Sohan

What I said about carbs curing ammonia smell is different from the insidious BO caused by bacteria on your skin. I just wanted to emphasize that carbs won't help that. Best bet is to shower immediately following your workout to rid yourself of odor-causing bacteria, never wear a gi to two or more workouts without washing it in hot water (no bleach--bleach can destroy a gi), and shower earlier in the day as well if possible. If you continue to have BO issues, try an alcohol rubdown. It will help kill odor-causing bacteria and can also help you recover as well. With respect, Sohan

I would enjoy seeing Masahiko Kimura against the submission fighters of today who use his namesake technique. It's said Kimura could bench press his bodyweight (@185 lbs) 500 times straight (yikes) and he did 1000 pushups every day. Adept at other arts besides judo, he was a fourth or fifth dan judo blackbelt while still in high school and absolutely terrorized Japan's legions of judoka. He could strike, grapple, and submit with anyone. If not for the Pacific War in WW2, he likely would have decimated his competition even far more thoroughly than he did. As far as Bruce Lee, I think he'd balk at the low wages paid to UFC fighters, and he'd be more interested in moviemaking as he was when he died. Bruce knew the best way to advance his way was not through fighting in rings or teaching in schools, but capturing the imagination of the public in film. He'd be 65 now, and IMO still a viable movie star even at that age. With respect, Sohan

I started a thread about this over in the Martial Arts Entertainment section if anyone is interested. http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=27654 See you there! With respect, Sohan

The key is to drink sports beverages before and especially DURING your workout, to maintain your blood glucose levels. As your glucose drops, protein metabolism for energy goes up, and that's when the stink monster takes over. Try Gatorade powder in the large container. It's a lot cheaper, and essentially the same stuff. In a bind, fruit punch with a pinch of salt works great too if you add at least one part water to it. With respect, Sohan

Life without my sweet rolls and mashed potatoes wouldn't be the same! Funny, I used to really battle with this ammonia smell during and after my MA and running workouts where I sweat a lot. Pretty embarassing stuff and somewhat unavoidable since we train a lot in the heat. When I put things together and realized the cause, I started making sure I had Gatorade or Powerade at every workout. The smell went away immediately. I used to just drink water during MA workouts, thinking I'd burn a few more calories this way. But all I ended up doing was burning more protein for energy as my glucose levels dropped. Any carbs will help, even fruit or a jam sandwich or a candy bar, but I think sport drink is best for its ability to be easily absorbed without stomach upset. With respect, Sohan

UFC 61 had so much promise, but was a little disappointing. Thank God for Ken Shamrock, though. He may need to retire, but I'm sure going to miss his hilariously idiotic temper tantrums that erupt every time he's baited by Tito Ortiz. Does anyone remember: "I'm going to spank you"? Or, "I'm going to knock your hair black"? Hahaha. Who needs Mike Tyson when Ken is around to amuse us? Silvia v. Arlovski--Started promising, but 5 rounds later, I had found my cure for insomnia. It looked like one of those lousy heavyweight boxing matches that you watch in the late hours on cable. Arlovski no longer impresses me at all. He didn't even try to take Silvia down, where he would have had a distinct advantage. Silvia's reach confounded Arlovski all night. Tim Silvia may be UFC champ, but he couldn't beat Bob Sapp.... and Fedor? Not a chance, even with 8 inches of height advantage. Ortiz v. Shamrock---A first round KO from 6 straight elbows that Ken couldn't answer. Is anyone really surprised at this? Shamrock loses his cool yet again--Tito knows he gets under his skin and it affects his ability to fight effectively. They needed the police to enter the ring following the fight to keep Shamrock from getting his hiney whipped twice in one night. Certainly at 42, he really needs to hang it up before he gets seriously hurt--but I'd love to watch a few more of his press conferences. Ken certainly learned how to talk it up back when he was a pro wrestler. Though Shamrock started strong, it seemed to me a desperate effort by a fighter who is way past his prime. I'd REALLY like to see Ortiz get another shot against Liddell. Perhaps this one would end differently. Burkman v. Neer--Good submission avoidance by Burkman throughout. I like this guy, but would like to have seen him end it in a KO rather than decision. Not a boring fight, though. Mir v. Christison--Sadly, Frank Mir is not the fighter he was before his motorcycle accident back in 2004. He is overweight, slow, and unfit, although it doesn't take much to succeed as a UFC heavyweight these days, so maybe he has a shot after all. He wins in a close but unanimous decision that IMO really could have gone either way, though Frank probably pulled it out with some action at the end. I have always liked him, but his glory days seem to be over unless he dramatically improves his conditioning. Edwards v. Stevenson--I was really pulling for Yves in this one and hoped he would be as good as he has been in the previous fights I've seen him in. He looked sharp, but unfortunately doctor stoppage was necessary before the third round began due to a nasty head cut. Assuredly, Yves will be back to win again, but Joe Stevenson is a heck of a fighter with a lot of experience and talent. His TUF win was no fluke. Nice to see him bounce back after losing to Neer, who lost to Burkman this same night. With respect, Sohan

