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Fedor Emelianenko

Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko is a Russian heavyweight mixed martial arts fighter. He is the current World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight Champion and the last holder of the Pride Heavyweight Championship. He has won numerous tournaments and accolades in multiple sports, most notably the Pride 2004 Grand Prix and the World Combat Sambo championship on four occasions, as well as medaling in the Russian national Judo championship.

Emelianenko has been universally considered the best heavyweight fighter in the world for the last seven years by major publications, including ESPN, Sherdog, Full Contact Fighter, MMA Weekly, and Nokaut. Several mixed martial arts publications currently rank Emelianenko as the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He holds the distinction of having held five separate major championships including the Rings World Heavyweight and King of Kings Championships, the Pride World Heavyweight and Heavyweight Grand Prix Championships and the World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship. Many analysts, as well as former and current fighters consider Emelianenko to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.

   

Gegard Mousasi

Gegard Mousasi is a professional Armenian mixed martial artist and kickboxer. He is fighting out of Team Jurojin in Leiden, Netherlands and is a member of Red Devil Sport Club. He is the former Dream Middleweight Champion, Cage Warriors Middleweight Champion and the current Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion.

He started practicing Judo and later boxing at age 15; twelve months later he became the amateur boxing champion of the Netherlands. When he figured out that he couldn't make it to the top of the boxing world due to Holland lacking boxing expertise, he switched to kickboxing, and then eventually to mixed martial arts.

In the first round of the Dream's 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix at Dream 2 he defeated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Denis Kang by triangle choke. In the second round of the tournament, at Dream 4, he won a decision victory over Dong Sik Yoon and advanced to the final round which took place at Dream 6. There he fought and submitted K-1 veteran Melvin Manhoef in the semi-finals before meeting up with submission specialist Ronaldo Souza in the final. Mousasi defeated Souza by an upkick after being taken down by the Brazilian, thus becoming the first Dream Middleweight Champion and 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix tournament winner.

In a somewhat surprise to the MMA world, Gegard agreed to take on Japanese K-1 fighter Musashi in a K-1 rules fight at Dynamite!! 2008. Being an open weight fight Gegard weighed in at 97.8 kg/216 lbs, all but confirming his desire to move up in weight classes. Gegard stated after winning the Dream Middleweight Grand Prix he would no longer fight at middleweight due to the large weight cut. Gegard was not favored to win the match against the more experienced Musashi, but came out fast and scored a first round KO. Gegard went undefeated in 2008 going 6-0 in MMA, and 1-0 in K-1.

In interviews from early 2009, Mousasi stated the weight he put on after winning Dream's middleweight tournament was too much for him to cut back down to middleweight and that his next fights would be at light-heavyweight and eventually heavyweight instead.

Mousasi submitted Mark Hunt in the first round of the Super Hulk Grand Prix at Dream 9.

Mousasi was set to fight Renato "Babalu" Sobral at Affliction: Trilogy on August 1, 2009, but the event was canceled after losing its main event 10 days prior to the event. It was originally planned for him to face Vitor Belfort at that event, but there was a disagreement between both fighters over which weight class the fight would be fought at. On Monday July 27, 2009 it was announced that the cancelled bout between Sobral and Mousasi would take place on the August 15 Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg card and the fight became a contest for the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight championship belt. Mousasi defeated Sobral via KO in the first round to become the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion. At M-1 Breakthrough a exhibition grappling match between new Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi and Fedor Emelianenko took place in which both showed great grappling throws and sweeps but ended by Fedor submitting Mousasi by arm bar with one and a half minutes left in the first round.

Andrei Arlovski
 

Andrei Arlovski grew up in Minsk, Belarus. In 1999, Andrei won the European Youth Sambo Championship and the World Youth Championship. He also took a silver medal at the Sambo World Cup and another silver medal at the World Sambo Championship. At the age of 19, Arlovski began his professional MMA career. One year later, in 2000, at the European Championships, he took the heavyweight crown with a submission victory and a knock-out victory.

Andrei Arlovski made his Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 28. On February 5, 2005 at UFC 51, Arlovski faced the previous heavyweight champion, Tim Sylvia. At 47 seconds of the first round he became the new UFC interim heavyweight champion. Arlovski defended his interim title on June 4, 2005 at UFC 53 against Justin Eilers. He won the bout via TKO by strikes in the first round.

At UFC 55 Arlovski once again defended the interim heavyweight title, against top contender Paul Buentello. Arlovski knocked Buentello out in 15 seconds of the opening round. On August 12, 2005, the UFC announced that it now recognized Arlovski as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Arlovski fought PRIDE Fighting Championships veteran and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Fabricio Werdum at UFC 70 and won by unanimous decision. After the fight Arlovski apologized to the fans for fighting for the full fifteen minutes.

Andrei currently lives and trains in Chicago, Illinois. His boxing coach is Mike Garcia, and he trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Dino Costeas at POW Martial Arts. He also has been training with UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture.

Stephan Bonnar

Due to his strong performance in the light-heavyweight finals, where he lost against Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28), Bonnar was awarded a contract to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (see Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar).

