Sensei Tom OBrien

Here's the card: -Tim Sylvia vs. Randy Couture -Matt Hughes vs. Chris Lytle -Rich Franklin vs. Jason MacDonald -Renato "Babalu" Sobral vs. Jason Lambert -Martin Kampmann vs. Drew McFedries Preliminary Bouts: -Jon Fitch vs. Luigi Fioravanti -Matt Hamill vs. Rex Holman -Gleison Tibau vs. Jason Dent -Jamie Varner vs. Jason Gilliam Any Picks? Thanks, Sensei Tom

The Ronin Martial Arts Club will be attending The Garden State Karate Games on March 10 in Rahway, NJ. This is a great event. It's been around for 25 years. I won 2nd place in fighting at the 1st one (that's how old I am). The next week we will be going the AAU NJ State Championships March 16. If we qualify we go to the Regionals in April. If we qualify in the Regionals we go to the Nationals in June. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Roger Huerta wins by TKO in 19 seconds over John Halverson in a somewhat controversial bout as it appears that Huerta kneed Halverson in the head while he was down. Thanks, Sensei Tom

With all the rumors going around I thought I should share this from the AAU: Dear Karate Enthusiast: It is with Great regret that I must inform you that rumors being circulated as to the Olympic status of Karate are false. We have been inundated with questions regarding whether karate is now an Olympic sport. Apparently, the excitement and rumors were sparked by the proclamation on the USANKF website and headline in a commercial Karate website that "Karate is now an Olympic Sport." The article goes on to state that "karate has been raised to the level of an Olympic sport," proclaiming a sundry of items and asks for a $250.00 lifetime membership to the USANKF the organization making this claim. Let there be no misunderstanding - - karate is not in the Olympics and is not an Olympic sport. The International Olympic Committee has confirmed to us in writing that karate indeed is not an Olympic sport. We will attach their communication with our office for you. "Click Here for .pdf Doc" The following explanation should allay any remaining doubt. “Five ‘non-Olympic’ sports - roller sports, squash, golf, karate and rugby sevens - - had been studied by the Olympic Programme Commission as part of its two-year analysis. The International Federations, the IFs, for these five sport were deemed to have met the criteria to be considered. The following procedure was followed in Singapore in 2005 to determine whether any of those sports would become Olympic sports. The first group of voting would determine the first nominee for consideration. The following are the results of that vote as reported by the IOC: First Round Karate: 23 Roller Sports: 20 Rugby: 17 Squash: 16 Golf: 14 Second Round Karate: 27 Rugby: 22 Squash: 21 Roller Sports: 20 Third Round Karate: 33 Squash: 29 Rugby: 25 Fourth Round Squash: 40 Karate: 39 Squash is elected as one of the two nominees. The second group of voting would determine the second nominee for consideration. The following are the results of the that vote as reported by the IOC: Fifth Round Karate: 32 Rugby: 23 Roller Sports: 22 Golf: 15 Sixth Round Karate: 35 Rugby: 33 Roller Sports: 28 Seventh Round Karate: 54 Rugby: 38 Karate is elected as the second nominee. From these five ‘non-Olympic’ sports, the IOC members selected karate and squash as the two sports which could potentially be chosen to join the Olympic programme for London 2012. For such selection to be endorsed, however, a two-thirds majority is needed, since any ‘non-Olympic’ sport must become an Olympic sport and listed as such in the Olympic Charter under Rule 46. The following are the results of the that vote as reported by the IOC: Vote on the Inclusion of Karate on Rule 46 of the Olympic Charter Yes: 38 No: 63 “Neither squash nor karate obtained this two thirds majority and will therefore not be included for London 2012.” Further evidence that karate is not an Olympic sport can be found at Rule 46 of the IOC Charter, titled “Olympic Sports,” which provides that “The sports governed by the following IFs are considered as Olympic sports.” The Rule goes on to list 27 IFs for the summer games. The WKF is not listed. In 2005 in Singapore, karate was not accepted by the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”) as a sport to participate in the Olympics through at least 2016. Karate is not scheduled to participate as a sport in any upcoming Olympics. Moreover, the IOC itself referred to karate as a “non-Olympic” sport in its July 11, 2005 report of the Singapore vote. Although karate has not been ignored by the IOC, it certainly has not been named as an Olympic sport. Feel free to review the IOC website where you will find a section titled "Recognised Sports." Although titled "Recognised Sports," the section actually recognizes International Federations, not sports: "In order to promote the Olympic Movement, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) may recognise as International Sports Federations (IFs) international non-governmental organisations administering one or several sports at world level and encompassing organisations administering such sports at national level." The section goes on to state the standards imposed on an IF in order to retain its "recognized" status, and that the status is limited to 2 years absent renewal. The section goes on to list 29 sports whose IFs have received "recognized" status. Among these sports are Bandy and Korfball, sports which you probably have never heard of, and Chess and Tug of War, games which most would not even consider to be sports. Karate is listed among these "sports" and the section directs you to the WKF website for more information. Thus, although the WKF has received Olympic recognition, karate has not. To declare that karate is an Olympic sport would be declaring that Chess and Tug of War are also now Olympic sports. We ask you to ignore the baseless rumors. Notwithstanding the efforts of few to unfairly manipulate the Olympic movement, there are many truly working toward attaining Olympic recognition for the sport of karate. We will keep you advised at that effort. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Here they are: Anderson Silva Wins by Submission at 2:11 in the 2nd round by tapout. Roger Huerta Wins by Technical Knock Out at 0:19 in the 1st round . Mirko Cro Cop Wins by Technical Knock Out at 4:33 in the 1st round . Quinton Jackson Wins by Technical Knock Out at 3:49 in the 2nd round . Patrick Cote Wins by Unanimous Decision at 5:00 in the 3rd round Terry Martin Wins by Technical Knock Out at 0:14 in the 1st round . Frank Edgar Wins by Unanimous Decision at 5:00 in the 3rd round . Lyoto Machida Wins by Unanimous Decision at 5:00 in the 3rd round . Dustin Hazelett Wins by Unanimous Decision at 5:00 in the 3rd round . Thanks, Sensei Tom

