Wednesday, June 29, 2016
"Have Double Wristlock, Will Travel" - No Holds Barred: Josh Barnett on Catch Wrestling and the Need to Compete
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with catch wrestler Josh Barnett.
We spoke with him by phone Tuesday.
Several athletes he has helped train will be competing this Sunday, July 3, at the Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament in Humboldt, Iowa, run by the Catch Wrestling Alliance. Among them are Travis Newaza, Shayna Baszler, Laura Anderson, and Javier Garcia.
"I saw some opportunity to send some athletes out there," he said, "and the biggest thing for me that I have preached as a catch wrestler and a combat athlete is: compete. You have to go out there and compete. And our guys go out and compete in jiu-jitsu-based competitions, catch-based competitions, it doesn't matter. Most of them parlay it into MMA fighting careers. And part of our success is that we compete. We get on the mat, and we're adaptable, we're flexible. And have double wristlock, will travel, essentially."
We discussed the format for this tournament, the upcoming Metamoris card in July and the many problems that organization has had, his UFC fight in September against Andrei Arlovski, and his starring a new movie called "Never Back Down: No Surrender".
While doing all of this, he is conducting a series of catch wrestling seminars and training camps with Wade Schalles and Jake Shannon called "pin & submit", including going to Denver in August, London in September, and Fort Lauderdale in October.
We also discussed how the 2016 U.S. Grappling World Team Trials, run by USA Wrestling in May in North Carolina, were marked by what he described as "incompetence" and being run by people who had "no idea what they're doing." In that event, he finished second in the 100+ kg/unlimited no-gi grappling division, even though officials admitted that he should not have lost.
In addition, we discussed what it would take for him to compete in a catch wrestling competition, how "there is really no money in catch" today, how he is following the legacy of the legendary 20th century catch wrestler Ad Santel, the need for everyone involved in catch wrestling to work together, his role in the California Catch Wrestling Association, his training with Satoshi Ishii, how college wrestlers are well-prepared to transition into catch wrestling, and much, much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is available at Google Play Music.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web here.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
The Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament. On Sunday, July 3, 2016, catch wrestlers from all around the world will compete in Humboldt, Iowa, the hometown of the legendary world champion wrestler Frank Gotch. Organized by the Catch Wrestling Alliance and co-sponsored by IAWrestle, the Frank Gotch Statue Committee, and the Frank Gotch Kids Wrestling Club, the event will take place at Humboldt High School. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
The North American Catch Wrestling Association, a grassroots organization designed to help rebuild the sport of catch-as-catch-can-wrestling. For more information, go to their Facebook page at facebook.com/NorthAmericanCatchWrestlingAssociation.
BJJ Eastern Europe, for the latest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu news, articles, interviews, competition calendar, European belt rankings, academy directory, and more. For more information, go to BJJEE.com.
The National Registry for Wrestling, whose mission is to increase wrestling's fanbase, to build a registry of all wrestling fans, to serve as a connecting point for all wrestling fans, and to provide TV and Internet listings for wrestling. For more information, go to NR4W.com.
Labels: catch wrestling, Eddie Goldman, Frank Gotch, grappling, jiu-jitsu, Josh Barnett, MMA, No Holds Barred
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
No Holds Barred: Josh Barnett on His New Film 'Absolution', Catch Wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with catch wrestler Josh Barnett.
We spoke with him by phone Monday.
This is a very busy time for Josh Barnett, as a movie in which he is co-starring has just been released. Named "Absolution", this is an action film featuring Steven Seagal, Byron Mann, Adina Stetcu, Massimo Dobrovic, and Vinnie Jones. Josh Barnett played a "bad guy" named Colt, which he said thus far has been "the biggest role I've had" in film.
In the combat sports world, he has been busy as well. On May 9, at the Metamoris 6 grappling event, he successfully defended his heavyweight title by submitting Ryron Gracie with a toehold.
While some see antipathy between catch wrestling and jiu-jitsu, Josh Barnett expressed nothing but respect for jiu-jitsu and the Gracie family, noting that he has "always gotten along with all the Gracies."
He explained: "Yes, I am a catch wrestler. I love catch-as-catch-can wrestling. I think it's the best. I love it as a sport, and as an art form, as a wrestling style. It is what I practice what I preach, and I preach it loudly.
"But, it's not to be contrary to jiu-jitsu. That's the thing. It's not in spite of or to counteract or to diminish jiu-jitsu. I do it because it's what I love, not because I have a need for a rivalry or to put down what anybody else does. That kind of concept of a war with jiu-jitsu is really by somebody's creation on their own merit, not on my statements."
