An Interview with Rich (chinese martial arts description) "Ace" Franklin
March 12th, 2008
Rich Ace Franklin is a former high school math teacher turned professional fighter, he has a Masters Degree in education and a Bachelors Degree in mathematics. He made his professional MMA debut in March of 2000 and has a record of 20 wins and only 2 losses. Rich became the UFC Middleweight(185 lb.) Champion by defeating Evan Tanner at UFC 53 and had 2 successful title defenses before losing his belt in October 2006 to Anderson The Spider Silva. Rich is widely considered one of the top Middleweights in the world and one of the most well rounded fighters in MMA.
MMAToday: You have a fight coming up at UFC 68 in Columbus, how has your training been going?
RF: Training is going well. I am healthy, my nose and hand both feel great, and my conditioning is on schedule.
MMAToday: How is it for you to be fighting in front of the home crowd?
RF: I dont think it will be much different for me. I fight on pay-per-view, so I am always fighting in front of my home crowd. The weigh-ins are going to be interesting though!
MMAToday: Does it motivate you more or make you work even harder coming off your first loss in almost 3 years?
RF: No, I think part of my problem is that I worked too hard for my last fight. It motivated me to work smarter.
MMAToday: What do you see yourself doing differently the next time around with Anderson Silva?
RF: I am not sure, and in the meantime I have at least 1 opponent to think about before him. I have not even looked at my Silva tape yet, and wont until I am ready to fight him again.
MMAToday: What do you think of your opponent Jason McDonald, who is coming off of two impressive wins?
RF: He is slick on the ground and I know he will plan on taking the fight there. I will have to be careful with that.
MMAToday: Have you done any extra training in any areas like: takedown defense, jiu jitsu or striking in anticipation of this fight?
RF: I do that kind of training for every fight, but we have focused on some situational training for Jason.
MMAToday: Do you see yourself getting a title shot immediately after this bout if you are victorious?
RF: I dont know and every time I try to make a prediction in this sport I am wrongwe will just have to see how things unfold for me.
MMAToday: What do you see in the future for 2007, possible opponents?
RF: I take this fight game one fight at a time. The only thing I see in 2007 so far is the March 3rd fight against Jason.
MMAToday: Who in the UFC would you like to fight that you have not fought yet?
RF: I have never concerned myself with other fightersI just want to get back on a winning track at this point.
MMAToday: Is there a possibility of you moving up to 205? As you are considered a massive 185lb fighter.
RF: You never know what the future holds. However, I need to focus on getting my 185 lb. Title back first.
MMAToday: What fight or fights in your career really stick out in your mind and why?
RF: The Ken Shamrock always comes to mind. Of coarse he is a legend, and that fight propelled my career.
MMAToday: What do you do in your spare time, when not training or promoting the UFC?
RF: I like to do anything that requires adrenaline. We played a game a paintball on quad runners the other day at my house. I like to read my Bible, and I just started playing the drums.
MMAToday: How much do you think you have changed as a fighter over the last three years? Do you see yourself as still evolving and getting better?
RF: I know I am getting better every day. The more advanced you become in any skill, the more enjoyment you have to find in the tiniest improvements of your game.
MMAToday: Is there a possibility of you ever leaving the UFC and going to another organization like Pride?
RF: Not likely
MMAToday: Is there anyone in Pride you would like to fight? (I had asked a few questions before this about possibilities of fighting other fighters)
RF: I dont care who I fight. I dont care about avenging losses. When I am finished fighting I want people to remember me as a great competitor. To accomplish this goal, I will fight anyone necessary.
MMAToday: Where do you see yourself in the overall rankings in your weight class?
RF: That is not for me to decide.
MMAToday: Is there any one fighter that you admire and why?
RF: Many! Randy Couture for defying age with his ability. Matt Hughes for his dominance. Jeremy Horn for his experienceI could go on.
MMAToday: What inspires you to fight and what keeps you motivated?
RF: You cant explain a thirst for competition to those who do not have it. I am a competitor.
MMAToday: What type of fight do you prefer to be in? Whether it be a ground fight or a standup battle, and why?
RF: I like the stand-up. It excites the crowd!!!
Brian Robertson is owner/webmaster of www.mmatoday.com
Wado Ryu Karate - General Background
History: Hironori Ohtsuka (1892 - 1982) was the founder of the Wado Ryu system of Karate. He commenced training in shindo yoshin ryu jujitsu at the age of 6, and at the age of 30, he began training under the supervision of Gichin Funakoshi (the founder of Karate-do) before founding the Wado Ryu system in 1939. Wado Ryu is one of the 4 main Japanese styles of Karate that are taught around the world. In 1939, Ohtsuka organised the All Japan Karate Do Federation Wado Ki and the Worldwide Headquarters for the Wado Ryu System. In 1967, he was the first katateka to be awarded the 5th order of merit of the sacred treasure of the Emperor of Japan as an acknowledgement of his achievements. Following his death in 1982, Hironori Ohtsuka’s son, Jiro, became the chief instructor of the Wado Ryu system. Today, there are a number of senior, well-respected representatives of Wado Ryu in Japan, who are also leaders of their own federations or associations. Characteristics of Wado Ryu: To practitioners of Wado Ryu, the main philosophy is to better their attitude both within and outside the art. This is one of the main aims of the martial art which emphasises the development of respect, discipline and understanding in a mental as well as physical capacity. This aim affects our attitude towards ourselves and others in our home life, work and social activities. To show aggression outwardly, even during training sessions, is greatly discouraged. The name Wado Ryu, approximately translated, means “the peaceful way”. Another characteristic of Wado Ryu is that unnecessarily large movements are kept to a minimum. Importance is placed on the speed and efficiency of movements with which each technique is performed, rather than the strength or physical effort outwardly shown. Exponents of Wado Ryu place great emphasis on the coordination of body movement with each particular technique. This principle is found in many other martial arts, such as ju-jitsu, aikido and kendo. This coordination is stressed at all stages of learning, from the execution of basic techniques to the application of advanced, free-fighting combinations.
- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.
Kung Fu (Mok-Gar) - General Background
History: Shaolin Mok-gar kuen is one of the original family disciplines of Kung fu, from Southern China, and is well known for its kicking techniques. Practitioners are not restricted just to kicking, however, since the use of a full range of weapons is also part of the system. The resulting flexibility of attack and defence epitomises the original concept of Chinese martial arts: to express oneself fully in the attempt to triumph in combat. When engaging in combat, the objective is to win, so practitioners believe that to place any restrictions on one particular movement would be to put themselves at a disadvantage. Training: One of the unique training drills found in Mok-gar kuen is that of the darn gee kicking technique. In Kung fu, each school has its own method of teaching the kicks using various mechanical facilities. Irrespective the method, the aim is the same: to increase the freedom of leg movements, enhance speed, improve accuracy, and to develop and harden the soles of the feet. During the course of training, the darn gee helps practitioners to improve their stamina, hardness, speed, accuracy and strength techniques. This unique training drill is a stage that all Mok-gar practitioners must experience if they wish to develop a high standard within this style. The 108 movements that are the basis of the Mok-gar style can be used in many ways, from just a single punch, which may be all that is needed to win a fight, to multiple jumping kicks. When experienced students progress to learning a soft form of Kung fu, called Tai chi. Sifu Chan, who came to England to develop the system which incorporated the use of weapons, teaches the wu style Tai chi, based on the Taoist symbol of yin and yang. Tai chi teaches us to be aware of, and to react to, any form of attack, and to be ever-changing and formless. To learn and combine these 2 systems of Kung fu is not an easy task, but once acquired, the knowledge and experience can prove invaluable.
- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.
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