The slug-fest is over, and the fighters are pacing in their corner, awaiting the judges' decision. When the ref calls them to the center of the cage, he grabs a wrist of each. The winner is announced, the ref raises his arm and ... a chorus of boos erupts. Immediately fans and reporters start talking about a "controversial decision."
Read MoreIt has become fairly obvious to those following the sport that there is growing discontent with the way many matches – particularly closely contested matches – are scored.
Read MoreOne of the keys to minimizing questionable decisions is the use of a scoring system with a gradient of options that accurately reflects the action that occurs. In my opinion, Mixed Martial Arts Specific Scoring (MMAS) scoring accomplishes that.
Read MoreIn the March and April issues of this magazine, we published the Mixed Martial Arts Specific Scoring (pronounced MASS) that Nelson “Doc” Hamilton and Cory Schafer submitted to the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) for their review.
Read MoreNothing more exemplifies the old adage that, “nothing succeeds like success” better than the phenomenal growth of MMA over the past two years. And, since you can’t tell the players without a scorecard, here we go.
Read MoreOn 01/09/2001, Zuffa, LLC purchased the UFC from Bob Meyrowitz and the Semaphore Entertainment Group. Ever cognizant of the sports trials and tribulations during the preceding eight years, Zuffa’s management team immediately prioritized an affiliation with, and an official recognition from, a state athletic commission.
Read MoreIn an effort to determine which discipline would prevail, the UFC brought together eight international competitors representing a diverse sampling of martial arts, including karate; kung-fu; judo; wrestling, kickboxing; jiu-jitsu, and sumo.
Read MoreDespite pronouncements to the contrary by its detractors, MMA is not a bastard sport! It has both an ancient and modern lineage. A brief synopsis follows.
Read MoreWhat do you call a group of young men who get together weekly for the expressed purpose of making each other cry “uncle”, and to physically beat each other to the point of exhaustion and semi-consciousness?
Read MoreIn late 2004, I wrote an article entitled “My 2005 Wish List.” Given MMA’s explosive growth and popularity over the past two years, I thought that it would be interesting to revisit that article.
Read MoreOver the years, I have frequently been asked what it’s like to referee in the cage. While there is no one single answer, I will share with you my thoughts and feelings as I’ve made the transition into refereeing MMA. However, before we go there, lets start at the beginning.
Read MoreEvery team in every sport looks to sign an “impact player”. That one guy whose talents everyone respects and covets. Well, just incase you missed it; just such a signing was announced on March 24, 2006, and it rocked the boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts world; “MARC RATNER SIGNS WITH THE UFC”.
Read MoreAlthough many things have changed in the twenty years that I’ve been refereeing, one thing has remained constant; the fans (and sometimes the corners) lack of knowledge about the rules.
Read MoreGood morning! Given the 17-hour time difference between California and Japan, it’s difficult to remember that I’ve been here only a little over 40 hours. Given the number of people I’ve met and the number of meetings attended, I feel like I’ve been here for the better part of a week.
Read MoreIn all probability, most people who decide to learn martial arts do so with the goal of learning how to defend themselves. A secondary consideration may well be the desire to lose weight and get in shape. It is unlikely that most are even remotely aware that, to study martial arts is to learn some of the most important lessons life has to offer.
Read MoreAfter a restless night dreaming of geishas and samurai, I awaken at 7:30 am and can’t wait to get to breakfast.
Read MoreIf you have been reading this column with any regularity then you know that I have written a number of articles aimed at improving your game, whether you are a student, competitor or fan. Continuing in that vein, let’s explore the character attributes of accountability and responsibility and their relationship to the martial arts.
Read MoreMy life took a detour on April 14, 1974, when I began formal training in the martial arts. The “Do” for me began with judo and Hawaiian kenpo. Since both of the arts and my instructor, Sensei Bill Ryusaki, are of Japanese origin, it seemed only natural to immerse myself in all things Japanese.
Read MoreAn old adage states, “The only constant in life is change.” Nowhere is that more apparent than in the world of martial arts.
Read MoreI just finished reading the Stock Market reports. After giving it some thought, I’d like to discuss some of the similarities and differences between investing both your time and/or your money. I will explain.
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