We also discussed why more people from the broader wrestling community should become involved with catch wrestling, his upcoming activities in UFC including a reality show and a September 26 fight with Roy Nelson, more film projects, his work with the California Catch Wrestling Association, and much, much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player for iOS is available for free on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at AmericanTopTeam.com.
Defense Soap, an effective, deep penetrating body soap with natural antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial soap ingredients. Defense Soap is the best cleansing body soap for men and women athletes who are involved in contact sports such as MMA, wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, and judo, to help their antifungal, anti-ringworm, anti-jock itch strategy. Check out their web site, at DefenseSoap.com.
Labels: Absolution, BJJ, catch wrestling, Eddie Goldman, film, Gracie, jiu-jitsu, Josh Barnett, No Holds Barred
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
No Holds Barred: Josh Barnett on Catch Wrestling and Challenge Matches
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Josh Barnett.
A challenge was made last week by wrestler and former Michigan State Spartans' team captain Curran Jacobs, who pinned Christopher Crossan of the Snake Pit Wigan on June 7, 2014, in the main event of the Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth in Los Angeles. He issued a challenge to Travis Newaza, who was victorious at the West Coast King of Catch Wrestling Tournament held January 11, 2015, in San Diego, California.
Curran Jacobs said about Travis Newaza, in an interview last week on No Holds Barred, "He's a good jiu-jitsu guy, but I saw no catch wrestling happening at all" in the videos of his matches at that tournament. He also said that he considers that there are "fake titles" being handed out in catch wrestling today.
That challenge was accepted, and arrangements were begun to be made for this match between Curran Jacobs and Travis Newaza to take place, by Josh Barnett and several other people. However, last Wednesday, Travis Newaza suffered an injury in training, which has caused that match to be postponed until a later date.
With the controversies on this series of events burning up social media, Josh Barnett wanted to address these issues. He did so in this lengthy interview, which was recorded by phone Wednesday.
Addressing the direction this discussion has taken, he said, "If it takes somebody being even just proclaimed the champion of a tournament that sounds very prestigious, King of Catch, if that's what it takes to get people to finally peel away the layers, open up their mouths, and show who they really are and what they feel, then I'm just going to go out and say, 'OK, I am the greatest catch wrestler walking the Earth right now. Period.'
"Nobody puts it up more than me. Nobody's accomplished more than me. Nobody's continuing to go out there and push it, on the mats and behind the scenes. No one's trying to develop the athletes like I am. And if anybody has an issue with it, then they should come and take me on.
"But there is no better catch wrestler in the entire world, period. I don't care who you belong to, who your association is, you're not better than me. I can beat anybody that claims they're a catch wrestler, probably a lot of them quite easily. And that's that."
We discussed the current growth of catch wrestling, the lack of competition and limited number of events in it, the need for various catch wrestling organizations to work together, the influence of the late Billy Robinson, why catch wrestling should be considered part of wrestling by the broader wrestling community, why catch wrestling is still far from having real world and national champions, the reason he has not entered any of these catch wrestling events, why those training in catch wrestling should regularly enter events under the many other rulesets of wrestling and grappling, the importance of combat wrestling, his own training of catch wrestlers and athletes at CSW, and much, much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at AmericanTopTeam.com.
Defense Soap, an effective, deep penetrating body soap with natural antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial soap ingredients. Defense Soap is the best cleansing body soap for men and women athletes who are involved in contact sports such as MMA, wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, and judo, to help their antifungal, anti-ringworm, anti-jock itch strategy. Check out their web site, at DefenseSoap.com.
Payleg.com, which gives you the tools to develop a full-time income by building a home-based business. Teaching success in the home-based business industry since 1988, Payleg.com is available in 190 countries. For more information, go to Payleg.com.
Takedown Wrestling Media, America's wrestling TV and radio shows, which are hosted by founder Scott Casber, and have been airing on radio and Internet for over 17 years. Takedown Media produces a weekly TV program seen in 54 million homes in the U.S. on DirecTV, Dish Network, and cable affiliates around the country, called Takedown TV. Takedown Media also produces the weekly USA Wrestling TV show for the governing body of the sport, USA Wrestling. For more information, go to TakedownRadio.com.
Labels: BJJ, catch wrestling, challenges, Eddie Goldman, grappling, jiu-jitsu, Josh Barnett, No Holds Barred
Sunday, August 17, 2014
No Holds Barred: Josh Barnett, Catch Wrestler
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with Josh Barnett.