I think often some people who reach Shodan quit because of the volume of material to maintain in some systems. It is very difficult to manage 30-40 kata and various weapons and other training, work a full-time job, teach, spend time with family, and get things done around the house---and do all well while staying successfully married. Many adults with busy lives to lead simply find it hard to maintain all of this. Not everyone has MA as the central point of our existence, all appearances aside. With respect, Sohan

This is a very common problem with an easy solution. When you exercise, you need carbohydrate for energy. When your glucose (blood sugar) runs low, you start burning protein for energy. Protein has the same carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that carbohydrate has, but it also has nitrogen, which must be cleaved off each molecule so that the body can use the rest for your energy needs. Nitrogen must be eliminated from the body---the easiest way being through urine and sweat. Now, since you sweat a lot during your workout, if your carbs are low, you will acquire a lovely ammonia smell as the nitrogen in your body binds with hydrogen to create ammonia. You can easily remedy this by drinking sport drink before and during your workout and not letting your blood sugar drop. When I started doing this, my stink factor dropped dramatically. This is quite common in people on high protein/lower carb diets, but it can happen to anyone who works out without consuming carbs during training (ie a runner who only drinks water during a 1 hr run). Another common cause of body odor during workout is excess bacteria on your body and on your gi. Make sure that you have showered before your workout (at least in the AM), wear a clean gi, and use deodorant, and this should be managed well. With respect, Sohan

Sidekicks is not currently available on DVD through Amazon, but you can find it on VHS: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004VYG3/qid=1152284350/sr=11-1/ref=sr_11_1/104-5213658-4332757?n=130 With respect, Sohan

Hmm. I have some issues with the highly regarded Dr. Bompa. The main one being that he has made claim to being the "father of periodization", and touts himself as such ad nauseum in his books, website, etc. The problem is that most in the exercise science community actually credit Russian physiologist Leo Matveyev with having introduced the concept, and it seems that Dr. Bompa simply adapted the concept for his own athletes, then took credit for the invention of the concept. His book Theory and Methodology of Training is respected, and is also cited in the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Essentials textbook. However, he is not as unquestionably an authority as he believes himself to be. Though he claims to have published over 100 research articles, I am not aware of any recent research he has published on strength training, and it seems his "institute" is mostly dedicated to making money as a public speaking and certification agency, while none of his certifications are really very well known in the strength and conditioning community. He also has a tendency to disparage other industry professionals in interviews and pass off supposedly "new and innovative" training concepts as his own, though they are hardly revolutionary. He has also recently aligned himself with a doctor (who I won't name publicly) who has a reputation for being a "steroid doc"--who has a long history of publishing pro-steroid advice and maintaining strong pro-drug ties with those in bodybuilding and strength training. This doctor strongly favors the legalization of doctor-prescribed steroids for athletes. Not someone you want to risk your reputation with. Probably not one of my favorites, but he's not entirely without worth. I'm sure you will likely learn a bit from his texts, but don't make his books your end-all for info. With respect, Sohan

