kick-boxing
Gegard Mousasi, MMA-Fighter With A 27-2-1 Record And Only 24 Years Old
Today I would to introduce to you a mixed martial artist who has been consistently climbing in the MMA rankings in an almost stealth-like manner.
Not too long he was referred to as “Europe’s Best-Kept Secret”. It’s time to reveal the secret.
Born in Iran to Armenian parents, Gegard Mousasi and his family moved to the Netherlands when he was only 4 years.
The university town of Leiden, also birthplace of the Dutch Constitution, has become home to this exceptional mixed martial artist.
The very talented Gegard Mousasi started with Judo as a kid and then by age 15 he immersed himself into Western boxing.
Astonishingly enough, it has been reported that after training for only about a year, he became Dutch amateur boxing champion.
The next stepping stone was kickboxing which has a long tradition in The Netherlands and that has brought out many amazing fighters. (I look forward to talking about them in the very near future.)
Equipped with profound skills in Judo, Western boxing and kickboxing as well as the desire to take on new challenges, Mousasi entered the arena of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
He currently fights on Team Jurojin and is also a member of Red Devil Sport Club.
His first official MMA fight on record was in April 2003, when he was still 17 years old! Mousasi was declared the winner after 3:40 minutes of the first round by TKO.
He had a 5-0-1 record until Mousasi had to swallow his first loss in February 2005, which led him to make numerous changes in his approach to MMA.
The only other loss he had to suffer was in August 2006.
It has been now over 3 years and a rather successful undertaking for Gegard Mousasi who has a stunning fight record of 27 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw (early on in his career).
He was good for a surprise by signing up for a K-1 fight in 2008 against Musashi which he quickly won in the first round through referee stoppage.
After competing as a Middleweight, Gegard Mousasi has moved up to Strikeforce’s Light Heavyweight division.
I admit that I am very impressed with his overall fighting skills, demeanor and professional approach to his career.
And at the relatively young age of only 24 and if he stays injury-free, there’s no telling how far and how long Gegard Mousasi can go.
Do I hear the UFC and Dana White calling?
Thanksgiving Week In Review At TheMartialArtsReporter.com
I Hope You Enjoy Thanksgiving Week In Review At TheMartialArtsReporter.com And A Quote I Really Like!
Sifu Eddie Camden, The Instructor Recommended By Martial Arts Legends
Martial Artists And The Day After Thanksgiving, Aka Black Friday
Happy Thanksgiving 2009 From TheMartialArtsReporter.com
Peaceful Warrior Wisdom For Martial Artists (And Others, Too)
Urijah Faber, The California Kid Of World Extreme Cagefighting
Jet Li, From Humble Beginnings To Action/Martial Arts Movie Superstar
This week’s quote for readers of TheMartialArtsReporter.com:
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but the number of moments that take our breath away. ” Unkown
Sifu Eddie Camden, The Instructor Recommended By Martial Arts Legends
With his extensive background and over 30 years of striking, grappling and weapons training Sifu Eddie Camden has become one of the most complete and knowledgeable martial artists around. Many refer to him a true teachers’ teacher.
Just about every federal law enforcement agency and special warfare group in the United States such as C.I.A., the Secret Service, F.B.I, Green Berets, and the U.S. Navy Seals have benefitted from Sifu Eddie’s expertise.
He founded his Tiger Academy of Martial Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, back in 1998.
What make Sifu Eddie Camden so unique?
He holds numerous Black Belt /instructor rankings in the following arts: Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Wing Chun Kung Fu, and Filipino Kali.
There aren’t many in the world to hold Black Belts in such a diverse selection of martial arts.
Sifu Eddie has not only trained with, but has been certified by some of the world’s top experts in each of these martial arts.
This is what some martial arts legends say about Sifu Eddie Camden:
“Sifu Eddie you’re truly a martial artist! Your students are very lucky to have you be their teacher…You always have my support.” Francis Fong (international martial arts legend)
“Eddie, you’re a great all-around instructor. I recommend you to anyone!”
