Just wanted to let everyone know about an upcoming seminar in Hawaii at Chris Leben’s Fight School. Its going to feature Greg Thompson from Next Level Martial Arts right here in my hometown of Tigard Oregon. Greg is an excellent Coach and works with UFC fighters such as Nate “Rock” Quarry, Ed “Short Fuse” Herman and of course Chris Leben. I have personally worked with Greg and really can’t recommend enough, that if you are in the area to check this seminar out. Be sure and check out www.nextlevelmma.com if you are in the Portland area, and for more info on the seminar give Chris Leben’s fight school a call at (808)626-5283

Over the past two years I have received a lot of questions ranging from,”What’s your favorite glove?” to “What shorts fit the best?” and so on. However the question that I get the most is,”Do you use any supplements?” This sis something that I think goes along with working out in general. Everyone ones to get bigger, stronger, and faster as quick as possible, and are willing to spend hundreds of dollars to do so. Its not like I am not one of those people, but I do know the first thing is putting in the work. Anyway enough about that, the reason for this is recently I got a chance to try out two different supplements from Driven Sports. I tried them in a stack form which means I took them both at the same time. Here is some preliminary info on both of them.

TESTOSTERONE…

It builds men. But you don’t want to let your own physical limitations hold you back! What you need is an equalizer. You need Activate Xtreme™!

Activate Xtreme™ is the pinnacle of testosterone enhancement in the sports nutrition industry. Not only does Activate Xtreme™ rapidly increase free testosterone, it also provides total testosterone enhancement, adaptogenic support, estrogenic control, and boosts sex drive.

Optimize TOTAL testosterone: Activate Xtreme™ was thoroughly researched over a year in order to create the most rounded product available!
Increase FREE testosterone: Divanil™ is the ONLY scientifically proven extract for binding SHBG and boosting free testosterone!
Increase SIZE and STRENGTH: More testosterone, more strength, better performance!
Do you want to bust through plateaus, set new personal records and get bigger?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, then welcome to the world fuelled by Activate Xtreme™.

MAXIMUM HORMONAL DOMINATION

You WANT SIZE, you WANT STRENGTH and you WANT IT NOW! But your body has other ideas.

Sound familiar?

Thought so. Your body has several hormones it releases that govern muscle mass, with the king being the hormone that makes a man a man: Testosterone. On a daily basis the body only releases a certain amount of testosterone, which creates a problem for those wanting to get as big and strong as possible in the shortest amount of time. This is controlled by what is called the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA). Now its time to level the playing field, because thanks to Triazole™ your HPTA met its match!

Triazole™ represents a REVOLUTION for the sports nutrition industry. Never before has an anti-estrogen been so powerful. The Triazole™ formula is based on a potent all natural aromatase inhibitor that simultaneously acts to protect the liver and provides anti-oxidant support to the whole body! Expect MAXIMUM HORMONAL DOMINATION!

• Control estrogen to boost testosterone: By short-circuiting the machinery that creates estrogen, your body is FORCED to create MORE TESTOSTERONE!
• Higher testosterone = more muscle mass: By increasing androgen binding on muscle cells, testosterone will rapidly increase protein synthesis rates leading to MORE SIZE!
• Improve in-gym performance: NOTHING increases strength in the gym like testosterone, so prepare for the gains of YOUR LIFE!

Huge promisies right, well if you are anything like me you may have looked at some of these and thought if they worked. I can honestly say that these two supplements did change my workouts. I did not get any blood work done so I can not prove whether or not these really did make my testosterone any higher, but I can tell you what I noticed. The most noticeable thing was recovery time, it went from maybe being sore for two days down to one day at the most and my workouts were still just as hard. I also noticed that I was leaning out faster than I normally do and my diet did not change. I have never been the type of person that could put on muscle easy and typically have to work harder than most just to put on five pounds(yes I am trying to gain size) and while taking these supplements I may have put on three or four pounds but visually I looked more defined. My strength did go up some but nothing that I would call,”Freakish” and my overall mood seemed to be better than normal.

