Nothing 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 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 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 MoreAfter a restless night dreaming of geishas and samurai, I awaken at 7:30 am and can’t wait to get to breakfast.
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.
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