Dan Inosanto (martial arts legend, Bruce Lee’s protege)
“Eddie Camden is my long time training partner and good friend. He and his academy offer one of the very best programs found anywhere! I recommend this training for everyone who really wants to learn to defend themselves.”
Frank Cucci (U.S. Navy Seal, owner Linxx Martial Arts, VA Beach, vA)
“Not only is Eddie Camden one of the highest ranked students I have, he and Frank Cucci are the most well rounded martial artists I know.”
Pedro Sauer (7th degree red and black belt under – Helio and Rickson Gracie, voted best Brazilian jiu jitsu instructor in the world)
Besides being considered Sifu Francis Fong’s most advanced Wing Chun students, Sifu Eddie attained his black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu by Pedro Sauer, who is hands-down considered Rickson Gracie’s most technical student.
Sifu Eddie Camden received his 1st degree on his black belt directly from Grandmaster Helio Gracie himself.
The experience of growing up in a volatile and violent area, and his vast training background have given Sifu Eddie Camden a unique perspective on teaching and training whose approach is positive, direct, and no nonsense.
With years of street conflicts and 36 undefeated challenge matches, he is with a doubt a rare martial artist.
Sifu Eddie Camden is an expert technician, teacher, and fighter, all in one package.
Special Note: TheMartialArtsReporter has met Sifu Eddie once in person, but is not a past or current student of his.
This Week In Review At The MartialArtsReporter.com
Thanks for checking in today.
You are always welcome here at TheMartialArtsReporter.com
Today, I am introducing something here for the first time and I hope you enjoy it:
A Weekly Review Of The Preceding 6 Days – Just Click On The Link Of The Post You Missed Or The One You Liked So Much That You Just Have To Read It Again.
Also, I would like to introduce an inspirational quote that I just know you’re going like.
Wishing you only the very best, always.
Garage-Style Filipino Stick Fighting (Arnis, Escrima, Kali) with Dan Inosanto
Tips From Former Navy SEAL Hand-To-Hand Combat Instructor, Paul Vunak
Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker Sr., Father Of American Kenpo Karate
Joe Lewis, The World’s Greatest Karate Fighter Of All Time
Manny Pacquiao Or What I Learn From My Barber
Albert Einstein For Martial Artists And Anybody Willing To Learn
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” – Albert Einstein
Joe Lewis, The World’s Greatest Karate Fighter Of All Time
Whenever I ask people, who aren’t involved in martial arts and karate in specific, about the greatest karate fighter they will in most cases name Bruce Lee and/or Chuck Norris.
Joe Lewis? Not really.
That got me thinking.
Without a doubt, Bruce Lee was and Chuck Norris still is a formidable martial artist and fighter.
The exposure both of them received through television and movies made them household names, worldwide.
Again, Joe Lewis? Nope.
What amazes me about Joe Lewis is that as a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa in 1965 he started studying Shorin-Ryu Karate at the youthful age of 18 and reportedly attained his black belt in only 7 (seven!) months.
After his military service Joe Lewis returned to the United States and in 1966 he began his unmatched tournament karate career.
At times, he trained with martial arts legend Bruce Lee, who by the way did not compete in any tournaments.
During 1966 to 1974 Joe Lewis competed on the tournament circuit as well as a professional kick-boxer winning national and world titles as a heavyweight fighter. He is considered the “Founding Father of Kickboxing in the Western Hemisphere”.
Throughout his career he fought famous fighters such as Allen Steen, Thomas LaPuppet, Louis Delgado, Skipper Mullins, Victor Moore, Joe Hayes, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and yes, Chuck Norris.
Joe Lewis was an original member of the U.S. World Karate Team that also consisted of Mike Stone, Skipper Mullins, Chuck Norris and his friend and student, Bob Wall.
Joe Lewis starred in a number of action-adventure movies such as “Jaguar Lives” and “Force Five” and has received numerous awards for his achievements in and out of the ring.
