Latest Issue

SEPTEMBER 2008

On-sale date: Tuesday, July 22, 2008


COVER STORY

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF REALITY MARTIAL ARTS, PART 1
Richard Ryan takes you step by step from unskilled fighter to lethal weapon.

VIDEO - Richard Ryan: Gun-Disarm Techniques

AUDIO - Richard Ryan: FOUR Audio Clips on Self-Defense Topics!


FEATURES

GROUNDED IN REALITY
A Ph.D. studied videos of 300 street fights and analyzed them for lessons that will benefit all martial artists.

THE MARTIAL ARTS OF BATMAN
The Keysi Fighting Method employed in Batman Begins promises to make the sequel, The Dark Knight, every bit as exciting.

CONTROL VS. CHAOS
Read how Tool’s lead singer uses Brazilian jiu-jitsu to handle the madness that sometimes erupts when he interacts with his fans.

HOPLOLOGY
Black Belt contributing editor Dave Lowry describes the science of fighting and weaponry.

SO YOU WANT TO START AN MMA SHOW? PART 1
East Coast kickboxing and mixed-martial arts promoter Lou Neglia tells you how to put on your own fight extravaganza.

PEPPER: THE SPICE OF LIFE
Pepper spray is still the best and the easiest self-defense option money can buy—especially when you’re strapped for time.


DEPARTMENTS

JEET KUNE DO SOURCE
Teri Tom explains why it’s important to maintain a strong core and keep it stabilized when you strike.

CUTTING EDGE
Carl E. Long looks at the evolution of sword design and how it influenced cutting and thrusting.

PSYCHED
Dr. Randy Borum defines excellence in sports and outlines a plan for achieving it.

FIGHTBOOK
Mark Jacobs reports on the prime-time premiere of EliteXC’s mixed-martial arts show on CBS.

HIGH RISK
Sgt. Jim Wagner answers your questions about the legal implications of using guns and knives for self-defense.

FULL CONTACT
Richard Ryan concludes his discourse on sparring with a list of the rules he’s developed during the past 30 years.

KARATE WAY
Dave Lowry explains the pros and cons of using the often-overlooked front thrust kick.

FAR EAST
Mark Jacobs dreams of a day when the mixed martial arts will be legal in New York.

WAY OF THE WARRIOR
The martial arts offer one of the best ways to understand a foreign culture, Keith Vargo says.

NEXT GENERATION
Joe Chianakas promotes visualization and mental rehearsal as ways to boost your martial arts ability.

SCREEN SHOTS
Patrick Vuong reviews Jackie Chan and Jet Li's newest theatrical release, The Forbidden Kingdom.

CELEBRITY WATCH
Diana Lee Inosanto is a skilled martial artist and an amazing actor/director. Read about her first feature film, The Sensei.


PLUS

Editorial + Mailbox + News + Essential Gear
Black Belt Pages + Classifieds + From the Archives


About the Cover

Richard Ryan was photographed by Thomas Sanders.
John Bodine designed the cover.