SUBSCRIBE TO BLACKBELT MAGAZINE TODAY!
Don't miss a single issue of the world largest magazine of martial arts.
Talks About Being a Smaller Fighter in a Combat Sport Ruled by Giants
At first glance, most people — most martial artists, even — will zero in on the smaller person in any fight and deem him or her to be at a distinct disadvantage. It's a natural tendency to draw this conclusion based on obvious attributes such as height, weight and reach. However, that tendency does not always lead to accurate conclusions.
<p>This should not come as a complete surprise given the underlying premise of the martial arts, which were created to overcome inherent physical advantages bestowed at birth. Some fighters have capitalized on this aspect of the arts and gone one step beyond — by learning how to use their smaller stature as an advantage. This encompasses not just using the speed advantage that's enjoyed by fighters with smaller physiques but also altering the techniques themselves to make them more functional against a taller foe.</p><p><a href="https://www.onefc.com/athletes/demetrious-johnson/" target="_blank">Demetrious Johnson</a> is a master of these tactics. The 12-time flyweight world champion has built his combat career on being a smaller fighter who isn't slowed down by size. At 5 feet 3 inches, the 125-pound Johnson — who goes by the nickname "Mighty Mouse" — holds the record for the most <a href="https://www.ufc.com/" target="_blank">UFC</a> title defenses (11 in a row) and is considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter on Earth. Many regard Johnson as the first lightweight superstar to emerge in the sport of mixed martial arts.</p><p>Black Belt recently had the chance to sit down with Mighty Mouse and learn about his views on being a winning fighter who's never hampered by size.</p>
Fighting Style
<p>Johnson attributes much of his success to his background in pankration and wrestling, a foundation he laid before he embarked on a career in <a href="https://blackbeltmag.com/arts/mixedmartialarts/" target="_blank">MMA</a>. Both styles emphasize the strategic use of leverage, which makes them ideal for smaller fighters."</p><p>I try to find my opponent's weakness and exploit that," Johnson said. "Being well-versed and competing in several types of martial arts in my amateur career allows me to find that weakness, take [my opponents] there and then put them in that realm where they can't survive — and beat them there!"</p><p>This strategy, inspired by the teachings of pankration and wrestling, has proved a viable solution for Johnson time after time. In fact, it's his proficiency in both systems that's enabled him to excel in MMA. Consider the following:</p><p>Any observer of the fight sport will tell you that plenty of practitioners are proficient in one discipline, which they often augment by cross-training in techniques extracted from other styles that are believed to help them round out their skill set. These fighters tend to lean on their adopted techniques for setups and fakes designed to engage their opponents. Unfortunately, when fatigue sets in, they frequently fall back on their primary skill set in an effort to gain the upper hand — or, in some cases, just to survive.</p><p>This isn't the case for Johnson. He represents a new breed of combat athlete who's gained extensive experience in a variety of fighting disciplines. Being well-versed at executing a mass of moves, fighters like him need not rely on their primary martial art, which winds up making them more adaptable and unpredictable in a match.</p><p>Johnson's record of 30-3-1 offers tangible proof of his ability to exploit his opponents' weaknesses. Those 30 wins consist of 12 submissions and five knockouts via punches, head kicks and knee strikes, a testament to his proficiency in all the ranges of combat.</p>​BODY JAB TO HOOK PUNCH TO HEAD KICK
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM3ODg2NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwMjg5MjgzOX0.OwAO8c33aJX_qpL7D0lRKgcZkMG22RNVJBwBfJ-ujys/image.jpg?width=980" id="c0e76" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8ba667deda0b000b99f015429afd49ac" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
<p>After squaring off against his opponent, Demetrious Johnson (right) uses his lower stance to launch a jab to the man's exposed abdomen (1).</p>
TAKEDOWN TO ARMBAR
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM3OTMxNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMDA0ODEwMX0.huSfg_Gfz2XmwLfWdI6eJsLxc2dTGUeovuM9JvIYBws/image.jpg?width=980" id="9bab4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="dd9806b3b1d98d43be0b0b3623b9270f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
<p>Again taking advantage of his lower position, Demetrious Johnson shoots in for a double-leg takedown without encountering any resistance from the taller opponent (1-2). </p>
