UFC 101 – Saturday August 8, 2009

UFC 101 is tomorrow night in Pennsylvania and it is a very unique set of fights. I will comment on just a few and will make my thoughts brief, though I often have a tough time doing that. I do like the fact that the UFC, Dana White, and more importantly Joe Silva gave the nod to a good group of east coast fighters, to participate close to home.

1st up is the Main Event of the night: Kenny “Kenflo” Florian vs. BJ Penn for the UFC Lighweight Championship

Kenny fights out of our brother school Sityodtong in Somerville, MA as well as his own new school Florian Martial Arts. In my brief assessment, Kenflo is a constantly evolving fighter, with a smart head on his shoulders, the ability to fight from behind, and the ability to listen to his corner. With each fight he has consistently improved the different aspects of his game. This reminds me of something I recently wrote about Nick Diaz, who is now on a short list of future long time champions.

BJ Penn is known as the Prodigy. This is because in his early days he ended fights in quick and seemingly easy fashion, and has always appeared to fight using the natural gifts bestowed upon him the day he was born. He has fought a lot of impressive names, gaining some significant victories to add to his resume. He is a bigger 155 which gives him a seeming advantage

My Pick: Kenny takes this one in what will be called an upset and walks away with the UFC title. BJ does not fight from behind well, his conditioning is often called in to question, and he will not have the mental edge. In BJ’s last 3 fights he is 3-3, with 2 losses to GSP, with whom Kenflo spent considerable time with, in preparation. BJ also does not come in with a game plan, which is a bit of a mistake for this fight. He will need to get off first in striking, but I hold Kenny with the edge here, training with a next level Muay Thai game. Penn’s next option is the ground. Both are solid on the ground. Penn has ended 4 out of his 5 submission wins with a rear naked choke. That is not something I see Kenny getting caught in, as a BJJ blackbelt. Penn would have to hope to resurrect the now-dead art of ground-and-pound. He is strong enough on the ground and has a shot from side control but I just don’t see Kenny hanging out here. Kenny is also 6-0 in his last 6 fights, and wasn’t picked in his last 4. He has also fought from near submission losses to victory. At a point when Massachusetts is about to fully regulate Mixed Martial Arts, inviting the UFC to Boston, Kenny will be holding a title.

2nd: Forrest Griffin vs. Anderson Silva
In a quick overview I am going out on a limb in calling this one for the upset of the year. Griffin has nothing to loose. He lost the lightweight title already. He is a hard nose loves to slug it out fighter who cares more about leaving it all in the ring. He wants to win, but for all the right reasons. The things against him are the two recent knock-out losses. Once it happens, it can happen easier and easier. Just ask Chuck Liddell. He also needs to fight smarter than he has in the past and not get caught up in Andersons waiting-game style. This is also something that favors Griffin: Anderson has been getting a bad wrap about he recent performances and he will want to look impressive. Griffin has hard-solid recent wins over Shogun Rua and Rampage Jackson to back his ability to pull the upset, as well as other victories over big guys like Travis Fulton and Jeff Monson. Watch the kicks and don’t get caught in the clinch and Forrest takes this one with an early, surprise KO!

3rd: Johny Hendricks vs. Amir Sadollah
Sadollah is the more inexperienced one who has also been on the shelf for the last year, with a series of injury set-backs. Hendricks has heavy hands, a 5 and 0 record, and has fought on a bigger stage, the WEC, and is making the natural step up to the UFC. On paper and on film in every possible way Hendricks should win this fight……….but my pick is Sadollah. I think Sadollah is a naturally gifted fighter who also fights very intellectually. He is like a camillion in his adaptability and that is much more important than heavy hands. The older, wiser Sadollah moves to 2-0 after this.

4th: Ricardo Almeida vs. Kendall Grove
I’m pulling for Grove, who gets the good-guy award in this fight, but Almeida is an under-rated, under-performing talent. Out of his 10 wins, 6 are by decision and 4 by submission. If his standup game is improved and ready to be showcased he should edge Grove. He also has a few very important victories on his record, such as Nate Marquardt, Eugene Jackson, and Yuki Sasaki. Grove does have the height and reach, as well as the abilty to pull off an early win via triangle but I’ll go with Almeida winning by TKO.

