I remember when I first watched WWE, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was real or fake. As it turns out, WWE is not a real sport in the traditional sense, but rather a choreographed and rehearsed performance by professionally trained athletes. While it may not be considered an authentic competition, it does make …
Echo Charles is a media personality who has risen to fame thanks to his work as a podcaster, director, and producer. He co-hosts the Jocko podcast with friend Jocko Willink and enjoys a healthy social media following. Echo Charles is also a reference in the health and fitness spaces. Echo Charles Early Life Echo Charles …
Have you ever heard of a 19-year-old who’s made a name for himself as the world’s smallest singer? Meet Abdu Rozik, the Tajikistani internet star whose adorability and charming voice have earned him over 8 million Instagram followers and 1.3 million YouTube subscribers. From his humble beginnings in Gishdarva, Tajikistan, to competing in the Indian …
The UFC has become one of the most popular mixed martial arts organizations in the world, but there’s been a lingering question on the minds of many fans… Is the UFC fake? No, the UFC is not fake. Fights are not scripted (like they are in professional wrestling) and the athletes are seriously trying to …
What up MMA fans! I’m writing this post with a mix of excitement and nerves. Why, you ask? Well, I’m not stepping into the octagon… but I’ve acquired one of my favorite MMA websites: FightBooth (formerly at fightbooth.com). As many of you know, fightbooth.com has long been a reputable platform for MMA enthusiasts, widely respected …
Women have been competing in the sport of mixed martial arts since 1997, but female MMA has come into its own during the last decade. The competition is getting tougher by the day, and women’s fights are making more waves than ever before. Amanda Nunes’ dominance has no alternative, Valentina Shevchenko’s building a legacy of her …
Controversies are a part of life, but in the fight game, they reign supreme. With action inside and outside the Octagon, the UFC fans always have something and someone to talk about. Here are the five most controversial fighters in UFC history. Colby Covington Colby Covington is arguably the most hated man in mixed martial …
The 5 Most Controversial Fighters In UFC History Read More »
Dagestani blogger Hasbulla Magomedov is the most popular person on the internet these days, especially in the MMA circles. The blogger from the ‘crazy mountains’ has amassed more than 1 MILLION followers on Instagram within a few weeks, and clips of him doing all sorts of hilarious stuff are doing rounds on every social media …
A multibillion-dollar enterprise, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is the most prominent Mixed Martial Arts organization in the world. As the UFC has become increasingly popular over the decades, fighters’ salaries have grown just as fast. It might come as no surprise to you that the top UFC fighters can earn impressively high salaries ranging in …
Top-tier boxers who are proven draws on PPV or television can make huge sums of money from just one fight. While the vast majority of professional boxers scrape to get by, those at the very apex of the profession are some of the highest-paid athletes in the world. One notable difference between boxers and athletes …
We all watch mixed martial arts because it’s super exciting. Fighters from different disciplines of martial arts compete under unified rules and test their skills against the best athletes from around the world. Every week, fans get to see crazy knockouts, highlight-reel submissions, and barnburners, but sometimes, things don’t quite live up to the expectations. …
With so much on the line, every point and every round in boxing or MMA is crucial. There’s nothing worse than when the outcome of a match is decided by a questionable judges’ decision. In this article, I’ll explain how boxing decisions work and what the difference is between a majority decision and a split …
Majority Decision vs Split Decision in Boxing and MMA Read More »
Hey, fellow martial arts fans! It’s The MMA Guru here, and today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Mexican UFC fighters. Mexico has a rich history in combat sports, and over the years, they’ve produced some truly exceptional talent in the UFC. If you’re as excited as I am about this, you’re in for …
Everybody knows I love MMA, but I also really love me some kickboxing. Whether it be K1, Muay Thai, Glory, Bellator, or One FC, I love all styles of kickboxing. So many phenomenal kickboxers have stepped into the ring, which makes doing a best-ever list really hard. But I’ve taken a crack at it and …