Although he has competed for many years, and still competes, in MMA and various styles of grappling, Josh Barnett primarily considers himself a catch wrestler.
That was particularly evident at the Metamoris 4 grappling event on August 9 in Los Angeles, where he submitted two-time ADCC world champion Dean Lister with a head-and-arm choke with just seconds remaining in their 20-minute, submission-only, no-gi match.
To discuss the significance of this match, and the overall growth of catch wrestling, we spoke with Josh Barnett by phone Friday.
Discussing the finish of the match, he said, "We just call it a head-and-arm. Erik Paulson [his coach] likes to call it the Mark Coleman or fat man choke." He also explained why this hold is not mainly about power and weight but is about "finesse," and is most effective after riding an opponent for some time.
This match was arguably the most discussed online of all the matches at the Metamoris 4 event. His successful use of catch wrestling techniques to dominate and then submit such an accomplished grappler as Dean Lister, even under no-gi grappling and submission-only rules, tremendously raised the prestige of catch wrestling among the entire grappling and combat sports communities.
"This match has done more for catch than even any of my fights in the last five years have really done," he said.
"The grappling community is a fairly strong, tight-knit group, and on that night there was a lot of high-level grappling technique and matches being put on" involving many of the greatest grapplers in the world, he added.
He then noted about his match with Dean Lister, "Even though we're both very high-level guys and great athletes at what we do, our match didn't resemble anybody else's match."
As for himself, while he plans to compete in many different events, he said, "I'd love to compete in a straight catch wrestling event." He said that catch wrestling today does "have a good amount of momentum," but a lot more needs to be done to advance this revived sport. He recommended more seminars, involving more wrestlers in them and the existing tournaments, and more consistency with the holding of these catch wrestling events.
A key area in growing catch wrestling is increasing the involvement of wrestlers who already have backgrounds and accomplishments in other, related styles, such as American folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling. He said he is already involved in helping train these types of wrestlers in catch wrestling, while they still compete in these other styles.
Another important observation he made was about the wrestling community. Although catch is a style of wrestling and laid the basis for the development of American folkstyle and freestyle wrestling, today it is the jiu-jitsu community which shows "more interest" in catch than the wrestling community. Thus, increasing the involvement of the wrestling community in catch is essential for its growth.
We also discussed the need for more consistent posting of videos of catch wrestling matches, how the black trunks he wore in this Metamoris match were a tribute to his coaches, what catch needs to do in order to regain its place as a popular spectator sport, what some of his immediate plans are, and much, much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at AmericanTopTeam.com.
The Liberty Bell Classic / King of Catch Wrestling Tournament, presented by the North American Catch Wrestling Association and Scientific Wrestling. In this tournament, you can only win by pin or submission, with no points. It all takes place Saturday, August 30, at Primal Gym, 231 Bakers Basin Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648. For more information, go to KingOfCatchWrestling.com.
Scientific Wrestling, igniting a revolution in grappling based on the pursuit of traditional Catch-As-Catch-Can wrestling. Our people are legitimate Scientific Wrestling practitioners united around training, competition, innovation, grueling physical conditioning, camaraderie, and the sharing of reliable resources. For more information, go to ScientificWrestling.com.
Snake Pit U.S.A., whose primary mission is to breathe new life into real catch-as-catch-can wrestling and help lead the catch wrestling revolution for martial artists and those pursuing recreational training and fitness alike. For more information, go to SnakePitUSA.com.
The Catch Wrestling Alliance, a catch wrestling promotion that works with the highest level catch wrestlers from around the world with the goal of reviving the great sport of catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The Catch Wrestling Alliance organizes catch wrestling sporting events, and its primary organizer is Dr. Raul Ramirez. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
Takedown Wrestling Media, America's wrestling TV and radio shows, which are hosted by founder Scott Casber, and have been airing on radio and Internet for over 17 years. Takedown Media produces a weekly TV program seen in 54 million homes in the U.S. on DirecTV, Dish Network, and cable affiliates around the country, called Takedown TV. Takedown Media also produces the weekly USA Wrestling TV show for the governing body of the sport, USA Wrestling. For more information, go to TakedownRadio.com.
