Last week I published my contentious, 'Does MMA Make You Stupid' article. Since then there have been a few more developments on the concussion controversy, so I figured it was worth sharing the updates so as to keep you in the loop. UPDATE 1: STEPHAN KESTING ON THE NHB NEWS PODCAST Over the weekend I was contacted by Eddie Goldman, the Godfather of MMA, from the NHB News website and podcast. … [Read more...]
UFC
Podcast EP16: Interview with Philip Gelinas
This is an interview with one of my most influential teachers - 9th degree Kajukenbo Karate black belt Philip Gelinas. Philip is also a high-ranking instructor in several different Filipino martial art systems, a BJJ brown belt, an instructor in Combat Submission Wrestling, and was recently inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame. Topics include the evolution of Georges St Pierre, the … [Read more...]
Sumo Wrestling: Practical Techniques for the Martial Artist
Written by: Andrew Zerling Originally published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts - Volume 21 Number 1 - 2012 All photos courtesy of Aikido Centers of New Jersey - Manasquan Dojo, except where noted. Abstract The study and appreciation of sumo wrestling, Japan’s ancient and popular martial art, is greatly overlooked in the West. This article focuses on sumo’s winning techniques, with … [Read more...]
Ronda Rousey and the Power of Gameplans
In case you were hiding under a rock, Ronda Rousey fought Liz Carmouche last night at UFC 157. She both validated her UFC Women's Bantamweight title, and made history by being in the first-ever women's match in the the UFC. And just in case you were under that aforementioned rock, despite a very spirited fight by Liz Carmouche, Ronda won the match with an armbar at 4:49 of the first … [Read more...]
BJJ in Singapore, a White Belt’s View
When I first faced BJJ black-belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Mundial and regional champion Zorobabel Moreira on the mat in Singapore last year, I thought I had signed up for a personal self-defence trial. I had no idea what BJJ was and had never worn a “gi”. … [Read more...]
Marc Laimon’s Guard Pass on Ryron Gracie
In these photos Marc Laimon shows some of the techniques he used to defeat Ryron Gracie at Grappler's Quest in Las Vegas, November 6th, 2004. … [Read more...]
Marc Laimon, the Bad Boy of Jiu-jitsu*
Leglocks In MMA, Some Lessons For The Rest Of Us
A fan recently posted a great question on the Grapplearts Facebook Fan Page (click here to visit the Grapplearts Page). Q: "Hi Stephan. Will you analyze Palhares' sick heelhooks and combinations or is it more thanks to his bull strength that he's so successful. Or maybe do already you teach that in your leglocks DVD. Thanks for all your stuff and for responding my previous mail! Jonathan" A: … [Read more...]
Frank Mir’s Kimura on Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 140
UFC 140 last Saturday night was one of the best MMA shows in recent memory. There were lots of exciting matchups, but THE fight of the night was the much-anticipated rematch between heavyweights Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and Frank Mir. This fight displayed the highest level grappling ever seen in the heavyweight division of the UFC! As soon as the match ended I looked at my good friend and … [Read more...]
More on Self Defense, MMA and the UFC
I've received lots of email recently, so today I thought I'd dip into the mailbag and share a few emails. I've also quickly jotted down some quick comments, and some links to a few relevant articles. … [Read more...]
Is Grappling Still Relevant to Self Defense?
I've been wanting to get something off my chest, so I just put a new video up onto the Grapplearts Facebook page. In it I break down: why we're seeing more knockouts and less submissions in modern MMA … [Read more...]
Marc Laimon’s Ankle Lock Defense vs. Ryron Gracie
In these photos Marc Laimon shows some of the techniques he used to defeat Ryron Gracie at Grappler's Quest in Las Vegas, November 6th, 2004. … [Read more...]
Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir: How to Destroy the Half Guard
Brock Lesnar probably wouldn't be on my list of people to invite to a book club or an evening of wine tasting. But love him or hate him, you have to admit that he's a hell of a fighter and force to be reckoned with. … [Read more...]
Seven Things I Wish I’d Known…
I'm on the road this week, and tonight, on the eve of UFC 99, I find myself in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I'm excited about tonight's UFC for number of reasons. First of all the card itself looks great. … [Read more...]
Boring? Why I thought UFC 97 was Great!
OK, I admit it. UFC 97 did have a few boring fights. The worst, hands down, was the debacle between Anderson Silva and Thales Leites. (I find it hard to blame Leites, because he was outclassed by an opponent who clearly didn't want to engage or push the pace of the fight). … [Read more...]
Mixed Martial Arts: Ultimate Sport, or Ultimately Illegal? Part 3
By: Donald F. Walter, Jr. 12/8/03 Part 3: A Defense of Mixed Martial Arts … [Read more...]
Mixed Martial Arts: Ultimate Sport, or Ultimately Illegal? Part 2
By: Donald F. Walter, Jr. 12/8/03 Part 2: An Overview of the Conflict between the States’ Police Power and Personal Liberties … [Read more...]
Mixed Martial Arts: Ultimate Sport, or Ultimately Illegal? Part 1 of 3.
By guest author Donald F. Walter, Jr. Published 12/8/03 Part 1: A Brief History of MMA … [Read more...]
Congratulations to a Leglock Master
Oleg Taktarov was one of the early pioneers in the UFC. Coming from a sambo background he had a very distinctive skill set. And nobody had more heart!! I'm delighted that Oleg recently stepped back into the cage and defeated Mark Kerr with a kneebar, which has always been one of Oleg's signature moves. Oleg was very influential on my leglock game development, both in terms of technique and … [Read more...]
Cutting Weight: A Rant
Today I want to write about a practice I don't like and don't endorse, but that is probably here to stay: cutting weight to get into a lower weight bracket for competition. … [Read more...]