Stephan trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the legendary Carlson Gracie, under whom he received his purple belt before Carlson's passing. This experience has led to most of his bouts ending by way of submission. However, he is also a former Chicago Golden Gloves boxer and has trained in Muay Thai during several trips to Thailand. He is also the Ironheart Crown Light Heavyweight champion and Total Fight Challenge Light Heavyweight champion 2002-04.

After his loss to Griffin, Bonnar became the staple of the regular UFC Ultimate Fight Night shows at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, defeating such notables as Sam Hoger, James Irvin and Keith Jardine before succumbing to Rashad Evans by way of majority decision. More recently, Bonnar lost a unanimous decision against Forrest Griffin in the long-anticipated rematch at UFC 62.

Bonnar was forced to withdraw from his fight against Matt Hamill at UFC Fight Night 13 due to a serious knee injury he suffered during training.

Jon Fitch

Fitch began his career at Light-Heavyweight with a record of four wins, two losses, and one No Contest. Understanding that the sport required cross training in the martial arts, Fitch soon left for San Jose, California to train with the American Kickboxing Academy and has been undefeated since.

In his next seven fights, Fitch amassed wins over fighters such as Shonie Carter, Alex Serdyukov, and Jeff Joslin. After failing to make the selection process for the first season of The Ultimate Fighter a last-minute decision by the production team that left Fitch stranded in an airport with his luggage already boarded he earned a shot in the Ultimate Fighting Championship on October 3, 2005, where Fitch defeated Brock Larson in a middleweight bout.

Soon after, Fitch dropped to the welterweight division and won his next six fights. With victories over Josh Burkman, Thiago Alves, Luigi Fioravanti, and Diego Sanchez, Fitch was now seen as a welterweight contender. On March 1st, 2008, Fitch defeated Chris Wilson by unanimous decision at UFC 82. This marked his 8th consecutive victory in the UFC, tying the record set by Royce Gracie for most consecutive wins in the UFC. UFC President Dana White has recently praised Fitch's performances inside the Octagon, and indicated that Fitch would fight the winner of the Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra Welterweight title fight.

Mark Dellagrotte

Kru Mark DellaGrotte is the owner & operator of the Sityodtong USA Branch. He's a former Muay Thai Champion in Thailand.
Mark is known and respected worldwide for his uncanny ability to break opponents down. He's cornered Marcus Davis through 11 consecutive victories in the Octagon, and is the same man who took Kenny Florian from a skinny soccer player to one of the top ten lightweight fighters in the world. He began his martial arts studies at an early age. His initial  training involved classical martial arts, such as Tae Kwon Do, Shodokan and Tai-chi. As his athleticism and martial skills grew, so did his desire to further his training in the martial arts.

In 1992 his quest for a more combative martial art was complete when he met Guro Guy Chase, who had studied with some of the greatest martial artists of his time. Guro Chase had trained with  Sifu Dan Inosanto, Grandmaster Ben Lagusa, Pak Herman Suwanda, Guro Ted Lucay, Professor Salam Allsi, Arjarn Surachai Sirisute and even the Great Karl Gotach.
At that point, Mark devoted himself entirely to the martial arts. Through this training he became certified in the arts of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Indonesian Pencak Silat, Boxe Francaise Savate, Filipino Kali-Excrima, Submission wrestling and Muay Thai Kickboxing.

In 1997 Mark wanted to take his training even further than what was available in the U.S. so he decided to travel abroad to Thailand. He was introduced to Kru Yodtong and the Sityodtong Boxing Camp, where he lived and trained. Mark's ability to speak Thai, led him to explore Thailand and Thai culture.

He traveled throughout Thailand, learning different styles of Muay Thai such as Mae Mai Muay Thai, Kun Khmer, Muay Burand, Muay Lao, and also Burmese Boxing. Mark is also a current Muay Thai champion.

Master Yodtong Senanan appointed Mark to teach, conserve and promote Thai style boxing worldwide. He is Kru Yodtong's US representative and is honored to be an international conservator of Thai style boxing.

Mark has coached fighters to victory in events such as The Kings Cup and UFC. In 2006, he was selected as the Muay Thai coach on The Ultimate Fighter Season 4: The Comeback, which was broadcast by Spike TV.

Mark and the Sityodtong USA camp train a growing number of UFC fighters including; Kenny Florian, Jorge Rivera, Marcus Davis, Dale Hartt, Patrick Cote and Stephan Bonnar.

The Discovery Channel featured Mark on a new program called Time Warp. Mark along with UFC fighter Kenny Florian showed in super slow motion how a punch to the gut, chest, and head truly impact an opponent.

Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou : The African Assassin

Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou aka The African Assassin from Cameroun became a ultimate fight champion this year.

And his parents thought their son was studying computer science in San Diego! Sokoudjou was already a Judo Champion (won the national championship in the open weight category at the U.S. Open Judo Championships in Las Vegas) and then he made the big move to try the American Dream. He was totally unknown in 2006 when he started ultimate fighting.

At only 23 years old, the cameroonian defeated 2 big fighters: Ricardo Arona in Japan and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in Las Vegas. And it was very quick (see videos below).

The light heavyweight will finish the year with his debut on the sports biggest stage, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where hell face undefeated Lyoto Machida on Dec. 29.

