Martial Artist

Many pundits say that the Lessner-Couture fight marked the beginning of a new era of Mixed Martial Arts. I happen to agree. MMA journalist, Joe Rizzo of the internet talk show "The Rear Naked Choke" expressed this sentiment in a recent pod cast and I couldn't agree more. I'll go one step further and PREDICT the next evolution of the sport of MMA and the Martial Arts industry.

Mixed martial arts will go the way of boxing and take its place among at the top of the of American combat sports. It's faster and it has an edge that meets the demands of our grow-up-to-soon, over-exposed youth. The sport of mixed martial arts will continue to grow, regulated and controlled to meet the safety standards of each state. I would NOT be surprised to see MMA become an Olympic sport in the next 16 years.

MMA will take the path of all professional sports. If we look at the boxing model, fighters come out of small local gyms, fight in small venues as they work their way up the food chain. They get picked up by promoters and handled by managers and trainers.

For MMA it will be even harder to break in. The Cinderella, rags to riches story of a kid learning MMA at his local boys club is highly unlikely to happen. The future of MMA will come from Amateur and Collegiate wrestling. It has already happened. The vast majority of champions have a wrestling back ground. Good striking skills only take a few years to develop and submissions even less than that (you can build up a decent submission DEFENSE in about a year.)

Wrestling in the US has a tremendous infrastructure and talent pool to choose from. On the elite college level, wrestlers already have the work ethic, the attitude, body awareness and of course superior grappling and scrambling skills. As the payday for MMA increases, it becomes a viable option for elite college wrestlers to pursue. The only other options were go to the Olympics or go to work.

I only hope the athletes get their due, which is going to happen since most of them are college graduates, they have more OPTIONS than a starving kid form the street. The path of the MMA fighter will be wrestle and maybe do some Judo or BJJ as a youth. When he's out of college or high school, he should learn to strike: boxing and muay thai. He will lead a Spartan lifestyle and seek out higher levels of competition in order to improve. This doesn't happen at the local studio, it can't.

What will continue to happen is college wrestlers will be recruited MORE by MMA promoters. I even for see an MMA draft. Athletes will be recruited and placed in in training camps. They will be developed, just like any other pro athlete.

The day of the small local MMA club is gone. The idea of having MMA at the local martial arts school will be the same as teaching cardio kick boxing or aerobics (it's almost there now- most guys just don't know it yet.) There will always be the exception, but on the whole, there in no way that someone who starts training at their local club will be able to compete with a collegiate elite wrestler; NO WAY, NO HOW. MMA will be the business it inspires to be: Major sports entertainment.

So where does that leave the state of martial arts? Martial arts will always have it's niche, cult following. It's the nature of the beast, but that ONLY attracts a small percentage of people who are looking for that lifestyle. The vast majority of adult practitioners look to martial arts for self defense training. Adult martial arts will be another tool to help them live their lives better. Programs must focus on fitness and self defense to survive. In the next 5 years, if you're not in the self defense and fitness business and you continue to offer ONLY martial arts programs, you're going to be stuck and forgotten.

The mixed martial arts and grappling era on the local level will be soon over. Unless you are teaching wrestling, judo or BJJ you will not be able to compete. Offering MMA in the near future will be like offering professional football or basketball classes.

While most people enjoy watching football, they aren't about to go play professionally. But they still have an interest in related activities. As MMA grows, they will have an interest but no desire to jump in the ring- even if they tried, there won't be much opportunity. But there is always a need for self defense skills. Today's student just wants the facts, the skills and go about there lives. If you're teaching in a traditional style dojo, you better incorporate self defense training into your program or you can say good bye to your adult program.

Adults are interested in martial arts will want to do only two things: Learn self defense and get in shape. Will you be there for the turn?

Martial arts, self defense and mixed martial arts

Airborne Martial Artist $24.99 Airborne Martial Artist - Photographic Print

Weight Training for the Martial Artist $17.99 This volume presents the routines that helped Geoff Thompson become a leading martial artist by developing "stopping" power in his punching, kicking and grappling. There are weight training routines for all the different martial arts, along with discussion of the major muscles, safety and diet.

Martial Artist Funny Gift Martial artist Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Martial artist gift with a funny office two people saying. This martial artist gift makes a great gift idea for a martial artist. Martial artist Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

The Martial Artist's Book of Yoga $14.95 The Martial Artist's Book of Yoga opens with a brief introduction describing the ancient connection between yoga and martial arts. Next the authors explains some limited but important background anatomy. However, the vast majority of the book is the practice sections. Each of these sections focus on a specific martial art practice, such as kicks, strikes etc. Each section explains the varies elements that are needed to be successful with the particular practice and examines in depth specific movements from different traditions, such as a karate kick etc. Each of these sections then ends by teaching specific yoga poses that will help the reader better develop the strength, flexibility and mental focus to succeed in that area of practice.

