Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Mixed martial arts is the worlds fastest growing sport. Sometimes erroneously called "ultimate fighting" or "cage fighting". It's a sport showcased by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (USA), WEC (USA) the former Pride Fighting Championships (Japan), Art of War Fighting Championship (China), Vale Tudo (Brazil), Martial Combat & OneFC (Singapore), Ranik Ultimate Fighting Federation (China), and numerous other organizations around the world.
MMA combines all aspects of hand-to-hand combat, and addresses every possible position in a fight: stand-up striking, clinch fighting, take-downs & throws, ground fighting, and submissions.
MMA is a live art. That means that unlike the theoretical combat of traditional martial arts forms and point sparring, MMA practitioners train realistically against live, resisting opponents in order to prepare for full contact fights. In a no-holds-barred fight, there is no room for theoretical combat, there is only that which works, and that which does not. This preparation and mindset is what sets mixed martial artists apart from their peers.
The physical conditioning an MMA fighter must endure is unparalleled. In order to stay competitive in all aspects of combat, an MMA fighter becomes a well rounded world-class athlete, developing functional muscle strength, spider-like agility, the endurance of a race horse, optimum flexibility, and the ability to recover from fatigue at a phenomenal rate. MMA training will give you the edge you need to be competitive in any combat sport or martial art, whether your goal is to fight in the UFC, have the upper hand as a collegiate wrestler, or simply be in the best shape of your life.
I have been fighting professionally since 2004 (American kickboxing & Muay Thai), and had my first pro MMA fight in 2007. Since then I have competed across the world: in the USA, China, Singapore, and Mongolia.
This page is a brief review of the martial arts styles that I have personally studied over the years. I integrate principles and techniques from each of these systems into my game plan for mixed martial arts training.
MMA combines all aspects of hand-to-hand combat, and addresses every possible position in a fight: stand-up striking, clinch fighting, take-downs & throws, ground fighting, and submissions.
MMA is a live art. That means that unlike the theoretical combat of traditional martial arts forms and point sparring, MMA practitioners train realistically against live, resisting opponents in order to prepare for full contact fights. In a no-holds-barred fight, there is no room for theoretical combat, there is only that which works, and that which does not. This preparation and mindset is what sets mixed martial artists apart from their peers.
The physical conditioning an MMA fighter must endure is unparalleled. In order to stay competitive in all aspects of combat, an MMA fighter becomes a well rounded world-class athlete, developing functional muscle strength, spider-like agility, the endurance of a race horse, optimum flexibility, and the ability to recover from fatigue at a phenomenal rate. MMA training will give you the edge you need to be competitive in any combat sport or martial art, whether your goal is to fight in the UFC, have the upper hand as a collegiate wrestler, or simply be in the best shape of your life.
I have been fighting professionally since 2004 (American kickboxing & Muay Thai), and had my first pro MMA fight in 2007. Since then I have competed across the world: in the USA, China, Singapore, and Mongolia.
This page is a brief review of the martial arts styles that I have personally studied over the years. I integrate principles and techniques from each of these systems into my game plan for mixed martial arts training.
Jiu-Jitsu
A form of judo-based grappling developed in Brazil by the Gracie family in the mid 1900's. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches ground fighting techniques that allow a fighter to defeat larger, stronger opponents using leverage and superior positioning.
Popularized in the USA with the advent of the first Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has proven to be one of the single most effective disciplines. The art of fighting without striking. Learn to wrestle your opponent to submission with throws & take-downs, chokes & joint locks.
Originally the empty handed fighting style of the samurai, this ancient art form continues to evolve today. I teach techniques from several different goshin jiu-jitsu schools including, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 10th Planet JJ, Budoshin Jujustu, and Kodokan Judo.
I started studying jiu-jitsu under Sensei Michael Pease in 2005. Since then I have continued my training with many other talented jiu-jitsu coaches. And I recently had the honor of fighting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt World Champion, Leandro Issa on ESPN's Martial Combat.
Popularized in the USA with the advent of the first Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has proven to be one of the single most effective disciplines. The art of fighting without striking. Learn to wrestle your opponent to submission with throws & take-downs, chokes & joint locks.