Great pics. Thanks for sharing them! With respect, Sohan

Here's what I'd do in your case: go to BJJ.org, or subfighter.com. Download some videos or print out instructions on takedowns, throws, escapes, sweeps, and a couple submissions, as well as ways to pass the guard. Pick out a couple of each technique and practice them carefully with a buddy, over and over until they become second nature. Spend as much time on your back as on top, and learn to establish your dominant position. Learn all you can on your own about groundfighting by reading as much as you can, but focus on just a few techniques over and over. Will this be as good as training with a Gracie black belt? No, of course not. Could it save your life on the ground with a thug who wants to tackle you and pound you to oblivion? Absolutely. I am of the resolute opinion that it is not all or nothing in grappling. Anything you learn about groundfighting will be helpful, even if it's not perfectly taught. A less-than-perfect technique that works against an untrained assailant is better than nothing. Besides, how many times will you ever be fighting for your life against an Abu Dhabi champion? I think at times we delude ourselves into thinking that we have to always have professional instruction in every martial technique or else we shouldn't waste our time, at the risk of developing poor form or bad habits. However, experienced martial artists will have a much easier time learning new techniques on their own than beginners, in any case. And if you don't have access to quality instruction, what should you do? Just sit around and wait for your next beating by the local thugs? Bruce Lee learned the art of Wing Chun under his master Yip Man, and had a voracious appetite for learning from others, but he made self-instruction a major part of his learning process. He had a collection of books on various fighting styles that would shame the US Library of Congress. In the long run, professional instruction is certainly the optimal way to go to learn a martial art, but I know plenty of fighters who have learned BJJ or wrestling or judo on their own with a buddy and gotten quite proficient without a member of the Machado clan analyzing their every move. Will you be able to win a national grappling tourney this way? Probably not, but just as my son learning how to swim without professional lessons may not necessarily get him to the Olympics, it may certainly save his life someday. With respect, Sohan

Here's video of Chuck reading some of his "Chuckisms" on TV. Funny stuff---nice to see he has a sense of humor about all this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rjIfmRO_LHk&search=chuck%20norris With respect, Sohan

When did he earn it? He's not listed under Machado's lineage on either bjj.org or on Machado's own website: http://bjj.org/a/people/machado-jean-jacques.html http://www.jeanjacquesmachado.com/academy/beltranks.php If he was awarded a BB by the Machados, it is at best honorary. With respect, Sohan

Alan, 7 y.o. He also will be testing for orange belt soon. With respect, Sohan

Higher velocity reps can definitely help with speed and power. Be sure to perform the exercise with strict form and not to "snap" the joints at the end of the movement. My only real concern with higher velocity reps is that you are really using the greater force to overcome inertia, and then your muscles don't get quite the training effect as the movement progresses. To improve speed and power, I would instead recommend plyometric work for the upper and lower body. Plyometric movements are quick, powerful movements that use a prestretch, or countermovement that involve a stretch-shortening cycle. Examples are jumping, bounding, hopping, hand-clap pushups, or depth jumps. There are several good books on plyometric training, the best are written by Donald Chu. With respect, Sohan

Decreasing bodyfat percentage is simply about reducing the ratio of fat to everything else in your body. If you lose fat, and everything else stays the same, your BF % decreases. If you lose fat and muscle, but more fat than muscle, your BF % decreases. If you gain muscle and don't lose or gain fat, your body fat % decreases. And last but not least, if you gain muscle and lose fat, your BF % also decreases. How do we achieve this result? Slow weight loss (<2 lbs/wk) through modifying your diet (no crash diets, and if you are male, never less than 1500 cals per day), moderate and regular amounts of medium intensity cardio (30-60 mins at @70-75% of HRmax), and plenty of moderate to high volume weight training with reps of 8-10 per set and short rest periods of about a minute between sets. Purchase a bodyfat caliper (cheap ones are about $20) and learn to use it to monitor your skinfolds. Couple that with your weight on the scale to see if you are gaining/losing fat and muscle. With respect, Sohan

