Tag: Combat

One martial art that you may have heard of, but know next to nothing about is Hapkido. The Korean martial art that has a wide variety of practical techniques.

Here is what you need to know about the Korean martial art known as Hapkido. Going over how it was developed, its techniques, and real world application.

The History of Hapkido 

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that was developed during the mid twentieth-century. It was led by a group of martial artists that was led by Choi Yong-Sool. 

Sool along with his team began creating their martial art after WW2, when Japan lost control of the country. Grandmaster Choi was influenced by various styles of martial arts, which included various traditional Korean martial arts.

How Choi Yong-Sool Became a Martial Artist

During the occupation of Korea by Japan, Choi was captured and taken to Japan. While stuck in the country, Choi would become a student of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu teacher Sokaku Takeda.

He trained under Takeda for thirty years and mastered this art of jujutsu. Once WW2 ended, Choi would return to Korea.

Choi Begins Developing Hapkido

Once Choi returned to his homeland, he would begin teaching his form of jujutsu. But he would then get together with another group of Korean martial artists. 

This group would begin practicing and sharing ideas with one another to create a new Korean martial art. That is how the art of Hapkido was formed.

The term “Hapkido” can be translated as “the way of coordinated power” or “way of harmony with the spirit.” This new martial art would have a base in grappling along with joint locks and striking.

Much like in the grappling art of Aikido, Hapkido’s movements would be focused on using an opponent’s energy against them. Redirecting their energy to mobilize them on the ground.

Hapkido Spreads Globally

The art of Hapkido would grow rather quickly in a short time period. Not spreading as fast as Taekwondo, but at quite a respectable pace.

Today, Hapkido is practiced globally and used within the training of Korean special forces.

The Techniques of Hapkido 

Hapkido is a diverse martial art that includes a wide range of different techniques. Everything from strikes, throws, joint locks, grappling, and pressure point holds.

• Hand Strikes: The hand strikes in Hapkido include punches, palm strikes, and ridge hands. Forearms and elbow strikes are also included in the curriculum. 
• Kicks: A wide variety of roundhouses, front kicks, sidekicks, spinning kicks, and knee strikes are taught within Hapkido.
• Throws: Similar to Judo, Hapkido uses an attacking opponent’s momentum against them to set up various throws.
• Grappling: While not as in depth as BJJ or Judo, the martial art does include self-defense techniques on the ground. The main techniques consist of controls and escapes.
• Pressure Points: Along with grappling, there’s an emphasis on pressure point holds to control and immobilize an opponent.

Notable Hapkido Practitioners 

There have been a wide variety of notable and respectable Hapkido practitioners in the martial art’s history. Here are some of the more notable practitioners.

Ji Han-jae

Master Ji Han-jae is one of the highest ranked Hapkido masters in the world. He has been teaching the Korean martial art for the last sixty years. Han-jae is also one of the key figures responsible for Hapkido spreading internationally.

Myung Jae-nam

Master Myung Jae-Nam was one of Grandmaster Choi’s most prominent students. After learning Hapkido, Jae-Nam went on to develop his own martial arts in Hankido and Hankmudo. Both of which were heavily influenced by Hapkido.

Han Bong-Soo

Master Han Bong-Soo was a Hapkido master that was heavily influential in bringing the martial art to the United States. He was also the founder of the International Hapkido Federation.

Geoff J. Booth

Geoff J. Booth is a Hapkido master and has been practicing the art for decades. He traveled to Korea to train extensively under Grandmaster Choi and his top students. Booth is one of the most respected Hapkido instructors from the west.

Scott Shaw

Another Hapkido master from the west that has spent decades learning and teaching it along with other martial arts. He is also a writer that has written extensively on this martial art, as well as self-defense theories.

Hapkido vs. Aikido

Hapkido is constantly compared to the art of Aikido. Let’s compare some of the similarities and glaring differences.

Similarities

Both martial arts were heavily influenced by forms of Japanese jujutsu with a base in grappling. The other similarity is that both styles use the principle of using their opponent’s energy against them. These are the two main similarities between the two styles.