Originally the empty handed fighting style of the samurai, this ancient art form continues to evolve today. I teach techniques from several different goshin jiu-jitsu schools including, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 10th Planet JJ, Budoshin Jujustu, and Kodokan Judo.
I started studying jiu-jitsu under Sensei Michael Pease in 2005. Since then I have continued my training with many other talented jiu-jitsu coaches. And I recently had the honor of fighting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt World Champion, Leandro Issa on ESPN's Martial Combat.
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
The national sport of Thailand. Thai boxing combines the most effective weapons of stand-up fighting with a huge emphasis on physical conditioning.
Sometimes called the art of 8 limbs because of it's simplicity. Thai boxing capitalizes on punches, kicks, knees, knees, elbows, and clinch fighting.
A must for MMA cross-training, and an unparalleled work out.
I was first introduced to Muay Thai when I agreed to fight Knock-Out artist Jeff "No Mercy" Moody in February of 2004 in a catch-weight Thai rules kickboxing exhibition. After getting KO'd in just under one minute, I decided to make a serious study of Thai martial arts. I began training privately with Kru Chan, a 100 lb, 5 ft tall man from Thailand who somehow had the strength of 10 men. Since then I've had the privilege to train several Thai boxers for MMA competition, including 2008 Women's state champion Andrea "The Killer" Miller for her fight against Emily Fisher.
Today, you can find me training with 3-time Thai national champ Khru "Luck" Channon Sinsub at Tiger Muay Thai in Shanghai, China.
Sometimes called the art of 8 limbs because of it's simplicity. Thai boxing capitalizes on punches, kicks, knees, knees, elbows, and clinch fighting.
A must for MMA cross-training, and an unparalleled work out.
I was first introduced to Muay Thai when I agreed to fight Knock-Out artist Jeff "No Mercy" Moody in February of 2004 in a catch-weight Thai rules kickboxing exhibition. After getting KO'd in just under one minute, I decided to make a serious study of Thai martial arts. I began training privately with Kru Chan, a 100 lb, 5 ft tall man from Thailand who somehow had the strength of 10 men. Since then I've had the privilege to train several Thai boxers for MMA competition, including 2008 Women's state champion Andrea "The Killer" Miller for her fight against Emily Fisher.
Today, you can find me training with 3-time Thai national champ Khru "Luck" Channon Sinsub at Tiger Muay Thai in Shanghai, China.
Wrestling
If you don't know how to wrestle, you don't know how to fight. Yes, that's me back in 2007 getting slammed in this picture. I won the fight, but after limping away with a broken foot, I decided I needed to learn how to wrestle.
Wrestling is an absolutely essential skill for modern mixed martial arts. All successful fighters base their strategy on the principle of position then attack- wrestling is the art of positioning.
I teach the basics of freestyle (collegiate) & Greco/Roman wrestling. Including takedowns, pins, and how to use position to dictate the pace of a fight and control an opponent.
I didn't have the opportunity to wrestle in high school. I started wrestling as an adult out of necessity to stay competitive in the sport of MMA. A black belt in striking arts is not enough to get by anymore. My wrestling mentor, Shane Brenner (Student of UFC champion Jeremy Horn) forever changed the way I understood combat sports. Plain and simple, the ability to wrestle makes you a better fighter. The ability to dictate position gives you every advantage in a fight.
Wrestling is an absolutely essential skill for modern mixed martial arts. All successful fighters base their strategy on the principle of position then attack- wrestling is the art of positioning.
I teach the basics of freestyle (collegiate) & Greco/Roman wrestling. Including takedowns, pins, and how to use position to dictate the pace of a fight and control an opponent.
I didn't have the opportunity to wrestle in high school. I started wrestling as an adult out of necessity to stay competitive in the sport of MMA. A black belt in striking arts is not enough to get by anymore. My wrestling mentor, Shane Brenner (Student of UFC champion Jeremy Horn) forever changed the way I understood combat sports. Plain and simple, the ability to wrestle makes you a better fighter. The ability to dictate position gives you every advantage in a fight.