If I understand what you're asking, I believe you're saying "Are there weapons in karate". In Okinawan Shorin ryu and Shudokan karate-do we do indeed study weapons, including the bo, sai, kama, noburikaman, tonfa, and nunchaku. Intorductory kata for the bo and sai are tokamina bo and chatanyara sai, respectfully. With respect, Sohan A slight correction: in Shorin-ryu we do indeed study weapons, but they are not considered a part of the actual system. That's why black belts can have different ranks in karate and kobudo - they are technically separate systems. Hell, "karate" even translates to "empty hand" - pretty much precludes the use of weapons. CQ In Shobayashi Shorin-Ryu weapons study is a part of the actual system. Our weapons kata were designed and adapted by Grandmaster Eizo Shimabuku so weapons usage in our system is uniquely considered Shorin-ryu, not separately as kobudo. We receive one rank in Shobayashi Shorin-ryu, not separate ranks in karate and kobudo. Perhaps your system is different--the confusion is understandable as I did not specify which type of Shorin-ryu I study. There are of course more than one system of Shorin-ryu in use. With respect, Sohan

No worries, mate. Nice to know we're of like minds.... With respect, Sohan

If you've gained muscle from 156, then you shouldn't be worried. You should be stronger, too. However, if you have increased your bodyfat % while gaining weight, then you definitely need to cut weight, but slowly, to keep your muscle mass and strength. Sounds like 169 is a plan. Actually, if you plan to fight at 169, you can probably even train at around 175-180 up to a month or two before. Also, if you spar with as many big guys as you can, you will reduce the intimidation factor immensely. I regularly spar with the heavies in my school so when I drop down to guys under 200 lbs, they seem like flyweights. Fast, but not as powerful. With respect, Sohan

Welcome! With respect, Sohan

On the surface, with that diet, you'd probably lose some weight, though I'd rather see more fruits and veggies. You'll probably have better success training 5-6 lbs over your fighting weight, and then cutting down over a month or two before competition. If you have weigh-in 24 hours before your fight, you can also cut water for a couple more lbs. But 23 lbs is just too much to lose and can be dangerous to your heart and kidneys. And yes, your bodyfat % is going to be more important than bodyweight. More muscle, less fat, will usually make a better and stronger fighter, all else equal. Just remember, though, it's not a bodybuilding contest. With respect, Sohan

To follow up on Bushidoman's comment, I have to add that I take every opportunity I can to train in street clothes or at least regular workout apparal with shoes. I'm not likely to have to fight off a mugger while barefoot in my gi, so why not train in the clothes that I might have to fight for my life in? The more realistic, the better. With respect, Sohan

Well, at almost 40 I have to work harder to keep up with the kids. I'm also in a profession where I have to walk the talk, so there's a little more pressure to keep really fit. So I kind of look at it as part of my job description! With respect, Sohan

We have over 30+ kata in our system. Typically I do each kata twice in a workout (some more depending on need) with no more than about 5 seconds in between. Takes about 40-45 minutes to complete all the forms. If anyone is interested, here is a typical week of training: Mon AM: 1 hour kata, line drills Mon PM: 3 hrs MA practice (karate, MT, grappling) Tues AM: 1 hour kata, weapons, 1/2 hour run Tues PM: Teach MA 1 hr, 3 hours practice (karate, grappling) Wed AM: 1 hour kata, weapons, drills Wed PM: 45 mins weight training Thurs PM: 3 hrs MA practice (karate, MT) Fri AM: 1 hour kata, drills, 1/2 hour run Sat AM: Teach MA 1 hr, 3 hrs MA practice (karate, grappling) Sun AM: 1 hour kata, 1/2 hour run Sun PM: 45 mins weight training I don't usually take too many days off, and I rarely get injured because I vary my intensity, but I'm not afraid to back off completely if something hurts. I've found that kata and Ippon Kumite are fundamental elements of my MA training, and though they doesn't provide me the same cardio benefits of running, they still put my heart and lungs in pretty decent condition. I'm also fortunate I work for myself so I have the time to train. I don't usually care much to compete (though I recently have had thoughts of doing so), but I do enjoy being in great shape. With respect, Sohan