Innholdsfortegnelse for August/September 2021 i Black Belt Magazine

Pick one out of the crowd, out of millions, and you have a story. A journey. A journey that would surprise you. So surprising, that you soon realize that the word “exceptional” doesn’t hold that meaning that you’ve come to know. The power of a person’s journey, their story, is not an exception to life, it’s the rule. Narrow that down to Century, to our family here in Oklahoma; you won’t be surprised. Meet Robert Campbell. Specifically, Rob. Get too formal with him and his signature booming laugh will set you right. Rob started his journey with Century, as any journey begins: small. In the bag-finishing department of Manufacturing, Rob built equipment utilized by thousands everyday. It wasn’t long before he was a leader in the department, always driving others…

A wooden nunchaku once owned by Bruce Lee went for a whopping $83,200 at Julien’s Auctions. Sold during the two-day Hollywood Legends & Luminaries/Hollywood Sci-Fi, Action, Fantasy and More event, the nunchaku was estimated to value around $2,000 but brought in more than 40 times that amount. The weapon was reportedly in the possession of Lee’s student Taky Kimura, who passed away earlier this year. Although the nunchaku doesn’t appear to have been used on film, Kimura certified that it was owned by Lee from the mid-1960s until his death in 1973 and that the actor regularly practiced with it. The highest-ticket item at the auction was a Walther P5 pistol used by Sean Connery in his final appearance as super-spy James Bond in the 1983 film Never Say Never…

▸Former UFC champion Tito Ortiz’s brief, stormy tenure as mayor pro tem and a member of the Huntington Beach City Council in Southern California is over. The man once known as “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” resigned his position, saying, “This job isn’t working for me.” Ortiz was elected in November 2020 with the most votes of any new council member while peddling conspiracy theories and taking an anti-mask stance during the coronavirus pandemic. He quickly came into conflict with the rest of the City Council because he refused to wear a mask to meetings. In February 2021, he filed an unemployment claim with the city despite receiving a stipend as a councilman and owning two businesses in the area. Ortiz, who held the UFC light-heavyweight title from 2000 to…

▸USA Judo has reported the death of former American team judoka Alexa Liddie, 30. She competed internationally as a member of the U.S. senior national team from 2010 to 2013, including an appearance at the 2013 World Judo Championships in Rio de Janeiro. Liddie is the daughter of Edward Liddie, who won a bronze medal in judo at the 1984 Olympics and serves as the director of athletic performance for USA Judo. Her mother Tammie also was an elite judo competitor. The cause of Liddie’s death has not been reported.…

▸In the wake of Renan Ferreira’s controversial stoppage of Fabricio Werdum in the May 6 Professional Fighters League MMA event, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board has taken the relatively rare action of overturning the result and ruling the bout a no contest. A former UFC heavyweight champ, Werdum was making his debut with the PFL when he caught Ferreira in a triangle choke off his back during the first round of the main event. Ferreira appeared to tap the back of Werdum’s shoulder, but referee Keith Peterson missed it. Werdum claimed he stopped when he felt the tap, although he didn’t release the hold. Ferreira proceeded to punch him until Werdum started to go slack, at which point Peterson halted the bout and awarded it to Ferreira. But…

@JimmyA726: Grandmaster Hee Il Cho [shown] Matt Jardine Fiction and non-fiction author: Rickson Gracie YOUR HIGHNESS: Gokor Chivichyan Vanessa Thomas: Kuk Sool Won Master Seyd Saidi! I’m not the easiest student to have and began my martial arts journey later in life but he motivated me to get to black belt level along with my husband, son and daughter and I will always be grateful for that! JACAFLO: Eyal Yanilov @phdcedotcom: All of them.…

Boxers of old and more than a few of the modern era believed that a bit of jaw conditioning renders one better able to sustain blows to this vital spot. The science as to the efficacy of this practice is not definitive, but for many, it makes sense to indulge in some insurance training that takes so little time out of your schedule. In olden days, many boxers would chew pitch in the belief that constantly working the jaw muscles was a good conditioner. Some used a plug of tobacco that they kept moving from side to side for the same reason. Nowadays, many have adopted the practice of chewing large wads of gum with the same end in mind. Chewing gum is a bit of a low-impact activity for…