Strength & Conditioning
I know, I know, it's not a martial art per se. However, a more physically fit fighter can often defeat a technically superior fighter, so I'd say it definitely counts.
The popular term "Combat Conditioning" was first coined by guru Matt Furey to describe his intense fitness regime for wrestlers and other martial artists using body weight and calisthenics instead of free weights to achieve greater muscle endurance. This isn't that. I'm a strong believer in free-weights to develop the kind of strength & explosive power you need to be competitive in the cage. Expect squats, deadlifts, cleans, presses, kettlebells, plyometrics, circuits, and sprints.
If a picture is worth anything- I used to look like a skeleton. I was 6'1" tall and only 98 lbs at the age of 18. Even after putting on 60 pounds, completing a Health & Human Performance degree, and starting my professional kickboxing career I wasn't in this kind of shape. Not even close. My coach, Shane Brenner introduced me to Olympic lifts as well as the work of the respective fitness gurus Matt Furey, John E. Peterson, and Pavel Tsatsouline. When I say "work", I'm talking about actual hard work, not just books and papers. The result was me transforming from an average weakling into a fighter.
It's a simple strength & conditioning program to develop functional muscle, power, strength, agility, flexibility, and endurance.
The popular term "Combat Conditioning" was first coined by guru Matt Furey to describe his intense fitness regime for wrestlers and other martial artists using body weight and calisthenics instead of free weights to achieve greater muscle endurance. This isn't that. I'm a strong believer in free-weights to develop the kind of strength & explosive power you need to be competitive in the cage. Expect squats, deadlifts, cleans, presses, kettlebells, plyometrics, circuits, and sprints.
If a picture is worth anything- I used to look like a skeleton. I was 6'1" tall and only 98 lbs at the age of 18. Even after putting on 60 pounds, completing a Health & Human Performance degree, and starting my professional kickboxing career I wasn't in this kind of shape. Not even close. My coach, Shane Brenner introduced me to Olympic lifts as well as the work of the respective fitness gurus Matt Furey, John E. Peterson, and Pavel Tsatsouline. When I say "work", I'm talking about actual hard work, not just books and papers. The result was me transforming from an average weakling into a fighter.
It's a simple strength & conditioning program to develop functional muscle, power, strength, agility, flexibility, and endurance.
Dramatically increase your metabolism by:
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This is accomplished by following these three principles:
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American Kickboxing
An evolution of full contact karate, American kickboxing combines all the best techniques of western boxing with traditional techniques from kyokushin, shotokan, taekwondo, kempo, goju ryu, shorin ryu, koei kan, and other popular styles.
Unlike Thai boxing, American kickboxing rules do not allow clinch fighting, or strikes with the knees and elbows. Because of this, there is a greater emphasis on kicking variety, speed, and set ups.
An excellent sport for developing speed, endurance, and full body coordination.
After many years of amateur taekwondo competition, I went pro in 2004 as a Kickboxer. While the rules of the sport are much more limiting than Muay Thai or MMA, the process proved to refine my technique. I still use and teach many important concepts I learned from my bouts in this exciting sport.
Unlike Thai boxing, American kickboxing rules do not allow clinch fighting, or strikes with the knees and elbows. Because of this, there is a greater emphasis on kicking variety, speed, and set ups.
An excellent sport for developing speed, endurance, and full body coordination.
After many years of amateur taekwondo competition, I went pro in 2004 as a Kickboxer. While the rules of the sport are much more limiting than Muay Thai or MMA, the process proved to refine my technique. I still use and teach many important concepts I learned from my bouts in this exciting sport.
Tae Kwon Do
The national sport of Korea and an Olympic sport. Taekwondo is first and foremost, the art of kicking. Excellent for improved balance, agility, and flexibility.
Taekwondo is one of the most widely practiced and recognized martial arts worldwide. Learn to master the side kick, front kick, back kick, roundhouse, axe kick, arch kick, crescent kick, hook kick, butterfly kicks, and tornado kick.
Great for people of all ages. Taekwondo is an excellent way to have fun, get fit, gain confidence, discipline, and self mastery.