In 1983, karate living legend Joe Lewis was chosen by his peers and fellow fighters as “The World’s Greatest Karate Fighter Of All Time”.
In Memoriam, Andy Hug, K-1 Fighter Extraordinaire From Switzerland
Did you read my post of October 7 with the title “Switzerland Is The Place For Cheese, Chocolate, Skiing, Watches And ….Wrestling?” You can read it here again.
Well, then you already know that there really is a lot more to this picturesque European country than most people know.
But then again, because you visit TheMartialArtsReporter.com on a daily base you are not like most people anyway!
Considering the size of the country and its relatively small population, it’s amazing how many great athletes Switzerland has produced.
Skiing and tennis immediately pop into my mind.
I wouldn’t necessarily think of karate and kickboxing. Would you?
One Swiss karateka, who absolutely deserves to be mentioned and remembered, is Andy Hug.
He left us way too early. In 2000, that is.
Andy Hug started with karate at the age of eleven.
By the time he was only 15, Andy was already a Swiss Oyama Cup winner.
And only two years later, he was on the national Kyokushinkai karate team!
During the early 80s Andy Hug was winning tournaments throughout Europe.
In 1987, he was even the first non-Japanese ever to reach the finals of Kyokushinkai world championship and only lost due to a controversial point decision.
Andy Hug continued to fight in Japan, where the fans certainly appreciated his diverse fighting style.
Thereafter he switched to Seidokai and the launch to his professional K-1 fighting career was set.
During the mid 90s, Andy Hug fought against some of the greatest K-1 fighters such Ernesto Hoost, Sam Greco, Peter Aerts, Mike Bernardo, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović, Maurice Smith, Bart Vale, just to name a few.
He was known for his devastating axe kick and his low heel spin kick which left numerous more than just stunned.
His kickboxing record was an astonishing 37 wins, 9 losses and 1 draw.
Andy Hug left such an impression that he was only K-1 fighter ever to be rewarded an honorary samurai title by its founder, Kazuyoshi Ishii.
Sadly, Andy Hug died of leukemia shortly before reaching the age of 36.
After his cremation, Andy Hug’s ashes were deposited in the cemetery of the Hoshuin temple in former Japanese capital city of Kyoto.
Andy Hug, K-1 Fighter Extraordinaire From Switzerland, May He Rest In Peace.
Shidokan = Martial Arts Triathlon
Triathlon is known to consist of 3 disciplines such as swimming, cycling and running.
Now let’s translate that into martial arts.
This kind of triathlon is known as Shidokan.
Shidokan consists of Karate (combination of Goju-Ryu, Shotokan, Kyokushinkai), Kick-Boxing and Grappling.
Talking about being a versatile fighter.
Championship matches go 3 x 2 min. rounds Karate, 3 x 2 min. rounds Kick-Boxing with 10 oz. gloves (no elbows), and finally 3 x 2 min. rounds Grappling with 5 oz. gloves.
A fighter can win in one of the following ways:
1. TKO – Three knockdown rule, referee calls the fight or the corner throws in the towel.
2. KO – Any legal technique that ko’s an opponent for a 10 sec. count results in an automatic win.
3. Submission – During rounds with grappling, a fighter may win by executing a technique that causes his opponent to “verbally submit or tap out”
4. Decision – When the match goes the distance, the fighter with the most points wins. In case of a draw during the quarter or semifinals, there will be an extension allowed. During the championship match only, if the 4 judges score a draw, the draw will stand as the final decision and fighters will split the prize money.
All judge and referee decisions are final.
I had the great opportunity to train under one of Shidokan’s true champions several years ago.
Even though it was only for a short time it left a lasting impression on me.
I am referring to no other than World Martial Arts Champion Richard Trammell and one of the finest teachers I ever had the chance to learn from first-hand (and foot):
To learn more about Shidokan and Richard Trammell, visit www.shidokanatlanta.com today.
Blocking A Low Muay Thai Kick
Last Thursday (10/22/2009), you might have read my post about one of my favorites “Low Muay Thai Kick Can End A Fight Within Seconds” and today I owe you a follow-up.