Differences

While the two styles may seem similar, they also have some glaring differences. The biggest of which is that Hapkido includes various forms of striking within its teachings.

Aikido on the other hand is strictly a form of grappling that relies on throws and small join manipulations.

Also if we’re being honest, the art of Hapkido is proven far more effective than Aikido. The Korean martial art has more real world application and will do you better in self-defense situations.

Hapkido vs. Other Martial Arts  

Hapkido has similar techniques to other widely practiced martial arts like Taekwondo, Karate, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo. Although, these other martial arts do these similar techniques far better than Hapkido.

A Muay Thai roundhouse is more powerful and the throws in Hapkido are more technically sound in Judo.

Although this is not to say Hapkido is a bad martial art. It has some good aspects within the system, but the other martial arts mentioned have been proven more effective.

Is Hapkido Effective?

While many martial arts critics have issues with Hapkido such as real world application, it’s not a bad martial art. There are many good techniques within the martial art that are good and will help you in a self-defense situation.

You shouldn’t rely on Hapkido alone for self-defense, but it does have aspects that are respectable. It wouldn’t be a total waste of your time to learn some techniques from this martial art. 

The Filipino martial art known as escrima is one of the most effective weapon-based systems in the world. Teaching various weapons techniques, as well as throws and joint locks.

Here is what you need to know about the weapon-based martial art known as escrima. Going over its history, benefits, and list some of the best escrima practitioners in the world.

What is Escrima?

Escrima, which is also known as eskrima or kali is a weapon based martial art that was developed within the Philippines. The martial art encompasses various aspects of combat, which includes striking, grappling, and of course weaponry.

What the martial art is most known for is the use of sticks which are called eskrima or arnis sticks. Along with arnis sticks, practitioners also use a variety of knives and bladed weapons within the martial art.

Empty-handed techniques like joint locks, strikes, and defenses are also taught within escrima. All of these aspects that the martial art encompasses is why kali is regarded for its efficiency and adaptability.

The word eskrima is also a blanket term that is used for variations of this weapons-based martial art. There are different variations of this martial art which includes arnis and kali that both share similar principles.

Today, escrima is practiced worldwide for self defense, sport, and of course fitness. This martial art has also reached a global audience thanks to its use in various action movies. Getting more eyes of eskrima and more people interested in learning this effective martial art.

The History of Escrima 

There is no one person that can be credited with the creation of eskrima as it was developed over centuries.

The martial art was created from various tribes and communities within the region.  Dating back over a thousand years or practice.

One of the earliest instances of the use of early escrima was in the Battle of Mactan in 1521. Legendary Filipino warrior Lapu-Lapu was said to have used an early form of kali against Ferdinand Magellan’s forces.

Filipino hero Jose Rizal was also a escrima practitioner, whose writings helped influence Filipinos take back their country from the Spanish.

There are also various famous families that were influential in the development of modern escrima and its variations. Some of those famous families include.

• Canete Family (Doce Pares): Developed the Doce Pares eskrima system and were led by Grandmaster Ciriaco “Cacoy” Canete.
• Ilustrisimo Family: Led by Grandmaster Antonio “Tantang” Ilustrisimo, this family developed the famous Ilustrisimo style of escrima.
• Villabrille-Largusa Family: Led by the late Grandmaster Ben Largusa, this family developed the famous Villabrille-Largusa system of eskrima.
• Abon Family: A respected family of escrima practitioners that was led by Grandmaster Diony Canete Abon.
• Espada y Daga Family(Sword & Dagger): The sword and dagger family helped contribute to the further development of the martial art with their own system.

The Techniques of Escrima

The techniques of escrima are vast. Covering everything from closed quartered combat with weapons, open handed techniques, footwork, grappling, and joint locks.