Bottom line do they work? First there is not a supplement out there that is going to give you big muscles without putting in the work, not even PED’s. For me, they have been one of the supplements that I have tried that I have actually had some results with. Will they work for everyone? I don’t know, as everybody type is different. I would imagine that some people would get a lot better results then I did. If you have been looking at these supplements and have been on the fence I can say go ahead and give them a try. These are some of the few supplements out  there that MMAGearAdvice.com will put their stamp of approval on. Please be sure and visit Driven Sports’ website at www.getds.com for more info.

**Disclaimer** I received these at no cost for the purpose of review and received no payment from the company to do the review.

Just when you thought that MMAHQ.com could not get any better, they go and do this, and launch www.bjjhq.com. This site is going to have stuff exclusive to both gi and no-gi jiu jitsu. Already have seen some really good deals on things like GI’s and shorts. Be sure that if you are a fan of www.mmahq.com that you check out www.bjjhq.com and tell them that I sent ya.

The Perfect Fusion of Innovative Design and Ancient Tradition.

No detail has been overlooked in the creation of this flawlessly engineered line. Fashioned with the most exquisite full grain leather, and a battle-tested arsenal of technical innovations, each piece in this elite collection offers fighters unmatched functionality, durability and a distinctive classic elegance that will re-define what it means to step into battle equipped for war.

The Hayabusa Kanpeki Elite line MMA Gloves showcase an exceptional combination of stunning craftsmanship, superior combat technology and stunning design that truly lives up to the reputation that has made Hayabusa the #1 trusted brand in MMA. Hayabusa – the true spirit of a fighter.

• Exclusive Y-shape volar design to keep gloves tight to the palm whether fists are clenched or when hands are open.
• Dual cross directional strap system for ultimate wrist support and striking performance.
• 4oz. regulation weight, professional MMA gloves.  

Here it is almost the end of 2010 and I know what you are thinking. I have all this extra cash left over after Christmas and I need to buy some new mma gear. Well what are you waiting for? There is tons of great gear out there and I am going to take you through what I think is some of the best of the year. Whether you are thinking shorts or gloves, mouthguard or gi, or ever just a new hoodie I got you covered. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy a look at what I think are the best of 2010, and with 2011 coming up I can not wait to see what is just around the corner.

I think the best way to do this is I am going to present this in portions… first up shorts.

SHORTS

Every one of us that is a hardcore gear addict knows this is the staple of our addiction. You can never have too many pairs of mma shorts. I know that I can’t, and just continue to get them no matter how many pairs that I have. As new stuff comes out, I must have to have it. These are just a couple examples of the shorts that I have reviewed that I think are ones that you should not live without.

Sprawl Fusion-S Shorts  

These are really some of the best shorts out on the market. With almost every key feature combined into one short this is surely not a pair that you will want to pass up.
Click here to go to my review of Sprawl Fusion S Shorts

Clinch Gear Elite Shorts

I am sure that you have seen these around. They are some of the best shorts out there. With top notch quality and customer service to match these shorts should not be passed up on.
Click here to go to my review of Clinch Gear Elite Shorts

Jaco Resurgence MMA Fight Shorts

One of the most innovative shorts out there. These will be sure to get you through those long workouts, and hey they are Jaco so you really cant go wrong. Speaking of Jaco be sure and check out there vale tudo shorts.
Click here to go to my review of Jaco Resurgence MMA Fight Shorts

Hayabusa Competition White Shiai Fight Shorts

I just finished my review of these and they are a last minute addition just due to how good these shorts are. Really a fantastic pair of shorts that should not be overlooked.
Click here to go to my review of Hayabusa Competition White Shiai Fight Shorts

Now for the underdog pair of shorts….

PrimeTime Ltd Edition Fight Shorts

You know these are really a very quality pair of shorts. With really nothing wrong with them, they are extremely hard to pass us. Be sure if you are looking to get some new shorts you take a look at these.
Click here to go to my review of PrimeTime Ltd Edition Fight Shorts

Feel like there is something that I should add? Maybe you think your shorts should be here. Well do not feel bad. These are just the ones that I really feel like were ahead of the others. Plenty of other sections to go so don’t get your jockstrap in a bind just yet.

