The World Martial Arts Video

Two fighters face-to-face in a ring is common sight in combat sports. But what’s less usual is seeing two seven-year-olds settling scores in a mixed martial arts tournament. Dmitry Zarshchikov, vice-president, Russian Pankration Federation, speaking Russian: “When it comes to youngsters, safety is vital. In this tournament, in particular they use special outfits. Plus we have strict rules, so opponents can't cause each other any serious injury. However, these are full contact bouts. Besides, the coach's role in this respect just cannot be overrated. The better he prepares his charge, I mean, as an ultimate fighter with both wrestling and hand-to-hand fighting skills, the more he succeeds in the sport. Kids are first taught basic skills and techniques, along with general fitness training. All this is a must before starting a potentially professional career in later life.” Danila, pankration martial artist speaking Russian: “Once I saw some guys train in my school basemen

Tarung Derajat martial arts created by a young man from Indonesia named Achmad Drajad who by his friends he was given the nickname AA Boxer. As the development of Tarung Derajat martial arts in all parts of Indonesia, now Tarung Derajat martial arts has been accepted by most people in Indonesia, even internationally recognized and it has opened branches in several countries. The main instructor of Tarung Derajat martial arts is the founder himself, Achmad Drajad who known as the Master (Sang Guru), Drs. G.H. Achmad Drajad. Tarung Derajat Martial arts was created from the experience of the Master (Sang Guru) through the fight in the street. From battles in the street were created practical martial arts techniques which combine elements of speed, accuracy and strength. In addition to muscle strength / physical well Tarung Derajat rely on intelligence and conscience. In the course of a very long, Tarung Derajat continues to struggle to be an achievement sports. Efforts to achieve

Martial arts students in Moscow learn ninja techniques from Japan, which focus on inner harmony as much as on physical technique and fighting ability. One does not need to move to Japan to become a Ninja. Students of the Russian Ninja martial art school learn to use all types of Ninja weaponry, from traditional swords to war fans with super-sharp edges.But along with fighting, Russian Ninjas learn that philosophy and harmony are among the most important things for any warrior. Sergey Trofimov, founder of Ninja school speaking Russian: “People come over here and we are practicing Ninjutsu depending on their skills. I don’t prepare them for competition, where a judge can stop them at any moment, but I teach martial arts for fighting and as the art itself.” Alexandr Vokovsky speaking Russian: “I’ve chosen a Japanese blowpipe, Fukiya, although it is not the main ninja weapon. In our school we are using any kind of ninja equipment.” Sofia speaking Russian: “Tessen is a Japa

The annual capoeira festival continues to grow in popularity in the Russian capital. Edan Marrari, Capoeira Master from Israel (speaking English): “Capoeira is growing very fast in Russia. Russians are just discovering what capoeira is all about: the freedom of Brazil, the body movements, the body language, and of course martial arts are very strong in Russia, always been.” Edan Marrari, Capoeira Master from Israel (speaking English): “Capoeira is not competitive. It’s more like an art than a fight system. It’s good for your spirit, it’s great for your body and most people do it because it’s fun.” Alexander Rogozin, Real Capoeira School (speaking Russian): “We've traveled for five years, visited a lot of countries and invited the best 25 masters to come here from Brazil, France, Italy, everywhere.” Story Who knew the oppression of Brazilian slaves hundreds of years ago would beat a path to Russia’s door in the 21st century? RT visited the annual capoeira festival to fin

Local aikido followers have been given a chance to know the Japanese martial art at first hand with a three day master-class in the Russian capital. It is not all about strength and speed. Just the slightest of efforts is enough to halt an attacker. The Japanese martial art of aikido looks simple, but it is most certainly very intricate – something that becomes obvious when you see a true master in action. Nikolay Zherdev, the president of Russia’s Aikido Yoshinkan Federation (speaking Russian): “Shioda sensei is an elite aikido master, one of the best in the world. He's quite tough as an instructor and you have to concentrate when assisting him. As a matter of fact, I got injured during the first session this week." Yasuhisa Shioda, aikido master (speaking Japanese): “Kids can start training in aikido as soon as they can walk. Of course, there are things they can't do that old brother can, but it's a very good time to learn the basics – how to stand, move an

