BRAZ3N: the RETURN featuring Anthony “NIGHTMARE” Nieves
The "RETURN" is a short documentary profiling a young up incoming Muay Thai fighter, Anthony "The Nightmar" Nieves.
Bryan Keith
The Ambassador of Muay Thai: Buakaw Por Pramuk
Named Sombat Banchamek at birth, Buakaw Por Pramuk began his career at age 8 in the northeastern hills of Surin, Thailand. At age 10 he moved to the Por. Pramuk gym to continue his training and fight career. While in Thailand, Buakaw won the Omnoi Featherweight and Lightweight championships. In 2001 he won the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand Featherweight champion. Later he was awarded the 140 lb. Toyota Muay Thai marathon tournament and the KOMA GP Lightweight championships.
In 2004 Buakaw received an invitation to compete on the international stage in Japan's K-1 Max. It was a pivotal moment in Buakaw's career and the world of Martial Arts, as Muay Thai was on full display for all to see. Buakaw faced off against a list of world class opponents such as, John Wayne Parr, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer and the Japanese favorite Masato, all of whom Buakaw easily dismantled on his way to winning his first K-1 title. As a freshman, Buakaw astonished the crowd with bone-cracking kicks and piercing knees, none of which had been seen before in K-1. In 2006 Buakaw, repeated his 2004 title run by defeating Andy Souwer by KO making him the first ever to win two K-1 titles. Buakaw continued to compete in the K-1 Max until 2008, and suffered the first KO of his career to Yoshihiro Sato.
Since then the words "Muay Thai" and "Buakaw" have become interchangeable. With the advent of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a sport, most schools offer classes in Muay Thai as a primary stand-up Martial Art. Today, Buakaw travels the world competing, and demonstrating the "Science of 8 Limbs", and highlighting the culture of Thailand. He currently competes in the "Muay Thai Premiere League" and remains active. He is an icon in Muay Thai and is personally responsible for its global growth.
Bryan Keith
Oh Larry…
A boxer's worst critic.
There are many things in boxing that remain consistent -- a fighter's long walk to the ring, the singing of the National Anthem, and the post fight interview with Larry Merchant. Merchant joined HBO World Championship Boxing in 1978 as a boxing analyst, and was well regarded as a sports writer for "The Philadelphia Daily News". He has been involved in the sport of boxing for close to 40 years, and has the respect of his peers in the broadcasting community. In 1985 Merchant received the "Sam Taub Award" for Boxing Broadcast Journalism. In 2002 he was also inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. His resume stands on its own in the fight community.
But hidden beneath the professional accolades and Journalistic reverence is a seething animosity toward Merchant from many of the boxers that are subject to his commentary. The drama that unfolded this Saturday between he and Mayweather was nothing new to boxing. Merchant has faced off for interviews against many of the greats from Ali to "Money" Mayweather, and has often found himself in verbal battles on camera. His in-your-face style of interviewing has proven too bitter for most boxers to digest after a hard fought fight. Oscar De La Hoya, much like Floyd, called for HBO to fire Merchant for saying that the Mariachi music that accompanied him to the ring "stunk". Other notable fighters such as Lenox Lewis, Prince Naseem Hamed and even great the Mike Tyson have been on the defensive end of Merchant's verbal jabs.
What's surprising is how the words of an eighty year old man seem to land as power punches on the fragile psyche of hardened boxers? Roy Jones Jr. once pulled rank on Merchant during a fight stating, "You ain't never boxed before. You got to know boxing to see what serious is happening here." It's that type of disdain for Merchant that has fans and critics wondering if he can still win the trust of boxers during the post fight interview?
Has he become too cynical about the sport? Is Merchant's style too harsh for today's boxer? Do certain types of fighters rub him the wrong way? One thing is certain, Larry Merchant has made a career off the blood and sweat of the boxers that he interviews. At the very least, he should show a bit more respect.
Bryan Keith
Mayweather Ortiz: A Dirty Affair
Mayweather Ortiz aired boxing's dirty laundry.