Are you curious about Mark Zuckerberg’s skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)? Well, you’re in for a treat! Zuckerberg, the genius behind Facebook, has been immersing himself in the world of BJJ and making quite a name for himself on the mats. What Belt is Mark Zuckerberg in Jiu Jitsu? Mark Zuckerberg is a blue belt …
If you’ve ever turned on a UFC event, you certainly haven’t missed the ringside presence of the organization’s famous Octagon Girls. These are my picks for Dana White’s hottest UFC ring girls of all time. Chrissy Blair Chrissy Blair has a warm spot in many UFC fans’ hearts. This stunning blonde hails from Florida, and …
Gordon Ryan, the self-named ‘King,’ is an American Grappler and Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. He’s well known for being the #1 grappler in the world (specifically in No-Gi Jiu Jitsu), holding multiple ADCC titles and an incredible streak of victories. As a double gold medalist at 2019’s ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships, he has made …
Nathalia Santoro is a Brazilian fitness model, bodybuilder, BJJ competitor, and the girlfriend of well known Nogi submission grappling sensation Gordon Ryan. Santoro is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil and is currently living in Austin, Texas. Santoro is probably best known as a result of her large Instagram following where she is better known as @notheysonny. …
Nathalia Santoro: Fitness Model, Gordon Ryan’s Girlfriend Read More »
Thanks to stunt doubles and the power of special effects, every leading actor looks like they’ve got dynamite in their hands in a fight scene. While there are plenty of celebs who’ve choreographed a striking combo or locked up a choke-hold on set, hitting the mats day-in and day-out is a different story. So who …
13 Celebrities Who Are Surprisingly Good At Martial Arts Read More »
If you come across Martyn Ford in the street it would be hard not to stare. Standing at 6’8” and weighing 320 lbs with a shaved head and tattoos covering his body and face he certainly stands out from the crowd. The Englishman is sometimes referred to as the Real Life Hulk and it is …
The Ankle Pick is a popular takedown technique that is commonly used in wrestling, BJJ, and Judo. The ankle pick is a type of single leg take down that works by pulling your opponents ankle and leg in one direction while using your other arm to push the torso and upper body in the opposite …
The BJJ Red Belt is a belt that is reserved for those who are considered to have made a significant contribution to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is technically a ninth degree black belt and it is the highest possible rank that can be achieved by a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Many people presume it …
Women shopping for BJJ gear face somewhat of an uphill battle, as most of it is designed for men’s bodies. Some brands though, have introduced women’s cuts for their Jiu Jitsu gis, and these are the uniforms I always recommend for women who want to train BJJ. While men are typically longer in general (in …
Eddie Bravo is one of the best known Jiu-Jitsu personalities in the world. Apart from being an accomplished martial artist, he is also an entrepreneur, musician, MMA commentator, and online personality. Eddie is best known as the founder of the 10th Planet gym and BJJ system. He is also the best friend of UFC commentator …
Who is Eddie Bravo? About the 10th Planet Founder Read More »
The Danaher Death Squad is the name of the famous grappling team that trains out of the Renzo Gracie academy in Manhattan. The team is trained by the New Zealand born BJJ blackbelt John Danaher. The Danaher Death Squad are known for their exciting style of submission grappling, in particular their ability to attack their …
Jiu Jitsu is a grappling based martial art. The term Jiu Jitsu can be confusing as it has been used over time as a blanket term to describe many different grappling martial arts including Judo. In fact at many stages throughout history the term Judo and Jiu Jitsu have been used interchangeably. Although the exact …
How Japanese Jiu Jitsu Became Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Read More »
Nick Rodriguez, AKA Nicky Rod is freestyle wrestler and grappler from New Jersey. In the last couple of years Nick has made big waves in the BJJ world by defeating a number of high level opponents. Most impressively Nick has managed to do this despite a very limited amount of time spent training in the …
Nick “Nicky Rod” Rodriguez: the Black Belt Slayer Read More »
The BJJ Blue belt is a major milestone for an any Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. It rewards time spent training and learning and is confirmation that you are no longer a novice. At blue belt level you will not have mastered every technique. However you should have a good understanding of the main concepts and positions. The …
