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Sorry about the delays in podcasts, had some upload dramas. Short episode but hoping to be back on track soon for those few who listen :) The allure of simply working out can sometimes get in the way of our getting good at something specific like fight training. Exercise for the sake of exercise can be meditative and rewarding, it nets direct results but can lead one down a path away from efficiency and technical prowess. If you would like to support the show then please donate consider https://www.patreon.com/Halfcaged or paypal.me/halfcaged

Audio Case Study 01 1985, Boxing, Middleweight Thomas Hearns ( 40-2) Vs James Shuler (22-0) Hot on his defeat to then middleweight king Marvin Hagler, Hearns is looking to reaffirm himself among the 160-lbers. A field swelling with lighter weight veterans, recent Olympians and young guns like Shuler. It is a field ripe for upsets. Shuler is looking to score such an upset and wants to make claim to his own legacy as a middleweight king. In this fight we see the venom of a focussed Hearns, his skill and accuracy and how inside a minute he can break down one of the talented contenders of any generations. Points to note – Hearns does not over load his jab, he establishes it early with speed and consistency. Hearns goes to the body early with his jab. When Shuler counters or throws his own strikes, Hearns evaporates and moves away so that he continues to engage on his own terms. Hearns moves his head, he remains defensively minded even while he is breaking Shuler down. Hearns starts to land his left hook to the body and only after that contact does he begin to throw the right hand. He retains poise until he senses the tension of Shuler in response to the body shots. Hearns extends his right hand, over the shoulder and deep into Shuler. Knock Out. This was tragically Shulers last fight. He died in a road accident a week after this fight. He was a talented and promising fighter who always came across as a genuinely nice human being. RIP> Check out the fight first, during or after this podcast. 

Kicks can be awesome, provided that you can kick. A lot of people are either die hard advocates of kicking, usually those that can. While others tend to view them poorly seeing them as flashy and dangerous to execute. Kicks are both a skill and a tool to be utilised according to the moment. Being able to kick however is a tremendous asset in various settings. If interested in supporting the podcasts then please donate via https://www.patreon.com/Halfcaged paypal.me/kymrobinsonhalfcaged

Getting a submission victory can be both rewarding and absolute. It allows the vanquished the opportunity to admit defeat, giving them the option to surrender before they suffer harm. And yet, many recklessly throw on submission attempts in competition and training despite this virtue. Often lacking control and good form as they yank, crank and pop their training partners body or opponents limbs with crude abandon. Control of oneself and the foe under the most desperate moments of combat is what we should strive to attain. Not the lucid pursuit of the Hail Mary swing into victory. https://www.patreon.com/Halfcaged paypal.me/kymrobinsonhalfcaged

When it comes to the most terrible incidents of violence, those unimaginable do not expect to be the superior force. If you can conceive incidents that may occur when you are outnumbered, surrounded by horribly violent odds and you have to take care of others, including your loved ones, you need to think like the insurgent. Some self preservation considerations, a basic over view to help you on your path as being a guardian and a capable under dog. Related articles that may also help - What do you want? what do you want from your martial arts and self defence training. http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/fight-bits-round-2-what-do-you-want/ Dogmatic deceptions of self defence A lot of myths and lies surround martial arts and the industry, do this impede you in your growth? http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/dogmatic-deceptions-of-self-defence/ Objectivity and mindset for combat Fighting is not merely about being in shape and executing techniques, one needs to appreciate the mental aspects and adopt a certain mindset. http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/objectivity-and-mindset-for-combat/ Failure of your self preservation why many fail when it comes to learning real skills and attributes needed when it comes to preserving themselves and their loved ones in a violent crisis. http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/the-failure-of-your-self-preservation/ Please kindly support me at https://www.patreon.com/Halfcaged or direct paypal donations can be made at paypal.me/kymrobinsonhalfcaged

Some people take the sport too seriously. The opponent seldom is an enemy, it is not real life. It is simply an arena by which you are showcasing your talents and performing. Sometimes the theatrics of selling tickets for drama focused fans seems to merge with the reality of just getting in there and having a good fight. https://www.patreon.com/Halfcaged

Much is said about footwork but little is done. It is not simply a case of skipping the rope or jumping side to side, footwork is nuanced and requires a lot of attention. A small chat about some elements one can consider as they work on their footwork. https://www.patreon.com/Halfcaged

Being tough, brave and skilled in the battle arts can bring you both admirers and detractors. It is as controversial as it is adored, the realm of sanctioned violence. Seldom considered by many of us who fight are those that love and care for us, who have to watch us undergo the brutal training, the weight cuts and the inevitable violence of the arena. Not to mention the assumption that those who we train with and work our corners are on call whenever we enter into a fight camp. This is a mini episode for those who care. Drive by conversation episode.

Driving with Kym episode 3 The allure of taking a fight on short notice will appeal to most fighters, some times it will make perfect sense. It is an opportunity to face a great who you may never have another chance of fighting again. And in other instances you are just a ringer, a body to be bought in to help fill a card so that a promoter who seldom (if at all) gives you first preferences can salvage their fight card. A mini episode discussing what to think about for yourself and those around you. A piece on the journeyman, the fighter that tends to be called in to save the show so that others can usually win http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/somebody-has-got-to-lose/ Bittersweet piece that may cover some of the lesser appreciated realities of prize fighting http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/hard-fought-facts-from-a-low-tier-fighter/

Episode 002 - Actually hurting some one. Can you do it? In a life and death struggle can you destroy another human being then and there or potentially harm them for life? Is it worth hurting some one if its for a sport? Especially if its such a low stakes event. That smug jerk eyeing you off, is it worth ending his days over perceived aggression? In short, can you actually hurt some one and should you? Sharing some anecdotes as to how I dealt with hurting another inside the arena and the concern of harming another before the fight, while also considering the instincts to destroy aggressive strangers outside the sporting realm. Footage from the Seiken Tachihara fight as was referenced https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99rA3l3DsYg Further reading - That may help or pertain to the podcast http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/hard-fought-facts-from-a-low-tier-fighter/ http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/so-you-want-to-learn-how-to-fight/ http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/the-failure-of-your-self-preservation/ https://www.patreon.com/Halfcaged Any donations (thank you for being supportive and generous :)) - paypal.me/kymrobinsonhalfcaged

What is the aim of your training? What do you hope to accomplish from it? What do you want from the sparring? How are you going to win the fight? Can you do any of this without having some objectives. Related article that may help http://www.halfcaged.com/2017/09/26/objectivity-and-mindset-for-combat/ Any donations (thank you for being supportive and generous :)) - paypal.me/kymrobinsonhalfcaged https://www.patreon.com/Halfcaged

After having a professional MMA career against a variety of opponents in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight division I was able to secure 14 out of 16 of my victories with quick submission wins. This is a conversation about some of the ways that you can go about accomplishing this for yourself.

Many wonder, "what does it mean to be a fighter?" Well lets consider the question by considering some of the things you may need to face.