5th: Josh Neer vs. Kurt Pellgrino
No offense to either of these guys, but how did they end up on the main card, yet McCrory/Howard and Leites/Sakara are relegated to prelim status. This is the journeymen/gatekeeper fight of the night. Let’s be honest. Neither of these guys will likely be climbing any ladders to a title but they are both talented and hard fighters. The reason I think that this one makes it on the TV side of the card is specifically because it does, on paper, look like it will be an exciting fight between 2 veterans who badly need an impressive victory to maintain a UFC paycheck. I’ll edge Neer in this one via submission in the 2nd round.

6th: John Howard vs. Tamdan McCrory
A preliminary fight I am looking forward to. I think McCrory has what it takes to make people re-notice him in this fight, coming away with an impressive victory in a tough fight. John Howard has natural talent but does not yet have the tools. Howard needs to change camps soon.

7th: Thales Leites vs. Alessio Sakara
Another prelim fight I’d love to see. Sakara has such deep experience, taking on a long list of really talent fighters. The problem is he doesn’t ever find the way to win when he needs it most. Leites is coming off a terrible unanimous decision loss to the current UFC champ Anderson Silva. 5 5-min rounds is a lot to fight against a man thought to be pound-for-pound one of the top three in the world. Leites may get a fight of the night bonus for this one, as he redeems himself in a bloody battle and a TKO win in the 3rd round.

Others……….
Shane Nelson KO’s Aaron Riley AGAIN
Matthew Riddle decisions Dan Cramer
George Sotiropoulos submits George Roop
Jesse Lennox vs. Danillo Villefort — very tough fight to call. Both are stepping up from the WEC with wins. I’ll give it to Villefort via TKO in round 1.

Book everyone should check out!

What’s Left of Us by Richard Farrell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of the most amazing books I’ve ever read. Truly inspirational.

There are only a handful of books that I have ever read that I thought were so encapsulating that I didn’t want to put it down until I was done; This is now one of them. The amazing descriptive wording paints a perfect portrait without being left to make assumptions or try to fill in the blanks. I love this. Not enough writers truly embrace this technique. The flow is also remarkable considering that the author moves so quickly from the past to present day and back and forth again without ever losing you. How he accomplished this alone was impressive.

As for the story; It has everything. No holds barred. Brutal honesty with a path blazen for anyone to follow. This is an inspiring story told from a point as low as you could possibly go. Forget all of those self-help Dr Phil fluff filled books. We all want to know that we’re not alone in the unending trials that life puts before us- Rich does that. This book is real. It is human. It is honest. It breathes. It allows you to know that we’re all creating messes that we can find a way through.

At this point in our world, this book comes at a perfect time. This book supports our president’s mantra of Hope in the face of disaster.

View all my reviews >>

Health care is like breathing

From the moment we start breathing, every human needs healthcare regardless of where they live, who they are, the size of their bank account, or anything else!

 

This is the dumbest thing I have seen in…….well……. not that long, but it’s pretty bad. In one of the many emails that circles the world via the web, in an effort to talk about how bad the part of the United States is that doesn’t agree with ‘one line of thinking’, was this perfectly ridiculous statement. There were many more but this was the best. I am curious as to how many people actually believe this utter stupidity. From what I’ve seen, there are a lot!

And  the line was………………………………

 ”We’ll (referring to right-conservatives) continue to believe health care is a luxury and not a right.” 

Please tell me that people don’t actually believe this!                                                

Health care – a luxury and not a right??    Yes, I disagree.

1st- Can I ask why Health care takes a back seat to Education? In this free country we have very definitive laws regarding Education for our youths but we think the Health of our people isn’t as important. This makes no sense! Improve your mind but you won’t be able to use it because you don’t have the health care to help you when you’re sick.

Every single person on earth deserves the exact same health care, regardless of the amount of money in his/her pocket. From the homeless to the President, Queen, King, or any other  head of state, every person needs health care and there is no reason why it should differ or be thought of as a business.