If you train long enough in MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, or wrestling you are bound to suffer some damage to your ear. Doing MMA or Jiu-Jitsu does not guarantee that you will get a Cauliflower ear but there is always a risk that you can develop them over time if you are not careful. There are a …
If you train martial arts, in particular BJJ or MMA, you’re probably well aware of the risk of skin infections like ringworm and staph. Getting one of these nasty bugs could cause you to miss months of training, so it’s crucial that you get clean with the right type of soap after hitting the gym. …
In the world of mixed martial arts, some fighters possess a unique ability to rise above the rest and establish themselves as true elites. Tony Ferguson is one such fighter, whose journey from a small town in California to becoming an interim champion in the UFC is nothing short of remarkable. Like a phoenix rising …
The Rise Of Tony Ferguson: From Interim Champ To Elite Fighter Read More »
The Spladle is a wrestling technique that is most commonly used to counter an opponents attempt to execute a single leg take down. It is also a unorthodox wrestling pin that puts a lot of pressure on an opponents body. The creation of the Spladle is credited to Wade Schalles, a two time NCAA Division …
Wrestling Spladle – The Powerful Single Leg Counter Read More »
Fred Mastro is a Belgian born self defense teacher. He is best known for being a celebrity bodyguard as well as a fight choreographer, bouncer, and martial arts personality. He has worked as a choreographer on a number of popular films such as Taken with Liam Neeson. Mastro Defense System He has also developed his …
The 7 5 3 code is a Jiu Jitsu code of honor and set of ideals developed by the Valente Brothers, who are a well-known family of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners. According to the Valente’s, the code is a lifestyle and approach that helps us to live a more balanced life, physically, emotionally, and mentally. …
Ralek Gracie is a BJJ grappler, promoter and MMA fighter. He is a member of the famous Gracie family and is the son of Rorion Gracie. His father founded the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a ninth degree red belt. Ralek is best known for founding the Metamoris grappling promotion. Since then he has …
The dust had not settled on UFC 229 and I was already hearing people say that Mcgregor tapped to a choke from Khabib despite the fact that the choke was not cinched in properly. These comments made me laugh and I immediately came to the conclusion that these people were lucky enough to have never …
Street fighting is something that should be avoided if possible. Usually even if you are in the right and have the ability to win a physical altercation, there is still a good chance you could wind up in a police cell or be sued. In the olden days this was not the case. Minor Grievances …
Is There Really A Mutual Combat Law in Washington? Read More »
If you’re training Jiu Jitsu, you’ve almost certainly seen people around your academy walking around with a nasty case of cauliflower ear. Wearing ear guard headgear is the number one thing you can do to prevent cauliflower ear before it starts. Just want the best? My number one pick is . Guru’s Choice: Best Jiu …
If you have been training for a couple of years in BJJ you will most likely have suffered a finger injury of some kind. Your fingers may have become bumpier around the knuckles and may occasionally ache and feel like they are swelled. This injury is commonly known as osteoarthrosis and is difficult to avoid if …
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is changing quickly. In a relatively few amount of years it has gone from a tiny niche martial art to one of the most popular martial arts that is practiced around the world. BJJ’s dramatic rise in popularity has increased as a result of exposure through MMA, movies, and celebrity practitioners such …
If you have been training for any length of time in Jiu-Jitsu or wrestling you will surely have experienced mat burn at some stage. If you have you will know that mat burn can be agony and can even result in time off the mat. Simple tasks that you had previously taken for granted like …
Hey, fight fans! Nick, The MMA Guru here… I’ve got some exciting news to share with all of you today: I’ve successfully thrown a one-two punch and landed the acclaimed martial arts blog, Breaking Grips (formerly breakinggrips.com), into our family. Now, if you’ve followed me for a while, you know how passionate I am about …
You may think you know the legends of MMA, the titans who once ruled the octagon with their iron fists and unyielding will. But let me introduce you to a man who defies expectations, a man who has etched his name into the annals of combat sports history. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Mark Coleman: an …
