http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts-legends-randy-couture.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts-legends-randy-couture.html Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
If one man symbolizes this development that man is undeniably Randy Couture, a fighter that has consistently performed at the highest level, a fighter that thrills crowds with his ability and commitment whilst conducting himself like a gentleman outside of the ring.

Randy’s fighting career has been nothing short of astonishing, after serving in the US army from 1982 to 1988 he went on to be a three Olympic team alternate in 1988, 1992 and 1996 before bursting onto the mixed martial arts scene in 1997.

Randy made his UFC debut in May 1997. A fight in which he was viewed by most as an underdog, a card filler and wasn’t taken seriously by either the MMA public or rival fighters. Randy however defeated both Tony Halme and Steven Graham to win UFC 13. He then followed this victory by defeating a very accomplished Victor Belfort; another fight no-one expected him to win.

This string of victories earnt him a title shot the then heavyweight champion Maurice Smith. Unsurprisingly Randy won this fight to become the new Heavyweight champion and establish himself as a crowd favourite. Sadly following these victories Randy was unable to agree contractual terms with the UFC and was controversially stripped of his title. Undeterred and keen to pursue his mixed martial arts career Randy signed for the Rings Organization with whom he fought until his return to the UFC in 2000.

In the years that followed Randy competed in many memorable and precedent setting fights. Some notable moments include winning a striking battle with Chuck Liddell and a catagoric victory over Tito Ortiz. During these years with the UFC Randy continued to be applauded and admired by the mma public affectionately being nicknamed “The Natural” and “Captain America”.

After being defeated in his third fight with Chuck Liddell in February 2006 Randy announced his retirement from the UFC, a decision clouded by problems in his personal life.

A little under a year later Randy Appeared on an interview on Spike TV and announced his return from retirement. He had contacted fight organiser Dana White and expressed his dissatisfaction with heavy weight division. Dana recognized the benefit Randy could bring to the Heavyweight division and arranged a fight with the then Heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia.

This fight is what I and many other commentators consider the defining moment in Randy’s career. How could Randy ever hope to defeat a 6ft 8 inch Sylvia, a fighter with a weight and reach advantage. A fighter with an mma impressive record who was an astonishing 13 years younger than Couture. Many feared this would tarnish Couture’s reputation, that he’d bitten off more than he could chew and that his return from retirement would be short lived and embarrassing.

However Randy stunned the mixed martial arts world by categorically defeating Sylvia at UFC 68. After only 8 seconds of the very first round Randy landed a perfectly timed right hook that knocked Sylvia off his feet and went on to dictate the fight over the full five rounds.

Randy had silenced his doubters. He’d done the impossible.

He has recently defended his title at UFC 74 by convincingly defeating Gabriel Gonzaga. Another fight in which Couture was labeled the under dog. This man continues to re-write the rule book, at the age of 44 he continues to improve. Entertaining and inspiring a generation.

I for one hope to see Couture fight in a few more battles.

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This article has been produced by Urban Dojo UK. Suppliers of high quality martial arts equipment and protective clothing.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/boxing-as-a-form-of-exercise.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/boxing-as-a-form-of-exercise.html Sun, 26 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
It wasn’t my idea; a friend of mine was heavily into boxing and mixed martial arts. I’d been to the gym with him a few times for more conventional workouts. We’d lifted weights together and put in some serious CV sessions but he could never resist mentioning his Tuesday night boxing class making sure I knew that he considered it the most fulfilling exercise he did.

Why not I thought! I don’t claim to be a tough guy but I’m no wet flannel. How hard could it be? So along I went.

We started with some warm up exercises, throwing a medical ball back and forth coupled with some light skipping, hopping and stretching. I was going to be working through a gentle boxing session with the guy that I trained with; he’d decided it would be best to ease me into it before jumping in the deep end and taking a full class.

He kindly provided me with all of the boxing equipment I’d need for this introduction. He pulled out a sets of 12 ounce gloves and some focus pads. I wouldn’t be needing headgear or a gum shield as we were just going to focus on the basic boxing moves.

We began. We started with the basic jab which he labeled “1” then moved onto a left jab straight right combo labeled “2”, “3” was a left jab straight right left hook combo. I was genuinely enjoying myself; we worked through the combos and basic moves until we had enough to run though from one to nine. I tried my hardest as he repeatedly corrected me for the position and movement of my feet, hands and placement of my guard.

As my confidence increased my training partner began mixing up the combo’s however I noted my punches weakening, how could this be? I was strong and fit and yet within an hour I could just about hold my hands up! We called it a day.

Nothing could have prepared me for the following morning. Every single muscle in my body ached. I could hardly move and was aching in places I didn’t even know existed. I can honestly say that boxing training is without a doubt the single most effective method of training I’ve ever participated in. Not only did it get the blood pumping I’d also worked just about every muscle in my body.

As our sessions continued my conditioning improved, never had a form of training made me feel so unfit. All that time in the gym clearly hadn’t been as effective as I thought it had.