A sickness is a sickness. A cut is a cut. A disease is a disease. A break is a break. An accident is an accident – Do you think the care you receive for any of these things should differ from person to person? Do you think it should be different for your kids, your parents, or any of your loved ones? Should you lose a loved one because of money? Should you, your child, parent or anyone suffer more than someone else based on the size of the wallet? This makes no sense to me.

I’m going to keep this brief because, to me, this seems like common sense. In paying taxes all over the place in this country, the fact that health care isn’t covered by this money is astounding. In order of importance, I have it rated #1

1. Heath Care

2. Education

3-1,00000000000 All less important. Roads being built- not as important! NASA- not as important! Technological improvements- not as important!

And for all of you who have clouded vision, think of these people paid for by our government: Firefighters, Policemen, and our Military. Do you know what there job is? It is to protect the health and well-being of every citizen. Isn’t that what health-care is?? Isn’t that what doctors and nurses only job responsibility is?

Doctors, Nurses, Firefighters, Police Officers, and the Military are all in the same line of work but for some reason some people think that only some people, with lots of money, should get cared for when needed. “My child will be able to add 2 + 2 but won’t be able to breath.”  I personally would rather my kids be able to walk around, breath, and be healthy than know their prepositional phrases.

 Once again I feel the need  to repeate the famed quote: “common sense isn’t common”!

Interesting Find on the Web

I just came across this article from January of this year regarding Martial Art school in New Hampshire. The fun part was that Chase MMA is part of the article and it includes several quotes from Myself, as well as Ken Long and Steve Kennedy. I don’t remember this interview, but it is interesting to find things like this out there.

Here is a copy of the text and a link to the full article below:

The wealth of martial arts talent on the Seacoast is impressive. Guru Guy Chase, who runs the Guy Chase Academy of Martial Arts in Greenland, has traveled the world sharpening his skills in a number of disciplines.

Hailing from Seabrook, Chase studied Muay Thai kickboxing in Thailand and Boxe Savate in France. He spent close to a decade learning Bruce Lee’s teachings under one of Lee’s top students, Dan Inosanto, and trained under the late “God of Grappling” Karl Gotch.

“Guy has spent most of his life traveling the world,” said Brian Bradbury, an instructor at the Guy Chase Academy. “While other people were working in jobs and going to school, all he did was travel and train.”

“Guru Guy really is an unsung hero to a lot of people,” added Stephen Kennedy, one of Chase’s students and owner of Gilley’s PM Lunch in Portsmouth.

Kennedy takes most of his lessons from senior instructor Ken Long, who has been working with Chase since the early 1990s. He teaches Filipino Kali, Indonesian Silat and Muay Thai kickboxing. He is also a former amateur boxer and has competed in stick fighting and grappling tournaments.

Although there are a countless array of martial arts styles in the world, Long said most of them have more similarities than they have differences. “There’s only so many ways you can kick. There’s only so many ways you can punch. The differences come from the culture,” Long said.

For example, karate is practiced barefoot because students were traditionally trained in people’s houses, where they were required to take off their shoes. According to Bradbury, kung fu is based on the movements of animals and how they defend themselves in the wild. Some martial arts forms focus on footwork, while others revolve mainly around wrist locks and grappling.

The Guy Chase Academy is located in what looks like an old public works garage off Route 33 in Greenland. Inside, there is a large elevated ring and a matted floor with heavy punching bags suspended from the ceiling. An office upstairs is decorated with dozens of Chase’s certificates and awards.

Chase was ill during a recent lesson and couldn’t attend, but Long led a half-dozen students through an evening kickboxing class. Partners sparred barefoot with boxing gloves, punching and kicking each other at half-strength, while Long intervened to offer tips.

As students advance in martial arts training, what begins as a simple desire to defend oneself or get in shape often evolves into a way of life.

“You start wanting to just be a better person as a whole,” said Bradbury. “You get your body in better shape, you get your mind in better shape and then you just live better through the teachings.”

