Black Belt Magazine

Slapping the label “mixed martial arts gym” on your doors might be doing more harm than good—it can leave students confused about what you actually offer. Nail a few key details, and you won’t just clarify your identity—you’ll make it unmistakable.

The 10-year-old black belt has become a cliché in the martial arts. An elementary school kid practices a lot, masters his forms, and wins kata and pointfighting tournaments.

Back in the day in New York, kung fu fighting meant underground full-contact matches in Chinatown or karate point tournaments—both a far cry from today’s glitz, money and professionalism in fight sports.

On April 25, the intersection of art and sport takes center stage as Filipino Martial Arts rise on the global stage. Watch Juego Todo live from Manila, Philippines—FREE on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@blackbelt_magazine Friday, April 24 11:00 PM (Pacific) Saturday, April 25 2:00 AM (Eastern – USA/Canada)9:00 AM (Middle East)2:00 PM (Philippines) A New Chapter in...

The front stance, aka zenkutsu-dachi, is perhaps the most iconic position of karate. It’s done so often in training that it feels natural and comfortable.