Technique Alteration
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM3OTQ5NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMjgxMjcyOH0.4UkgOc1GZ7yTg669vPYYZyapzuJhaTJmn137mIW17z4/image.jpg?width=980" id="b07bf" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5dd1006607f5c8bb7c069aa8adb2b1a7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Alteration With the right coaching, almost any basic martial arts move can be altered to make it work better for a shorter fighter, Johnson said. He brought his point to life as he walked through setups for his combinations and takedowns designed to fell taller opponents during his Black Belt photo shoot. He started his explanation with the simplest punch of all.</p><p>"When a jab is thrown from someone at a lower angle, you can fit it between [the opponent's] arms and into this wide-open gap to the body," Johnson said. "[The opening] just isn't there with guys the same height as you."</p><p>He went on to say that this observation can allow you to elicit reactions from your opponent as he defends himself. That, in turn, can open other areas for you to target.</p><p>The same logic, Johnson noted, applies to takedowns. Here's how: Against a taller opponent, the conventional double- and single-leg takedown normally do the job. A shorter fighter's size, however, enables him to shoot in at a lower level, which makes the techniques harder to defend against and the shooter harder to grab. Furthermore, the shorter person's often-superior speed permits him to transition to a follow-up grappling technique before the pair even hits the ground.</p><p>"By grabbing the right spot on the wrist during a single-leg or starting to climb up their body as they fall during a double-leg, you can put yourself in the right position," Johnson said. An expert at such tweaks, he noted that advanced concepts like this have allowed him to dominate in the cage despite disadvantages in height and reach.</p>New Challenges
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM3OTUwMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwMjkwNjY3OH0.cdhkoclQKHqpeRWm3QDkeET7-uJIvVkkSXUkqPzxTaY/image.jpg?width=980" id="b7dc2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1c786eb156d34f93628ff1422aeaa94b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>New Challenges Johnson's decision to join <a href="https://www.onefc.com/" target="_blank">ONE Championship</a> in late 2018 means that his previous success as a flyweight in other fight franchises may be in jeopardy. </p><p>That's because the Singapore-based promotion touts a strict "no weight cutting" policy that will force the American to take on heavier opponents in his normal 135-pound weight class.</p><p>The new challenge is nothing he can't handle, Johnson said confidently, because he's well-versed in using his size to his advantage. On top of that, he has years of experience on the North American MMA circuit to back up his skill set.</p><p>Nevertheless, Johnson admitted that a fight is a fight and therefore unpredictable, and that his opponents from the Far East will not be easily conquered. In fact, because ONE is based in a part of the world where fighters tend to be smaller than in the West, he likely will have his work cut out for him.</p><p>"I'm fighting guys who are a lot taller," Johnson said regarding his ONE Championship opponents. "In my last fight, I fought [Tatsumitsu Wada], who is 5 feet 9 inches tall, and when he took my back, he was able to get a triangle on my body so easily." That feat, he added, is rarely accomplished on a person who is equal in stature.</p><p>Johnson's solution? When preparing to take on a taller opponent, he likes to abandon the "fighting tall" mentality that's so common in his sport. It revolves around the urge to strike the taller person's face while squaring off. That tactic is simply not an option in such situations, Johnson said.</p><p>Instead, you need to focus on your strengths as a smaller fighter, he said. Get low and use your leverage for offense and defense. Take advantage of the gaps that exist in the taller person's stance. When you strike, do so with intent. Get in, execute and get out. Don't get caught in between, taking your time — because sooner or later that mistake will catch up with you</p>Future Fights