 

http://www.wirenh.com/Features/Cover_Stories/don%92t_mess_with_me%97I_know_karate_200901293370.html

Commitment

Here is  a reprint from a Martial Art newsletter from 2005 in-which I responded to the author’s call to, basically force  children to sign long term contracts with the schools and attend their martial arts lessons, regardless of the kids feelings. The point I make can be carried across life and the relationships we have, the jobs we take, school and the majors we choose, and the activities we get involved. I’ll cut and paste the original article and then comment further on the other side.

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comment on “contract for kids”…

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Hi Stephen, I just wanted to make a comment on your response to the “contract for kids” issue. I think I fall somewhere in the middle but more towards Ken’s viewpoint and here’s the reason. We make the best decisions we can for our children and we financially back them the best we can. One thing parents to often overlook is a relationship that does not work. As a 20 year practitioner and a new school owner I do require my three kids (ages 9, 7, and 5) to train but I am not forcing them in to a long term commitment to the arts, if it is not for them. Their activities encompass the Violin, Piano, Ballet-Tap, Irish Step, Cheerleading, Voice, Swimming, Soccer, Basketball etc… What I ask of them is to go to her/ his lessons, to practice, and also to remember that there are times when they’ll need to go when they just don’t want to.

 As an example: My girls had cheering practice Tues and Weds 6 to 8, a late game on Thurs night. They then had an unscheduled, added practice on Friday to gear up for their one and only competition on Saturday. They were tired and didn’t want to go but after talking with them about the reason and need to go, they went. I explain about the commitment they had made and the reason for not letting themselves and their teammates down. One statement I consistently say to my kids is it is ok to stop doing an activity if they don’t enjoy it but it’s not ok to quit if it’s because of the practice or work involved.

 You want to marry a child who is just starting to explore life in to a long term commitment? I say let them choose what is for them and what’s not.

 Asie from knowing there is so much I can learn from you about the martial arts business, I can see that you and I are worlds apart in how we view our children. With regards to my kids, you would never ever hear me say the phrase “and, frankly her opinion doesn’t really count. I’m pretty clear that my 4 year old doesn’t know what she wants for the next 8 years”. (As Stephen stated). It is not possible for me to disagree with someone more and also say that I believe that statement reflex a view of a major problem with the world. Parents do not talk to their kids they way they should. My children seem to excel many of their activities,  as they go about them without parental stress, instead they have support and assistant. The moment you start forcing children- they force back. Though you’ll still move in your direction the end result is not what’s best for them in life. From the moment my newborn continually spit out a particular food I realized that forcing accomplishes little or nothing. Teaching, leading, helping develop character and caring for each other is much more important. My kids are part of all of the decisions from where to go on vacation to what to have for dinner. I steer them to the left and right but let them choose their own path. Allowing them to tell you they don’t care for something and IT BEING OK is immeasurably important.

What’s wrong with a commitment of a month to find out if the relationship with the activity works? I’ve tried many things that just were not for me but to think that a child is not capable of identifying things that they don’t like is ridiculous. By the way, we need less Black Belts and more Martial Artist. That belt means a little less than to show the absence of color to others. Try asking any random person what having a black belt means. The answers are hilarious. We earn respect by first giving respect. I’ll stop ranting now. Thanks for your time, Brian Bradbury

____________________________________________________________________

 

 The point above is simple- with everything in life it is ok to try things on. Whether it be a relationship, a job, a situation etc… it has to be ok to give something a try, work at it, and then say “it doesn’t fit”. It’s not ok to say I quit because it is too much work. You only quit working at it, quit practicing, and quit putting in your time when, like a puzzle, it just doesn’t feel like it fits. It has to be ok, for everyone involved, to just say it’s not for me. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t right for someone else. That also doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you………or them.

I once watched a naturally gifted martial arts student quit class. It was ok. He didn’t enjoy martial arts. We wanted to keep him coming back but because it wasn’t right for him was no reflection on us.

Ever had a great pair of pants, dress, or shoes that you absolutely loved that you got rid of simply just because it didn’t fit?

 

Isn’t is suppose to be ok to say “it doesn’t fit”?