1 Set it up and knock it down. Work on coordination. Make it more complex and introduce some puzzle solving by taking it slower and working with the pieces in countless ways for a mind-boggling variety of tasks. This 30-piece set of high-density foam blocks comes with a drawstring mesh storage bag. Each block measures 18 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches. MAKE: CENTURY MODEL: STACK AND SMACK MSRP: $349.99 URL: centurymartialarts.com/stack-and-smack-10922kit 2 These targets are the perfect tools for the versatile fighter. The angled double-sided striking surface is ideal for quick changes in attacks, allowing for varied combinations with fluid movement — each blow landing with a satisfying snap. For a personal touch, get your artwork silk-screened on any of the bold color options (black, blue, green, yellow…

For traditional martial artists, the line between styles can seem concrete: Hard styles strike, and soft styles grapple. But anyone who’s studied the history and applications of traditional styles knows better. Most hard styles like karate have many grappling techniques in their curricula. And styles like judo and aikido (if taught correctly) have basic strikes and even kicks Trouble can arise when the applications of such techniques are confused. Sticking with the example of karate and judo, both arts have similar basic techniques when it comes to striking and grappling, but the applications of said techniques are far from the same. And they shouldn’t be. Hard styles use grappling to set up strikes, and soft styles use strikes to set up grappling. Traditional martial arts in the modern era rarely…

■ On the subject of innovation in the American martial arts, Larry Tatum says, “Traditionally, we are not traditionalists. If we were traditionalists, we would all be driving around in Model T Fords.” ■ “My students, instead of trying to do what I do, do what they can do. They can find out which principles work for them, and then they can mix the principles up.” So says David German, whose art of TAI karate combines the teachings of Ed Parker, Gene LeBell and others. ■ Sho Kosugi leads a martial arts tour of Asia. Previously, the star of Enter the Ninja led groups specifically to Japan, Taiwan and Korea. ■ New from Ohara Publications, Black Belt’s book-publishing arm: Techniques in Free Fighting, by Shin Duk Kang. ■ “In ninjutsu,…

You know how great the martial arts are for enhancing quality of life, but have you ever thought about what the components of that greatness are? What makes practicing a fighting system that might be 1,000 years old relevant in the 21st century? I would argue that it’s a combination of factors, one that nothing else can offer. At the top of the list for most people is self-defense ability. But, a contrarian might argue, training with a firearm also can impart this benefit. True enough, presuming you have one handy when you need it. Fitness is another benefit of martial arts training, and it’s one that shooting — unless you get very physical on the range — won’t confer. You can get fit from going to the gym, but…

▸A new study in Annals of Internal Medicine found that tai chi seemed as effective as conventional exercises in reducing the waist size of middle-aged and older adults who suffer from central obesity. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and UCLA, examined more than 500 test subjects age 50 and older The researchers randomly assigned volunteers to one of three groups: a non-exercise group, a group that did aerobic and strength exercises, and a group that practiced Yang-style tai chi. Participants in the latter two groups exercised or practiced tai chi for one hour three days a week and were measured after 12 weeks and again after 38 weeks. The group practicing tai chi…

▸A collection of islands in the Pacific, Samoa is a small nation, but its history tells a story of ferocious warriors and deadly wars. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Samoa boasts several martial arts. Throughout history, Samoa had traditional systems that were used by its people, and one is still taught today. It’s called ailao. In ancient times, Samoan warriors would wield wooden clubs and other weapons in battle. They mimicked those movements in the ceremonial procession known as ailao. Ailao evolved into a system called siva afi, which is a combination of martial moves and fire manipulation for competition and entertainment. Fortunately for modern practitioners, it maintained its reverence for its roots. “When I moved to Australia, I lost contact with my language and culture,” Logan…

▸Longtime martial artist, author and actor/director Art Camacho hosts a new TV series titled The Camacho Experiment on the El Rey Network. The network’s website describes the series as “a talk show that takes you into the hearts and minds of martial arts legends, icons and fullcontact fighters, delving into the struggles and adversities they faced in their quest in and out of the ring, wrought with life lessons.” In Episode 1, Camacho’s guest is Graciela Casillas, who speaks about her life in the 1970s. In Episode 2, he chats with Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, who’s profiled in this issue of Black Belt. Camacho’s guests in the remainder of Season 1 are film star Cynthia Rothrock; martial artist June Castro, daughter of karate great Ralph Castro; William “Blinky” Rodriguez, a…