I began my study of taekwondo in January of 1997 under Master Kim Han at Brigham Young University. I continued to study with Master Phalkunarith Him, Master Melanie Moras, Master Sejin Seol, and Grandmaster Burton Sparks. I also had the privilege of training and testing under other legends in the sport such as grandmaster Marie Louise Zeller (currently the oldest active taekwondo champion in the world)
Taekwondo is one of the most widely practiced and recognized martial arts worldwide. Learn to master the side kick, front kick, back kick, roundhouse, axe kick, arch kick, crescent kick, hook kick, butterfly kicks, and tornado kick.
Great for people of all ages. Taekwondo is an excellent way to have fun, get fit, gain confidence, discipline, and self mastery.
I began my study of taekwondo in January of 1997 under Master Kim Han at Brigham Young University. I continued to study with Master Phalkunarith Him, Master Melanie Moras, Master Sejin Seol, and Grandmaster Burton Sparks. I also had the privilege of training and testing under other legends in the sport such as grandmaster Marie Louise Zeller (currently the oldest active taekwondo champion in the world)
Karate
Karate literally means "empty hand" in Japanese. The goal of the karateka is to become a master of hand to hand combat as well as a master of his or her self..
There are many styles of karate. I teach techniques from the Shotokan system, emphasizing linear movement, conditioning, power, speed, and becoming both a well rounded fighter and a well rounded human being.
Karate is an excellent base for MMA training. UFC champions such as Georges St. Pierre, Lyoto Machida, and Chuck Liddell all got their start in karate at an early age.
I began learning shotokan karate as a university student from Master Paul Sucher where I learned principles of leverage over strength, bone alignment over muscle- and last but not least, how to hit really, really hard. Even though I only studied with him for a short time, Master Sucher's teaching has shaped the way I teach Mixed Martial Arts to this day.
I was recently invited to compete in the Chinese national kyokushin karate championship tournament in Nanjing. Due to my professional status, however, I had to decline the invitation.
There are many styles of karate. I teach techniques from the Shotokan system, emphasizing linear movement, conditioning, power, speed, and becoming both a well rounded fighter and a well rounded human being.
Karate is an excellent base for MMA training. UFC champions such as Georges St. Pierre, Lyoto Machida, and Chuck Liddell all got their start in karate at an early age.
I began learning shotokan karate as a university student from Master Paul Sucher where I learned principles of leverage over strength, bone alignment over muscle- and last but not least, how to hit really, really hard. Even though I only studied with him for a short time, Master Sucher's teaching has shaped the way I teach Mixed Martial Arts to this day.
I was recently invited to compete in the Chinese national kyokushin karate championship tournament in Nanjing. Due to my professional status, however, I had to decline the invitation.
Boxing
The sweet science of pugilism is a must for all serious mixed martial artists. Like wrestling, boxing emphasizes position over attack. Without proper positioning, even the hardest punch is worthless.
Boxing offers an exceptional cardio-training regiment. As you would expect, my classes include conditioning, bag work, focus mitt drills, and sparring. However, more importantly the most important lessons I've taken from boxing to mixed martial arts is position- specifically head movement and footwork. You can't hit what you can't touch.
In all honestly I never used to appreciate boxing like I should have. I was a decent kickboxer, and a decent grappler. Why fix what's not broken? That's where I was wrong. One day, my coach Mr. Shane Brenner told me "Forget that you know how to do anything else, until you know how to box!" Smart man.
I feel that good boxing is so important to MMA that it's something I work on almost daily. In Shanghai I've been fortuneate to train under Shanghainese provincial champ Jason Chen (Hook Boxing), former national champion Chris Xiong (Tiger Muay Thai), and the local eyes of experience in the sport, Paul Clemet (Ringwise Boxing/Hook Boxing)
Boxing offers an exceptional cardio-training regiment. As you would expect, my classes include conditioning, bag work, focus mitt drills, and sparring. However, more importantly the most important lessons I've taken from boxing to mixed martial arts is position- specifically head movement and footwork. You can't hit what you can't touch.
In all honestly I never used to appreciate boxing like I should have. I was a decent kickboxer, and a decent grappler. Why fix what's not broken? That's where I was wrong. One day, my coach Mr. Shane Brenner told me "Forget that you know how to do anything else, until you know how to box!" Smart man.