With the rise in popularity of mixed martial arts, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has become a highly anticipated sporting event worldwide. As viewers eagerly tune in to witness the excitement and action, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the duration of a UFC event. Spanning several hours, these events encompass a range of …
In the world of combat sports, where every punch and kick holds the potential to change the course of a fight, the terms ‘knockout’ (KO) and ‘technical knockout’ (TKO) carry immense significance. Like two sides of the same coin, these terms serve to distinguish the outcomes of boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) matches. Just …
KO vs TKO: What’s the Difference? (In Boxing and MMA) Read More »
In the vast realm of gaming, the ultimate UFC experience awaits enthusiasts as they step into the virtual octagon. Like a skilled fighter, these MMA games on various platforms deliver a knockout punch of excitement and adrenaline. Just as a masterful striker delivers a powerful blow, these games unleash an immersive experience that captivates players …
The Ultimate UFC Gaming Experience: The Best MMA Games For All Platforms Read More »
Did you know that the journey towards a black belt in Taekwondo requires an average of 3 to 5 years of dedicated training? Taekwondo, a martial art originating from Korea, has a unique ranking system represented by different colored belts. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ranking system in Taekwondo, known …
Journey Through Taekwondo Belts: Understanding The Ranking System Read More »
In the world of karate, the belt system serves as a symbolic representation of a practitioner’s knowledge and skill level. Like the colors of a rainbow, the karate belt system encompasses a spectrum of progression, from the humble white belt to the revered black belt. This system epitomizes the notion of personal growth and mastery …
Karate Belt System: Colors, Ranks, And Progression Read More »
Amidst the chaos and excitement in an MMA fight, there are lines that cannot be crossed. Welcome to the realm of illegal moves in the UFC, where safety is paramount. From the bone-shattering piledrivers that could leave you paralyzed, to the gruesome act of fish hooking that can tear flesh apart, these moves are strictly …
Whether you’re just rolling on the mats or getting ready for a competition, owning a pair of spats is essential for anyone training BJJ or MMA. Spats are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment that any practitioner can own, they’re great for both grappling and striking martial arts. “Spats” is a pretty specific …
Can you really learn Jiu Jitsu online? It’s a controversial topic. In my opinion: no, not exclusively. That said, watching videos online is an excellent supplement to your training at an academy. These days, most elite BJJ athletes like Gordon Ryan and Keenan Cornelius have made at least some sort of instructional content. As fans …
Should transgender athletes be sanctioned to compete in MMA? This is a divisive question that has stirred up fiery emotions in many of the sport’s biggest names. At the height of the debate’s public attention, beloved UFC commentator Joe Rogan faced significant backlash for comments made on his podcast, and then UFC-fighter Matt Mitrione was …
As an experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner, I’ve come to appreciate the journey that the BJJ belt system represents. Each belt color marks not only a new level of skill but also the personal growth and dedication that come with consistent training. In this blog post, I’ll be your guide to understanding the intricacies of …
Like all martial arts in the world, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses a belt system to rank students, starting from a White Belt and going all the way to a Black Belt and beyond. The gentle art demands dedication and patience, which is why only a handful of people manage to get to the top of the …
How Long Does It Take To Get A Black Belt In BJJ? Read More »
Attention Jiu Jitsu warriors! Tired of showing up to competitions looking like a soggy mess in your worn-out gi? Fear not: the Guru has scoured the market to bring you the ultimate roundup of Jiu Jitsu gis fit for champions (if you’re looking for an all-around gi less focused on competition, check out my post …
What are weight divisions and how does this system work? When it comes to Brazilian jiu jitsu competitions, we all enjoy geting into the mats to roll and see who is the best, but as a contest, there are some rules to follow in order to make the fights fair for everyone. For example, as …
BJJ Weight Classes for Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu (IBJJF & More) Read More »
You’ve probably seen the very popular FightCamp home boxing setup on the social media feeds of your favorite boxers and celebs. It looks high tech, but is it worth it? In this article, I do a complete breakdown of everything about FightCamp – including a full price analysis comparing it to a membership at my …