Introducing Do or Die. A company based out of Encinitas, California and they are looking to make big splash in not only the mma market, but the Jiu Jitsu world as well. Here is a little bit of background.

MMA gear usually serves one of three purposes: Help protect you better, help you perform better, or make you look better. Never has a brand done it all – until now.

That’s what so remarkable about DO OR DIE’s line of MMA gear. For the first time, an MMA brand is able to provide all the performance benefits you look for and need like perspiration-wicking material, targeted support, and ergonomic design – with a level of protection that can stand up to the punishing nature of todays battles and still make you look like a champion.
What that means is that MMA athletes now have a brand that doesn’t have to sacrifice performance for style, or vice versa.
From the first time you put on DO OR DIE, you know it’s a game changer. Every stitch and detail is positioned to allow for the maximum level of flexibility and movement, allowing you to ground and pound with complete freedom, and still swagger through the shortest paths on the mat.
DO OR DIE’s Dri-Die performance fabrics will wick away moisture and provide exceptional air permeability, all while retaining a perfect fit and a supported, comfortable feel. To achieve superior performance all DO OR DIE products feature micro silicon fabrics that lock into dual-density shock lining making it the very latest in MMA performance gear. There are also interlocking nano-performance fabrics in all DO OR DIE products that add a second layer of flexibility and coverage.
Rock DO OR DIE next time you take the mat and you’ll see that your body is going to stay balanced, drier, and more protected from the first scrap to the final bell. You’re also going to significantly reduce the amount of wear and tear on your body and represent that swagger you know you’ve got.
Your battle will be here before you know it. It’s time to get yourself ready for combat and show the world you know what DO OR DIE is all about.
YOU CAN’T TEACH HEART

Let me be the first to tell you that everything that I have seen from DO or Die is top notch. Everything from various hoodies and t-shirts to a new style compression shirt that I will be reviewing in the future. This is a company that is truly dedicated to the sport and once you see what they have to offer I know that you will feel the same way. Here are some more examples of just some of the products they have available. Look forward to my reviews as I have some items that are not up on there site such as the compression shirt, jersey, and a belt that resembles a jiu jitsu black belt.

www.DoOrDie.com

The Fight Nerd promised pepper spray, and he has delivered! MMA journalist from USCombatSports.com, Peter Lampasona, made a bet with the coach of Team Renegade MMA in NY, betting that if his fighter, Ben Syers, won his fight at Evolution FC in November, that Peter would get pepper sprayed. Syers was extremely motivated by this, enough that he won his fight with a one-punch knockout in four seconds that hit the internet in viral fashion! It’s time for Peter to get pepper sprayed! Make sure to watch all the way through to see the aftermath of the spray and how long it takes for Pete to recover! Special cameo by The Garv.

And because he got pepper sprayed, Peter gets one more plug for his site, USCombatSports.com. I think he earned it.

Be sure and visit www.thefigthnerd.com for many other interesting mma articles and news.

Per Manufacturer-

Oxygen4Energy

Oxygen Enriched Air

Up to 50 shots of 95% Oxygen Enriched Air

Convenient sized, lightweight can

Easy to Use

Feel the difference your very first use

Please recycle cans when empty

First Impression- First seen on a national scale at Strikeforce: Houston, the small cans of oxygenated air caused message boards to explode with curiosity following their use by fighters K.J. Noons and King Mo Lawal. The product’s use and purpose seemed sound, and I was curious to see if they were all hype, or if there were real performance benefits to be gained.

Product Tips-

Guideline: 1 Shot = approx 1 sec of O2

Inhale a Shot of Oxygen DEEP into your lungs Hold briefly then Release.

Do not hold for more than 1 second. That is counterproductive.

Repeat 5-15 times as needed.

Each can contains up to 50 shots of 95% oxygen enriched air.