Afghan Sambo wrestlers visit Moscow for a friendly contest with Russian martial artists. Sport has, once again, proved one way of uniting nations as Russia's Sambo wrestlers greeted their opposite numbers from Afghanistan in a move of mutual goodwill in Moscow. Participant (speaking Pushtu): “Sambo is the same back in Afghanistan as it is here in Russia but unfortunately I don’t have such good conditions at home. If we had similar equipment, we would produce good results." Nikolay Khaustov, Russian Foreign Ministry official (speaking Russian): “This was not about sport about more the cultural exchange. Our Afghan guests are not only the wrestlers, they also visited the Kremlin and central Moscow. So we hope they will have happy memories of this trip for the rest of their lives." Story This magnificent seven have travelled all the way from Kabul to Moscow to show their sambo skills in a friendly tournament in the land where this marshal art was created. The fig

The Russian team clinches a resounding victory at the World Kudo Cup in Moscow. Fighters from 30 countries came to Moscow for the first ever Kudo tournament held outside the martial art’s homeland, Japan. Kudo is relatively new to Russia, but the national team has managed to take a commanding lead in the sport. Adam Haliev, team Russia, speaking Russian: “I decided to bank on my durability. The plan was to take him down, wrestle and count on the ground-and-pound. That was the only way to beat him.” Nikolay Vingert, team Russia, speaking Russian: “My little son gave me a call just before the fight and said. Daddy, you have to win. I knew he was watching the fight, so I just couldn't have disappointed him! He is five, very impressive, in that age everything should be fine for him.” Nikolay Valuev, heavyweight boxer, speaking Russian: “From here on I am Kudo's biggest fan. You want to know why? Minimum restrictions. This allows fighters to be very creative and spontaneou

The European Sambo Championships attract a record 32 participating nations. Aleksandr Konakov, sambo coach (speaking Russian): “To win in sambo you have to throw your opponent to the ground and, depending on how clinical the attempt is, you get points awarded to you. In the case of combat sambo, there you can also get points for hitting your opponent, for knock-outs and knock-downs.” Tatyana Zenchenko, 2012 European Champion (speaking Russian): “Every year, the popularity of both sport sambo and combat sambo is growing and with it there are more and more people and countries getting involved.” Sergey Eliseev, Russian Sambo Federation Vice President (speaking Russian): “Sambo is so popular nowadays that it's surpassed many Olympic events by the number of participants already. We have over 80 federations around the world, more than a lot of the Olympic disciplines. So it's only a matter of time before it is seriously considered as an Olympic event.” Story Organizer

The Russian city of Saratov is home to one woman you do not want to quarrel with - Svetlana Prikazchukova is not only a police officer but also a Karate World Champion. The Russian city of Saratov is home to one woman you do not want to quarrel with. Svetlana Prikazchukova is not only a police officer but a Karate World Champion. You might not believe it to look at her, but no one would want to get on the wrong side of Svetlana Prikazchukova, because when she is not working for the police she is probably working over an opponent. Svetlana Prikazchukova, policewoman, five-time World Karate Champion (speaking Russian): “I can’t imagine my life without karate. If I had a chance to start my life again I would do it all the same way.” Story Svetlana is a 14-time Russian, and 5-time World Karate Champion, and the proud holder of the Russian Martial Arts Association’s Golden belt, awarded to only the best. Svetlana’s exploits are very famous in her home city of Saratov. She even has

A young Russian student Anastasia Yankova is taking the world of women's kickboxing by storm. Anastasia Yankova, Russian Thai boxer (speaking Russian): “My mother didn't take it very well at first. She was relieved when I stopped fighting, that there was no more karate. And then I started all over again. But she's fine with it now and will come to my fights.” Anastasia Yankova, Russian Thai boxer (speaking Russian): “There's more to sport than just the body. It's mostly about what's inside you. And winning is about 50% your physical shape, and 50% what's in your head. There are many good sportsmen who, once in the ring, start feeling sort of lost, because they’re people watching, because they feel the pressure. And there's no sign of the skills they demonstrate during training. You have to learn to overcome it. I'm not pleased with myself, I know what I can do. I see myself practice and then I see the difference when I'm competing - and i