There are many reasons why I look up to John Danaher, one of the most influential jiu-jitsu instructors I have studied. Although he did not compete professionally because of injuries, his innovative teaching style, and passion for continuous improvement set him apart. His journey is also inspiring for both competitors and teachers in the space. …
Helio Gracie is known as the Grandmaster, and his likeness is on display in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu gyms. The legendary fighter helped develop Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and never stopped believing in the discipline. Helio Gracie is a legend and has left behind a legacy of grace, determination, and excellence. Early Life Born on October 1, 1913, in …
Applied correctly, the rear-naked choke, or RNC, is the most devastating strangulation finish used in martial arts disciplines including MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In fact, the “King of All Chokes” is successfully employed in roughly half of all strangulation submissions at BJJ competitions. Even athletes like Gordon Ryan, who is known for his leg lock …
Rear Naked Choke Breakdown: Submission and Defense Read More »
The Omoplata is a highly effective submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that targets your opponent’s shoulder. It’s been proven to be a powerful finishing move in both Gi and No-Gi competition. How does the Omoplata Work? The Omoplata is a shoulder lock submission. It relies on: There are a ton of ways to set up …
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ for short, is one of the world’s most effective martial arts styles. It emphasizes using your body to pin your opponent to the mat and then winning through a submission. A submission occurs when you get your opponent to give up or tap out by using a move that could potentially …
The Kimura lock is one of the staple techniques that any Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioner should have at their disposal with just a few classes into their journey; it is a high percentage submission in most competitions and it is a versatile move to land from a lot of different positions, or to use in …
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the biggest mixed martial arts promotion in the world with an estimated value of 9-10 billion dollars. The promotion came into being in 1993, and it has since revolutionized the fighting business. Today, the UFC is home to some of the best fighters on the planet, and has a …
UFC Weight Classes: 2023 Men’s and Women’s Divisions Read More »
As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner with many years of experience, I greatly emphasize picking the right gi for my daily training and competitions. I’ve worn countless gis over the years, with some being better than others. From the vintage old-school Atama gi to the legendary Tatami Estilo 5.0 up to Kingz Balistico, I have had …
Origin’s high-end, American-made kimonos have me seriously wondering if I’ve stumbled upon the elusive holy grail of gis that I’ve been seeking for so long. Boasting cutting-edge materials and exceptional craftsmanship, it’s no wonder that this gi has rapidly gained popularity among top-level competitors, making it a must-have for those who are serious about their …
Picture this: you’re on the mats, giving it your all in a heated grappling session, when suddenly, an irritating itch on your neck interrupts your flow, courtesy of your subpar BJJ Gi. Frustrating, right? Worry not, my fellow jiu-jitsu aficionados… The Guru is here with the ultimate solution to your BJJ wardrobe woes: Gold BJJ’s …
If you’re shopping for a cheap Jiu Jitsu gi, you’ve almost certainly come across the . It’s one of the best selling entry level gis, but how does it stack up to the competition? Let’s do a complete breakdown of this gi to see if it makes sense for your training. Price: $$Product Spec 1: …
Sanabul’s Essentials V2 Gi is one of the most popular entry level Jiu Jitsu gis on the market. Let’s see how it stacks up against the competition. Price: $$ out of $$$$$ (Up to 50% cheaper than other well known brands)Material: 100% CottonSizing: A0-A4Fabric: 350 gsm weaveWhat I like: It’s a budget-friendly entry-level gi with …
For a sport as grueling and violent as mixed martial arts, you might be surprised to know that there are some absolutely stunningly beautiful women who choose to fight for a living. In my humble opinion, these are some of the hottest female fighters in MMA. Rose “Thug Rose” Namajunas Rose Namajunas has a unique …
There’s a long history of accomplished women in the boxing world. You might think that women who choose to fight might not be the most feminine or attractive, but that is absolutely NOT the case. I’ve rounded up the hottest female boxers of all time. These women consistently showed their talent, broke records, and are …