Labels: catch wrestling, Eddie Goldman, grappling, jiu-jitsu, Josh Barnett, Metamoris, No Holds Barred
Sunday, May 26, 2013
No Holds Barred: On Fallon Fox, the Dragon Sleeper, and Knockouts
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses the technique used by MMA fighter Fallon Fox in her third-round submission victory over Allanna Jones Friday, May 24, at CFA 11, and the dangers of the continuing trend of more knockouts and fewer submissions in MMA. The Fallon Fox-Allanna Jones fight is now on YouTube.
Fallon Fox was quoted as saying that she first saw the move with which she won, a knee-to-the-neck choke, used by MMA fighter Shayna Baszler. Shayna Baszler confirmed by phone Sunday that she indeed uses this move, and said it is called the Dragon Sleeper.
Shayna Baszler is also a Level 1 Scientific Wrestler Trainer. Jake Shannon of Scientific Wrestling also confirmed by phone Sunday that she was taught this move by MMA fighter and catch wrestler Josh Barnett, and that MMA legend Frank Shamrock also teaches it. In addition, Jake Shannon said that the name of the hold comes from its use by the Japanese pro wrestler Yoshihiro Asai AKA Ultimo Dragon, who has trained in real catch wrestling as have many Japanese pro wrestlers.
As the first openly transsexual fighter in MMA, Fallon Fox has many haters who continue to downplay her skills. But as is demonstrated, the submission hold she used to win her fight, and to advance to the finals of the CFA women's 145-pound tournament, is a technique with quite a sophisticated lineage.
But while Fallon Fox was using this hold, the trend in MMA of there being more and more knockouts, and thus more concussions, is continuing. Interestingly enough, the issue of concussions is being addressed by, of all organizations, the leader in staged pro wrestling, the WWE. That group recently donated $1.2 million to the non-profit Sports Legacy Institute to fund a new research program aimed at developing a treatment for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The implications of all this for the real combat sports are discussed.
Also discussed are the latest odds for the combat sports and possible inclusion on the program of the 2020 Olympics. The IOC Executive Board meets this Wednesday, May 29, and will be coming up with a shortlist of sports to be considered for a final vote in September for inclusion in the 2020 Olympics. Those combat sports are wrestling, karate, and wushu.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: catch wrestling, concussions, CTE, Dragon Sleeper, Eddie Goldman, Fallon Fox, grappling, Jake Shannon, Josh Barnett, knockouts, MMA, No Holds Barred, submissions, transgender, transsexual, UFC, Ultimo, WWE
Sunday, June 19, 2011
No Holds Barred: On Canelo, Strikeforce Heavyweight Tournament, and Catch Wrestling
On this audio edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman reviews the impressive twelfth-round TKO victory by Saul "Canelo" Alvarez over Ryan Rhodes, and the highly unimpressive Strikeforce card, which both took place Saturday, June 18.
The brightest spot for the Strikeforce card was the use of catch wrestling by Josh Barnett in his second-round submission victory over Brett Rogers. Could catch wrestling, with victory by pin or submission, and the style used when professional wrestling was to a degree a real sport in the early twentieth century, make a comeback? We ask that question, but others will have to provide the answer.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
M-1 Global. Founded in 1998, M-1 Global has staged over 100 mixed martial arts events worldwide including the M-1 Selection tournaments and M-1 Challenge events, in Eastern and Western Europe, North America, and Asia. While discovering and developing the world's next generation of superstar fighters, M-1 Global's greatest asset is the number one heavyweight in mixed martial arts history, Fedor Emelianenko. Make sure to catch their shows from around the world, including on Showtime in the U.S., and visit their web site, M-1Global.com, and the M-1 Facebook page for news, videos, and live streaming events.
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
Labels: boxing, Canelo, catch wrestling, Eddie Goldman, Josh Barnett, No Holds Barred, Strikeforce
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
No Holds Barred: Josh Barnett
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with mixed martial arts heavyweight fighter Josh Barnett.
He will be competing in the Strikeforce World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament in a quarterfinal fight against Brett Rogers at a date and location to be announced.
Barnett is the most controversial fighter in this tournament, since he currently is not licensed to fight in North America. He tested positive for an anabolic steroid prior to a planned August 2009 fight with Fedor Emelianenko, and was thus denied a license by the California State Athletic Commission. This was his second official positive drug test, plus one test run of drug-testing in 2001. (Barnett denies ever taking steroids.) He next fought in Japan and Australia in 2010, where the requirements and standards for allowing fighters to compete are lower than in North America. But he is still regarded as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
He also has been playing cat-and-mouse with the California commission at several hearings which were supposed to have addressed his status. His case is still unresolved following the failure of both him and his legal representation to show up at these hearings at the same time.