Arizona Sixkiller’s House of Kenpo Karate 1570 E Northern Ave., Suite B Kingman, AZ 86409 (928) 607-0021 sixkillerjr.jess@yahoo.com California Blain Cort’s Total Self-Defense 2955 McMurry Drive Anderson, CA 96007 blaincort@gmail.com Golden Tiger Karate 9501 Flushing Quail Bakersfeild, CA 93312 (661) 345-4371 goldentigerkarate@yahoo.com Kuk Sool Won - Rohnert Park Martial Arts 311 Professional Center Drive Rohert Park, CA 94928 (707) 494-1151 Kuksoolwonrp@yahoo.com Red Dragon Championship Martial Arts 1603 Garnet Ave. San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 263-4212 reddragonpb@live.com Budokai (Budokaikan Association) 4616 Park Granada #72 Calabasas, CA 91302 (747) 444-7940 senseialex@budokai.net Connecticut New England Rendokan 1845 Silas Deane Highway Rocky Hill, CT 06067 (860) 628-1022 Info@ner1.net Florida All American Martial Arts & Krav Maga Academy 4255 US Highway 1 South, Suite 4 St. Augustine, FL 32086 (904) 797-2262 lessons@staugustinetaekwondo.com Georgia Kombative Academy…

In the past, 60 was a destination that few periodicals ever reached for a variety of reasons, one of which is the transitory nature of any particular subject. (For example, I used to read Antic magazine in the 1980s, but it ceased publication in 1990 because Atari computers were on the decline.) Black Belt has hit 60 because the martial arts will never go out of style, and even though the internet has taken a toll on traditional publishing, we’re still going strong. Perhaps the most appropriate way to commemorate the occasion is to look back at the past six decades, not just to review the magazine’s accomplishments but to recall how the martial arts have grown. In the earliest days of Black Belt, the only color was on the…

That said, there are many aspects in this realm, but as the saying goes, “The best way to teach someone nothing is to show him everything” — especially at the beginning of the person’s journey. So instead of bombarding you with a ton of nuanced knowledge at the get-go, which likely would discourage you from wanting to learn more about self-defense, it will be more productive to begin with a few core concepts and explain them as clearly as possible. In keeping with that theme, I’ll cover the first three elements that form the foundation of real self-defense, which is mental preparation. Without this crucial component firmly in place, everything else you learn will be prone to failure. Those three elements are purpose, fear and mindset. What’s meant by “purpose”…

Benny “The Jet” Urquidez was a six-time world champion in five weight classes, which explains why he’s considered a legend in full-contact karate and kickboxing. It should come as no surprise that along the way, he witnessed numerous changes in how fights were conducted, judged and scored. As sport fighting evolved, so did Urquidez. “Back in the 1950s and into the ’60s, the rules for fighting were a lot different than they are today,” Urquidez said. “We fought on concrete slabs, wooden floors — there were never any mats. When you went down, you went down hard. The rules allowed us to grab and sweep our opponents to the ground. Takedowns and judo throws were OK. Once on the ground, we could continue to punch until the referee stopped us.”…

When violence happens, it’s explosive and often catches you off-guard. However, there are some simple tactics you can use to survive the initial onslaught. Practicing these things daily as part of your lifestyle will go a long way toward mitigating the threat. Making them part of your martial arts training while honing your situational awareness is even better. In a shocking moment of violence, the dump of adrenaline can feel like a wild force surging through your body. Your immediate challenge is to regain control of yourself and your role in the altercation. When someone is determined to harm you and possibly take your life, doing that can be quite a challenge — imminent danger is an incredibly strong force to confront. First, you must have the will to survive.…

For years, fitness fanatics have boasted about the benefits of beets. It’s not beets in particular but rather the nitric oxide that’s produced when we consume the dietary nitrate in them. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, thereby enhancing circulation — which means more oxygen and more nutrients go to our muscles during periods of exertion. I’m a fan of this not only for martial arts training but also for the endurance activities that enhance martial arts. There is, of course, a limit to how many beets a person can eat in a sitting, which is why HumanN created SuperBeets. One teaspoon is equivalent to 1½ cups of beets. The crystals, made from fermented and non-fermented beets grown in the USA, are designed to be mixed with water and downed when…