In the 4th round of the Floyd Mayweather vs Victor Ortiz championship bout, everything that's dirty in boxing came to light. Ortiz, visibly frustrated by Mayweather's defensive shell and pin point punching resorted to throwing an illegal head-butt, causing the referee, Joe Cortez to halt the fight. After a point was deducted, Ortiz quickly came to his senses and ceremoniously apologized to Mayweather for the cheap shot. Mayweather took the opportunity to deliver a left hook, straight right combination which sent Ortiz to the canvas for a 10 count. Fight over.
In the gym it's called dirty boxing. Everyone who fights learns the sudtle tricks of the trade. But the antics that were on display tonight have soiled and cheapened the sport. Pugilism is one of the oldest combative sports known to man. Given it's lengthy tenure, the practitioners should hold themselves to a higher standard. Tonight's display looked more like a bout of professional wrestling, where the participants resort to illegal chokes and iron chairs to even the score. The sport of boxing and the fans deserve more then the amateur follies of two prize fighters.
Bryan Keith
Ortiz Well Dressed For Weigh In
Oritz sports a "Mayweather" necktie to weigh in.
The hot ticket in Las Vegas this weekend is the showdown for the WBC Welterweight championship between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and "Vicious" Victor Ortiz. The legendary MGM Grand will be packed to full capacity with spectators, fans, haters and everything in between. Many will be well dressed; others fashionably challenged. Although the dress code is uncertain, the one constant is that everyone in attendance will be anxious to see the fight.
The weigh in between the two combatants was anything but formal. Victor Ortiz arrived dressed in sweats and a baseball cap; Floyd the same. Shortly after the actual weigh in, the two faced off for a verbal sparring session, which quickly turned physical leaving Victor Ortiz sporting a "Floyd Mayweather" necktie. Let's see how well they dance tomorrow night.
Bryan Keith
BlackEyeAthletics.com
Floyd Mayweather Victor Ortiz Face Off
Mayweather vs Ortiz Face Off
There's a buzz in Vegas for this weekend's fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and "Vicious" Victor Ortiz. Every betting man has their money on Mayweather to win; however, the real gamblers have their chips stacked on Ortiz to dethrone Mayweather. Ortiz hit boxing's proverbial lottery when he won a 12 round decision over Emanuel Berto for the WBC Welter Weight championship in April. His performance over Berto was so impressive that it woke boxing's sleeping giant, causing Mayweather to end a 15 month hibernation from the ring.
The numbers don't lie -- Victor is physically bigger, younger and hungry for boxing stardom. Mayweather's stats are among the best of all time -- six time world champion, 15 years of world class boxing experience, and sports an undefeated record of 41-0. No hardcore boxing fan can argue with his greatness in the ring and mastery of the sport. He is a pure boxer who's style appeals to die-hard boxing fans who applaud the intricacies of the the sport.
But as of late there appears to be a hair-line flaw in boxing's Tiffany diamond. Just as Floyd has dominated his opponents inside the ring, he's also been a giant outside the ring promoting his fights. Mayweather commands the largest purse of any active boxer, and holds the record for highest Pay-per-view (PPV) sales in the sport. In fact, he's one the highest paid athletes in history. And to think, Floyd has achieved so much in a sport that many feel is on the ropes with the advent of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). There in lies a potential flaw -- a divided mind. As a world class fighter, your life must be your work. To remain on top, you must marry the sport and commit to boxing for the long haul. Being an icon in the ring, and a business man outside the ring doesn't make for a fruitful marriage going forward for Floyd. All things must come to an end.
Bryan Keith
BlackEyeAthletics.com
The Origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. The art was derived from the Japanese martial art of Kodokan judo in the early 20th century.It teaches that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique-most notably by applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat the other person. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training can be used for sport grappling tournaments and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition or self defense. Sparring (commonly referred to as 'rolling') and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition, in relation to progress and ascension through the grades/belt. The art began with Mitsuyo Maeda, a member of the then-recently-founded Kodokan. Maeda was one of five of Judo's top groundwork experts that Judo's founder Kano Jigoro sent overseas to demonstrate and spread his art to the world. Maeda left Japan in 1904 and visited a number of countries giving "jiu-do" demonstrations and accepting challenges from wrestlers, boxers, savate fighters and various other martial artists before eventually arriving in Brazil on November 14, 1914. Jiu-jitsu is known as more than just a system of fighting. Since its inception in 1882, its parent art of judo was separated from older systems of Japanese jujutsu by an important difference that was passed on to BJJ -- it is not solely a martial art, it is also a sport. A method for promoting physical fitness and building character in young people and ultimately a way (Do) of life.