Rob Kaman
 

Rob "The Dutchman" Kaman (Born June 5, 1960) in Amsterdam is a retired 9 time kickboxing and Muay Thai world champion. Rob Kaman is considered by some to be the greatest kickboxer who ever lived. He is often called "Mr. Low Kick" because of his feared low kicks which he used to set up a devastating offensive attacks. He has won matches
using virtually every technique: high kicks, punches, combinations and takeovers. Kaman was an intelligent fighter who was almost always one step ahead of his competition.

1983 1985 he won the world title WKA of kickboxing fighting John Moncayo, he also Payap Premchai, the champion of Thailand, Moncayo, Thai fighter Samart Prasanmirt , Jean Marc Tonus, and Larry McFadden. After that, Rob fought a lot of different high profile fighters in Amsterdam: including Ernest Simmons and Ernesto Hoost . He won them all the fights. At the end of 1987 the Japanese asked him to come fight in Japan. His first fight in Japan was against Lakchart. Japan became 'Kaman-crazy' and from then on he fought many times in Japan.

He fought against Kirkwood Walker, Hansu Premchai, Santiago Garza, Don Nakaya, Nielsen, Carmichael and O'reagan. He won all the fights. Other Oponents he beat in the following years include Jan Wessels fighting for a WKA world title, Japanese fighter Nishi, Hoost, and Luc Verheye, again winning the world WKA title.

Rob also played in movies with Jean Claude van Damme, "Maximum Risk", " The Legionnaire", and "Double Team" also starring Dennis Rodman and Mickey Rourke. 1999 Rob decided to end his career, back where it all started, in Holland. On 24 October 1999, he fought for the last time, against Alexey Ignashov, a 21 year old amateur world champion in kickboxing. Rob won.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogoueira

At the age of 10, he had the most difficult combat in his life: a truck ran over him and left a broken liver, which was perforated by the broken ribs and a broken leg. "The truck come in reverse gear and threw me on the ground, passing over my body slowly. My brother Rogerio tried to pull me but he couldn't. I only had time to move my head off the wheel and felt that weight squeezing my chest." After 4 days in coma and almost one year in the hospital, the warrior was ready to face a non-planed but a lot successful future. As a doctor's advice, he restarted to play Judo.

When Rodrigo was 14 years old, he moved to Salvador to study at a electronic school. He now divides his time with the studies and the training at Triathlon gym, where he started in boxing with coach of Arcelino Popo (CNB world champion).

In 1995, he started to have a look at Jiu-Jitsu classes of the Dellariva Team, Guilherme Assad. He got the invitation of a friend to go in for some classes. "I was amaze for bring finished by some one who was 20kg lighters then me and decided to start at Jiu-Jitsu".

Three week later, he was the champion in the White Belt and second place in the open division. He only knew how throw the opponent a few positions on the ground.

He was the Brazilian Champion in 1996 (Blue Belt) and 1998 (Brown Belt). In 1999 he went to USA where was introduced to the WEF promoters Jamie Levine. He won the Panamerican Jiu-Jitsu and got the black belt. In the same year, went to Judo championships there and got the black belt as well.

After his first MMA fight victory at WEF, he decided to stay there training Wrestling and Muay Thay, having more attentions to MMA.

Rodrigo decided to come back to Brazil after 2 years of conquests, having his own gym in Florida and bringing 3 victories at WEF and some more at King of Kings in Japan. He comes to Brazil searching for better Jiu-Jitsu trainings at Brazilian Top Team.

In his career, one of the best shows was at Pride 16, the most important MMA championship in Japan, where he destroyed Mark Colleman, a renamed MMA fighter.

He was the Pride world champion.  he is the current UFC heavy weight champion and he just completed to be one of the coaches on the Spike TV Ultimate fighter reality show.  In December he will defend the heavy weight title against Frank Muir.


Greg Jackson

Greg Jackson was born in Washington, D.C. At the ageof 3 the Jackson family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Greg grew up in a family of wrestlers. Greg's grandfather, uncle and brother were all wrestlers. Greg's father, uncle and brother were all champion wrestlers.


Growing up in a rough neighborhood, at a young age Greg began studying martial arts. After many years of experience Greg was looking for something more. Combining basic Judo locks with his wrestling Greg started to formulate his own style and style and system of martial arts and self defense.

In 1992 Greg opened his first school. In 1993 Greg saw the first Ultimate Fighting Championship and realized that the Gracie family (which are well known for their very effective style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) was much more advanced than his current ideas. Shortly after viewing the first UFC Greg started to diligently develop more techniques. Also, in 1993 Greg started training in kickboxing under his mentor Michael Winkeljohn. Mr. Winkeljohn is a 5 time world champion and is still to this day a mentor to Greg Jackson.