Russia gets ready to host the Kudo world championship, showcasing a diverse combat sport that’s rapidly growing in popularity. The Kudo world championship is about to get underway in Moscow. Kudo is one of the world’s youngest martial arts, combining various ancient fighting techniques, and is the fastest growing combat sport in Russia. Sergey Arzhakov, five-time world Kudo champion, speaking Russian:  “People may get a little confused, thinking Kudo is just a combination of different techniques – saying it’s boxing plus wrestling plus something else – it’s not. Kudo is much more complicated. It fine-tunes various styles – both wrestling and stand-up fighting – for use within the framework of Karate, to design a specific martial art, a very efficient and universal one.” Takashi Azuma, full contact world Karate champion, Kudo originator, speaking Japanese:  “Actually, Kudo is just what fights looked like in ancient times. This is how fighting history began…with all aspects i

A renowned karate master visits Moscow and holds a seminar with leading Russian fighters. The Kyokushinkai style is a relative newcomer to the karate stable, but one which is gaining popularity here in Russia. One of the most respected Kyokushinkai masters recently visited Moscow and met with dedicated followers of the fighting discipline. The Japanese sensei says Russia is becoming a powerhouse in the sport. Matsui Akiyoshi, head of Karate Kyokushin Organisation, speaking Japanese:  “Russian athletes are a powerhouse in the sport. In particular, Tariel Nikoleishvili, who won the Japanese Open championship, is the best proof of it.” Tariel Nikoleishvili, Kyokushin world champion, speaking Russian:  “My success is a joint achievement of the Federation and myself. I worked very hard as well as my trainer, who devoted himself to raising me as a martial artist. We moved forward step by step, from one competition to another with the sole aim of reaching this peak. And I was luc

A martial arts school in Russia’s republic of Dagestan nurtures the first non-Chinese Kung Fu king, and provides spiritual education along with physical training. A martial arts school in the heart of Russia’s North Caucuses has been celebrating after one of its students became the first non-Chinese to be named “King of Kung Fu”. But that isn't the only thing that makes the school in Dagestan unique. Gusein Magomaev, founder, Five Directions of the World, speaking Russian: “Five directions of the world: four geographic points, with space being the fifth one. It means that we’re following the global laws applicable to all people in the world. We want these values to dominate over religious, national and other values. When people live in just four dimensions, it is a lower level. But as you add space, people become more developed spiritually. They are more patient, kinder and can live in peace with each other. We decided to develop those qualities through sports. Chinese mart

The Russian capital hosts a unique international outdoor kickboxing championship. Denis Lukashov, world kickboxing champion (speaking Russian): “It is a truly unique event. I've never seen anything like this before anywhere. An outdoor martial arts tournament with a lot of fans and such a great deal of tough fighters from all across the world.” Halim Chiabani, W 5 European champion's title contender (speaking French): “I didn't spend hours studying my opponent's style, his weak and strong points. I just checked out a few videos of his fights to know what he looks like. I always focus on my own training.” Daniel Dorrer, WKA world champion's title contender (speaking English): “The game plan will be to fight with full power from the first round to the last round, because Vladimir Mineev is a good fighter, we respect him very much, so the game plan as I said is to give my all in every round of the fight.” Story Some of Russia's major talents will go hea

Mixed Martial Arts fighters from 11 countries spar it out in the ring in Moscow, including Russian Musa MusA-laev against seven-time jiu-jitsu champion Kornel Zapadka. Musa Musalaev, Russian MMA fighter (speaking Russian): “When my trainer asked, ‘why are you not taking a towel?’ I replied, ‘I can't fight two rounds with this guy. He's a really serious opponent. I'll have to break something or I won't get anything out of the fight!’” Yana Kunitskaya, Russian MMA boxer (speaking Russian): “I actually prefer fewer women in the sport. I prefer it to be just me among all these men.” Story Russian Mixed Martial Arts fighter Musa MusA-laev took on seven-time jiu-jitsu champion Kornel Zapadka in Moscow on Saturday night. Musalaev's entry into the ring was as baffling as it was astounding, with girls dressed in traditional Tatarstan gowns flanking him from left and right, as the bemused Zapadka looked on. Indeed, the almost over the top presentation was in line wi

The Russian team claim 10 victories out of 11 different martial arts bouts in the Battle of Champions tournament. Russia continues to prove itself as a martial arts powerhouse after a near clean sweep at last weekend's Battle of Champions tournament in Moscow. Aleksandr Gerunov, three-time world karate champion (speaking Russian): “I did what I planned to do - neutralized his legs and didn't let him kick me in the head. Although he managed to hit me with some body shots, well, let's give him some credit, he's a very experienced fighter.” Sergey Kharitonov, mixed martial arts star (speaking Russian): “I'm glad to see that a lot of home-grown talent has emerged in Russia over the last four years. Both in wrestling and stand-up fighting disciplines they are developing very fast. And martial arts are gaining more and more popularity with the Russian people.” Story The proud name of the annual event, which was held in Moscow for the sixth time, is fully just