Sports and Fitness-

Take 10 shots just before 30-45 minutes of intense physical exertion to increase endurance, power and explosiveness.

Take 5-7 shots every additional 30 minutes as needed.

Take 10 shots immediately following intense exertion for recovery (if recovery is important to you).

The harder you push yourself, the more noticeable the benefits will be.

Here is a short video from their site.

Usage- I wanted to use Oxygen4Energy’s product in all aspects of my training to see if the intended benefits were limited to one specific area, of if they applied to a range of disciplines and exercises. According to the directions, one should take ten shots prior to a workout, which, I’ll be honest, took some experimentation to find the right technique. After taking the shots and heading to the gym, I could definitely feel a difference. It wasn’t enormous, but it was tangible. It felt as though my endurance and recovery had been increased, meaning if I previously could lift a given weight for seven reps, I was now able to do nine or ten. This may not seem like a huge increase, but over the course of a workout the additional reps quickly add up. More than anything, I felt as though my recovery time between sets was reduced noticeably.

Prior to grappling and sparring, I, once again, took ten shots of the product, and, once again, the performance increase was noticeable after the first round. Recovery time between rounds was absolutely incredible. I would have 30 seconds between rounds, and by the time the next round began I would feel fresh, with my breathing rate and muscle fatigue feeling as though I had just started sparring. This increase in recovery time carried over to each round, leaving me feeling as though I didn’t fatigue as quickly during moments of intense action.

Although the product mentions that using oxygenated air before exercises designed to increase cardio performance would be counter productive, I decided to give it a try anyway, just to see how it would work. I use running and sprints as a means to improved my cardio, but I wanted to see what kind of benefits track athletes could gain from Oxygen4Energy’s product. I took the prescribed number of shots and noticed a familiar theme developing. During my workout I didn’t get as fatigued or out of breath, and, once again, recovery time was improved.

Overall- At the end of the day, I feel as though every athlete, regardless of sport, could benefit from using oxygenated air. It not only allows you to train harder and longer, but also recover quicker. It is important to remember that while Oxygen4Energy is approved by WADA, you should still check with your specific athletic commission if you intend on using it during competition. During training, it was hard to find fault with Oxygen4Energy’s product beyond having a finite number of uses per can. If you have a chance, give it a shot. You wont be disappointed.

Click here to buy Oxygen4Energy Oxygen Enriched Air

**Disclaimer** I received these at no cost for the purpose of review and received no payment from the company to do the review.

Here it is, bringing you a look at something exciting coming from Milifidel and Milifidel Canada. A look at UFC fighter James McSweeney’s Special Edition shirt. This is a huge signing from Milifidel, and it definitely shows from this shirt. The front features a tribal design, while the back has a hammer on it. For those of you that don’t know that is James McSweeney’s nickname. Be sure and pick one up before they are all gone.

Here is a little more about Milifidel and there mission-

Milifidel is a unique brand that pays homage to the service and bravery of the U.S. Military, past and present. Forged from the Latin –Militias (Military) and Fidelitas (Loyalty) – it honors the courage and sacrifice that the men and women of our Military have devoted to our country.

Milifidel incorporates original works of art on each garment produced, and they are crafted from the finest fabrics. Each article of clothing is carefully distressed, dyed, stained, and washed to ensure its distinction. Our design, production and fabrics are held to the highest standards.

Milifidel proceeds are donated to the West Los Angeles Fischer House Foundation that supports the veterans of our armed forces. The Milifidel goal is to raise 1 Million dollars for the West Los Angeles Fischer House Foundation. You can feel proud that with each purchase, you give back to our military and our freedom.

Milifidel Thank you for your support!

Pay Homage

“Real People – Real Clothing”

Milifidel also sponsors such athletes as Frank Lester from the Ultimate Fighter Season 9 and Joseph Henle from the Ultimate Fighter Season 11. Also WEC veteran Kenneth Alexander, and if you know the guys at Milifidel you know they will be signing some other big names soon.

Milifidel is proud to have James join of ranks and become a Milifidel Soldier!

Oh and check out their Canadian Sacrifice -T