• Panantukan (Striking): Variations of the martial art implement various types of strikes with weapons and your extremities. Along with weapon strikes, students also learn how to execute hand strikes, elbows, forearm, and knee strikes.
• Blocks And Parries: Learning how to block, parry, and deflect both an enemy attacking with a weapon or with their fists.
• Footwork: There is a heavy emphasis on proper positioning and footwork within the martial art. Learning how to move in all angles to defend and attack, while keeping your balance.
• Disarms: There’s a big emphasis on learning how to disarm an opponent of their weapon. Learning how to trap, control, and disarm an attacker to prevent them from possibly killing you.
• Dumog (Grappling): Students learn how to grapple their opponents to implement various takedowns and joint locks. All used to immobilize an opponent and keep them from attacking you.
• Espada Y Daga (Sword & Dagger): The use of knives and swords in both long and short distance confrontations.
• Sinawali: Cris-crossing techniques taught with the sticks to learn fluidity and timing of techniques.

The Benefits of Escrima

There are numerous benefits to learning one of the variations of Eskrima. Here are the top seven benefits of learning variations of this martial art.

1. Practicality: It focuses on real world self defense scenarios and has an emphasis on efficient and effective techniques. Teaching students how to defend against attackers both with and without weapons.
2. Weapon Proficiency: Where kali has an advantage over other self defense systems is that it teaches its students weapon proficiency. Learning how to use various weapons to defend themselves against an attacker.
3. Adaptability: Learning how to adapt and defend yourself in any possible situation.
4. Coordination: Helps students learn the importance of coordination and timing when using techniques to defend themselves.
5.  Cultural Value: The martial art teaches the importance of cultural value and respecting the creators of the martial art. Knowing the sacrifices they made in order to share the martial art.
6. Mental Discipline: Like most effective martial arts, this weapons-based art helps students develop mental discipline. Developing mental fortitude and focus to execute the techniques of the martial art.
7. Fitness: Along with learning self defense, it teaches students the importance of fitness. In order to optimally defend yourself, you must stay in constant shape.

Who are the Top Escrima Instructors? 

There have been numerous and influential grandmasters within this Filipino martial art. Here are five of the most notable and influential Eskrima practitioners.

Grandmaster Ciriaco “Cacoy” Canete

Grandmaster Ciriaco “Cacoy” Canete was a highly respected practitioner that founded the Doce Pares Organization. His style was also known as Cacoy Doces Pares and eskrido.

Canete was a lifelong practitioner and was the sole member of the Doce Pares Eskrima Club. Along with teaching his style, Cacoy practiced various other martial arts, which he was highly skilled in.

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrusimo

Grandmaster Tatang was a renowned Filipino martial artist that practiced Kalis Ilustrisimo. An effective form of eskrima that his family spent generations developing.

He was known as being one of the best teachers in knife and bladed weapon techniques. Tatang’s work made him a highly revered figure in the martial art and he taught thousands of students his methods.

Remy Presis

Remy Presis is the founder of modern arnis that is based in the art of eskrima. His system is highly respected and Presis is revered for helping spread the art of escrima internationally.

Leo Gaje Jr

Leo Gage Jr is one of the leading authorities of Filipino martial arts and is a practitioner of the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali system. A version of kali known for its use of bladed weapons in close quarter combat.

Dan Insonato

Dan Insonato was a student of Bruce Lee and a highly touted kali practitioner. He is responsible for spreading escrima internationally and its depictions in numerous action movies. Insonato is still teaching and giving seminars around the world.

Escrima Stick Fighting 

Along with being a form of self-defense, escrima has also developed into its own sport. It’s generally called eskrima stick fighting, stick combat, or stick sparring. 

There are a variety of different rule sets for this sport depending on the organization overseeing the event. One of the more known organizers of escrima stick fighting are the Dog brothers.

The general format of these stick fighting events will look something like this described below.

• Protective Gear: Participants wear headgear, mouthguards, padded gloves, and sometimes extra padding around the arms, legs, and torso.
• Range And Targets: Targets include the head, body, arms, and legs. But within different stick fighting scoring systems some may only allow strikes to the body and extremities.
• Contact Level: Contact level will depend on the skill of the participants. Light contact will be permitted for lower skilled participants and more skill participants will be permitted to use harder contact.
• Scoring System: Just like contact level, scoring depends on the eskrima organization overseeing the competition and  the skill level of the competitors. Some systems may also factor in the technique and strategy of the competitors.
• Countering And Blocking: Competitors are encouraged to use a variation of blocks, evasions, and parries to counter their opponent’s attacks. 
• Weapon Disarms: Competitors are also encouraged to try and disarm their opponent. In some organizations, a disarm is awarded with points or automatically wins the match.
• Ground Fighting: Some organizations permit ground fighting in competitions, while others are strictly from standing.