Yet there are indications that other commissions may indeed grant him a license if he tests clean in whatever drug-testing they or Strikeforce may conduct. He would then be legally entitled to fight in those jurisdictions.
While Barnett may be able to take advantage of the weak drug-testing by these athletic commissions and lack of any central authority in the combat sport to conduct such drug-testing, his playing the system once again highlights the need for the adoption of the protocols of the World Anti-Doping Agency in the combat sports and by all these athletic commissions. But it also would be wrong to focus mainly on the shortcomings of this one fighter, since it is the very flawed system which is in place which has allowed this situation to exist.
In light of all this, we spoke with Josh Barnett on January 10 when he was in New York for a Showtime and Strikeforce photo and promo shoot. We did ask him about his license situation, but mainly focused on his upcoming fight and related issues. We discussed the importance of this tournament, his fight with Brett Rogers, the issues of the role of grappling and striking in mixed martial arts, and his coaching of fighter Megumi Fujii and her recent loss to Zoila Frausto. We also focused on the role of catch wrestling, its future as a sport and discipline, why a wrestling base is so important for competing in mixed martial arts, why catch wrestling is so important as well, and more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
BJJMart.com, your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
He will be competing in the Strikeforce World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament in a quarterfinal fight against Brett Rogers at a date and location to be announced.
Barnett is the most controversial fighter in this tournament, since he currently is not licensed to fight in North America. He tested positive for an anabolic steroid prior to a planned August 2009 fight with Fedor Emelianenko, and was thus denied a license by the California State Athletic Commission. This was his second official positive drug test, plus one test run of drug-testing in 2001. (Barnett denies ever taking steroids.) He next fought in Japan and Australia in 2010, where the requirements and standards for allowing fighters to compete are lower than in North America. But he is still regarded as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
He also has been playing cat-and-mouse with the California commission at several hearings which were supposed to have addressed his status. His case is still unresolved following the failure of both him and his legal representation to show up at these hearings at the same time.
Yet there are indications that other commissions may indeed grant him a license if he tests clean in whatever drug-testing they or Strikeforce may conduct. He would then be legally entitled to fight in those jurisdictions.
While Barnett may be able to take advantage of the weak drug-testing by these athletic commissions and lack of any central authority in the combat sport to conduct such drug-testing, his playing the system once again highlights the need for the adoption of the protocols of the World Anti-Doping Agency in the combat sports and by all these athletic commissions. But it also would be wrong to focus mainly on the shortcomings of this one fighter, since it is the very flawed system which is in place which has allowed this situation to exist.
In light of all this, we spoke with Josh Barnett on January 10 when he was in New York for a Showtime and Strikeforce photo and promo shoot. We did ask him about his license situation, but mainly focused on his upcoming fight and related issues. We discussed the importance of this tournament, his fight with Brett Rogers, the issues of the role of grappling and striking in mixed martial arts, and his coaching of fighter Megumi Fujii and her recent loss to Zoila Frausto. We also focused on the role of catch wrestling, its future as a sport and discipline, why a wrestling base is so important for competing in mixed martial arts, why catch wrestling is so important as well, and more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Beezid.com - Penny Auctions. Your #1 source for exciting auction shopping and outstanding deals on just about anything! Top rated, most trusted auction site online. Where do you shop? Beezid.com - Penny Auctions.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
The American Sambo Association, which is committed to becoming the premier association in the U.S. dedicated to the advancement of Sambo. Sambo is a form of sport, self-defense, and combat established in the former Soviet Union during the early twentieth century. For more information, go to ussambo.com.
BJJMart.com, your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Labels: Eddie Goldman, Grand Prix, Josh Barnett, No Holds Barred, Strikeforce
Saturday, July 25, 2009
No Holds Barred: Bob Carson on Affliction's Demise and UFC Deal
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with our correspondent Bob Carson. Bob is also the host of the Carson's Corner podcast.
In a lengthy discussion, we focus on the cancellation of the August 1 Affliction mixed martial arts pay-per-view, the subsequent collapse of the Affliction mixed martial arts promotion, the renewal of an Affliction Clothing-UFC deal, and the implications of these developments. As usual, we stand up for the rights of the fighters, and take a highly critical view of the machinations of these promotions and the direction they have taken mixed martial arts in America.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
Make sure to visit the official boxing forum for No Holds Barred, the MySpace Boxing Forum.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Gladiator Magazine, for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
BJJMart.com, your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Wrestling 411, providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions, whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.