I feel that good boxing is so important to MMA that it's something I work on almost daily. In Shanghai I've been fortuneate to train under Shanghainese provincial champ Jason Chen (Hook Boxing), former national champion Chris Xiong (Tiger Muay Thai), and the local eyes of experience in the sport, Paul Clemet (Ringwise Boxing/Hook Boxing)
Judo
Kodokan Judo is a popular martial art world-wide and an Olympic sport.
Judo is a dramatic but effective grappling art that emphasizes throwing an opponent using superior leverage instead of strength. Using the proper application of Judo, even a small person can forcefully throw a much larger attacker to the ground.
Many judokas have successfully implemented their art into MMA, including Karo Parisyan, Dong Hyun Kim, and Kazuhiro Nakimura.
Since being introduced to judo five years ago, I have found many ways to integrate no-gi variations of the traditional throws into my MMA gameplan. My favorites include uchimata, ogoshi, tai otoshi, harai goshi, tomoe nage, seio nage, and osotogari. Today, I continue my judo training with Mr. Zhang Xiang, former member of the Chinese national judo team & MMA fighter.
Judo is a dramatic but effective grappling art that emphasizes throwing an opponent using superior leverage instead of strength. Using the proper application of Judo, even a small person can forcefully throw a much larger attacker to the ground.
Many judokas have successfully implemented their art into MMA, including Karo Parisyan, Dong Hyun Kim, and Kazuhiro Nakimura.
Since being introduced to judo five years ago, I have found many ways to integrate no-gi variations of the traditional throws into my MMA gameplan. My favorites include uchimata, ogoshi, tai otoshi, harai goshi, tomoe nage, seio nage, and osotogari. Today, I continue my judo training with Mr. Zhang Xiang, former member of the Chinese national judo team & MMA fighter.
Capoeira
A unique Afro-Brazilian art that is both a combative form and a dance style. Capoeira is characterized by acrobatic movements, spinning kicks, and rhythmic movement. Traditionally, it is practiced in a Roda, or circle, with each practice set to music with live musicians playing traditional Brazilian instruments.
Capoeria is both enormously fun, and an amazing work-out. The conditioning, set ups, rhythm, quick level changes, and dynamic movement of this art can make it a valuable addition to the practical MMA fighter's training. For everybody else, come try it once and you'll be hooked.
I practiced capoeira with the Utah-based capoeira group "capoeiraginga" at Brigham Young University. Even though this art is criticized by many fighters as being too impractical for MMA, I have used several capoeira techniques with success in my professional fights. I find that when applied intelligently, capoeira helps to bridge the gap between stand up fighting and submission grappling.
Capoeria is both enormously fun, and an amazing work-out. The conditioning, set ups, rhythm, quick level changes, and dynamic movement of this art can make it a valuable addition to the practical MMA fighter's training. For everybody else, come try it once and you'll be hooked.
I practiced capoeira with the Utah-based capoeira group "capoeiraginga" at Brigham Young University. Even though this art is criticized by many fighters as being too impractical for MMA, I have used several capoeira techniques with success in my professional fights. I find that when applied intelligently, capoeira helps to bridge the gap between stand up fighting and submission grappling.
Catch Wrestling
Catch Wrestling (short for "Catch as Catch Can Wrestling") is a form of submission grappling that developed in England through Lancashire wrestling and Rough & Tumble competitions, and later in the United States. For decades, catch wrestling was popularized as a carnival sideshow, but more recently has resurfaced as a legitimate martial art for serious MMA fighters.
After being introduced to Japan, catch wrestling became the base of modern shoot-fighting. Practitioners of this style include Kazushi Sakuraba, Eric Paulson, Ken & Frank Shamrock, and Josh Barnett.
I first learned about catch wrestling in Salt Lake City, Utah shortly after catch-as-catch-can legend Billy Robinson came to town to do a seminar. After seeing Mr. Robinson demonstrate the "grovit" as an alternative to a the much less painful guillotine choke, I became convinced that catch wrestling was the next step in my evolution as a fighter.