Is Escrima Worth Learning?

To be a better martial artist and to further improve your self-defense skills, learning escrima would be a good idea. By learning this Filipino weapon-based martial art, you will be adept at using weapons, as well as defending against them.

When people talk about Korean martial arts, the obvious one that gets said is Taekwondo. But the Korean wrestling style of ssireum is also rather popular and predates Taekwondo by centuries.

Here is what you need to know about the Korean wrestling style known as ssireum. Going over its long history and the format of this style of wrestling.

What is Ssireum?

Ssireum or Korean wrestling is a folk style of wrestling that has been practiced within the country for centuries. The grappling art is also known as “hangul” and is one of the oldest forms of Korean martial arts.

This style of wrestling dates back to the Goguryeo period. It originated in military hand to hand training and gradually became a popular past-time. 

Even as the Goguryeo period ended, ssireum wrestling would continue through the Goryeo and Joseon periods. It would become a tradition for this sport to be held during the Korean holiday known as Dano. The fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

Ssireum events would also be held on various other Korean holidays. Such as the Third Day of the Third Moon and the Buddhist holiday of All Souls Day.

Originally, the winners of the competition would receive a prized bull from the king. 

Modern Ssireum

During the early 20th century, this form of Korean wrestling would grow into a more widely practiced grappling art. The first modern hangul wrestling competition was held in 1912 at the Dansonga Theater in Seoul. 

During the 1920s, organizers began referring to the wrestling style as ssireum. Along with the name change, the Pan Chosun Ssireum Federation was founded in 1927.

After Japan lost WW2 and the occupation of Korea, Korean wrestling was really able to expand. The National Ssireum Championship Contest was first held in 1947 and is still the biggest wrestling competition in South Korea.

During the twelve national championship events, weight divisions were added. Giving chances to wrestling of various sizes and making for more competitive matches.

Today, ssireum is more popular than ever and is nationally televised within South Korea. Also instead of a bull, the winners of the national tournament are awarded a giant gold plated bull statue.

The Format of Ssireum

The rules and format of ssireum wrestling can vary slightly depending on the specific event or competition. Here are the general rules and format of a traditional ssireum competition.

Rings and Boundaries

Ssireum matches take place in a circular sand ring called a “jjjangjangi.” A ring consisting of sand and dirt that has a diameter of seven meters. The ring is marked with boundary lines and the goal is to force your opponent over the lines or take them down.

Wrestling Attire

Wrestlers are only permitted to wear two pieces of clothing which are wrestling shorts and the satba sash. The satba sash is worn around the waist and was added during the mid 20th century. 

It was added as the original form of this style of wrestling also included a similar piece of attire. Federation heads wanted to add it to pay homage to the roots and culture of this form of wrestling.

Starting Position

When the two wrestlers meet in the center of the ring, they start by getting on their knees. Then each competitor grabs the other’s satba and waits for the main judge’s signal to go.

Ssireum Techniques

The techniques used in ssireum consists of throws, trips, and pushes. Using a mixture of these techniques to either take their opponent down or push them past the boundary lines.

Illegal Moves

Wrestlers are only permitted to try techniques above their opponent’s waist or using their satba. No strikes of any kinds or submissions are allowed in a match.

Out of Bounds

If any part of a wrestler’s body touches past the out of bounds markers, their opponent is awarded a point. The match is then restarted in the middle in the neutral position.

Ways to Win

All forms of ssireum wrestling go by a two out of three falls format. The first wrestler to earn points is declared the winner of the match.

Tournament Format

Most of the main tournaments go by a round robin style format. Whoever goes unbeaten in their weight division is declared the winner of the tournament.

