Rafael Aghayev

[Iskrax]

Have you heard of him?

For those who don't know him he is famous Azeri karateka, who has won many titles (by many I mean five times World, ten times European champion and many others...).

He is basically my idol. I enjoy his kumite fights, his encouragement to win and his leadership. He is the cup of tea of Azerbaijani national team. Look at his speed and coordination. Damn... those judo throws on tatami....

What do you think about him? Would you dare to face him on tatami?

I would! Even though I'm 3 KYU on shotokan and he is 5th dan, every second on tatami with him would give me fantastic experiences!

[sensei8]

Thank you, Iskrax, for sharing the video.

Would I dare face him on the tatami? Sure, he's just another MAist to me!! From the video, he seems to be solid across the board, and the floor will decide that each and every time.

[Nidan Melbourne]

Would to love to learn from him, even if I faced off against him on the tatami i'd still learn so much!

[JR 137]

Sounds stupid, but my favorite part of the video was when he was dodging the snowballs. Why didn't I think of that?

[Wado Heretic]

His integration of boxing theory into how he moves towards his opponent, and his use of clinching and throwing to eliminate his reach disadvantage have always impressed me and frankly is perhaps the key to his dominance. He has fast hands and feet but none I would say are outstanding for his division and level, however, it is how he has put those into a basis for a very effective strategy, and that he has the instincts and reactions to make best use of his abilities that have made him dominant. Would be interesting to study under him at some point, I no longer compete in that kind of competition, but I have the feeling I'd still learn something valuable I could take away.

I would face him on the tatami, and lose, but can not win every match, and if one enters a competition then you can enter to lose as much as you might intend to win.

I did like the snowballs; have used a tennis ball throwing machine in the past, but can see how having someone throwing snowballs would add much more randomness and be closer to what he is practicing for.

[Montana]

To be completely honest here..I haven't a clue about anybody in the fighting circuit, UFC or whatever. I don't follow any of it.

Would I face them? Sure..depending on the distance from them, I assume I get my choice of weapons? And calibre?