 

The History of MMA – Mixed Martial Arts

FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS A CRASH COURSE IN WHERE THIS ALL STARTED MMA STUFF, HERE YOU GO! THIS IS WRITTEN 100% BY ME, IS MY OPINION, AND IS BASED ON MY YEARS OF RESEARCH, STUDYING, EXPERIENCES, AND BELIEFS.

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Mixed Martial Arts, defined

 

Mixed Martial Arts, commonly referred to as MMA, is a term used to describe the multi-discipline training of martial art students and/or training that encompasses an array of combat arts, blended together in to a singular program.

 

MMA is also defined as a competitive Combat Fighting Sport that allows competitors to strike an opponent, most often with the Hands, Feet, Legs, Knees, Elbows, and Shoulders as well as utilize physical body ‘take-downs’ by way of throws, trips, slams, and shooting. Combatants also are normally skilled at skeletal joint locks and an array of body positions and control, both standing (such as ‘the clinch’) and on the ground (such as ‘mount’, ‘guard’, ‘side’, ‘cross-body’ etc…). The goal is to gain victory over an opponent by way of Knock Out, Technical Knock Out, Tap Out (when a person gives up by physically tapping a hand or verbally to the referee), or by Judges Decision. Matches are most often held in a Roped Ring (similar to a Boxing Ring) or a Caged Ring. Standard matches are most often 3 five minute rounds, with championship fights being 5 five minute rounds. Fighters traditionally wear shorts and MMA gloves that allow for individual finger movement and normally weigh approximately 4 ounces. Mouth pieces and groin protection are also required. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is widely regarded as the first major organization to formalize the sport of MMA on a National and International level, instituting specific rules and guidelines. States in the United States and many other countries authorize MMA fighting Competition under regulations and governing institutions, such as expanded Boxing Commissions.

 

 

Origin of Mixed Martial Arts

 

The actual origin of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) training can be debated or it can be said that there is no real point of birth. Martial Art Scholars state that the evolution of individual arts, across the world, is the first documentation of mixed martial arts, as previously trained people founded new martial arts based on a knowledge using another combat art’s base. As it is widely held that Kalaripayattu is the oldest Martial Art form in the world, formulated and practiced in India over 3000 years ago, the moment its principles and concepts made it to China to assist in the formation of Kung Fu, that became the first mixed martial art’s training; mixing one art with another.

 The earliest MMA organized competitions also have a debatable past, but the most well known (and widely held “first”) fights were held in Roman Coliseum during the original Olympic Games. A blended martial art style known as Pankration was used in full body combat. The Art uses combined principles of wrestling/grappling, boxing, and kickboxing to gain victory over an opponent.

Throughout history there are other documentations of thousands of organized fighting competitions around the world, beyond Western Pugilism (Boxing), that involves different ranges of combat and use different unarmed methods to gain victory over another person. The 1800’s showcased some of the first style-versus-style fights with Wrestlers taking on Boxers, Boxers meeting Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, Greco-Roman Grapplers fighting Judo players, and on and on. These early matches were designed to determine which combat art style was superior to the other.

 Around the turn of the 20^th century many more all-encompassing competitions started popping up, with Circus Wrestling across the United States, and Vale Tudo (no holds barred) tournaments in Brazil. The Father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Helio Gracie was part of many early mixed fighting competitions, often being hailed for defeating fighters from various other disciplines. Professional Wrestling was also gaining widespread popularity with many of the earlier pioneers being skilled in Greco-Roman Wrestling, Judo, and Japanese Jujitsu.