Symphonyx, You had great picks. Cro Cop was awsome he walked right thru Sanchez. I thought Eastman would beat Rampage because he had done so before but Rampage KO'd him with uppercuts. I was surprized that Sam Hogar was outclassed by Machido and I was disappointed in Lutter. He did not even make wieght and lost in a triangle. Thanks, Sensei Tom

I was fortunate enough to have been invited to Aaron Bank’s Hall of Fame Tribute to Master Moses Powell at Madison Square Garden. I can't begin to tell you how many Shihans, Hanshis, Sokes, Masters, Sifus and Senseis there were. I went with my friend Rico Mercado. Rico was promoted to 10th Dan and his daughter Nicky to Shodan. I got to see Lou Neglia, Rico Guy, 'Lil' John Davis and my old friend Tayari Casale. Tayari was one of the best kung-fu fighters ever. The message – never forget. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Hey you guys, don't forget that UFC 67 is this Sat. nite. It looks like a great card: -Mirko Cro Cop vs. Eddie Sanchez -Anderson Silva vs. Travis Lutter -Quinton Jackson vs. Marvin Eastman -Ryoto Machida vs. Sam Hoger -Tyson Griffin vs. Frank Edgar -Melvin Guillard vs. Dustin Hazelett -Scott Smith vs. Patrick Cote -Jorge Rivera vs. Terry Martin -Roger Huerta vs. John Halverson Any picks? Thanks, Sensei Tom

Hermes Franca just beat Spencer Fisher. WOW what a right hand, it came up from the floor & hit Spence right on the temple. Hermes jumped right in with a knee & started throwing unanswered bombs till big John stopped it. Irish Jake O'Brien (no relation to me) fought Heath Herring next. Jake O'Brien won easily. Ed Herman won with a really fast arm bar. Rashad had me worried in the 1st round. Salmon came to fight. Rashad did not disappoint though. That was a devastating round house kick. Salmon was down for a long time. I hope he is OK. Rashad KO'd Sean with what Randy & Joe called his new toy. Thanks, Sensei Tom

UFC Spoiler? Oh right I almost forgot Konoko asked me to make a new post & mark it spoiler. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Make sure you use the straight arm or better yet straight arm with both arms. You can hit him with a palm heel at the same time hitting either the head or shoulders. Simultaneously you are shooting your legs back & spreading them. Lastly you should press the opponent down all the way down to the mat if possible. Like everyone said practice it a thousand times. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Carolyn great job. I hope you have many more. Usually you would receive a point for a kick to the body. I believe your points were not seen/overlooked. Judging and refereeing is not easy. Things happen fast and all the points don't always get called. Don't be discouraged though. Keep going to as many as you can. You will get better and better. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Showtime and Elite XC revealed 10 bouts for their Feb. 10 mixed martial arts debut at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Miss. 2/10/07 10p EST. Frank Shamrock vs. Renzo Gracie Antonio Silva vs. Wesley Correira David Loiseau vs. Joey Villasenor KJ Noons vs. Charles Bennett Gina Carano vs. TBD Seth Kleinbeck vs. Riki Fukuda Bo Cantrell vs. Tim Persey Adriano Periera vs. Javier Vazquez Mike Pyle vs. Ross Ebanez Edson Berto vs. John Shackelford Thanks, Sensei Tom

