoy the limelight as the first ever UFC women's champion, because she has earned it, and like it or not, the champ is HERE!!!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
My UFC 157 Predictions
The historic debut of the first ever women's UFC champion has come! Here are my predictions for this groundbreaking PPV!
Koscheck vs. Lawler: Koscheck is still one of the better contenders at welterweight, even though the division has been bolstered by guys like Condit, Diaz, MacDonald, and Hendricks. I see him getting the victory in his return.
Winner: Koscheck by KO in Round 2
McGee vs. Neer: I see Neer using his experience to pull off the victory.
Winner: Neer by decision.
Faber vs. Menjivar: Faber usually excels in bouts that aren't for the title, so I see him winning this rematch.
Winner: Faber by submission in Round 3.
Machida vs. Henderson: If Hendo lands the "H-bomb", then it's all over. That being said, I don't think he's fast enough to catch Machida. I see Machida running circles around him all three rounds before giving Hendo his first KO loss.
Winner: Machida by KO in Round 3.
Rousey vs. Carmouche: Look, this is MMA and anything can happen. That being said, Carmouche has as much of a chance as beating Rousey as Brian Stann does of beating Anderson Silva: almost none. This seems like a squash match set up to make Rousey look good in her debut and I see it playing out just like that.
Winner: Rousey by armbar in Round 1.
Koscheck vs. Lawler: Koscheck is still one of the better contenders at welterweight, even though the division has been bolstered by guys like Condit, Diaz, MacDonald, and Hendricks. I see him getting the victory in his return.
Winner: Koscheck by KO in Round 2
McGee vs. Neer: I see Neer using his experience to pull off the victory.
Winner: Neer by decision.
Faber vs. Menjivar: Faber usually excels in bouts that aren't for the title, so I see him winning this rematch.
Winner: Faber by submission in Round 3.
Machida vs. Henderson: If Hendo lands the "H-bomb", then it's all over. That being said, I don't think he's fast enough to catch Machida. I see Machida running circles around him all three rounds before giving Hendo his first KO loss.
Winner: Machida by KO in Round 3.
Rousey vs. Carmouche: Look, this is MMA and anything can happen. That being said, Carmouche has as much of a chance as beating Rousey as Brian Stann does of beating Anderson Silva: almost none. This seems like a squash match set up to make Rousey look good in her debut and I see it playing out just like that.
Winner: Rousey by armbar in Round 1.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Wishing I Knew Krav Maga Before I Went To Peace Corps
So far, I have typed up 103 pages of "A Valiant Effort." It's just more host family drama on Kosrae, so I'll save it for the book. Suffice it to say that passive-aggressive behavior is extremely irritating.
At the same time, I am glad that I have been to the School of Hard Knocks. I had a sheltered life growing up and was a bit of a social recluse, so I didn't experience a lot of negative things until I went away to college and graduated. Now I am more street smart, and part of it is because of my crash course in the Pacific. Not to mention that it inspired me to train in martial arts again.
I wish that I knew Krav Maga before I went overseas. When it came to unarmed combat, karate was more than enough. That being said, I'm a strong and athletic young man, so most people aren't dumb enough to attack me unarmed. When I was staring down the barrel of that gun, I froze because I had never prepared for that situation. My life didn't flash before my eyes or anything. I only had one thought: "Ah, crap. Now I'm going to die!"
Now that I know Krav Maga, I'm more prepared. Obviously, the key thing is to avoid a situation like that in the first place. However, if I have no other choice, I know exactly what to do.
At the same time, I am glad that I have been to the School of Hard Knocks. I had a sheltered life growing up and was a bit of a social recluse, so I didn't experience a lot of negative things until I went away to college and graduated. Now I am more street smart, and part of it is because of my crash course in the Pacific. Not to mention that it inspired me to train in martial arts again.
I wish that I knew Krav Maga before I went overseas. When it came to unarmed combat, karate was more than enough. That being said, I'm a strong and athletic young man, so most people aren't dumb enough to attack me unarmed. When I was staring down the barrel of that gun, I froze because I had never prepared for that situation. My life didn't flash before my eyes or anything. I only had one thought: "Ah, crap. Now I'm going to die!"