The Weight Classes of Ssireum

When weight classes were first introduced in 1967, the governing body made four different weight classes. All four of which were named after mountains within South Korea.

The Training in Ssireum 

The training in Ssireum is much similar to the formats of other more practiced styles of wrestling. Practice sessions are hours of grueling technical training followed by free wrestling matches.

Then much like freestyle wrestling or Greco Roman, ssireum wrestlers have hard strength and conditioning programs. Doing various types of weight training, running, and mixing in circuit training to get in top shape for competitons.

Wrestling Styles That Share Similarities with Ssireum

When you watch a Ssireum wrestling match, this Korean wrestling style shares similarities to other more known grappling styles. Particularly the wrestling styles of Greco Roman style wrestling and the art of sumo.

Just like in Greco Roman wrestling, you are only allowed to use technique from the hips up in Korean wrestling. Then like in Sumo, ssireum wrestlers are allowed to grab the satba sash to control and take an opponent down.

There is also a hint of beach wrestling in this grappling style since matches take place within a sand circle.

The Global Expansion of Ssireum

In the past twenty years, this style of Korean wrestling has gradually expanded globally. There are now numerous ssireum wrestlers across Europe and Asia. The world championship has been held in various places from Germany, Lithuania, Myanmar, and of course South Korea.

Ssireum has also had the honor of being inscribed into the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. Becoming listed as the 131st Intangible Cultural Property.

One of the most beloved kickboxers that have ever lived is Ramon Dekkers, also known as “The Diamond”. He was an icon in his time and helped put Dutch kickboxing on the map.

Here is the story of the career of the legend Ramon Dekkers. Going from how he developed his skills and became one of the biggest stars of his era.

• Name: Ramon Dekkers
• DOB: 4 September 1969(Death: 27 February 2013)
• Nickname: The Diamond
• Gym: Golden Glory/Team Dekkers
• Record: 186-36-2(95 KOs)
• Championships: 8x Champion(6 Weight Divisions)

Ramon Dekkers Early Training

Ramon started his martial arts training when he was twelve years old. Starting in Judo before taking up boxing. After taking up boxing, Dekkers would begin learning kickboxing.

His coach was the legend Cor Hemmers, who was one of the first and most famous Dutch kickboxing trainers. Within his first year of training, Ramon Dekkers would begin competing in amateur matches.

He would quickly establish himself as one of the best young fighters in the Netherlands and later Europe. In these early fights, Dekkers would show flashes of his famous style that fans would come to love.

Ramon Dekkers Early Pro Career

Just four years after starting his Muay Thai training, Ramon Dekkers would make his pro debut at sixteen. Turning pro at such a young age started to get a lot of people talking.

Dekkers would prove that despite being young, he had the talent of a veteran fighter. His pro debut took place in 1986 against fellow Dutch fighter Andre Masseurs.

He would win the bout by knockout in the second round. Ramon winning by knockout would soon become a trend throughout the fighter’s illustrious career.

Dekkers would be victorious in his first four pro fights before dropping a decision to a French fighter named Richard-Nam.

But Ramon Dekkers would bounce back from the loss and win his next four bouts by knockout. Within those four wins, Ramon would win the first two titles of his career.

The MTBN Dutch Featherweight Championship, EMTA European Featherweight Title. Then adding the NKBB European Super Featherweight title to his collection after a decision win over Kevin Morris.

Ramon Dekkers Early Matches vs. Thai Fighters

By 1988, Ramon Dekkers had earned a record of 10-2 with three titles to his collection. After suffering the first KO loss of his career, Ramon would face the first Thai boxer of his career.

A young and upcoming Thai fighter named Anakhoun Suwannee made a trip to the Netherlands to face Ramon. During this time, Thai boxers were feared and seemed like it was impossible for a western fighter to beat them.

Dekkers would prove that the Thais weren’t invincible and delivered a spectacular 2nd round KO in his hometown of Breda. His next Thai opponent would be for the IMTA Lightweight Title against Mungkordun Sitchang in Rouen, France.

Ramon would earn a decision win over Sitchang to win his fourth Muay Thai title. His next Thai opponent in Daris Sor Thanikul would control the fight and earn a decision win.