<p>Whenever you're the first person to gain fame for achieving something, it means you have to pave your own road to success. When Johnson entered the martial arts in 2007, he found no prominent examples of smaller fighters who consistently saw success in the cage. Consequently, there was no one he could turn to for inspiration.</p><p>"When I jumped into martial arts, there was no avenue for me to go," Johnson explained. "[I was] sitting there as a kid, watching these guys who were all heavyweights in boxing and MMA. With me weighing a buck twenty-five, I never thought those were the professional athletes I wanted to be like."</p><p>The fight sport is different now. As Johnson enters his 13th year as a professional mixed martial artist, he serves as an exemplary lightweight role model — precisely the kind of person he failed to find early in his career.</p><p>As scores of smaller martial artists scramble to follow in his footsteps, Johnson has inadvertently secured the future of his weight division on the global stage. For an athlete as disciplined as Johnson, the notion carries no added burden.</p><p>"I'm at a point in my career where I'm just focused on the grind of putting on great performances," he said. "That way, when I'm done with this sport, that's it. I'm good. I can be done with it and with no regrets."</p>SIDE CONTROL TO MOUNT TO ARMBAR
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM3OTUzNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzU2NzM1MX0.a_kmdKYx57zwUbGemxrEFnJmloi7gmYyvrUPkD01xc0/image.jpg?width=980" id="580e2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4194b4d2d8f4002518a3e9b05ae79a0c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
<p>Demetrious Johnson begins in the side-control position (1). </p>
2019 MMA Fighter of the Year
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM3OTU2MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTU2MjM3Mn0.LrW3wCdX6bc_Ago2X34P1EG87EwZP6pUhXwJbpZ-Iec/image.jpg?width=980" id="ffa02" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="21aff8779f96ba47af9b40ef6aaedcb3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>When he hit the MMA circuit in 2007, Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson was a human tsunami. An immediate force to be reckoned with, he dominated the bantamweight and featherweight divisions of the sport thanks to his lightning-fast fists and his arsenal of grappling techniques. Like a true martial artist, he hasn't let his success go to his head.</p><p>"I am very happy with where I'm at in my career," Johnson stated. "The martial arts have given me and my family a wonderful life. If I were to stop fighting today, I'd be satisfied with the way everything has turned out."</p><p>That said, Johnson has no plans of bowing out of the ring anytime soon. In fact, he's gearing up for his next big fight, which will have taken place in Japan before this issue of Black Belt hits newsstands.</p><p>"I'm training for the World Grand Prix — ONE: CENTURY in October,2019" Johnson said. "It's a big event! This is the 100th time [it] has been held, and I'm very excited to be part of it. I grew up watching Japanese MMA, and now I get a chance to win one. It's awesome!"</p><p>From the moment Johnson first came to grips with an opponent in the cage, it was apparent that he was a rising star. Now, with a string of victories under his belt and numerous awards and honors bestowed on him, he's been dubbed one of the greatest mixed martial artists in the world. In a sport abundant with talent, Johnson has achieved rock-star status with legions of fans glued to his every move.</p><p>Why are they so devoted? A glimpse into Mighty Mouse's makeup comes from one of his most-talked-about fights in which he squared off against Miguel Torres. After breaking his fibula when he checked a leg kick in the second round, Johnson continued to wage war. He ignored the pain and concentrated on his grappling skills to survive. In the end, he won a unanimous decision.</p><p>"The key to winning, and sometimes the key to surviving in order to win, is having the ability to stay focused and take care of the task at hand," Johnson said. "That is how I approach my fights and my personal life. I know what I really want out of life, and I stay focused on that task — whether it's winning a fight or taking care of my family. My wife Destiny and my three children are the most important things in my life."</p><p>Because of his past accomplishments, his bright future and his pervasive martial mindset, Black Belt is pleased to make Demetrious Johnson its 2019 MMA Fighter of the Year. </p><p><em>— Terry L. Wilson<br>Photography By Patrick Sternkopf<br>Event photos Courtesy of ONE FC<br></em></p>From Your Site Articles
- Black Belt Magazine And Combat Go Host Weeklong Virtual Martial ›
- Meet Mighty Mouse! - Black Belt Magazine ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
UFC 252 - Miocic vs Cormier 3: Main Card Preview
August 14 | 2020
One of the best trilogies in UFC history will come to an end Saturday night in the main event of an action-packed card.
On August 15, UFC 252 will take place at the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas. The five-fight main card is headlined by a clash of the titans in which defending champion Stipe Miocic will take on former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. The rest of the main card promises to be exciting with a mix of experienced veterans like Junior Dos Santos and rising stars like Sean O'Malley.
