John Hackleman

12/21/2025

08/02/2025

Heavy bag training can get a major upgrade! Don't just punch and kick without a plan. Envision a real-life scenario with every strike and retreat. Picture defending your home or even winning that championship. It's all about intention.

07/27/2025

Martial arts or fitness? Know the difference! It's about more than just moves; it's about the feel of contact. If there's no contact in your classes, it might be time to re-evaluate. "Don't let anyone take your lunch money!"

07/27/2025

At 39, a fighter found himself facing hungry 20-year-olds in Japan. His goal wasn't a championship — it was to "come back in one piece" and go to work the next day. Sound familiar? It might be a generational thing.

07/18/2025

Our fighters today are as tough as ever, whether in boxing, kickboxing, or MMA. We explore how increased talent and technique have evolved combat sports, potentially changing perceptions of toughness. We delve into the mental and physical resilience required today.

07/03/2025

We explore common mistakes when throwing a left hook, the most effective strike in martial arts. Discover how to avoid dropping your right hand, keeping your chin down, and forming a tight fist for power and protection.

06/30/2025

John Hackleman's Take on Jake Paul: YouTube Boxer or Legit Fighter?

Alright, I’ll say it—I’m not a huge fan of this whole YouTuber-turns-fighter trend. It used to be, if you wanted respect in this game, you had to put in years of grind in the gym, in the amateurs, working your way up. But now we’ve got influencers skipping the line. That rubs me the wrong way.

That said… credit where credit’s due.

Jake Paul’s been showing up. The kid can box. He’s not just putting on a show—he’s actually training, fighting, and improving. He’s not fighting cans anymore. And let’s be honest, he’s doing better than most of these 10-0 pro prospects no one’s ever heard of.

From a business standpoint? The guy’s a marketing machine. He’s putting more eyes on boxing than most champions are. That’s not nothing.

Pros:

He’s taking training seriously.

He’s helping fighters get paid.

He’s generating interest in boxing with a younger crowd.

Cons:

He hasn’t paid his dues the traditional way.

Some of the matchmaking still feels handpicked.

It waters down the line between entertainment and real combat sports.

Bottom line—he’s not my kind of fighter, but I can’t pretend he’s not doing some good for the sport. What do you think?

👊 Drop a comment—Is Jake Paul helping or hurting boxing? Let’s talk.

06/27/2025

Jon Jones Retires – Did He Dodge Aspinall or Just Walk Away Smart? 🥋

Jon Jones just retired, and whether you loved him or hated him, he was a damn good fighter. I don’t think he was the best ever — not by a long shot — but he was talented and knew how to win. I’ll probably write more on that later, so stay tuned for that.

Now here’s the big question: Did he retire to avoid Tom Aspinall?

Some say yeah — the timing was too perfect, and Aspinall’s a serious threat. Others say no — Jon’s been in the game forever, he’s injured, and he’s got nothing left to prove.

Here’s my take: I don’t think Jon feared Aspinall, but he knew it wasn’t a guaranteed win. And when you’ve got a legacy that big, sometimes it’s just smart to bow out on your terms.

Either way, respect where it’s due. Now it’s Aspinall’s time.

Agree? Disagree? Let’s hear it — drop your thoughts in the comments. 👇

06/26/2025

We break down the effectiveness of fist versus palm strikes in a street fight. From the science of combat to real-world scenarios, we explore why fists often prevail. Learn what makes each technique work – or fail.

06/25/2025

In this video, John Hackleman—head of the Sport KajuKenbo division—breaks down the official rules for the upcoming Sport KajuKenbo tournament happening on July 18th at the 2025 Emperado KSDI World Championships in Las Vegas (July 18–19).

This unique division blends striking and grappling in a safe, controlled format designed to prepare students for the intensity of MMA-style competition—without it being MMA. It’s the perfect entry point for martial artists looking to test their skills with both stand-up and ground work under a structured rule set.

Whether you're a seasoned KajuKenbo fighter or new to the sport side of the system, this is your guide to what to expect on tournament day.

🗓 Division Date: July 18
📍 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
🥋 Event: 2025 Emperado KSDI World Championships
🔗 Sign Up Here:
👉 https://www.kajukenbo.com/events/2025-emperado-ksdi-world-wide-championships-open-martial-arts-tournament-and-seminar-westgate-las-vegas

https://youtu.be/mleHmjWfhUc

In this video, John Hackleman—head of the Sport KajuKenbo division—breaks down the official rules for the upcoming Sport KajuKenbo tournament happening on Ju...

06/19/2025

We discuss the devastating impact of a liver shot and why it's the most painful place to get hit in a fight. Discover the nuances and techniques for effectively targeting the liver. Visit ThePit.TV for exclusive tips and strategies! Don't let anyone take your lunch money.