Let’s face it: height advantage is real in combat sports. Height may not be the most apparent indicator of strength, but it has a lot of influence on how fighters engage each other. It is also closely linked to the reach and ape index – two important indexes that can influence MMA matches’ outcome. These …
How Tall Are MMA Fighters? UFC Height Analysis by Division Read More »
Some martial arts were designed to kill. No rules. No mercy. Lethal intent. But which martial art is the deadliest? Considering that we’re talking about deadly force it’s a question that can be, well… difficult to test. Let’s take a close look at the world’s most lethal martial arts – from traditional Japanese striking techniques to …
Are you looking for a killer gift for your BJJ training partners, or a friend/family member who is hopelessly addicted to Jiu Jitsu? Look no further, here are my top picks for the best BJJ gifts available… Every BJJ athlete needs a solid gym bag to carry their gis, rash guards, and accessories in. My …
The Ultimate BJJ Gift Guide: Gifts for Jiu Jitsu Enthusiasts Read More »
The Danaher Death Squad dominated the world of NoGi grappling for years. When the crew split into two parts and moved to start gyms separate from each other, it shook the Brazilan Jiu-Jitsu community to its core. Not all was lost, though. From the ashes of the notorious athletes rose a new powerhouse of a …
It’s undeniable that the Daisy Fresh Brazilian jiu-jitsu team has gained enormous popularity lately. Led by the jiu-jitsu black belt Heath Pedigo, this team brings together a selection of the best BJJ athletes in the world, most of them young Americans from a humble beginning. We’ve done the research and gathered the most relevant information …
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing travel bans, the world of sports was crippled as leagues began canceling events. However, UFC stood out from the crowd as president Dana White began to plan to continue having the events despite the growing health concerns. The biggest obstacle he faced was getting foreign …
In a sport full of hard hits and brutal strikes, there are few great equalizers in mixed martial arts like chokes. A well-executed chokehold can bring down the toughest opponent in seconds, something Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specializes in. With their efficient effectiveness, some may wonder if chokes are dangerous, or if BJJ chokes are classified as …
John ‘Jocko’ Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, author, entrepreneur, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) black belt. Early Career and Military Service Willink became a student of BJJ under Fabio Santos during his military service in Iraq. Fabio Santos trained under Rolls and Rickson Gracie, two of the most revered disciples in the sport. …
Is your kid starting to get into Jiu Jitsu? Then it’s super important to pick up a BJJ gi that they will actually enjoy wearing in class! Martial arts are an amazing way for kids to learn discipline, humility, and self defense. But if your kiddo doesn’t like the look and fit of their gi, …
One of the most common and sought-after chokehold positions, the Ezekiel Choke is a relatively simple technique and a popular go-to for most BJJ and MMA fighters. Ezekiel Choke essentially compresses your opponent’s trachea and carotid arteries. In Japanese, it is known as the Sode Guruma Jime, which means “sleeve wheel constriction.” Traditionally, in its …
Carlos Gracie is a prominent figure and trailblazer within the MMA community. After mastering Jiu-Jitsu from Count Coma, another notable material arts figure. His real name is Misuyio Esai Maeda. He was a Judo representative from Japan who migrated to Brazil to spread the Jiu-Jitsu fighting style. Gracie trained for three years with Maeda until …
Whether you practice mixed martial arts or are a UFC enthusiast, you’ve probably seen or heard about the Darce Choke. The Darce Choke is a standard move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but where did it come from? How did the action get its name? If you’re interested in learning the history of the Darce Choke, you’ve …
Any man who has ever gotten a kick or knee to the groin will do whatever it takes to avoid a repeat. Groin cups, also called groin protectors, are essential pieces of training equipment for any fighter. A strike to the groin is prohibited in martial arts and other combat sports, but accidents are bound …
I love watching southpaws (left handed fighters) trade blows. They’re some of the best and most exciting fighters that enter a boxing ring—from Manny Pacquiao all the way back to the Marvelous Marvin Hagler, southpaws have stood at the top of the sport and thrilled boxing fans for decades. When the bell rings and a …