</div>
Herbert Burns vs. Daniel Pineda
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU1OTEwNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzc1NDE2OX0.MlyXTm4YeQnENq7s4TIShfzv5CcRL9GrQ1zd2whwQsw/image.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C65%2C0%2C59&height=700" id="bcb85" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6990b06765b7c8344856b0bf076ccecb" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Herbert Burns" /> <p>The main card begins with a featherweight bout between Herbert Burns (11-2) and Daniel Pineda (26-13). Burns is favored as he is riding an impressive five fight win streak, his most recent victory being a submission win over Evan Dunham in just 80 seconds. Pineda has had a much more tumultuous road to this fight, as a 1-4 record to begin his UFC career resulted in his release from the roster in 2014. He rebuilt his career on the Bellator roster and won two fights on the same night during the 2019 PFL tournament, but both of those fights were overturned due to a failed drug test. His return to the octagon comes six years after his release from the UFC. Burns has submitted eight opponents in his 13 career fights, so Pineda will have to slow down Burns's exceptional ground game if he wants to win this bout.</p>John Dodson vs. Merab Dvalishvili
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU1OTMwNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjAyMzAxMn0.nK6VtIjaU1ZA2EhDBP6GEupo61oa4y4JGd0M8TtINm0/image.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C10%2C0%2C57&height=700" id="40b21" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6895840ae5b7f43194c00b5a930d50be" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="John Dodson" /> <p>The twelfth-ranked bantamweight fighter John Dodson (22-11) looks to obtain a winning record in the bantamweight division if he can defeat fifteenth-ranked contender Merab Dvalishvili (11-4). Once considered the second best flyweight in the world behind Demetrious Johnson, Dodson returned to bantamweight in 2016 and has gone .500 in his eight fights in the division. Dvalishvili is hot coming off of a four-fight winning streak and all of his career wins have come via unanimous decision. Dodson will be looking to finish the fight before the final bell, because all eleven of his career losses have come by decision.</p>Junior Dos Santos vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.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.httMOVEdEWnBKmp0_SEq2tYuT4azR1ULrd7gE_7Nk3E/img.jpg" id="e5773" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5ca953c15ee16e2b2ab46e7333a7cb4e" alt="Jairzinho Rozenstruik" /> <p>Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos (21-7) looks to end a two-fight losing streak against the formidable Jairzinho Rozenstruik (10-1). Rozenstruik can end the fight at any moment, with knockouts being scored only nine seconds in to his bout against Allen Crowder and with only four seconds remaining in his fight with Alistair Overeem. The Overeem knockout was Rozenstruik's most significant victory in the UFC, but he followed that win with a loss to Francis Ngannou after being brutally knocked out just 20 seconds into the fight. Dos Santos has also been knocked out by Ngannou during his losing streak, so it seems that the winner of this bout will be eyeing a rematch with <em>The Predator</em> in the future.</p>Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU1OTM0Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMzg1MzIxM30.dS6Dcy8B_wNjR9MHpr84cLRWI0txzfZC9QAE3Jn-DXU/image.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C35%2C0%2C89&height=700" id="48f7a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d9a4c9e8c0019d0b0a26166ddc0a55b6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Sean O'Malley" /> <p>"Sugar" Sean O'Malley (12-0) has become one of the most popular rising stars on the UFC roster due to his comeback story following a suspension, unique charisma, and show-stopping knockouts including a head kick on Jose Quinonez and a devastating one-shot blow on Eddie Wineland. The undefeated contender will be put to the test against Marlon Vera (15-6-1), who was riding a five-fight winning streak before suffering a loss to Song Yadong. Vera is a tough competitor who has never been stopped in his professional career, but O'Malley will be looking to change that with his striking arsenal full of fireworks.</p>Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.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.fchF0MoIV1AsqGqqGvLZE5PODKxAquqpzHbFXnMbO5I/img.jpg" id="9714c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="11cbfdc8c7e04969a24961ef8f775575" alt="Stipe Miocic Daniel Cormier" /> <p>Two of the greatest mixed martial artists in history will put their legacy on the line in the main event. Stipe Miocic (19-3) is considered by many to be the greatest heavyweight of all time and holds the record for the most consecutive heavyweight championship defenses with three. Daniel Cormier (22-2) is one of the few fighters in UFC history to hold belts in two different weight classes simultaneously, which he achieved after defeating Miocic by knockout in their first bout. In their second bout, Miocic would return the favor and retain his belt by knocking Cormier out in the fourth round. The final chapter of the trilogy will almost certainly be a battle of adjustments, as Cormier abandoned his wrestling strategy late in the last fight and Miocic increased his focus on body shots, opening up the opportunity to get the knockout. The question is, who will make the right adjustments and be remembered as the dominant fighter in this historic rivalry?</p>Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
Have you ever seen one of those incredible demonstrations of martial arts power? One where a tiny Asian master will show seemingly superhuman strength by standing immovable as half a dozen men try to push him? Or have you ever heard about the little old sensei who could defeat an opponent half his age while barely lifting a finger? Assuming that, unlike Luke Skywalker, such martial artists have not actually tapped into the force and don't possess superhuman powers, then something else is obviously going on here. But what?
