Andrew Zerling

CATCH YOUR OPPONENT OFF GUARD WITH WINNING CLINCHES, TAKEDOWNS, AND TACTICS This innovative book demonstrates how the study of sumo wrestling techniques can benefit practitioners of modern mixed martial arts (MMA), as well as other grappling arts. Sumo, Japan's ancient martial art, has its own particular variations of MMA-style body locks, throws, and trips, among other techniques. MMA competitors know their sport grew with the evolution of jujitsu, but many do not realize sumo can be seen as the root of jujitsu. Sumo uses distraction, angles, and leverage to steal an opponent's balance and take him down. Sumo for Mixed Martial Arts focuses on kimarite, or winning moves. Knowledge of these techniques can allow competitors to catch their opponents off guard with unorthodox clinches, takedowns, and tactics. The author places special emphasis on how smaller players can defeat larger adversaries. This book features *In-depth demonstrations of 48 sumo kimarite (winning moves) with step-by-step instructions*Over 300 photos*Case studies of famous rikishi (sumo wrestlers)*Discussion of sumo's development, rules, and training, as well as recent changes in sumo techniques The author provides analysis of the three basic types of fighters in MMA and how sumo techniques and tactics can enhance their skills. He examines the fighting style of former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, who made highly effective use of sumo wrestling in MMA competition. In Sumo for Mixed Martial Arts Andrew Zerling casts an ancient martial art in new light. He combines his decades of training with a passion for research. MMA competitors, grapplers, wrestlers, and fans of sumo will appreciate the author's analysis and attention to detail. They will also come away with a wealth of new techniques.

MMA has taken on a mystique of its own as the newest wave of combative experimentation. This book presents an encompassing perspective of this phenomenon in eight chapters written by experts in the field. They provide analyses of the techniques utilized during many of the leading competitive events, mainly the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), and give practical "how to" instruction. This book pulls together some of the best writings published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts regarding modern mixed martial arts. Daniele Bolelli uses a scholarly approach to produce two excellent chapters, as does Rhadi Ferguson with his two chapters. Bolelli provides a superb overview by analyzing 176 matches that took place between 1993 and 1999 under the UFC umbrella. He also highlights the different ways in which grappling techniques are currently used in mixed martial arts competition. While utilizing a comprehensive approach, Dr. Ferguson zeros in on armbar and chokehold submissions to conclude just how often these were utilized in 1,263 UFC bouts. His works here can assist mixed martial arts professionals with analytical information to help them in training practices and winning strategies. What do the analyses show? Well, one thing is that all the techniques used are found in many old martial traditions. Some techniques are extremely old. Certainly cavemen used chokes. Many are from the previous millennium, as hinted by the numerous Japanese terms used since the samurai sipped sake. Fundamental techniques are discussed by Andew Zerling and Steve Scott. Four other chapters provide insightful text and the photographic detail to present the theory and practice of the major techniques utilized by mixed martial artists: chokes, armlocks, and leg locks. Zerling offers three chapters with the precious help of his teacher, Renzo Gracie. Scott's chapter is a highly detailed piece on the cross-body armlock, giving four primary applications all will appreciate as vital to MMA practice. The eight chapters are filled with analytical text helpful for the pursuit of combat expertise. There is enough here to find of great value. But there is more. In the chapters you'll also find perspective and insight that illuminate what is occurring in the evolution of MMA competition. Read closely and you'll see that-beneath the hype-changing competitive rules and dollar amounts play a role in the outcome of championship belts and competitive crowns. We need to factor these aspects into our quest to understand the rich variety of martial traditions.