Greg is constantly looking for new ways to make his brand of mixed martial arts more efficient. The Jackson fighting system has been proven in both self defense and in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. To this day Greg Jackson has developed 10 world champions. His team has won such prestigious awards such as Grapplers Quest, the Pan American games and others. Jackson's fight team is also ranked number 1 in the highest winning percentage by Sherdog.com. Greg has competitors in Pride, UFC, Abu Dhabi, and many other prestigious events. Some of his top fighters include: Keith Jardine, Rashad Evans, Georges St. Pierre, Nate Marquardt, Joey Villasenor, David Loiseau, Damacio Page, Tait Fletcher, Duane Ludwig, Leonard Garcia, Julie Kedzie, and a whole host of up and coming future fight champions. Amongst some of these fighters, Greg has had competitors on Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter, seasons 1, 2, and 3 on Spike TV.

With the Jackson camp multiplying everyday, Greg continues to live and train these warriors in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his family. In addition to being one of the most respected MMA trainers in the world, Greg will continue to build one of the largest and most prestigeous MMA schools around.

Benny The Jet Urquidez

Benny The Jet was born in 1952 in Los Angeles. He was the second youngest in a family of nine. His father was a professional boxer and his mother a professional wrestler and the rest of his tale is left for the history books to tell. Sixty three world titles and fighting in five weight divisions, Benny has accomplished everything a fighter could ever dream of and more. Starting his martial arts study at the age of eight, receiving his black belt at fourteen, and voted in 1978 by Black Belt Magazine as the Best Fighter that year and placed in the magazines Hall of Fame. In 2004, The Jet is as strong, fast, and inspiring as ever.

 

Gokor Chivichyan "The Armenian Assassin"

Gokor Chivichyan was born in 1963 in Yerevan, Armenia, in the former Soviet Union. He started his training at the age of five in the Russian martial art Sambo and continued his studies in the arts of judo, jiu-jitsu, wresting, karate, boxing and grappling.

At the age of seven he won his first Judo championship and has continued his fighting career over 32 years. Among his achievements are first place in the Armenian, Russian, European, and American nationals. Dominance of the No Holds Barred arena for 10 years. Gokor retired from professional fighting in 1997 after defeating the 63 245 lbs World Champion Kickboxing and mixed martial arts fighter, Meda. In 1998 Gokor was named by Black Belts Magazine Judo Instructor of the Year and received the prestigious Hall of Fame spot. Since then he has produced in his school new generation of fighters who have dominated the arena of the UFC, King of the Cage, and all National Judo Championships. Two of his top students are in the trials for the upcoming Olympics in Athens.


Bas Rutten

Dutch native, Bas Rutten, is one of the most colorful & charismatic fighters of the mix martial arts world. With a record as a three times undefeated king of pancrase and three times undefeated heavy weight champion of the UFC, Bas allowed himself to retire and transfer all his undeleted energy into coaching, broadcasting and acting.
Bas Rutten is the commentator of the Pride fighting events in Japan. He also coached prize fighters like heavy weight champion, Mark Kerr and K-1 champion, Dwain Ludwig, Carlos Newton, Genki Sudo, Alex Steibling, and many more. Bas is also making a name for himself in Hollywood and with his level of energy one can not predict what is next. 

Pat Militech

United States muay thai champ, Former LW and WW UFC world champion, Trainer of the most world champions, Black Belts in Karate, Jiu-jitsu. and unbeaten in pro boxing matches.

Kevin Randelman

Kevin The Monster Randleman started his Fighting career back in High School where he was a state champion.

He then went on to the Ohio State University where he was a 3X All American, 3X Big Ten Champion and 2X NCAA National Champion.

Kevin is a member of Mark Colemans Hammer House Team. Kevin captured the UFC Heavyweight Champion Belt at UFC 23.

Kevin has great fighting skills in his stand up game, but also has incredible take down technique where he loves to ground and pound.

  Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell

Light heavyweight UFC world champion, 35, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell is the nicest person you can find in the street, and every fighter's nightmare in the ring. Many fighters like Randy Couture, Alistair Overeem, Tito Ortiz, and Vernon White - to mention just a few - found it the hard way.

His MMA record speaks for itself. With 15 wins, 3 defeats and no draws, Chuck the "The Iceman" Liddell has accomplished everything a fighter could wish for and established his dominance as one of the toughest living fighters in the world.

In contradiction to many fighters who love to win, Chuck loves to fight. With his devastating three latest victories "The Iceman" is looking for new challenges staring towards the land of the rising sun. Following his victory at UFC 52, he challenged the toughest fighter in the light heavy weight division in Pride, Vandelay Silva. 

Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell has completed his role in the UFC reality show, "The Ultimate Fighter" orchestrating his team victory over team Couture. He proved himself to be as good a coach as a fighter.


BJ "The Prodigy" Penn

Nicknamed "The Prodigy", BJ Penn was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Hilo Hawaii at the tender age of 17 by neighbor Tom Callos, and in 1997 he started training under Ralph Gracie. After being awarded his black belt in 2000 by Andre Pederneiras of Nova Uniao, he became the first non-Brazilian to win a gold medal in the black belt division of the Mundial World Championships held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His accomplishments caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he began his mixed martial arts career less than a year later in 2001. He demonstrated strong striking skills, knocking out lightweights Din Thomas and Caol Uno before suffering a decision loss in a title fight against UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver.