Dekkers would get another title fight against the champion Namphon Nongkee, which would be a statement win and his fifth world title. 

But if the kickboxing world hadn’t taken notice yet, Dekkers would make them aware in his next match. He faced Cherry Sor, who was considered one of the best of the era and Dekkers throttled him.

Putting unrelenting pressure on Cherry before ending the fight with a powerful left hook. While the Thai fighters dominated the sport, Ramon proved that he could beat them.

Ramon Dekkers Debut in Thailand

After competing in Europe for the first four years of his career, The Diamond would receive a huge honor. He would get the honor of being invited to fight in Bangkok at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

During this time, only a few western fighters were given the honor of fighting at the mecha of Thai boxing. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the debut that Ramon was hoping for. 

In Thailand, this would be the first time that Ramon Dekkers fought in Muay Thai rules matches where elbows were allowed. The first Thai fighters that he fought were aware of this advantage and exploited this flaw in Dekkers game.

He would lose five fights in a row against Thai boxers that exposed his lack of elbow and clinch work. Anytime Ramon would try to get off his patented combos, his Thai opponents would tie him up. Landing knees and elbows from their clinches, which left Ramon frustrated.

Ramon began improving these flaws, which were notable in his match against Boonchai in Japan. But the judges would give the bout to Boonchai in a questionable decision.

Even though Dekkers was coming out on the losing end, he was still developing. Also earning the respect of Thai boxing fans that wanted to see him compete more against Thai fighters.

Ramon Dekkers Rivalry with Coban

1991 would be a year of evolution for The Diamond. After winning his first fight in Lumpinee Stadium, he would have two epic matches against Coban Lookchaomaesaitong.

The two would first fight in Paris, where Coban would shock the fans with a first round KO. Just two months later, the two would have a rematch in Bangkok.

This time, Ramon would get the better of Coban and return the favor with a first round KO of his own.

Ramon Dekkers vs. Thai Judges

If you look through the fight record, you would see that Ramon Dekkers didn’t fare well against Thai fighters. But if you watch many of these fights, they tell a completely different story.

On numerous occasions, Ramon was the victim of biased Thai judges. It seemed like the only way he could win in Thailand is if he won by KO or completely dominated the bout.

There were many fights in Thailand that Dekkers didn’t deserve to lose. It felt like many Thai judges had it out for Ramon, which led to him coming out on the losing end.

But even though Dekkers lost many decisions in Thailand, he won the hearts of many fans.

The End of Ramon Dekkers’ Career

Throughout the late 1990s, The Diamond would stay active fighting throughout the world. Winning some big fights, losing a few, and competing in multiple title fights.

He would win the IKBF World Title in 1994 and then win the WPKL Super Welterweight Title in 1996. Then after his TKO win against Marino Deflorin, would retire for the first time from fighting.

This retirement would last for four years until 2005. He would return to meet Duane Ludwig at the K-1 Max 2005 Final. 

His comeback would be a successful decision win. But his last fight in 2006 would be a decision loss to Joerie Mesat at the K-1 Grand Prix 2006.

Ramon Dekkers would officially announce his retirement from fighting after the bout.

Ramon Dekkers’ Legendary Style

The Diamond had one of the most exciting styles of any fighter that has ever lived. Always pressing the fight, but being fundamentally sound in every aspect of the sport.

But the two things that he was most known for was his incredible punch combos and devastating leg kicks. Ramon Dekkers would test the range with his hands and once he found it, he’d unleash his vicious leg kicks.

Then quickly following them up with fast and powerful punching combos that would crumble his opponents. His style was one of the most exciting and effective of anyone in his era.

Helping put Dutch kickboxing on the map and further popularize the sport of kickboxing in the west.

The Passing of Ramon Dekkers

In 2013, the kickboxing world was saddened to hear about the passing of the legend Ramon “The Diamond” Dekkers. After a training session, witnesses saw Ramon fall from his bike on his way home. 

It was declared that Ramon suffered a heart attack and efforts to resuscitate him didn’t work. Fighters and fans alike were heartbroken at the loss of an icon.