In Jiu Jitsu, the minute you put on the gi, anything can happen. All it takes is one fast unexpected move from your opponent, and your fingers or toes can get snagged and easily injured. That’s why you see most big name BJJ athletes training with finger tape. Finger tape for BJJ helps provide support …
Sometimes, I just don’t have time to shower after hitting the gym. But I really don’t want to pick up a nasty skin infection and get sidelined from training. That’s where body wipes come in… Even in the cleanest gym, bacteria can grow and potentially lead to ring worm, staph, or other infections. It’s super …
Want to train BJJ or MMA at home? Well, the first thing you’re going to need is a set of mats. Trying to train without a solid mat setup is asking for injuries. Puzzle mats are the easiest type of mats to build your at-home setup with. They are interlocking, expandable, and cheap. They’re not …
Combat sports is an inherently dangerous activity. With thousands of fights taking place every year, injuries are an inevitability. And sadly, there have been many fighters who have died from competing in their sport. In boxing alone, there have been at least 500 deaths since the modern form of the sport first emerged. While boxing …
18 Tragic Deaths in the Ring: Boxing, MMA, and More Read More »
Whether you’re hitting the heavy bag or sparring in practice for a fight, you can’t afford to go without a quality set of hand wraps. For years, I struggled to find the best hand wraps. Some were too short. Others were too stiff. Well, I’ve tried a ton of them by now and am going …
The Best Hand Wraps for Boxing and Muay Thai in 2021 Read More »
Have you ever heard of Iron Crotch Kung Fu? Neither had I, until a few months ago when a Chinese kung fu master, Wang Liutai, began promoting the sport to save it from obsoleteness. This cringe-worthy sport is not your typical martial art – it consists of purposefully heavy blows to your body’s most sensitive …
Iron Crotch Kung Fu: Everything You Need to Know Read More »
For those just getting started with boxing (or perhaps those of you shopping for a boxing enthusiast), you probably have already started researching or shopping for gloves, hand wraps, and mouthguards. While this makes perfect sense, there is a piece of equipment that is often overlooked: Shoes! Yes, boxing shoes are pivotal pieces of equipment …
When I started boxing, I thought, as most beginners do, that all boxing gloves were created equally. I soon discovered that the gloves have different sizes and weights, such as 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, and 16 oz. The purpose of boxing gloves is to ultimately keep you from injuring your knuckles, …
The wooden dummy, also known as the Mook Yan Jong, helps students of Wing Chung Kung Fu and other Chinese martial arts improve balance, positioning, precision, flow, and range of motion. It’s used by UFC legends like Tony Ferguson and Anderson Silva to hone their MMA techniques. More than just a weird looking coat rack, a …
Most martial arts use belt ranking systems. Take Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwondo, and other Japanese and Korean martial arts for example. But, there is one martial art that is slightly different… Muay Thai is a traditional martial art practiced in Thailand, and it does not subscribe to the belt ranking system. How Are …
It’s easy to think of pro boxing and imagine Mike Tyson kicking his opponent to the curb as you watch the glamour and glory of the sport. Be careful about getting too ahead of yourself. You’ll have to work on getting good at boxing before daydreaming about honor and glory. We’ll look at several pro …
A free standing punching bag is an excellent addition to your home MMA gym. If you want to avoid the permanence and bulkiness of a traditional heavy bag, a free standing heavy bag is a great alternative. Here, I will give you my personal picks for the best free standing punching bags on the market. …
Valentina Shevchenko currently holds the title of the current UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion. The Peruvian-Kyrgistani athlete, born on March 7th, 1988, is a former Muay Thai fighter who made her MMA debut in 2015. Lightning-fast Shevchenko earned the nickname “Bullet” from her kickboxing trainer after knocking out a 22-year-old opponent at the tender age of …
To successfully train on a heavy bag, you need a sturdy heavy bag mount. However, finding the right one can be a challenge, especially if you order one online and don’t get the chance to try it out in person. Don’t stress, though, because this post will serve as a guide to the best heavy …
When it comes to boxing training, you want equipment that is going to help you reach the next level. You also want equipment that you can count on to last. Jump ropes are one of the best tools to incorporate into a workout routine. They help you build strength, speed, and stamina for boxing. There …