I can honestly genuinely recommend boxing training, it needn’t be violent and you don’t have to spar. It is a fantastic form of exercise that stimulates the mind and the body. Give it a try.

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This article has been produced by Urban Dojo UK. Suppliers of high quality boxing equipment and boxing gloves.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/a-few-simple-steps-to-make-your-garden-look-great.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/a-few-simple-steps-to-make-your-garden-look-great.html Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The main reasons for people calling in someone to look after their garden is because they simply don’t have the time but also because they lack the knowledge that is required to transform a basic ordinary garden into a colourful and tidy place that you can lounge and relax in on those hot balmy days during the summer months.

I am often called into gardens that have let nature take over, the main structure of the garden is in place, but the beds and borders have been swamped by weeds. The lawn is growing into the beds as well; they have lost their way and need redefining.

Garden Lawn Care

The lawn will need to be cut, preferably with a good rotary or cylinder mower. Hover mowers are great if you have banks and slopes to contend with, but a rotary or cylinder mowers will give your lawn the nice cut that is required. Rotary mowers have an advantage over the cylinder mower in that they are simpler to use and generally the ground does not have to be 100% even. They are also easier to maintain than a cylinder mower. A cylinder mower is generally used if you want a bowling effect lawn, which most people do not. To finish the lawn off you must always cut the edges. If the edges need redefining then use a lawn-edging tool.

Garden Beds and Borders

Always ensure the beds and borders of your garden are kept tidy by regular weeding. This can be achieved using a long handled hoe. Although this can seem a bit of a chore it will later pay dividends. The main structure of the planting should be created using shrubs. Then you will have your perennial plants and finally for that splash of additional colour through the gardening calendar summer bedding, spring bulbs which can include snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, tulips and many more. Also ensure that any shrubs are kept in check by pruning at the required times. For example spring flowering garden shrubs need to be cut and tidied after they have flowered. This will ensure new growth during the summer for flowers the following year. Be sure to place plants in an environment in which they will feel at home in.

Patio Cleaning

Patio areas need to be kept clean and tidy. This can be undertaken by the professional using specific patio cleaning equipment or by pressure washing. There are also many chemical cleaners on the market. Patio paving can cost a client large sums of money to have installed so it is worth looking after this area for longevity. Additional sand and cement mix brushed in between the paving may be required after either of the above processes.

Gravel Areas and Pathways

Keep any gravel areas free from weeds either by using a systematic weed killer or getting down on your hands and knees and removing the garden nuisances by hand using a trowel for example.

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Barbara has worked in the gardening arena for many years and has enjoyed a life long interest in all things garden related. For more information regarding garden maintenance services or patio cleaning please visit acresgm.co.uk

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/why-i-started-boxing.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/why-i-started-boxing.html Sun, 17 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500
A couple of friends of mine were really into bodybuilding, so much so that one had what could only be described as a shrine to Arnie in his bedroom. I was quite impressed by the progress they had made so thought I’d join them a couple of times a week. Under their supervision I started to reverse the effects of my unbelievable unhealthy lifestyle. Ten years later I was still doing the same training, maintaining a decent physique, spending a small fortune on supplements but found myself increasingly disillusioned at why exactly I was still putting so much time and effort into weight lifting. I had no interest in steroids and as such was never likely to compete.

By chance and at about the same time I started working for a new company. There were a couple of guys working for this company; one was a traditional power lifter. Nice guy, very strong and nicknamed Mr Incredible. The other a smaller guy, lawyer of all things was really into "BJJ" and "MMA". Two phrases that meant very little to me at the time. We trained a few times and eventually he talked me into doing a bit of sparring with him one lunchtime. Sure I’d messed about on the punch bag in the gym and even used some focus pads a couple of times with a friend but to actually try and hit another human being was a completely new concept to me.

We arrived at the gym with a huge bag of kit out of which he pulled two pairs of 12oz gloves and 2 headgears. At this point I was really questioning what I’d gotten myself into but pride being what it is I wasn't about to back out. I asked for the thickest most protective headgear he had and we got on with it! My first reaction was of course to swing like a madman, it was a combination of every brawl I’d had since my teens rolled into one. Out of what seemed like a thousand punches I caught him with one (but it was a good one!).

He then spent the next hour dancing around me, jabbing and throwing combos at me whilst I tried to figure out which punch was coming next. I learnt more in that hour than I had in ten years lifting weights. I had no goals lifting weights, I was just plodding along unable to improve myself but fighting was a different ball game completely. Bizarrely I enjoyed the experience, I’d been hit a lot and my jaw ached for days but I couldn’t wait to go again. Fighters understand this; too many people look at fighters with no real understanding of the skill and commitment it takes to actually be good at any combat sport.

I was hooked.

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This passion for these sports inspired me to create Urban Dojo, suppliers of high quality martial arts and boxing equipment and the home of the martial arts and boxing blog.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>