Now that I know Krav Maga, I'm more prepared. Obviously, the key thing is to avoid a situation like that in the first place. However, if I have no other choice, I know exactly what to do.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
UFC 156: Day Of The Underdog!
Wow! Last night was ridiculous! My head is still spinning from all of the upsets! On top of that, Aldo and Edgar had a five-round war that is an early "Fight Of The Year" candidate. Here is my reaction to every event on the card.
Benavidez vs. McCall: I correctly predicted that Benavidez would win, but it was due to a poor judges' decision. Even though the fight was close, I thought that McCall was the victor. He not only cut Benavidez open; he took his back in Round 2 as well. However, the judges saw it differently.
Winner: Benavidez by unanimous decision.
Fitch vs. Maia: As soon as the match started, Maia was on Fitch like soy sauce on fried rice! He took him down at will and rode his back like he was a donkey! Fitch was lucky that he had good submission defense. Otherwise, Maia would have choked him out. Maia easily took a lopsided decision, leaving me in shock and awe.
Winner: Maia by unanimous decision.
Overeem vs. Silva: This bout is proof that you should never underestimate your opponent. Why not? Two words: Bigfoot smash! After toying with Silva for two rounds, Overeem found himself in trouble after a head kick, two overhand rights, and a flurry against the cage. It was lights out for the Reem, and I looked around for a deep fryer in which to dip my words so that I could eat them.
Winner: Bigfoot by knockout.
Evans vs. Noguiera: This match is also known as "Never Underestimate Your Opponent: The Sequel." Rashad found himself the victim of a fighter with better standup. Why he didn't use his wrestling is anybody's guess. At any rate, Little Nog was determined to win and Rashad was determined to slack off. Noguiera clearly earned this decision.
Winner: Little Nog by unanimous decision.
Aldo vs. Edgar: Edgar made a huge comeback in Round 3, and managed to hit Aldo with a lot of flurries. In addition, he took him down twice, once in a WWE-style slam. Nonetheless, Aldo had done just enough to stay ahead. He landed stronger and more damaging strikes from the outset and came back with a highlight-reel superman punch in Round 5. I personally think that Aldo took Rounds 1-3 and that Edgar took Rounds 4 and 5. For that reason, I agree with the judges' decision. At the same time, with the heart, skill, and class that these guys showed in this astounding superfight, I consider both of them winners.
Winner: Aldo by unanimous decision.
Benavidez vs. McCall: I correctly predicted that Benavidez would win, but it was due to a poor judges' decision. Even though the fight was close, I thought that McCall was the victor. He not only cut Benavidez open; he took his back in Round 2 as well. However, the judges saw it differently.
Winner: Benavidez by unanimous decision.
Fitch vs. Maia: As soon as the match started, Maia was on Fitch like soy sauce on fried rice! He took him down at will and rode his back like he was a donkey! Fitch was lucky that he had good submission defense. Otherwise, Maia would have choked him out. Maia easily took a lopsided decision, leaving me in shock and awe.
Winner: Maia by unanimous decision.
Overeem vs. Silva: This bout is proof that you should never underestimate your opponent. Why not? Two words: Bigfoot smash! After toying with Silva for two rounds, Overeem found himself in trouble after a head kick, two overhand rights, and a flurry against the cage. It was lights out for the Reem, and I looked around for a deep fryer in which to dip my words so that I could eat them.
Winner: Bigfoot by knockout.
Evans vs. Noguiera: This match is also known as "Never Underestimate Your Opponent: The Sequel." Rashad found himself the victim of a fighter with better standup. Why he didn't use his wrestling is anybody's guess. At any rate, Little Nog was determined to win and Rashad was determined to slack off. Noguiera clearly earned this decision.
Winner: Little Nog by unanimous decision.