▸USA Karate officially confirmed the first athlete to make its team for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics when it selected Sakura Kokumai for the women’s kata competition. The 28-year-old is originally from Hawaii, where she began training in karate at age 7. She’s a seven-time U.S. national champion in kata and was a gold medalist at the 2019 Pan American Championships. Her best finish at the Karate World Championships was a bronze medal in 2012. In a related story, Kokumai released a video showing a man unleashing a racially motivated verbal assault on her as she trained in a Southern California park on April 2. Kokumai, who is of Japanese descent, said she didn’t know why the stranger was yelling insults at her until he began making anti-Chinese comments. Although she…

▸The European Sambo Championships in Cyprus saw the entire team from Azerbaijan disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. As a consequence, the results of all team members, including Eyvaz Bakhshiyev’s bronze medal, were canceled. The team disqualification stems from a match in which Russia’s Magomed Gadzhiev defeated Azerbaijan’s Emil Hasanov in the 71-kilogram division. With the Azerbaijanis unhappy over the outcome, it was reported that the whole team stormed the mat, which led to altercations. Afterward, the decision to remove them from the tournament was made.…

▸In a bizarre turn of events, it’s been reported that the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation has blacklisted champion Dave Leduc and banned him from competition for two years. Leduc, the first foreigner to win the gold-belt world title in lethwei, which is fought bare knuckle and allows head butts, recently attacked muay Thai fighter Buakaw on social media in an attempt to drum up a match with the Thai star, who competes several weight classes below him. Leduc was also critical of muay Thai in his comments. The federation, which is based in Myanmar, has cited that as the reason for the ban. Relations between Myanmar and Thailand have traditionally been strained.…

ALI FULLER: Wow I love Black Belt Magazine so cool and awesome Martial Arts Museum: Our congratulations to Black Belt magazine’s 60 year anniversary. It has been, without a doubt, the most celebrated and popular magazine in history. It has always been the number one magazine since day 1 and it still continues today. Many great wishes for the coming years!!!…

Shinto tori gates find their way onto the front walls in some American dojo, but that placement is culturally incorrect. It turned out the company was producing a performance of Madame Butterfly, the Puccini opera that tells the story of a doomed love between a French military officer and a geisha in early 19th-century Japan. The opera has come under fire for its stereotyped, utterly fanciful depictions of Japanese culture. The local company was trying to anticipate such criticism, and the director asked me, since I serve on the board of some organizations related to Japanese culture, what I thought. I said most Japanese and Japanese-Americans probably view the opera as so ridiculously fictional that no one could take it as a serious historical commentary. In fact, I’d already heard…

Black Belt: How did you end up playing the lead in this film? Gillian White: You know, I was offered the role. The producer and the director contacted me and said, “We got a script for you. We think you’d be great for it. Let us know what you think.” As soon as they told me what it was about, I knew I wanted to do it. Coming in and being able to showcase my martial arts skills and fight skills has been awesome. I always wanted to do action. I got a little bit of it playing Amoria on Xena: Warrior Princess. I mean, it’s absolutely exciting. I did choose to have a stunt double, but the actual fighting is me. Black Belt: Who choreographed the fights for Take…

Question: What’s crazier than sending your horse to audition for The Godfather, wackier than two parrots saying, “Are you talking to me?” and wilder than the Scarecrow introducing Toto to the Wizard of Oz by stating, “Say hello to my little friend,” and thereafter referring to himself as the Scar-crow? Answer: Jay Kwon starring as wishful wise guy Vinny Chow, a man who walks the fine Canal Street line between Chinatown Triads and Little Italy mobsters to win over an Italian girl in the insanely absurd comedy Made in Chinatown. Co-directed by Robert Samuels, Made in Chinatown, like any bizarre-yet-engaging satire, is smartly cheeky — and perhaps wittily upsetting and prohibitively challenging for some. Many visuals and lines of dialogue are blatantly or wryly armed with backdoor humor, inside jokes and…

Those words come from a motivational speaker named Bill Banan. They’re fun, inclusive and positive — good medicine for any martial arts school, club or program, whether traditional or eclectic. The underlying message is simple: We are in it together! I like the concept so much that I placed the quote on my school’s website. I’m discussing it here because it can help you build your school’s youth program, and it’s good for business. It’s also noble, which is one of my four keys to success in business and in life. What could be better than that? I originally picked up the quote from the Facebook page of James C. Smith II, who told me he got it from Banan. Smith — owner and master instructor of White Tiger Martial…