When I was young I wouldn't be caught dead doing kata. I only entered tournaments for one thing and one thing only, too fight. As a matter of fact it was the only thing I was interested in besides self defense. Now that I am 59 I have discovered kata & kobudo. My body can't take too much contact anymore. I still fight in the dojo but I don't compete in kumite anymore, since I was 55. Now I am really into kata & kobudo. In the last 3 tournaments I have won 2 gold and 2 silver medals and a second place trophy in an all age division. You can still stay involved and competitive even when pushing 60. I actually planned it this way if you can believe that. I always figured that I would get into kata & weapons later on in life when I stopped fighting. I can see how much I missed though too. Anyway it's a great way for us old guys to stay in shape and still compete. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Thanks for that tidbit. Now we know where you got your on-line nick name. Thanks Again, Sensei Tom

Good stuff here. When my students get bored doing basics I tell them "Do you think that because someone has a black belt that they stop doing the front Kick?" Thanks, Sensei Tom

Here is another link with a couple more: http://groups.myspace.com/JoeDaddyMMA Thanks, Sensei Tom

OK for us guys who couldn't watch the fight here it is:http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-802497724785554008&q=ortiz+liddell+2&hl=en. Some people were yelling early stoppage. See what you guys think. Happy New Year, Sensei Tom

There has already been some great advice given here. Hard contact for up to approximately 2 weeks before the event & then go for speed & technique. You don't want to go into the competition with injuries before you even get out there. Do not wait on the opponent. You most likely only have 3 points & or 2 or 3 minutes or just a couple of rounds. It can be over before you blink. You have to go all out if you want to win. Kiai loud, position yourself with your best side toward the Chief Ref when going for points (if you are a righty put him on your left) if you have a choice, run up & take that position if you can. Watch the other fighters see what they throw. Watch the officials & see what they call. Don't show off & spar with people near your ring so they can see your techniques. Train hard, get a good night sleep the night before. Be confident like a student who has studied hard & done his or her homework. Good luck and enjoy yourself. Happy New Year. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Sounds like you guys know how to enjoy the holidays the right way. Have one on me. Happy Holidays, Sensei Tom

In Japanese it's called 'fudoshin'. Fudoshin means determination. It also means complete & total commitment. You have to believe that what you are going to do is going to succeed no matter what. For instance, if you are going to kick using a side kick (yoko geri) you have to drive that kick into your opponents opening so fast and so strong that you will knock him out of the ring even if he blocks it. The same goes for the reverse punch (gyaku zuki). You have to punch with everything you have in you. You can do both of these techniques with a fake or a back fist (riken uchi) or without either. Unfortunately there is only one way you can reach this level and that means repetitions. You have to do these techniques thousands of times with & without opponents. This ties into ‘Iken Itatsu’ or ‘one strike, one kill’. This is the essence of the art of karate. I could go on & on but I will not subject you guys to this old mans’ rantings. Thanks, Sensei Tom

There is an AAU TKD tourney in Maritta, Ga., on 1/27 & it looks like another qualifier on 2/24. I don't know much about them because I compete in the AAU Karate tournaments. The karate tournaments are the most organized I have seen in my 36 yrs. in the arts. I would give them a try. Or do like the other guys said check out the local ones. get as much info you can before you go so you know what to train for. Thanks, Sensei Tom

Eric7_27, Welcome. There is an AAU TKD tourney on 3/3/07 in Houston. I don't know how they score because I compete in the AAU Karate program up in the NY/NJ area. Check the web sites for the AAU. They are a big organization and there is usually something happening some where you cn get to. The only other ones I know of are up here in the NE. Sorry I can't be of more help. Good Luck & Happy Holidays

Sohan, From your lips to god's ears. I hope Chuck knocks Tito out. Hey they should do a blow by blow on this forum for us poor guys who can't pay the PPV. Thanks, Sensei Tom

John, Thanks for shedding more light on the Dai/Sho dilemma. I’ve also seen documentation explaining that Sho means lesser & Dai means greater. I like both of these kata for different reasons. Like you said, having to do with some of the more subtle moves. Thanks Again, Sensei Tom