At his funeral, an airplane with a banner flew by with the words “The Diamond is 4ever, rest in peace.

The Legacy of Ramon “The Diamond” Dekkers

Not only was Ramon Dekkers a great fighter with an impressive 186 wins(95 knockouts), but he was an inspiration. Generations of fighters after Ramon idolized the Dutch fighter and inspired them to get into kickboxing and Muay Thai.

Young fighters wanted to be just like their hero The Diamond and put on spectacular performances. Ramon Dekkers is gone, but he will never be forgotten.

In the history of modern martial arts, there have been a lot of phonies. Shysters that have exploited martial arts for profit.

That’s why we’ve put together our list of the top six fake martial artists of all-time. Read the absurd stories of these frauds below and see which you think is the biggest fake.

6 Fake Martial Artists

1. Count Dante 

Who quite possibly might be the very first fake martial artist in modern times is the legendary Count Dante. Born Jack Keenhan, Dante actually did practice in legitimate martial arts during his teen years.

Later on, he started going by the name Count Dante, which he stole from The Count of Monte Cristo. Complete with claiming that his family were Spanish nobles that fled Spain during the Civil War to live in the US(in secret).

He was actually 100% Irish, but he had a personal to sell. Dante only lived to the age of 36, but told a lifetime of lies. Except for being an accomplished hairdresser.

Everything from selling his scam World’s Deadliest Fighting Secrets handbooks in comic books to creating his own fake secret society(Black Dragon Fighting Society).

But what he’s most notoriously known for is the infamous Chicago Dojo Wars. The count decides to declare war on a rival dojo, which resulted in the death of his friend.

During the trial, the judge was so embarrassed to be there, he dismissed the case against both sides. Dante would die from a bleeding ulcer in 1975, but his legacy has lived on as a punchline to many jokes.

He was a legendary figure that paved the way for many fake martial artists.

2. Ashida Kim 

Ashida Kim may have been the very first fake American ninja in the history of modern martial arts. His upbringing is shrouded in mystery, but Kim did grow up in Florida and his alleged real name was Radford W. Davis. Also going by the name Christopher Hunter and Dr. Ha-Ha Lung.

He came up with his name mixing common names from Japan and Korea. Ninjas were never Korean, but logic is not part of the Kim legacy.

Ashida claims that he learned ninjutsu from a ninja master in Chicago, Illinois that was a Black Dragon Society associate. The same Black Dragon Society that was founded by Dante Kim.

Since the 1980s, Kim has released numerous books from ninja guides to weird erotic novels he claims are true. Also numerous instructional videos that seem like they were embarrassing home videos, but he’s deadly serious.

Everyone knows that Kim is a fake, but like all lying scam artists, he will never admit it. The longevity of his grift is why he’s one of the top fake martial artists to have ever lived.

3. Charlie Zelenoff 

For the last decade, one of the most notorious combat sport trolls has been Charlie “Z-Money” Zelenoff. A privileged little twerp that got famous creating a fake fighter persona and claiming to be an undefeated champion.

Zelenoff didn’t want to put in the work to become a fighter, so he faked it. Creating his own fake boxing promotion, making himself the champion, and giving himself an undefeated record.

He would begin assaulting people in the gym and claiming them as wins on his records. Then he decided to call out real fighters online and IRL. This is when things got rather funny.

On numerous occasions, Charlie Zelenoff wrote checks his a** couldn’t cash and paid the price. Getting pummeled by numerous famous fighters from Floyd Mayweather Jr. to Deontay Wilder.

Even getting beat up by retired unknown fighters, amateur boxers, and a few influencers. But in Charlie’s mind, he has never lost and still remains undefeated.

Today, Zelenoff still claims to be undefeated, but he’s banned from every gym in California. Being forced to get beat up by strangers on the street for attention. 

Some may argue that Z-Money doesn’t belong on a list of fake martial artists, but he fits perfectly. Anyone that lies about their fighting skills, record, creates a false fighting promotion, and buys belts definitely passes the fake test.