Patrick Barry (Martial Artist) $70.1 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Patrick Joseph Barry (born July 7, 1979) is an American Super Heavyweight kickboxer and Heavyweight mixed martial artist, from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is currently signed to the UFC and is trained by Jeff Duke Roufus and fights out of Milwaukee, WI for the Roufusport Fight Club.Barry started training professionally at the age of 21 when he was junior sociology major at University of New Orleans when he walked into Russell Joness Kickboxing Gym in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He made his pro debut on November 2, 2002 at the U.S. Open International Martial Arts championships, winning the national title in Sanshou over Robert Parham. Then he left Russells gym and pursued kickboxing full time with Master Shawn Liu at LIU International in New Orleans. A year later Barry participated at Kungfu World Championships in China, winning a silver medal. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 18 Publication Date: 2010/09/18 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.04 inches

Martial Artist Sports Journal by CafePress $11 The shadow of a martial artist performing a kick. Available with name in our Boy Names section or use our personalization request form. Perfect gift for Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts Sports Journal Scribble important stuff - lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more. Our Wire-O bound, 160 page journal has your choice of papers and measures 5 x 8, a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow. Back cove

The Complete Martial Artist - 1st Edition (Book) $17.95 In martial arts there is a wide array of forms and highly specific styles. This diversity encourages an emphasis on the differences between the philosophies, techniques, and practices associated with each art.In The Complete Martial Artist, Willie “The Bam� Johnson presents a unified, holistic approach to personal excellence - known as Wushudo Universal Martial Arts - for all martial artists. This approach focuses on furthering the physical, mental, and spiritual development of anyone in any martial arts form.Willie “The Bam� Johnson’s accomplishments have been both record-breaking and history-making. He is a seven-time sport karate and kung fu world champion, a two-time All-American champion, and the first nationally ranked Triple Crown martial arts champion.In The Complete Martial Artist, Johnson providesexplanations on how to turn negatives into positives by applying martial arts principles to everyday life;an introduction to Wushudo and its 12 universal principles;details on how to benefit from qualities like discipline, concentration, and determination in practice and competition;drills to improve focus, fluidity, balance, endurance, coordination, and confidence;insights on how to develop the free mind, reaction time, and reflexes to outmaneuver opponents; andthe strategies he uses-and you can use-to keep motivated.Whereas most books concentrate exclusively on either the skills, drills, or spiritual aspects of martial arts, The Complete Martial Artist covers the development of the whole self-physically, mentally, and spiritually. It will show you how, no matter what your martial arts style, you can develop all the essential components to become The Complete Martial Artist.8/18/2000 copyright, 160 pages.

The Complete Martial Artist $19.45 No Synopsis Available

Complete Martial Artist $17.5 No Synopsis Available

Martial Artist Sports Throw Pillow by CafePress $20 The shadow of a martial artist performing a kick. Available with name in our Boy Names section or use our personalization request form. Perfect gift for Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts Sports Throw Pillow Add stylish fun to any room with our roomy Throw Pillow. It measures a sprawling 18 X 18 with an 11 X 11 image area so you can lounge in comfort. It's made of ultra-soft brushed twill with a sturdy canvas image area. Ships with pil

Martial Artist Sports Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $26 The shadow of a martial artist performing a kick. Available with name in our Boy Names section or use our personalization request form. Perfect gift for Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts Sports Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Don't waste time deciding on which shirt to put on each morning. This dark shirt t-shirt will never go out of style and hides stains better too. This high-quality t-shirt is pre-shrunk and 100% cotton, which makes it both comfortable and durable.

Light Martial Artist Military Kids Hoodie by CafePress $26 Are you a karate student learning self defense? Earned your black belt? Show off your passion with Girls Can't WHAT? Martial Artist gear. Makes great gifts for girls of all ages Military Kids Hoodie Stay warm while lookinrsquo; casual-cool in this kid version of an adult favorite - our ash grey Hanes Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. Deep front pocket and hood for extra protection against getting slammed by bad weather. Made of cotton/polyester blend that

Martial Artist Voice Funny Mug by CafePress $15 Do Not Make Me Use My Martial Artist Voice. Be proud of your occupation, hobby, or obsession. Get this fun design on great t-shirts, stickers, much more Funny Mug The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75 tall, 3 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Light Martial Artist Military Kids Sweatshirt by CafePress $25 Are you a karate student learning self defense? Earned your black belt? Show off your passion with Girls Can't WHAT? Martial Artist gear. Makes great gifts for girls of all ages Military Kids Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up while lookinrsquo; casual-cool in this kid version of this adult favorite - our ash grey Hanes Heavyweight 50/50 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, roomy comfort for easy layering underneath. Great durability for playing hard or

Light Martial Artist Military Messenger Bag by CafePress $35 Are you a karate student learning self defense? Earned your black belt? Show off your passion with Girls Can't WHAT? Martial Artist gear. Makes great gifts for girls of all ages Military Messenger Bag From school, to carrying your laptop, to a hip alternative diaper bag, our versatile, spacious messenger bag is practically all you need to get you through every stage of your life -- and look hip doing it. One front adjustable clasp closure.