Aldo vs. Edgar: Edgar made a huge comeback in Round 3, and managed to hit Aldo with a lot of flurries. In addition, he took him down twice, once in a WWE-style slam. Nonetheless, Aldo had done just enough to stay ahead. He landed stronger and more damaging strikes from the outset and came back with a highlight-reel superman punch in Round 5. I personally think that Aldo took Rounds 1-3 and that Edgar took Rounds 4 and 5. For that reason, I agree with the judges' decision. At the same time, with the heart, skill, and class that these guys showed in this astounding superfight, I consider both of them winners.
Winner: Aldo by unanimous decision.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
My UFC 156 Predictions
Finally, the two best fighters under welterweight are going at it! The PPV would be worth it just for Aldo vs. Edgar, but the whole card is pretty stacked. Here are my predictions for this supercard!
Benavidez vs. McCall: I've never seen McCall fight, but I do know that he had a draw against Johnson before losing their rematch. This is definitely going to be a close fight, but my gut says Benavidez will win after a three-round war.
Winner: Benavidez by decision
Fitch vs. Maia: Maia is finally getting a true welterweight test in Fitch. I'm sure that he'll do fine early on, but I think that Fitch will slowly grind him down and knock him out.
Winner: Fitch by KO in Round 3.
Overeem vs. Silva: Even without the elevated testoterone levels, Overeem's technique and skill is way above Bigfoot's. He'll probably toy with Bigfoot before submitting him to make a statement.
Winner: Overeem by submission in Round 1.
Evans vs. Noguiera: Noguiera is certainly a decent light heavyweight and that's why it's good that he is getting a top five opponent. At the same time, I think he's in over his head against "Suga." This is probably more of a tune-up fight for Evans, who I am sure will steamroll over "Little Nog" on his path to earning a rematch with Jones.
Winner: Evans by KO in Round 1.
Aldo vs. Edgar: The judges can say whatever they want. Edgar won that last bout with Henderson and should be the lightweight champion. Nonetheless, the good that came out of that fiasco is that Edgar has finally dropped to face the Brazilian buzzsaw that is Jose Aldo. Aldo is fast and has fantastic striking. At the same time, Edgar is also fast and has a chin made out of granite, phenomenal endurance, superb wrestling, and has spent his career smashing much bigger competition. I think that Edgar will weather the storm and then, in the fifth round, will move in for the kill after Aldo gasses.
Winner: Edgar by KO in Round 5.
Benavidez vs. McCall: I've never seen McCall fight, but I do know that he had a draw against Johnson before losing their rematch. This is definitely going to be a close fight, but my gut says Benavidez will win after a three-round war.
Winner: Benavidez by decision
Fitch vs. Maia: Maia is finally getting a true welterweight test in Fitch. I'm sure that he'll do fine early on, but I think that Fitch will slowly grind him down and knock him out.
Winner: Fitch by KO in Round 3.
Overeem vs. Silva: Even without the elevated testoterone levels, Overeem's technique and skill is way above Bigfoot's. He'll probably toy with Bigfoot before submitting him to make a statement.
Winner: Overeem by submission in Round 1.
Evans vs. Noguiera: Noguiera is certainly a decent light heavyweight and that's why it's good that he is getting a top five opponent. At the same time, I think he's in over his head against "Suga." This is probably more of a tune-up fight for Evans, who I am sure will steamroll over "Little Nog" on his path to earning a rematch with Jones.
Winner: Evans by KO in Round 1.
Aldo vs. Edgar: The judges can say whatever they want. Edgar won that last bout with Henderson and should be the lightweight champion. Nonetheless, the good that came out of that fiasco is that Edgar has finally dropped to face the Brazilian buzzsaw that is Jose Aldo. Aldo is fast and has fantastic striking. At the same time, Edgar is also fast and has a chin made out of granite, phenomenal endurance, superb wrestling, and has spent his career smashing much bigger competition. I think that Edgar will weather the storm and then, in the fifth round, will move in for the kill after Aldo gasses.
Winner: Edgar by KO in Round 5.
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