As usual, the August 2011 issue of Black Belt magazine is jampacked with features and columns that will fine-tune your practice, improve your health and entertain your brain. On the cover is Mike Dillard, founder of Century Martial Arts, the 800-pound gorilla of the gear industry. If you think you already know about the man and the company, you still need to read this story of a child’s kidnapping, a life of bone-breaking adventure sports and a good idea that grew into a martial arts manufacturing powerhouse. To whet your appetite, check out this excerpt from the interview in which Dillard talks about the rise of MMA and how it’s affected Century.

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Mike Dillard on MMA Training

Mike Dillard:The mindset, the attitude and the desire—all the qualities that make champions today—were making people champions back then. The same things that made Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Chuck Norris and, to whatever degree, myself champions back then would have made us champions today.Read Now:Century Martial Arts Founder Mike Dillard on MMA Training

Black Belt Makes Martial Arts History

Watch this video of Dillard and two-time Black Belt Hall of Fame member Patrick Burris as they reminisce about the pivotal role the magazine has played in the development of the martial arts in America—all on the occasion of Black Belt’s 50th anniversary. Watch Now:Black Belt at 50

Karate Way: Stupid Japanese Sword Tricks

One more sneak peek at the August issue comes in the form of Dave Lowry’s long-running Karate Way column. If you’ve ever witnessed a stupid sword trick or a senselessly dangerous demo, you’ll identify with what he’s writing about.Read Now: Katana Tricks and Stupid Japanese Sword Injuries