The high rate of street muggings in Tehran has prompted many residents to head for the city's International Martial Arts School and learn self-defense skills. The high rate of street muggings in Tehran has prompted many residents to seek training in self-defense. The city's International Martial Arts School teaches them to react quickly to real life situations - and protect themselves and others. Azadeh (speaking Farsi): “Young women need to possesses the skills of martial arts, self defense, especially now when there are so many robbers and aggressive people on the streets. And by learning self defense skills, young women can feel safe.” Ali Bab Al-hawa’iji, director of the martial arts school, (speaking Farsi): “In our teaching we use techniques and principles of self defense from the Far East – kung fu, taekwondo and karate - we teach civilians to protect themselves.” Woman, trains in the school (speaking Farsi): “We need these kinds of skills because there are s

Yoga for Mixed Martial Arts is a Russian project uniting yoga techniques with jujitsu and could soon be used to help professional competitors. Igor Lunyakov, Y4MMA founder (speaking Russian): “This is the Y4MMA project, Yoga for Mixed Martial Arts. It was created to help people who do martial arts – sambo, judo, jujitsu, boxing or karate – to help them get a better feel for their body, make it more mobile.”  Alexander Dida Brazilian jujitsu trainer (speaking English): “Actually in Brazil we don’t hear much about sambo. Of course we’ve heard something but we don’t have much access to video or information about sambo, just like some people here do not know about Brazilian jujitsu.” Tatiana Illarionova, yoga trainer (speaking Russian): “There are not just two poles – plus and minus, no. A sportsman is ready when he is calm. He can be tumultuous on the outside but quiet inside. This is what we’re working on, on the calmness inside. In this case adrenalin doesn’t get going with ra

American movie star and martial artist Steven Seagal gives an open lesson at a sambo school in Moscow. Hollywood actor, martial artist (speaking English): I was invited by the president and I was lucky enough to attend one of the fights here with him. We are in discussions about Sambo-70 and mixed martial arts and my involvement with training some of the guys. My father is pure Russian, my grandmother and grandfather are from Vladivostok, Saint-Petersburg, and Siberia and places like that. [Q]: Do you speak the language? [A]: A little bit. [Q]: Could you impress us with some Russian please. [A]: Privet, Zdrastvuyte(hello) (speaking Russian) 03:38 - 04:15 Story American film star and aikido master Steven Seagal gave an open lesson at Moscow’s Sambo-70 martial arts school on Wednesday. The school is known for training several martial arts champions. The 60-year-old actor arrived in Moscow from Sochi, where he attended the first Russian Mixed Martial Arts championships along with

Russian fighter Aleksandr Emelianenko defeats Latvian kickboxer Konstantin Glukhov in main fight of the M-1 mixed martial arts challenge in Moscow.  Aleksandr Emelianenko, MMA fighter (speaking Russian): “I liked the fact he showed so much heart and courage. At every opportunity he was looking for a big punch and missed. It always takes a lot of energy from you. So I got him exhausted to-to-toe, and what is important, I showed him, I was even better at striking then took him to the ground which was also tough for him. I was often on the edge in this fight. You saw all those hefty punches swinging over my head, didn't you? I even got the sniffles, you see? It feels like I'm going to start coughing tomorrow. Having Fedor in my corner is great. It helps a lot in all respects. Do you want to know why I was so much better than Konstantin tonight? That's because there were two of us fighting against him. My elder brother was with me.” Fedor Emelyanenko, MMA legend (speaki

The Master (Sang Guru) of Tarung Derajat, Drs. G.H. Achmad Dradjat who has a nickname AA Boxer that applied and inherent on his self, after he was able to successfully use and implement the arts of self defense on the various forms of fighting, where the need and must to fight in order to strive and maintain the viability, upholding the honor and defend humanity in everyday life in harmony with nature of his life. The Master (Sang Guru)  Drs. G.H. Ahmad Drajat had two sons and a daughter who all inherited the martial arts of Tarung Derajat. The three people that later on will continue the struggle of Sang Guru to disseminate martial arts of Tarung Derajat to the world. They are Kang Badai Mega Negara, Kang Rimba Dirgantara, and Dara Mentari.