The crowning achievement of Penn's career came in 2004 at UFC 46. Penn jumped up in weight classes to challenge the five-time defending welterweight champion Matt Hughes to fill a title contention slot in a division where Hughes had already defeated all the available opposition. Heavily favored to win, Hughes lost the fight four minutes into the first round by rear naked choke.

 



Frank Shamrock

Frank Shamrock (born Frank Alisio Juarez III on December 8, 1972 in Santa Monica, California) is an American mixed martial arts fighter. Shamrock was the first Middleweight champion in the UFC and retired as the 5-time undefeated champion. He has not been defeated since January 1997. Shamrock was also crowned a king of Pancrase, and was awarded the title The Fighter of The Decade. He is the adoptive younger brother of MMA fighter and former professional wrestler Ken Shamrock.

In 1994, he became a member of Ken's training school, the "Lion's Den", and made his debut in the Pancrase organization (of which Ken was champion) in December of 1994. Shamrock found success in Pancrase. He lost to Bas Rutten in May 1996, and later that year lost to John Lober in Hawaii's Superbrawl. After his loss to Lober and some soul-searching, Shamrock decided to give his all to mixed martial arts.
Within the "Lion's Den", Frank trained up-and-coming stars such as Jerry Bohlander, Pete Williams, and Guy Mezger. He also developed a close relationship with another eminent martial arts personality, kickboxer and UFC superstar Maurice Smith, who trained him in kickboxing. Shamrock went on to compete in the RINGS promotion, as well as in Vale Tudo Japan '97 and UFC Japan.

Shortly afterwards, Shamrock fought the undefeated Kevin Jackson for the UFC lightweight title. Jackson had beaten Lober in Extreme Fighting and was an accomplished wrestler.

Shamrock proved to be just the match for Jackson, and made him submit to an armbar in 22 seconds to take the lightweight title (which the UFC later renamed the middleweight title). He went on to defend the belt successfully against Igor Zinoviev, and Jeremy Horn. In October 1998, Shamrock avenged his earlier loss to John Lober by beating him in 7 minutes at UFC Brazil.

In September 1999, Frank Shamrock defended his middleweight title against Tito Ortiz at UFC 22. It was a titanic back-and-forth battle, with Shamrock winning after an elbow and punches to Ortiz's head after tiring out Ortiz for over 19 minutes. After the match, Shamrock felt he had achieved all he could achieve at that time. He relinquished his title and retired from the UFC. Interestingly enough, Ortiz would win the tournament for the vacated title, beating Wanderlei Silva at UFC 23. Frank Shamrock's dominance of the UFC middleweight division also stirred up an urban legend that the back of the middleweight championship belt (the one that he wore during his reign) had the initials FJS (Frank Juarez Shamrock) engraved on it.


Cung Le

Today the name Cung Le is one of the most famous names in the Martial Arts Fight World as "... pound for pound one of the most exciting fighters of all times (Dave Carter, Inside Kung Fu)." Cung Le is not only a three time world champion who is in his prime, he is also a dedicated father and role model to millions. Cung Le has made a tremendous impact on martial arts and continues to expand his arsenal of tools with the addition of Jujitsu training. His popularity as a fighter has brought San Shou Kung Fu to the forefront of the fight world and is catapulting Le into the main stream.

Most recently, Le was featured on a television series called JOURNEY OF A CHAMPION. His beginning, his challenges, his victories, and the road ahead are featured in three unforgettable episodes.



He is also the subject of a documentary that chronicles his life "Cung Le, The Making of a Champion", beginning with Le as a child in Vietnam, following him as a wrestler in college and taking the audience ringside for his many hard fought victories. The film also takes you behind the scenes to see the type of grueling training that makes a champion. Le was also the featured guest for The Discovery Channel documentary titled, "On the Inside: Martial Arts."

Le has made appearances on the covers of several of the most renowned martial arts publications in the world, including Black Belt Magazine, Inside Kung Fu, Wushu Kung Fu, Martial Arts Illustrated, ESPN the magazine and the cover of DirecTV. A testament to his high status in Asia, an article on Le was also published in the Japanese version of Black Belt Magazine, the Bible of Martial Arts. Le has also captivated his television audience with outstanding victories on ESPN2 StrikeForce, Pay-Per-Views K-1 Superfights, DRAKA Championships and Shidokan, The Triathlon of Martial Arts.

At the prestigious 2004 Asia Entertainment awards, Le was honored as the most famous Vietnamese Martial Artist in the world. He received this award in Los Angeles amid a first class Oscars-like ceremony. With this honor Le is now in possession of over 35 major awards.

With Sanshou's fast paced style, where unlike boxing, a fighter is penalized for non- engagement or resting, Le is an ominous presence with the ability to knock someone out with both his hands and feet. Not only a fighting champion himself, Cung Le has made many of his students champions. His UsH team of fighters have brought home many gold medals, state titles, national titles, and world titles in both San Shou and Muay Thai. In 2003, one of his UsH fighters brought the first ever gold medal from the San Shou World Championships. Le continues to train his fighters for the World Championships held this December in Vietnam, where Le has been asked to be the head coach for the entire USA Sanshou team.