4. George Dillman 

George Dillman has been a con man for more than forty years and one of the longest running fake martial artists. At first, he was just a Karate practitioner that embellished his stories, but George would later become an embarrassment.

During his time as a competitor in Karate, Dillman claimed to have won over 300 trophies in a 3 year period. Although, there are no documents that can prove this is true.

During the early 1980s, Dillman began teaching Ryukyu Kempo. A martial art that teaches pressure point attacks. It was a bit silly, but nothing totally fake.

But then he dived into the fake nonsense and began claiming he could knockout people with his chi. Creating a ball of energy that would knock any opponent unconscious.

People had their suspicions for years that he was a fake, but a NatGeo show would prove it. When his chi attack had no effect on a chemist, Dillman would make the most absurd excuses. Everything from he wasn’t a true believer to his tongue was out of place.

Dillman has been a joke for decades and will continue to be laughed at for the foreseeable future. For sure one of the top fake martial artists in history.

5. Frank Dux 

Frank Dux was one of the biggest and successful fake martial artists that ever lived. He was able to dupe Hollywood into creating the action classic BloodSport, which Frank says is all true.

Dux claimed that his father was a decorated WW2 veteran that was in Japan and met a ninja master. This ninja master went by the name Senzo Tanaka and came from a family of martial arts masters.

Tanaka’s backstory is exactly the same as Tiger Tanaka from the 007 film You Only Live Twice. Just a weird coincidence.

Then after his ninja training, Dux enlisted in the military and went on numerous secret missions. Everything from fighting in a war that didn’t happen to saying he won numerous medals that he never earned.

But the biggest lie that Frank Dux is known for is the story of the Kumite. A secret martial arts competition that he went AWOL to attend. 

Claiming to have fought and won a sixty round tournament that never really happened. Since the 1990s, Frank Dux has been exposed as a fake martial artist, as well as his fake military service.

Even the trophy shop where he bought his Kumite trophy showed that he was a fraud. But you really have to take your hat off to Dux.

His lies gained him fame, fortune, and his very own film based on his absurd claims. Easily making him one of the top fake martial artists of all time.

6. Joshua Fabia 

He doesn’t have the track record of being one the all-time fake martial artists, but Joshua Fabia made an impact. In a time where we thought fake martial artists couldn’t thrive, Fabia really succeeded.

Joshua was able to convince a famous MMA fighter in Diego Sanchez that he was an expert fighting guru. This story took the MMA world by storm as they could not believe what they were seeing.

A skilled fighter like Sanchez getting duped by a weird scammer into being his head coach. Although, Diego is clearly suffering from years of fighting and has never been the most stable person.

With Fabian in his corner, Sanchez looked embarrassingly unprepared in his last UFC fights. Fans and fighters were pleading with Diego to get rid of Fabian and the UFC to ban him from cornering.

Sanchez would eventually come to his senses, but the damage was done. His legacy was tarnished by that weird phony Fabia. For that reason, we have to give him recognition on our list of fake martial artists.

7. Rafiel Torre

Probably one of the most insane stories of a fake martial artist has to be the story of Rafiel Torre. A respected MMA journalist that turned out to be a compulsive liar and later a murderer.

Torre was born Ralph Bartel and he grew up in California. He would later change his name to Rafiel Torre and claimed that he was a high level BJJ black belt.

For a long time, Torre’s lies went unnoticed as he was really accepted by the early MMA community. Any show from around the world from KOTC to PRIDE, Torre would cover the fights.

Fighters would warm up to Torre and even become friends with him. That was until his web of lies caught up with him.

His lies got him an invitation to compete at ADCC 1998 from founder Sheik Al Nahyan. Torre looked like an untrained fool competing with high level grapplers.

Then to save face, Rafiel would come out of retirement from fighting to fight at KOTC 7. The fight would be a fix as Torre paid his opponent to take a dive in a bout that was terribly choreographed.

But after being banished from the MMA community, Torre’s name would come back up. This time for the murder of his girlfriend’s husband in 2005.

Ralph Bartel was convicted and is now in prison for life. Definitely one of the craziest fake martial artists stories that has ever been told.