After being introduced to Japan, catch wrestling became the base of modern shoot-fighting. Practitioners of this style include Kazushi Sakuraba, Eric Paulson, Ken & Frank Shamrock, and Josh Barnett.
I first learned about catch wrestling in Salt Lake City, Utah shortly after catch-as-catch-can legend Billy Robinson came to town to do a seminar. After seeing Mr. Robinson demonstrate the "grovit" as an alternative to a the much less painful guillotine choke, I became convinced that catch wrestling was the next step in my evolution as a fighter.
Sanda
Sanda (also called San Shao) is a modern competition form of full contact Chinese gong fu. Sanda emphasizes powerful kicks and hand strikes as well as throws and takedowns. Most of China's professional MMA fighters come from a sanda background.
I trained sanda in Jiangsu province under the tutelage of a former Chinese national sanda champion (pictured to the left). The combination of conventional striking with the leg grabs, stop hits, sweeps, throws and takedowns of sanda is an invaluable tool for modern Mixed Martial Arts.
K-1 Kickboxing
From the official K-1 website: "K-1 is contest of punching and kicking, defeating an opponent using the most elemental fighting techniques. The
rules are deliberately simple and designed for maximum excitement,
encouraging the fighters to always go directly for a knockout win... the 'K' in K-1 stands for karate, kickboxing, kung fu and other stand up Martial Arts. It also stands for 'King'. The '1' of course, means 'No.1' - the best in the world."
I competed in China's first two K-1 rules events: in 2010 in Inner Mongolia, and in 2011 in Shandong province, respectively. K-1 is basically a kickboxing marathon of fast paced punches, kicks and knees. The whole sport is geared toward constant action. There are no resting points in the fight. There is no stalling. It is not only a contest of technical skill, but a battle of will and sheer determination to press on for the win. Few sports have pushed my conditioning like K-1. As a result I have integrated many new training concepts into my MMA gameplan as well.
I competed in China's first two K-1 rules events: in 2010 in Inner Mongolia, and in 2011 in Shandong province, respectively. K-1 is basically a kickboxing marathon of fast paced punches, kicks and knees. The whole sport is geared toward constant action. There are no resting points in the fight. There is no stalling. It is not only a contest of technical skill, but a battle of will and sheer determination to press on for the win. Few sports have pushed my conditioning like K-1. As a result I have integrated many new training concepts into my MMA gameplan as well.
Taijiquan
This is the practical combat application of tai chi. Taijiquan is largely a grappling system where your opponents violent attacks are redirected using minimal force and supreme economy of motion. The result? You can toss people around like rag dolls and/or have them screaming in pain with vicious joint locks without ever breaking a sweat.
I know that sounds like a fable popularized by old kungfu movies, but I have personally studied under a master of taijiquan, Mr. Yu Dao Shui, an 80 year man from Jiangsu province. Mr. Yu is old and tiny, but his no nonsense approach to teaching involves regular full-contact sparring with his students. After he single handedly defeated myself, my judo coach (a high ranking black belt), and my sanda coach ( former national champion), I was convinced that the power of Chinese kungfu is the real deal- it's just hard to find these days.
Taijiquan takes a lot of time and patience to master (Mr. Yu claims it takes 80 years to understand), even so, I have managed to glean a few useful techniques from his teachings that transition very nicely into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Don't expect to do any slow motion dance fighting or miming of cutting up watermelons. Real taijiquan is all about making a fight end quickly.
I know that sounds like a fable popularized by old kungfu movies, but I have personally studied under a master of taijiquan, Mr. Yu Dao Shui, an 80 year man from Jiangsu province. Mr. Yu is old and tiny, but his no nonsense approach to teaching involves regular full-contact sparring with his students. After he single handedly defeated myself, my judo coach (a high ranking black belt), and my sanda coach ( former national champion), I was convinced that the power of Chinese kungfu is the real deal- it's just hard to find these days.
Taijiquan takes a lot of time and patience to master (Mr. Yu claims it takes 80 years to understand), even so, I have managed to glean a few useful techniques from his teachings that transition very nicely into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Don't expect to do any slow motion dance fighting or miming of cutting up watermelons. Real taijiquan is all about making a fight end quickly.