Light Martial Artist Military Tote Bag by CafePress $21 Are you a karate student learning self defense? Earned your black belt? Show off your passion with Girls Can't WHAT? Martial Artist gear. Makes great gifts for girls of all ages Military Tote Bag Our 100% cotton canvas tote bags have plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go. They include a bottom gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying. 10 oz heavyweight natural canvas fabric. Full side and bot

Light Martial Artist Military Journal by CafePress $11 Are you a karate student learning self defense? Earned your black belt? Show off your passion with Girls Can't WHAT? Martial Artist gear. Makes great gifts for girls of all ages Military Journal Scribble important stuff - lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more. Our Wire-O bound, 160 page journal has your choice of papers and measures 5 x 8, a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow. Back cove

Light Martial Artist Military Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Female martial arts fans, self-defense instructors and black belts in training will defend this kicking design. Who says girls can't do martial arts? Girls Can't WHAT? Military Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Light Martial Artist Military Infant Bodysuit by CafePress $18.5 Are you a karate student learning self defense? Earned your black belt? Show off your passion with Girls Can't WHAT? Martial Artist gear. Makes great gifts for girls of all ages Military Infant Bodysuit Babies love creepin', crawlin' and sleepin' in our super comfy, 100% cotton jersey knit Infant Creeper. Infant clothes shouldn't be hard to change, so our three-snap bottom helps ease those nasty diaper changes. Great baby stuff for your special little o

Goju Quest : A Martial Artist's Journey $16.53 No Synopsis Available

No Regrets: The Life of an American Martial Artist $21.94 No Synopsis Available

Deep Within : The Life of a Martial Artist $16.53 No Synopsis Available

Fei the Martial Artist Fantasy Sweatshirt by CafePress $42.5 Fei spends most of her time practicing ancient Chinese martial arts and calligraphy. She is apprenticed to a master in the country, who is both kind and strict. Fantasy Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin' Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you're working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester

Fei the Martial Artist Anime Rectangle Sticker by CafePress $5 Fei spends most of her time practicing ancient Chinese martial arts and calligraphy. She is apprenticed to a master in the country, who is both kind and strict. Anime Rectangle Sticker Our stickers are printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks 150; meaning no fading in the sun or bleeding in the rain. Measures 3 x 5. Printed on durable 4mil vinyl.

Fei the Martial Artist Fantasy Messenger Bag by CafePress $35 Fei spends most of her time practicing ancient Chinese martial arts and calligraphy. She is apprenticed to a master in the country, who is both kind and strict. Fantasy Messenger Bag From school, to carrying your laptop, to a hip alternative diaper bag, our versatile, spacious messenger bag is practically all you need to get you through every stage of your life -- and look hip doing it. One front adjustable clasp closure.

The Complete Martial Arts Training Manual $24.95 The Complete Martial Arts Training Manual is for beginners who want to explore options in terms of disciplines and veteran martial artists looking to expand their knowledge into other martial arts arenas. Author Ashley P. Martin provides a catalog of the various martial arts being taught worldwide and where each one is focused. He then covers the basics of hand-to-hand techniques within each of those disciplines, from strikes to ground fighting. Finally, he offers information on the overall health and well-being of the martial artist, including important nutritional information and stretching techniques. The Complete Martial Arts Training Manual provides a solid foundation for beginners and is a key supplement to the veteran martial artist's library.

Martial Artist Ornament Round Sports Round Ornament by CafePress $12.5 The shadow of a martial artist performing a kick. Available with name in our Boy Names section or use our personalization request form. Perfect gift for Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts Sports Round Ornament Instantly accessorize bare wall-space with our Round Ornament. Makes great room or office accessories, fun favors for birthday parties, wedding or baby shower Ornaments, or adding a unique, special touch to gift-wrapped packages. Comes with its own festiv

Martial Artist Sports Kids Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $17 The shadow of a martial artist performing a kick. Available with name in our Boy Names section or use our personalization request form. Perfect gift for Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts Sports Kids Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The youth-sized version of our popular adult favorite. It's preshrunk and durable - just what a playful, active kid needs.6.1 oz. 100% cotton. Runs large, size down for better fit..

Matthew Martial Artist Sports Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $26 The shadow of a martial artist performs a kick, personalized with the name John. Other names available in our shop and by request. Perfect gift for Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts Sports Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Don't waste time deciding on which shirt to put on each morning. This dark shirt t-shirt will never go out of style and hides stains better too. This high-quality t-shirt is pre-shrunk and 100% cotton, which makes it both comfortable and durable.

Matthew Martial Artist Sports Kids Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $17 The shadow of a martial artist performs a kick, personalized with the name John. Other names available in our shop and by request. Perfect gift for Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts Sports Kids Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The youth-sized version of our popular adult favorite. It's preshrunk and durable - just what a playful, active kid needs.6.1 oz. 100% cotton. Runs large, size down for better fit..

Western Martial Artist Bumper Sticker 10 pk by CafePress $40 Western Martial Artist bumper sticker Bumper Sticker 10 pk Tell the world how you feel Our bumper stickers are perfect for expressing yourself while cruising down the highway or just for posting on the wall. Measures 10 x 3. Printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks

Chinese Martial Arts (Hardcover) $53.61 "In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practiced for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. Individuals who were adept in using weapons were highly regarded, not simply as warriors but also as tacticians and performers. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques, and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments, and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts"--

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