Matt Serra

Matt Serra became interested in martial arts watching Bruce Lee movies as a kid. He began to practice in the Martial Arts using Kung Fu. Matt thought he could hang with just about anybody in a real fight until his father showed him a tape of a family of fighters from Brazil in real fights, beating their opponents with ease, using chokes and submissions. After seeing that tape, he was determined to learn from this family, even if it meant going to Brazil. Fate would have it that Brazil would come to him, when Renzo Gracie moved to New York and starting teaching in the mid 90's. Matt went on to win a Gold Medal in the 1999 Pan American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, a Gold Medal 1999 Mundial World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships. On May 23, 2000; he was awarded his black belt from Renzo making him the first American Black belt under Renzo Gracie. Matt went on to place second in the 2001 Abu Dhabi World Submission Wrestling Championships. Soon after, Matt began fighting in the UFC. He defeated all challengers to win The Ultimate Fighter 4: The Comeback in 2006. Earlier this year he shocked the world when he defeated Georges St. Pierre By TKO at 3:25 of round one to win the UFC Welterweight Championship of the World. He is currently one of the coach's for the The Ultimate Fighter 6 and will defend his title in December against Matt Hughes.

Shawn Tompkins "The Admiral"

Shawn Tompkins has been involved in the sport since age 6, giving him 24 years of experience and knowledge. Shawn has also competed in every style of combat art imaginable. He has also trained fighters for all styles of martial arts competition. At this time Shawn has trained 10 national and international champions. He has spent a life time creating a system of fighting and combining it with the system of his mentor Bas Rutten (UFC 20 Champion) putting together one of the world’s most successful training programs. Shawn is also a Fitness Professional.

Gene LeBell "The Toughest Man Alive"

Gene LeBells legend had started when he won the AAU Judo Nationals Championship in 1954 and 1955 in the heavyweight and overall divisions weighing only 160 pounds. Genes glorious career continued in 1955 when he turned to professional wresting and stunt work and excelled in both. He was voted into Black Belt Hall of Fame and in 1998 was selected for the Inside Kung-Fus Hall of Fame and was listed as Americas Greatest Living Grappler. 

Matt Hughes

Born October 1973 Hilsboro Illinois. Matt Hughes is one of the most feared fighters in the welter weight division in the mixed martial arts world. Fighting out of the militech camp in Iowa, Matt Hughes carries a record of 37 wins 4 loses and 0 draws. Matt started wrestling as a freshman in high school. He was a two times state champion in high school. A high school all American, and a four time collegiate all America. Matt is a wrestling coach at Eastern Illinois University and still competes in wrestling. Matt Hughes made his first UFC appearance on September 24, 1999 when he defeated the Sambo specialist Cal Ignaatov. In November 2, 2001 in Las Vegas Nevada, Hughes captured the UFC welter weight championship when he defeated the than champion, Carlos Newton. He continues to fight at UFC and displays his strengthens: Vicious take-downs, grappling ability and raw power.

Baxter Humby One Armed Bandit

Baxter Humby, was born on 1974 in Winnipeg, Canada, and moved at the age of 24 to Malibu, California to pursue a professional kickboxing career. Training at the Muy Tai Academy under Master Tom, Humby became the only man in the world to win world titles with only one hand. Nicknamed The One Armed Bandit, Baxter became one of the most feared and fierce competitors in the welter weight division. Recently, Baxter became the the International Muy Thai Consul division (IMTC) middle weight champion of the world. Always with a smile on his face, Baxter is always waiting for the next challenge to come.

Duane Ludwig K-1 Welterweight Champion

Native Colorado, 25 years old, Duane Ludwig, was inspired by his older brothers and the movies of Bruce Lee, to become the fighter he is.
With a record of 45 wins and 4 loses in Muay Thai and 12 wins and 2 loses in MMA, Ludwig, put his hometown, Denver, Colorado, on the world map.
With this impressive record and two world titles, the world light middle weight Muay Thai Champion and TKo World Light weight Champion (MMA), Ludwig is moving up the ladder to compete in the K-1 arena this coming October. In November 5 he will be the guest of the Paradise Warrior Retreat at the Cordillera.

Manuel Gamburyan

Armenian-born Manuel Gamburyan began his training in judo shortly after his family emigrated to the United States. He is a student at Gokor Chivichyans Hayastan Academy, and as a competitor, won ten junior nationals and one junior Olympics. He also competed with the 2000 judo junior world team, and is known among the fighting community as The Pitbull. He is also an avid follower of the UEFA and English Premier League. His professional record includes 5 wins and 2 losses.

Gamburyan was first seen in the Octagon ring of the Ultimate Fighting Championships during his fight with Sam Morgan. He won against Morgan but dislocated his shoulders in the process. He was the favorite finalist at SpikeTVs reality series' Ultimate Fighter 5 and had to pull out of the fight with Nate Diaz due to shoulder injury.

