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Having read a number of books on professional wrestling over the past few years, I thought it was time to break my duck as far as mixed martial arts books are concerned, and I do so with Clyde Gentry’s book, No Holds Barred: Ultimate Fighting and the Mixed Martial Arts Revolution.

First published in 2002, Gentry takes an overall look at the way the mixed martial arts phenomenon has developed, but doesn’t start with the first Ultimate Fighting Championship show held in November 1993. He goes back even further, thousands of years in fact, to the sport of pan ration, held in the ancient Olympics. Skipping forward a few centuries, he also takes a look at how the late, great Bruce Lee envisioned a form of fighting skill, jeet kune do, and, of course, in infamous fight in Tokyo between World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali and Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki.

Gentry then takes an in-depth look at the formation and early years of the UFC, how the promotions was originally conceived, and how it was perceived in the mainstream media, gaining almost immediate condemnation from both politicians and the press.

Gentry’s look at the world of mixed martial arts, at it’s fighters and it’s political machinations is a tremendous read. The interviews conducted with the likes of Tank Abbott, Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, and various members of the Gracie family certainly add to the overall flavour of the book, and it’s obvious that without their input, this book just wouldn’t have been the same.

But the good thing about this book is that Gentry doesn’t confine himself to the American MMA scene. There is an extensive chapter on the worldwide MMA scene, so fans of the various Japanese promotions, including Pride and K-1, will be pleased.

In conclusion – if you’re a keen follower of the mixed martial arts world, and you’re interested in finding out about it’s history, then this is the book for you. It’s extremely well written and researched, and is a great read. It’s one of those books that you just can’t put down once you’ve started reading it, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

No Holds Barred: Ultimate Fighting and the Martial Arts Revolution by Clyde Gentry is published by Milo Books, and can be purchased from any good book store, or from the usual on-line outlets.

Review courtesy Julian Radbourne @ www.twoshedsreview.com

Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida became the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion at UFC 98 dazzling Rashad Evans with his elusive hybrid Karate MMA style for the win. Going back to the old school of Ultimate Fighting in the pre Zuffa era the battle of the two warriors locked in the cage were seeking to prove their martial art the supreme fighting style as Jiu Jitsu expert fought Taekwon Do master and shoot wrestlers fought boxers. As time has gone on and the sport has evolved out of the human cockfighting stage to be renamed Mixed Martial Arts establishing itself fully fledged sport with rules instead of no holds barred, plus it had been developed into a complete fighting discipline combining elements of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, boxing and kick boxing. So to have Lyoto Machida emerge from a background as a traditional Karate practioner is very refreshing and interesting for the development of MMA.

Of course we have already had UFC fan favorite Georges St Pierre entering the octagon garbed in his Gi and Danny Larusso style head band but GSP is a fighter who incorporates huge elements of wrestling thanks to his trainer Greg Jackson. The main significance about Machida’s style is that he brings something new and fresh, a style that hasn’t been done yet up to now. Lyoto utilises a stance and foot movement enabling the light heavyweight champion to dash in and out again, hitting his target without taking punishment himself. That is what is so unique about the way he fights, he rarely gets hit. A mixed martial artist able to avoid taking punishment is a fighter likely to a have a long and successful career.

As a master of Machida Karate as taught to him by his father Lyoto adapated to the cage by learning the ground grappling necassary. Since his win over Rashad the UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida (15-0) is now confirmed his first title defense against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (18-3). The fight will happen at UFC 104. Shogun not long ago was seen as the best lightheavyweight in the world as a competitor in former Japanese promotion PRIDE FC. Shogun was seen as THE man to topple the then UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell off his throne. Unfortunately for Rua since signing with the UFC the Brazilian fighter has not been on top form until recently it appears he has got his form back.

The light heavyweight title clash could be a test for Machida on the ground versus Rua but with his defence the bout may not make it to the canvas or on the other hand it could a chance to see Machida’s ground skills in action. Most are predicting a long reign at the top for Lyoto much like the present reign of Anderson Silva, let’s just hope he keeps it exciting with Dana White and Joe Silva pairing The Dragon with the right opponent. One thing is for certain as Joe Rogan said
Karate clubs all over will have booming business just like the impact the Gracies made on Jiu Jitsu.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

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Gina "Conviction" Carano

This time around I decided to do something a little different by sharing some of the many MMA gems available to view for free on the net.  All of the videos can be viewed at youtube.com or google video.

First off we go back in time to 1995, going behind the curtains following Rickson Gracie’s story as he took part in the Vale Tudo tournament in Japan. A time before MMA had made it mainstream with an established set of rules. This was the No Holds Barred era of fighting. Just two years previous the first ever UFC took place dominated by Rickson’s brother Royce in 1993. Rickson is a true legend of fights sports and a master of Jiu Jitsu. I don’t wish to take anything away from his abilities and achievements but the power the Gracies seem to exert in altering rules make you appreciate how successful Dana White has been in making MMA a fair contest. The main appeal of the early contests were to see which martial art style was superior. Much has changed, now every fighter must be confident in all areas.

The documentary is around 90 minutes long and is a great incite into the world of the Gracies and a chance to see what MMA used to be.

Choke – a Rickson Gracie Documentary

http://video.google.ca/videoplaydocid=4878207955834503993&ei=jLaOSZGUDpLW-gGkhsD9CQ&q=rickson+gracie+choke&hl=en

Next a few short videos featuring MMA fighter Gina “Conviction” Carano one of the most well known female fighters. Gina crossed over as mainstream star in the US following her stint on American Gladiators as Gladiator Crush.

The first part also features former UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy ‘The Natural’

Couture along with Pancrase legend Bas Rutten. They discuss women competing in the cage. Some male fighters namely Karo Parisian do not feel comfortable with an attractive woman like Carano competing in the cage. If she were not so easy on the eye would his be different? Carano is one tough cookie do not be fooled! She trains with Randy Couture and his wife Kim Couture.

In part 2 the panel discuss American Gladiators and her role as Crush. Other items include Laila Ali daughter of boxing icon Mohammed Ali and the co presenter alongside Hulk Hogan on the show. 

Inside MMA – Gina Carano (1 of 2)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjnJDbO9bkA

Inside MMA – Gina Carano (2 of 2)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikAlrv3L2Zs

Here’s another video of Gina from America Sports channel Sho Time 2007.

EliteXC: Meet Gina Carano

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1o1Aa3Vjvg

Gina Carano Tribute

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiG0TKPDhjk

Since the demise of EliteXC Gina’s contract is now with Strikeforce, we will be looking more closely at the promotion very soon here at bluraymma.com

MMA blog by Dynamite Duane

duane@bluraymma.com

www.myspace.com/dynamite_duane