<p> The simple explanation is that such exhibitions are all scams designed to con a gullible audience. And certainly, in some instances, that's the case. But there's also a deeper explanation that pertains to such demonstrations as they relate to traditional Asian culture. Though not often discussed, the concept of respect for seniors - both in terms of age and of seniority within a martial art - is an important one that would seem to be a major factor in many such demonstrations of "superhuman" martial arts ability.</p><p> Ellis Amdur, one of the leading authorities on Japanese martial arts, in his book "Dueling with O-sensei" relates a discussion he once had with Yoshio Kuroiwa, a senior aikido student of Morihei Ueshiba. Amdur was curious about Ueshiba's alleged ki power and the demonstrations he would do where he could not be moved. Since Kuroiwa was not only a leading aikidoka but had been a pro boxer and was known as one of the tougher customers in aikido circles, Amdur was curious if he'd ever done any of those demonstrations with Ueshiba and what his opinion of such stunts was. It turns out Kuroiwa had participated in some of these demonstrations and stated that he could never move Ueshiba when the latter did not want to be moved.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-proxy-image">
<img alt="Morihei Ueshiba" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3d81cc5274f1a172aa59ee74cabdbdf7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU1ODg5My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNDc3MDgwNn0.A-zW6QdJ7FAFjbJ6_VWo0xMHaVz8-LTL9Rxa9XgxYpE/image.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C30%2C0%2C571&height=700" id="97d5a" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/13/1c/84/131c84e78600ecb24eef3ded892fd1d7.jpg" target="_blank">i.pinimg.com</a>
</small>
</p>
<p>Of course Amdur asked Kuroiwa how this could be and what the secret of Ueshiba's power was, to which Kuroiwa replied, "You can't knock your teacher over when your teacher just announces in front of an audience that you can't knock him over."<br/></p><p> While perhaps viewed as obsequious, if not thoroughly disingenuous, in modern Western society, such respect for seniority has a long tradition in Eastern cultures. And this, more than anything, may be at the root of many such amazing displays by Asian martial arts masters throughout history.</p><p> There's a story told of the legendary swordsman Munetoshi Yagyu, who was reputed to have defeated the future shogun, Ieyasu Tokugawa, in a demonstration where Tokugawa was armed with a wooden sword while the much older Yagyu was unarmed. If there's any truth to the tale, it's quite possible Tokugawa was simply showing respect to a revered senior (not to mention someone he wanted as a potential ally) and essentially dummied for Yagyu by throwing the match. There are similar stories from more modern times of famed martial artists who've been said to have defeated much younger opponents in challenge matches, sometimes through things like the power of their kiai or by simply holding the other man motionless with their gaze.</p><script async="" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<!-- Ads for after 400 Words -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-6047250114740887" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="4032314083" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display:block"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script><p> Again, it's quite possible such demonstrations are equally an example of showing respect for seniority. A younger challenger wants to make a name for himself by "fighting" a respected master but if he actually pounds the old master into the dust he'll be viewed as a bully (and potentially have the master's students coming after him). So instead, he merely acquiesces and says he's been defeated. He gets the notoriety of having been brave enough to challenge a great master and the master's reputation remains intact.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-proxy-image">
<img alt="Student challenges master" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d04b6f7ae45e8fbeb9e41be0731df145" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU1ODkwMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NjQ4MjQzOX0.l8ibVyyeYRHYoTlTSMTjNWr0mvLKRj5_dUSzsjHsFkE/image.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0&height=700" id="f2672" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://i2.wp.com/www.talesofawesomeness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Musashi-Peony-04.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1" target="_blank">i2.wp.com</a>