Maurice Smith

Maurice "Mo" Smith (born December 13, 1961) is first and foremost a kickboxer with a great career in kickboxing, before he crossed over to MMA. He won his first professional world title in 1983 for the W.K.C. World Kickboxing Council against then World Light-Heavyweight champoin Tony Morelli out of Canada, in Hawaii for his title, Maurice won in the seventh round with a kick knock-out, then later that year he won another title for the W.K.A. World Kickboxing Association for their Heavyweight title against then champion out of Mexico, Travis Everett with low kicks KO. Then he went almost 10 years undefeated. He is a member of Team Alliance and has a professional MMA record of 11-9-0 as of November 17, 2000. In 1997, he defeated Mark Coleman via unanimous decision after two overtimes to win the Ultimate Fighting Championship Heavyweight Championship. He successfully defended his belt against David L. Abbott via strikes, before losing his belt to Randy Couture, via judge's decision. He is now a coach for the Seattle Tiger Sharks of the International Fight League.

Michael McDonald - The Black Sniper

Michael Anthony McDonald was born in Birmingham, England. By the age of two his family had moved to Mandeville, Jamaica, and then moved again eight years later to Edmonton, Canada, where he remained through his school years.

Michael re-claimed the K-1 USA 2004 North American Grand Prix Championship. Knocked down in the first round of the quarter finals, Michael got up and dispatched his opponent with a KO. Scoring a second KO in the semi-final round advanced Michael to the final. In front of a packed house of 6,000 fans at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Michael dispatched Dewey Cooper to win these Titles for the third time in three years. This victory was made all the sweeter when the award was presented to Michael by Muhammad Ali accompanied by Mike Tyson.

With a newly established training base in North Vancouver, BC, Michael McDonald continues to hone the passion, the discipline and the warrior spirit of "The BlackSniper".

Sifu Eric Oram

Sifu Eric Oram began his martial arts studies age 11 when he enrolled in a branch of Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was born and raised. After three years of study, Sifu Oram began training in Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu as a personal student of Grandmaster William Cheung. At age 16, Sifu Oram began his teaching career as an assistant to Grandmaster Cheung in New York City. During the next two years he traveled across the country leading seminars on Wing Chun in numerous cities including Los Angeles, New York, Milwaukee, Reno, and in Bermuda. At 18, after only four years of study, Sifu Oram received his Level 10 rank from Grandmaster Cheung and became the youngest certified instructor of Traditional Wing Chun in the world.

Over the past 12 years, Sifu Oram has taught Wing Chun to police officers, accomplished martial artists, public officials, Hollywood celebrities, and members of the F.B.I.'s prestigious Hostage Rescue Team

Richard S. Bustillo

Richard S. Bustillo is the Founder and Chief Instructor of the IMB (International Martial arts & Boxing) Academy in Torrance, California. An original student of the legendary Bruce Lee and a founding member of the Bruce Lee Educational Foundation (Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus) Board of Directors, he has been honored with induction into The Black Belt Hall of Fame (Instructor of the Year), the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Life Time Achievement Award), the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Most Distinguish Martial Arts Legend), and the World Martial Arts Hall Fame (Pioneer Award). The former lecturer at California State University has the distinction of being certified as a law enforcement defensive tactics instructor with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and. the Los Angeles Police Department where he functions as a consultant for the LAPD's Civilian Martial Arts Advisory Panel.


Shane Franklin

Shane retired as a USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant with 24 years of service. He has a Force Recon background and has participated in military operations around the world, including; Operations Desert Shield / Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He has taught close-combat courses in the Marine Corps since 1988 and conducted military martial arts and close combat training with numerous countries and special operations units around the world. Shane trained in Shorin-Ryu Karate in Okinawa Japan for 7 years attaining a 4th Dan and ran his own branch dojo in Okinawa. Shane has also served as a Senior Drill Instructor, Director of Division Schools for 3rd Marine Division, established the USMC Martial Art Program Far East School and served as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (SNCOIC) of the USMC Martial Arts Center of Excellence, responsible for training all Marines in the USMC Martial Art Program.

Pete Sell
 

Peter K. Sell, (born August 5, 1982 in West Islip, New York) is an American mixed martial artist specializing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is a black belt under teacher and fellow mixed martial artist Matt Serra in East Meadow, New York, and has trained extensively under striking coach Ray Longo in Mineola, New York. A member of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, Sell fights as a middleweight in the UFC.Sell made his debut with the UFC at UFC 51, defeating Phil Baroni.

Sell was then seen as a middleweight contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback, which premiered on August 17, 2006. He entered the competition alongside Matt Serra, who was competing one weight class below Sell in the welterweight division. Although Sell did not proceed the finals, he was featured on the undercard of the season finale where he lost to Scott Smith by knockout.

His second to last fight was a loss to Thales Leites at UFC 69. His last fight was a rematch against Nathan Quarry, at UFC Fight Night 11. Sell lost the fight by KO(Punch). Pete made his second appearance on The Ultimate Fighter as a trainer for Team Serra for season 6, The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra.

 
Bikram Choudhury

Bikram Choudhury, Founder and President of Bikrams Yoga College of India, is a world renowned hatha yoga master. He began learning hatha yoga in his native India under Bishnu Charan Ghosh (Paramhansa Yoganandas brother) at the age of six. A three-time undefeated All-India National Yoga Champion, Mr. Choudhury was educated in Calcutta and received his diploma in yoga training from Ghoshs College of Physical Education and the Yoga Cure Institute in 1965. Combining Eastern wisdom and Western science, he perfected his comprehensive system suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. 