 In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s Martial Arts legend Bruce Lee began formulating his concept of effective fighting known as Jeet Kune Do. Lee’s process involved deeply investigating all of the combative arts of the world and pulling in to his training the specific elements that he believed were necessary to become a complete fighter. For instance, Lee used footwork from Fencing because of it direct, linier movement, elongated kicks of French Savate, throws/takedowns of Judo, and punching/striking of Boxing, among a long list of others. His idea was that an effective combatant needed to be skilled at fighting at any range of combat, in any situation, and from any angle. Though 20 years before the first Ultimate Fighting Championship was held, in the very beginning of Bruce Lee’s 1973 movie “Enter the Dragon” he showcases his idea/view of an all-encompassing combat match that involves kicks, punches, takedowns, joint-locks, and he wins via tap-out. Lee’s various schools across the west coast taught this concept throughout the 60’s and early 70’s, until his untimely death.  Following his passing, Lee’s Senior Instructor and closest friend Dan Inosanto continued on the path that Lee set, continuing to refine, strip-away, and add-to the concept of Jeet Kune Do.

 At the same time wrestling legend Karl Gotch, known as “The God of Grappling” and “The Man of a Thousand Holds” was training a select group of students in his grappling/wrestling concept (referred to by Gotch student Guy Chase as Gotchism), which was developed utilizing submission arts from across the global, including Indian wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and Japanese Judo, among a long list. Gotch was also renowned for his revolutionary strength and conditioning exercises. The famed wrestling move known as the German Suplex was named to honor Gotch. Several of Gotch’s earlier students, following early wrestling careers, laid the foundation for Pancrase, Shooto, and Shootfighting in Japan, the early incarnations of Pride Fighting; the first major competing organization to the UFC. The UFC later purchased Pride Fighting and closed down its operation. Among Gotch students was Antonio Inoki who once fought Muhammad Ali to a draw in a suito-mma fight (takedowns were not allowed at the last moment) and Ken Shamrock, who trained mainly under several of Gotch’s senior students and with Gotch himself at points. Shamrock fought Royce Gracie in the first UFC, losing after being chocked out by Royce’s Gi.

 It was 1993 when that first Ultimate Fighting Championship was held, developed and owned by the famed Gracie family and modeled after the Brazilian Vale Tudo tournaments of old.  This is considered the first modern day MMA organized competition in the United States. The early UFC tournaments were set up as style versus style and in bracket form, with competitors needing to fight several times in one night. This format was later scrapped as many of the fighters were not able to compete again in a single night due to injury. The style versus style showcase was also quickly dropped as competitors realized that a more well-rounded arsenal of martial art and combat weapons knowledge was necessary for victory. This is the point when former original UFC commentator and Olympic Wrestling Gold Medalist Jeff Blatnick is credited with coining the term “Mixed Martial Arts”, to identify the new Sport of multi-discipline combat fighting. To this day both MMA Training and the Sport of MMA continue to evolve, with fighters constantly in search of more weapons and different avenues to follow to achieve success as Professional or Amateur MMA Fighters.

 

Founding Arts of Modern Mixed Martial Arts

Greek Pankration – Jeet Kune Do – Gotchism Catch Grappling – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

 Founding Fathers of Modern Mixed Martial Arts

Helio Gracie – Bruce Lee – Dan Inosanto – Karl Gotch

I need a ruling – Is this an appropriate dinner?

Ok, I went off-book when making dinner last night for two out of three of my kids. Does this look wrong?

Listen, In my 7 layer plate of Nachos there is meat, vegetables, dairy, carbs. This is ok, right? Besides one of the three cheeses apparently glowing and the bowl of sour cream this could still be considered a balanced meal. You should’ve seen the break apart and opening of the center. It was like a melty treasure chest.

Why almost 2 years ago I said Lyoto Machida would be champion (New MMA Generation)

Ok, this piece is a little self-serving and tooting my own horn, but in light of last night’s UFC fight and the outcome of the main event I’d like to express the thought process I had in talking about the future of an unknown fighter named Lyoto Machida and the next generation of MMA Stars.

I consider myself more than a little skilled in assessing potential fighters. I’ve been studying martial arts for, I’m not sure, almost 25 years i guess. I’ve watched the creation and evolution of the UFC and MMA (mixed martial arts) first hand. My teacher (Guy Chase) is a  first generation student and instructor under 2 of the 4 pioneers of the sport, and deep connection to the other 2 (in my next blog I will post the history of Mixed Martial Arts, as written by me.) I’ve seen so many people come in and out that thought they could be a professional competitor. It normally does not take long to find a problem. Most revolve around attitude, determination, intelligence, and general willingness. The last things that I’ve ever worried about getting in the way is “physical make-up” or “ability”. With the first group of things aligned properly the last two are the easy ones.