Maeda had trained first in sumo as a teenager, and after the interest generated by stories about the success of judo at contests between judo and jujutsu that were occurring at the time, he changed from sumo to judo, becoming a student of Kano's Kodokan judo. He was promoted to 7th dan in Kodokan judo the day before he died in 1941.
Gastao Gracie was a business partner of the American Circus in Belem. In 1916, Italian Argentine circus Queirolo Brothers staged shows there and presented Maeda. In 1917, Carlos Gracie, the eldest son of Gastao Gracie, watched a demonstration by Maeda at the Da Paz Theatre and decided to learn judo. Maeda accepted Carlos as a student. Carlos learned for a few years and eventually passed his knowledge to his brothers. At age fourteen, Helio Gracie, the youngest of the brothers moved in with his older brothers who lived and taught Jiu-Jitsu in a house in Botafogo, a neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Following doctor's recommendations, Helio would spend the next few years limited to only watching his brothers teach as he was naturally frail. 
One day, when Helio Gracie was 16 years old, a student showed up for class when Carlos was not around. Helio, who had memorized all the techniques from watching his brothers teach, offered to start the class. When the class was over, Carlos showed up and apologized for his delay. The student asked for Helio to continue being his instructor, Helio Gracie then gradually developed Gracie Jiu Jitsu as an adaptation from Judo as he was unable to do many Judo moves. Helio Gracie also held the rank of 6th dan in judo. Although Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is largely identified with the Gracie family, there is also another prominent lineage from Maeda via another Brazilian disciple, Luis Franca. This lineage had been represented particularly by Oswaldo Fadda. Fadda and his students were famous for influential use of footlocks. The lineage still survives through Fadda's links to today's teams such as Nova Uniao and Grappling Fight Team.
Bryan Keith
BlackEyeAthletics.com
Cleto Reyes: A History Of Boxing
Cleto Reyes Castro was born April 26,1920 in Mexico City. Mexico City was undergoing reconstruction after 10 years of revolutionary struggle. Because of the hard times his family was facing, Cleto started working at the age of 12 in a factory that manufactured baseball gloves. In 1936, while still in elementary school, Cleto took part in an amateur fight at the "Peralvillo Cozumel" ring. His performance was so outstanding that Celto was showered with coins from the crowd. His love for boxing was born; however, the pounding was so hard that he was convinced not to fight again. He chose instead to make the gloves he had used during the fight, and this started his career in the manufacturing of boxing gloves.Over the years, Cleto continued to make boxing gloves, and perfect his craft. Subsequently, Reyes gloves obtained the approval of the local boxing commission (COMBOX DF), and in 1945 were used in a world championship fight for first time at La Condesa Arena. The fight was between Mexican Champion, Juan Zurita, and Ike Williams. That year was very important to Cleto Reyes. With the help of his wife and children, he started the Reyes Company.
In 1965, he had his first commercial representation in Los Angeles which began distributing his boxing equipment in the United States and some other countries. In 1970, during a time in which Don Cleto`s health was ailing, his son, Alberto Reyes joint his father's efforts. With a firm entrepreneurial vision he decided to register the trademark Cleto Reyes in 1975 and founded Industrial Reyes S.A. de C.V. in 1979.
Currently, Cleto Reyes boxing equipment has a prominent place in the international market, and is recognized by all the major boxing sanctions around the world.
Bryan Keith
BlackEyeAthletics.com
The IKF World Classic Experience
I love Muay Thai. It's my passion. The Martial Art, Muay Thai is simple, effective and efficient, much like I aspire to be in life. So after 2 years of training, I decided to register for the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) World Classic. Each year the IKF hosts a two-day tournament open to all amateur Muay Thai and kickboxing fighters from all over the world. Any fighter can register to fight some the best amateurs in the world. It's the US Open on Amateur Muay Thai.
