"A Way of Life" Kevin "The Total Package" Thompson: His Greatest Performance Yet!

Kevin Thompson, also known as "Asatida"(teacher), to his students and others who know him, can be considered to be one of the greatest martial artists' that has ever lived. His drive and work ethic is second to none, and has afforded him success in tournaments all over the world and life itself. He is referred to as the "Total Package" because he excelled in sparring, kata, forms and weapons katas.  As a competitor, Kevin has entered in and won nationally ranked tournaments, in which he was awarded  the Triple Crown Winner Award from the Professional Karate League in 1989, for winning all three titles as a Grand Champion. He was also inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame in 1989 as well. Kevin can also be credited with becoming one of the first ever members of a professionally sponsored karate team, the Budweiser National Karate Team.
With over 40 years of martial arts training, Kevin Thompson is the epitome of what a martial artist should strive to be. His hard work and dedication to the art and his students, demonstrate his everlasting love for the sport of karate. All his accolades and accomplishments don't amount to the personal fight he is having with ALS.  His will and resilience to combat this disease is extraordinary. Kevin is still the first person to arrive at the dojo and one of the last to leave. His strength and his spirit shines through everything that he does.  He is not letting ALS slow him down, and is continuing to touch everyone that he comes across.  We are all looking forward to what he has in store for the martial arts world, because he's just getting started!

"A Way of Life" Jadi Tention vs Raymond Daniels: A Testament to Point Karate

The match-up between Jadi Tention and Raymond Daniels at this years New England Open, proves that point karate is still alive and well.  The skill and showmanship that both fighters exhibited was superb, culminating into one spectacular fight.
Tention and Daniels showed ability and skill of what point karate truly entails.  Tention, initiated the action early in the fight, coming out aggressively and not backing up to Daniels advances.  He used his speed to land nine hand techniques against his opponent.  Daniels had to make an adjustment, and in doing so, offset Tention by throwing kicking techniques along with underpunches.
Ultimately, Daniels defeated Tention, but there is no real loser of this match-up.  Both fighters demonstrated bona fide skills, maturity and greatness for the sport of point karate. On a stage set by martial artists' past and present, the future of point karate continues to expand and cultivate individuals like, Jadi Tention, Raymond Daniels, Morgan Plowden and Chelsea Nash, into the sport's leading figures.

"A Way of Life" Ross Levine: A Tribute

Congratulations goes out to Ross Levine, on his latest win at the U.S. Open Championships. Levine is one of the best martial artists' in the world, staying true to his art, having a work ethic like no other, and staying humble throughout his accomplishments. 

Ross Levine is a shining example of ambition and talent recognized, a role model to all up and coming martial artist's with his success being something they should strive for.

Hats off to you Ross Levine!

"Critiquing the Cage" UFC 162: Weidman Stuns Silva

The match between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman began as expected with Silva dominating Weidman and getting into his head, frustrating his young opponent. Weidman was aggressive and landed an early takedown in the first round against Silva to no avail.  Weidman was clearly flustered and confused at the end of first round with Silva's antics, his taunting and teasing, and making Weidman miss punches and egging him on to "fight".

As the second round got underway, it was more of the same from Silva, teasing Weidman and playing mind games. But Silva's arrogance got the best of him when Weidman landed a left hook, knocking Silva out. 

This was Silva's fight to win, but his arrogance cost him his title and made Weidman the new middleweight champ.

Although Weidman won the fight, he didn't show anything spectacular, and has a lot more to prove. 

Silva, during his post fight interview, said that he won't fight for the title or request a rematch, rather, he will continue to fight the remaining ten bouts on his contract. Silva praised Weidman for becoming the champ and left the ring graciously.

Weidman will most definitely be closely watched after his legendary win against Anderson Silva.

"Critiquing the Cage" UFC 162: Silva vs Weidman

The match-up between Anderson "The Spider Silva and Chris "The All American" Weidman, promises to be one for the ages! With both Silva and Weidman coming off hiatus, will the power and experience of Silva reign supreme, or will Weidman's youth and eagerness to defeat Silva, stun the champ?

Weidman is most certainly a worthy opponent, and a win over Silva will catapult him to MMA greatness. But let's look at the facts here: Weidman is new to  this game and Silva has performed and been victorious on this stage many times. Silva's ability to adjust in the ring is phenomenal, and his all around knowledge of hands, submissions and ground game makes him impossible to beat.

Compared to Weidman's previous foes, Silva is the same height as Weidman and cuts his reach advantage by 3 inches as opposed to his other opponents in which he had a bigger reach advantage. Weidman's wrestling background and his variety of techniques will certainly give Silva a run for his money. But can he manage Silva's almost identical physicality.

Weidman will be tested both physically and mentally by Silva, who is 9 years his senior, a factor that is irrelevant because he shows no sign of slowing down.

Ultimately, Silva will be victorious over Weidman through his ability to stay relaxed and making necessary adjustments to retain his title.