</small>
</p>
<p>But recent years seem to have brought about a shift in the thinking of many younger Asian martial artists who, in the age of mixed martial arts, don't appear to be showing the type of deference to their seniors that once permitted these sorts of legendary demonstrations. Chinese MMA fighter Xu Xiaodong and others have made a cottage industry of embarrassing classically trained proponents of some of the more esoteric martial arts in challenge matches where chi power and kiai strength seem to fade in the face of rudimentary punches and kicks.<br/></p><p> Though some have claimed the reason these alleged paranormal powers are not working is that the martial artists employing them are not true experts, a far more likely explanation is that the mindset of their opponents has changed. At one time publicly battering a respected, older martial arts master probably would have been viewed askance by much of Asian society where such disrespect for seniority could be seen as upsetting the fundamental social order. Even now, with all the changes that have taken place in Eastern culture, fighters like Xu have faced a good deal of official scrutiny and censure for their victories.</p><p> Beyond the fact many martial artists want to preserve their fantasies about the incredible powers of martial arts masters, traditions die hard and culture plays a more subtle role in these arts than most suspect. All of which means we'll probably continue to see more incredible displays of "superhuman" martial arts powers for the foreseeable future.</p><p><em>To find out more about Ellis Amdur, check out the feature story on him in the current issue of Black Belt Magazine.</em></p>
From Your Site Articles
Keep Reading
Show less
Sinawali drills are some of the most fundamental to Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and kali. Literally meaning "weaving," sinawali drills are done with two escrima, one in either hand. The name refers to the patterns the sticks make as they move, weaving in and out and over and under each other's paths. Sinawali drills range from simply and pragmatic, to showy and elegant.
<p>Starting at the beginning is crucial for understanding and developing skills in any martial art. In this video, FMA Master Julius Melegrito demonstrates several basic sinawali drills. These drills can be practiced with a partner or solo. This video covers an open sinawali drill.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0a429cbcd00b71659c672fcf5b313188" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ygq_UcJ1naU?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Kali Sticks Video: Filipino Fighting Arts Master Julius Melegrito Demonstrates Sinawali Basics</small>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygq_UcJ1naU&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>
</small>
</p>
From Your Site Articles
- Julius Melegrito: Training Drill for Two Filipino Fighting Sticks - Black ... ›
- 10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About the Filipino Martial Arts ... ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
Facebook Live
Popular
Based on original handwritten work by Bruce Lee himself over 50 years ago, WARRIOR will be coming to Cinemax for its second season this fall. The series prides itself on a cast full of Asian representation and Asian American story lines based on true stories from San Francisco's brutal Tong Wars in the 19th century.
<p>According to the official season two synopsis courtesy of Cinemax, the series follows Ah Sahm, played by Andrew Koji, a martial arts prodigy who emigrates from China to San Francisco under "mysterious circumstances". His reputation as a fighter leads him to become a hatchet man for Hop Wei, one of Chinatown's most powerful organized crime families or <em>Tongs. </em>The primary plot of season two focuses on rival Chinatown Tongs as they fight for dominance. Check out the official teaser trailer for WARRIOR season two below. </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="485c8743757c4c3e22b9b0c0967e1249" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SDqwcuDY4Dg?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Warrior | Season 2 Official Tease | Cinemax</small>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">
<a href="https://youtu.be/SDqwcuDY4Dg" target="_blank">youtu.be</a>
</small>
</p>
Keep reading...
Show less