FightBeat.com, for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.
1 comments
Tweet
In a lengthy discussion, we focus on the cancellation of the August 1 Affliction mixed martial arts pay-per-view, the subsequent collapse of the Affliction mixed martial arts promotion, the renewal of an Affliction Clothing-UFC deal, and the implications of these developments. As usual, we stand up for the rights of the fighters, and take a highly critical view of the machinations of these promotions and the direction they have taken mixed martial arts in America.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here. You can also download No Holds Barred here. If one link does not work, please try another. The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by Ian Carpenter.
Make sure to visit the official boxing forum for No Holds Barred, the MySpace Boxing Forum.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Gladiator Magazine, for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
BJJMart.com, your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Wrestling 411, providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions, whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.
FightBeat.com, for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.
Labels: Affliction, Bob Carson, Carson's Corner, Eddie Goldman, Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, mixed martial arts, MMA, No Holds Barred, Tom Atencio, UFC
Saturday, May 24, 2008
No Holds Barred: Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Josh Barnett, Pedro Rizzo, Matt Lindland, Fabio "Negao" Nascimento, Ben Rothwell, Affliction Banned
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman previews the "Affliction Banned" mixed martial arts card, which will be held Saturday, July 19, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and shown in the U.S. on pay-per-view.
At a New York news conference this past Thursday, we spoke with many of the fighters who will appear on this show. We interviewed the top heavyweight and pound-for-pound mixed martial arts fighter in the world, Fedor Emelianenko, and his opponent, former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia. We spoke with another former UFC heavyweight champion, Josh Barnett, and his opponent, Pedro Rizzo, who fight in a rematch of their 2001 bout, which was won by Rizzo by knockout. We spoke with one of the top middleweights in the world, Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling silver medalist Matt Lindland, and his opponent, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter Fabio "Negao" Nascimento. And we spoke with heavyweight star Ben Rothwell, who faces an opponent to be announced shortly.
As always, these are No Holds Barred interviews, covering not only MMA, but collegiate and catch wrestling, the politics of the combat sports, and the issues facing MMA fighters such as the restrictive and onerous contracts from companies such as the UFC.
To listen to No Holds Barred, click here or here and just press the play button on the player.
The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ProElite.com, an MMA website built by and for the fans and fighters of this great sport. Watch action-packed fights, connect with others, and get exclusive MMA coverage all in one place. It's "All Combat All the Time" at ProElite.com!
IFL, the International Fight League, the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) in the U.S. and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site, ifl.tv, for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule.
Gladiator Challenge, shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year. For more news and info, check out their web site, GladiatorChallenge.com.
BJJMart.com, your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Gladiator Magazine, for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear.
FightBeat.com, for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.
0 comments
Tweet
At a New York news conference this past Thursday, we spoke with many of the fighters who will appear on this show. We interviewed the top heavyweight and pound-for-pound mixed martial arts fighter in the world, Fedor Emelianenko, and his opponent, former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia. We spoke with another former UFC heavyweight champion, Josh Barnett, and his opponent, Pedro Rizzo, who fight in a rematch of their 2001 bout, which was won by Rizzo by knockout. We spoke with one of the top middleweights in the world, Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling silver medalist Matt Lindland, and his opponent, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter Fabio "Negao" Nascimento. And we spoke with heavyweight star Ben Rothwell, who faces an opponent to be announced shortly.
As always, these are No Holds Barred interviews, covering not only MMA, but collegiate and catch wrestling, the politics of the combat sports, and the issues facing MMA fighters such as the restrictive and onerous contracts from companies such as the UFC.
To listen to No Holds Barred, click here or here and just press the play button on the player.
The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ProElite.com, an MMA website built by and for the fans and fighters of this great sport. Watch action-packed fights, connect with others, and get exclusive MMA coverage all in one place. It's "All Combat All the Time" at ProElite.com!
IFL, the International Fight League, the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) in the U.S. and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site, ifl.tv, for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule.
Gladiator Challenge, shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year. For more news and info, check out their web site, GladiatorChallenge.com.
BJJMart.com, your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Gladiator Magazine, for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear.
FightBeat.com, for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.
Labels: Affliction, Banned, Ben Rothwell, Eddie Goldman, Fabio Negao Nascimento, Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, Matt Lindland, mixed martial arts, MMA, No Holds Barred, Pedro Rizzo, Tim Sylvia, UFC