Dave Camarillo

Coming from a family that had a rare dedication to the sport of judo, David Camarillo was practically raised on grappling mats. His father, Jim, was the founder and head of the Bakersfield, Calif.-based South Valley Judo Club, and for David and his older brother, Dan, training in judo was not a choice, but a way of life. Through South Valley Judo, Jim Camarillo trained many junior national and national champion judokas, and the demanding training regiment he set for his sons laid the foundation for their uniquely successful careers in both judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

David trained almost exclusively under his father until the age of 18 (1996), when he moved on to Fresno State Judo, where he would stay for two years. During that time, he made a total of seven trips to Japan, where he trained at (among other places) the prestigious Tsukuba University, with many Olympic and World champion judokas.

At the 1998 Rickson Gracie American Jiu-Jitsu Association tournament, the legendary Rickson Gracie himself bestowed the honor of Most Technical American Jiu-Jitsu Fighter upon David. The recognition was well deserved, as it would take him just six years to receive his black belt in BJJ, four of which were spent as a brown belt.

His accomplishments as a competitor have continued to mount over the years (David also tried his hand at No Holds Barred fighting, winning the 1998 Folsom Free Fighting Challenge), but he has also established himself as a top-notch teacher and coach.

He brings a rare blend of world class takedown and ground fighting skills to his classes, as well as an easy going, amiable personality that enables him to connect with anyone that sits in on a class. David has amassed a large following of students not only at the main Ralph Gracie academy in Mountain View, Calif., but several Ralph Gracie affiliates that he has opened in Northern California. In September of 2003, he branched out even further, taking over the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif., where his wealth of grappling knowledge has become a valued resource among the gym's NHB fighters. His students continue to show that his tremendous ability as a competitor carries over to his instruction, in both grappling and mixed-martial arts events. David has trained and prepared many notable fighters, including WEC/IFC World Bantamweight champion Cole Escovedo, WEC/UFC veteran Mike Swick, UFC MIddlewieght Josh Koscheck, KOTC Heavyweight champion and top-ranked UFC Heavyweight Paul Buentello, MMA Mexico WW World champion Jon Fitch and top-ranked 155-pound fighter Josh Thomson. In addition, David's services are sought throughout the United States and internationally for seminars and private instruction.

 


Vered “Didi” Benami Paradise Hostess

Vered, born in NYC, but raised in Tennessee this singer/songwriter is pursuing her music career in Los Angeles. She attended Belmont University in Nashville and is the daughter of a retired Israeli soldier and the middle child of three girls. "Since I was young my mother and father taught all three of us to have a clever awareness about what is going on in our world and how to be resourceful in practical matters. It's not what you have it's who you are to yourself and others. It's about your actions and your reactions. One person can make a difference. Gandhi did, so can I. That's the world as I see it." She is sincere in her efforts to change lives for the better and KO4G especially caught her attention because of its long term goals and quest to make a difference in the lives of girls and women. 

   
   


Tanjareen Martin Paradise Hostess

Tanjareen holds a BA degree in TV & Film Production from C.S.U. Northridge. This Inglewood native has guest-starred on: CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, WITHOUT A TRACE, GIRLFRIENDS, STRONG MEDICINE, THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM, HOWARD STERN, THE VEGAN VIXEN SHOW, THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW, THE PARKERS, FOR YOUR LOVE, ARLISS, VIP, CITY GUYS, & several national commercials. Her film credits include: MISS MARCH (in theatres 3/13/09), JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION, LOVE FOR SALE, NATIONAL LAMPOONS CATTLE CALL, and ONLY IN AMERICA. Currently she can be heard live every Wed night on SIRIUS-XM SATELLITE RADIO with a roundtable of comics on Jamie Foxx's THE FOXXHOLE 106/149. Since pledging Delta Sigma Theta public service sorority, Tanjareen volunteers for several charity programs on a regular basis. In fact, she's helped with KO4G.org since its inception. Being a victim of domestic violence, she has a huge heart for helping girls realize their self-worth. As her career continues to grow, this actor/model/host/producer/sketch comic/boxer plans to use her "Celebrity Muscle" to open safe houses for abused women & children.


Tarah Paige Paradise Hostess
 

Tarah Paige - a name to remember. As she has done much in her young life already, her aspirations are far from completion. Hard work, determination, talent, and drive - these are the qualities that will assist her journey - making her many goals a reality. Graduating Summa Cum Lauda from a 4-year University at 19, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her potential as an up and coming performing artist with an emphasis on Television and Film. Here are her adventures - an exclusive look at Tereh Paige!

Among her past credits, she's been named three times over as a National Champion Dancer. And in the field of gymnastics, she is formally ranked on of the top 20 gymnasts in the ABC series, "All-America-Girl", which spring boarded her into a world of many more film / television opportunities, music videos, commercials, and live venues. She also plays the harp, writes screenplays, novels, and poetry, and is a model for various national clothing companies. Presently, she is filming as a supporting role on her new movie, "Mortuary", which will be released to big screen end of 2005. She has two additional theatrical projects lined up this spring.

 

 
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