Registration
The registration process is pretty simple. The IKF requires all fighters to fill out a form, outlining their fight experience. In my opinion, the most crucial part is your amateur fight record. Many of the fighters who register have less than 10 fights, which make the tournament seem beginner-friendly. But don't be fooled, the IKF is a world tournament with superior competition. Most of the fighters have adequate fight experience, but there are a few that are green. Fill out the form and pay the early registration fee of $60. The later you register the more fees the IKF tacks on. I registered on July 9th and paid $160 to complete, which is way too high! So make sure you register early! One interesting caveat about theIKF registration process is that the first fighter who registers is given the highest seat in their weight class, ill regardless of their fight record or experience.
Tournament seating
I found the IKF's system of seating fighters absurd. In any other sport, seating is determined by a team's record. The IKF has a different take on tournament seating....purely capitalistic. To get the top seat in your weight class, all you have to do is register and pay first? A fighter with a record of 0-5 could gain the top seat in his/her weight class by registering 
first! That's it. During the tournament, the top seat receives a buy in the first round of fights, and usually will be pit against the weaker opponents in their division. So again register early...it makes a difference.
Hotel Arrangements
The Marriot in Orlando is the world's largest, and the most accommodating hotel. Not only did they host the IKF World Classic, three other conventions were hosted during the same weekend. The Marriot in Orlando is a five star venue, which included a water park, multiple bars, and restaurants. All the amenities were awesome, but not necessary to compete in the IKF World Classic tournament. I called the IKF to verify if fighters needed to secure a room in the Marriot to fight in the tournament. The IKF adamantly stated that, "you must stay at the Marriot to complete in the tournament, or you will be disqualified!" Not once during the tournament, did anyone from the IKF check my reservations! The price of a single room in the Marriot is $140 with tax. After paying $160 in fees to compete, I couldn't afford another $140 per night at the prestigious Marriot. Luckily, I roomed with a teammate and the bill was cut in half. Ironically, our trainer and other seasoned fighters, roomed at local hotels for much less.
Awards
The award belts for champions in their weight class are exceptional! The belts are world class for an international event. Two thumbs up to the IKF! All other competing fighters received a standard metal from the IKF. I would have like to see second place fighter receive a trophy, or something that distinguished them from first round losers.
Overall review
The IKF World Classic was a great experience. I learned a tremendous amount about international competition, and gained a new perspective on Muay Thai. I will continue to compete in the IKF World Classic in the future, but will register early and will not stay at the Marriot hotel. Sadly, a member of the Atlanta fight family lost her life at the IKF World Classic this year. She was a humble, noble warrior. She fought well in her matches during the tournament, but lost, and ultimately died. Adrienne Simmons will be missed.
Bryan Keith
BlackEyeAthletics.com
Muay Thai: A History Of War
Muay Thai is one of the oldest Martial Arts in existence. Much of its early history was lost during the Burmese wars, and what little history that 
remained was pasted down orally. Dating back to the 13th century, Muay Thai was used in battle by Thai solders during the Burmese wars. Used in close quarter combat, Muay Thai was a deadly weapon that ultimately won Thailand its freedom.
Muay Thai is Thailand's national treasure. It is known in Thailand as the sport of kings. As the wars ended, many practiced Muay Thai as a means for personal achievement, and social advancement. People from all social classes practiced Muay Thai. Even the King, in disguise, would fight at local matches to test his skills. As Muay Thai gained popularity, the most skilled practitioners were pit against each other in matches for the king and nobility. The winner was given money, and sometimes title for their victories. These early matches were the beginning of Muay Thai as a sport.
Early matches were fought on an open patch of land, and the fighter's hands were wrapped with rope. Opponents were not paired
by weight class or skill set. The head could be used as a weapon, and it was legal to strike an opponent in the groin. There was no limit on the number of rounds fought, and time was measured with sand or water. Basically, there were no modern rules in a match.
Today, Muay Thai can be seen live in various stadiums inThailand - Lumpini, Ratchadamnoen and Omnoi. Many events are televised on channels 3 & 7 in Thailand, and gambling is big business during a match. Boxers wear gloves, groin protectors and mouth guards for protection. A match consists of three 5 minute rounds.
Bryan Keith
BlackEyeAthletics.com
Contributors
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| Bryan Keith is a beginning contributor to BlackEye Blog. B.A. in Journalism from Ship. Univ. Fan and practitioner of boxing, muay thai and MMA. |
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