Just over 2 years ago Lyoto Machida was getting set to make his UFC debut against one of the former contestants of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter, Sam Hoger. I remembered seeing Machida fighting for K-1 in previous years so I decided to take a hard look at him and his background. After watching all available footage I could find of his previous fights and then taking a look at his training background, upbringing, and listening to him talk I knew he had champ-potential. He was not the complete package yet. It was the characteristics and progression you could see fight to fight, his humble demeanor, and his desire to continually want-more that made me become an early, pre-ufc fan. I spread his name to all of my collegues and even tried to line him up 18 months ago to potentially be an early-endorser of our future mma product line. Last night was no difference than what Ive seen in every UFC fight over the last 2 years- progression and improvement, adaptability, and again, the real will and desire to fight for more.

There really is no secret to identifying “the goods” when looking at someone as a fighter. I will let you in on one of my early-on secrets. Lots of people tell me that they want to do it, be it, and that they have what it takes. I always ask a few questions earlier on. The answers normally lead to a few more questions by me. Then I always give a few little pieces of advice, or I simply explain that it might not be the right thing for them. Here is the thing- if they don’t jump in and take the advice/offer or if they don’t fight me telling them that it might not be right for them, then they really don’t have what it takes.

You have to know that you don’t know, be willing to be uncomfortable, be willing to break boundaries you’ve created in your life that you never thought you would or could or……………

you can always say i don’t have the time, I’m too old, i don’t have the money, I’m too out of shape, I’ve got this nagging injury blah blah blah.

Excusitis- The Failure Disease (as I was once schooled on)! Machida has been diagnosed and is free of it.

The is a new era;  a new generation of fighters. Style verse style is gone, ground and pound is gone, adding BJJ or adding Muay Thai isn’t enough- The Bushido Warriors will now rule MMA. Fedor Emelianenko, George St Pierre, and Lyoto Machida are Bushido Warriors. There are others out there with potential. It is a great thing for Martial Arts overall. It is a return to the heart of the spirit of where it all began.

I am very happy!

Make a short list

I have a whole bunch of partly written blogs that I haven’t finished, mainly because my brain isn’t settled enough. I just threw this one together with inspiration from a quote that i just saw posted. This is just a little advice to help speed the process. Make three lists right now. Make them short, preferablely 3 items but more than 1 and less than 5. The reason they have to be more than one is because you need to ensure you are covering a relationship and an activity, whether it be a career or passion.

What do you love

What do you want

What do you know……….about yourself specifically related to the above two

Got those lists? That stuff came from inside of you. Now start matching your outward actions to support your heart and head.

Last List

What unhealthy behaviors do you have?

Work on cutting out one of them now and then another every 21 days. Start with the bad behavior that will affect you focusing on what you love and want. Then get off the couch, shut off the tv and start living better. You’ll be happy daily just knowing you are working on the real you.

Do an audit on your time

I’ll post the longer version of this, maybe later in the week. Here is a short version;

How much of you and your time are you wasting NOT doing the things you love>?
THIS IS A 5 MINUTE EXERCISE – GRAB A PEN AND PAPER AND DO IT

Write down a list of things you like to do and people you like (or love). Think of the things that make you smile.
Now, think back to your last day, week and then month and write down a little check mark next to the items above any time you remember doing one of the activities or spending time with one of the people.

Now if you were to do the same exercise but included the people that are not as important to you and the activities that don’t add to your life or happiness (i.e. watching tv outside of a favorite show) how do things look?

Are you spending enough time loving life?

There are always obligation things we don’t enjoy (laundry, dishes, cleaning, ect…). Imagine finding a way to tweak things and end up having fun doing them. It is possible. But, at the end of the day you should make sure you don’t loose site of the things and people in your life that are truly important and think about adjusting your upcoming calendar to reflect your heart. The Day is gone soon.