It’s probably better to be the one who is attacking than the one who is on the receiving end.
And it’s probably safe to say that if you are attacking, you should be prepared for your opponent to throw something back at you.
Having a good defense will deinitely increase your chances of not getting seriously hit or injured.
Of course, it would be ideal to simply get out of the way of your opponent’s attacks.
Unfortunately, you will not always have the time or positioning to evade them.
Therefore you have to be able to block or check attacks.
And because I brought up the low Muay Thai kick last Thursday, it is only right that I offer you the defensive technique to deal with this type of attack.
I have to say that when I started Muay Thai years ago I came in with a fairly strong traditional Shotokan karate background and mindset when it came to blocking and counter-striking:
Block the kick by bringing your arm down and counter with a midsection reverse punch.
This actually worked in my favor in a number of tournaments.
But in Muay Thai this led more to a shin hitting the side of my unprotected face or to already described painful thigh that I couldn’t stand on for about an hour.
Can you feel my pain?
Thank you.
Anyway, if you cannot counter the low kick by stepping away or applying a push kick, simply block the low kick by lifting the leg that’s being targeted.
If you do it right and block the attacker’s kick with your knee instead of your shin, your opponent is going to feel the pain in this own leg and will probably be hesitatant in his low kicking actions.
Grasping these concepts have made a big difference is the way I look at blocking and counter-attacking.
I hope this will benefit you, too.
The 2 min. video offers some pretty good tips. Here they are:
Low Muay Thai Kick Can End A Fight Within Seconds
Muay Thai, which was developed on the battlefields during the 15th century, is known for using punches, elbow strikes, clinches, knee thrusts and of course devastating kicks.
Now, even if one cannot kick above the waistline there is a kick at your disposal that can end a fight real fast and I am thinking of the one you could employ in a self-defense situation.
It is the Low Muay Thai kick aimed at the thigh of your opponent.
Yours truly was once at the receiving end of one of these powerful kicks and let me tell you that I couldn’t use the hit leg for about an hour. Seriously!
Coming from a totally different martial art I wasn’t accustomed to pulling up my knee to avoid described predicament. Sometimes you learn the hard way.
As always, to learn a specific technique correctly, please seek advice from trusted and knowledgable instructors.
The following video shows you legendary Dutchman Rob Kaman, who years ago was an incredible fighter and feared even by his Thai opponents.
And another short clip shows you the kick applied in a real MMA/UFC fight:
Fighting Legend Benny “The Jet” Urquidez Offers Great Advice
Here’s another real treat for you!
Fighting Legend Benny “The Jet” Urquidez offers great advice to any serious
martial artist.
For those of you who don’t remember or who have never heard of “The Jet”:
Benny Urquidez was a true force in professional full-contact kick-boxing,
especially in the 70s. His record was something like 58 wins – 0 losses!
He even fought the toughest fighters in Thailand and Japan at their own
rules and walked away victoriously.
What I didn’t know until recently, was that “The Jet” has actually been
a Mixed Martial Artist for the longest time and living up to one of his
own principles:
Keep an open mind and apply what works.
After ending one of the most successful professional careers ever,
Benny Urquidez has been teaching here in the U.S. and overseas.
Besides teaching, “The Jet” has appeared in a number of movies,
starring with big names such as John Cusack, Jackie Chan, Joe
Lewis, Shannon Lee (daughter of the legendary Bruce Lee!).
Still don’t believe me?
Check out this clip with “The Jet” and Jackie Chan. This is considered
by most the second-best movie fight of all times:
Further, his vast expertise as a fight scene choreographer is always
in demand in Tinseltown.
His fan base continues to grow even many years after leaving the
professional fighting circuit.
Listening to Master Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and applying what works
might just “jet” propel you, too.
Check it out and let me know what you think!
And don’t forget his must-have training manual:
Training and Fighting Skills
by Benny “The Jet” Urquidez
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