How Science Shows Participation Awards are KILLING your kids

There is a lot of talk on social media about kids growing up with a "Gimme Mentality". Often you will hear people (Including this Author) railing against the use of participation awards, In todays day apparently... everyone is a winner... even if you lose. We are OBSESSED as parents with raising our children's self esteem. Despite the fact that as Roy Baumeister, Doctor and Research Psychologist for Princeton University, puts it:

"The Belief that kids have 

Bad Self Esteem and Need to Be 

Bolstered is just... Empirically Wrong."

He goes on to explain how most kids think they can be president and a cowboy while curing cancer all the while still having time to be a movie star. So we can drop this notion that our children are need of constant apprasail.

Now you may be saying "But Mike, Who cares? How is this KILLING our kids? Well in a landmark study published in Academic Pediatrics found >>HERE<< they weighted data that represents 80% of ALL U.S. 8th graders. What they found was:

"42% of all of the adolescents 

DID NOT perceive their 

Weight Status Accurately"

This is important! Especially considering that 1 in 3 kids in the US are currently considered Obese! As Doctor Aaron Carroll of "Health Care Triage News" states:

"If we want Kids to Make

Better Decisions about Health,

It Helps for them to understand

Whether they are Unhealthy 

to begin With!"

And THIS my friends where it has become our fault! We've been so afraid that we are going to ruin our kids perceived self value... that we let them hurt their own bodies! We know that being over weight or being obese as a child makes them more likely to be so as an adult... which of course, carries its own health risks. The Study goes on to show that:

"Half of the students in this 

study who were Overweight or

Obese... Thought they were

a NORMAL weight!"

Now I am NOT saying that Fat Shaming is the answer... But it's YOUR responsibly has a parent to not only support your child's positive out look on life, But make sure that their body is JUST as healthy as their mentality. If you need help with making better food choices www.BuiltMag.com is a website that can provide you with information on meal plans for as little as two bucks a month. And consider involving your kid in some extra curricular activities like Martial Arts. Sports like Wrestling, Dance or Football may seem like harsh realities when dealing with subjects like losing... But that's how life is. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and sometimes you don't get a second helping of Mashed Potatoes.

Mike O'Laskey is a Welterweight Champion MMA fighter and Owner of O'Laskey Martial Arts in Burbank, CA.

www.olaskeyma.com

1312 W. Magnolia Blvd 
Burbank Ca
91506

818-480-7810
olaskeyma@gmail.com

OPINION: How MMA Gyms ruined MMA...

Imagine you walk into the office of a College Councilor at any University. You sit across from a man who has dedicated a portion of his life to helping people reach their goals and realize their full potential. "I want to be an astronaut" you say, "Ever since I was a child, I've been telling my friends and family how I possess what it takes to go into space... and now, I want to make that dream a reality."

The Councilor then begins laying out a plan for your 3 year doctoral degree in Engineering, Mathematics or Physical Science when you stop him "Wait, wait, wait... 3 years? I was thinking more like three months. And what's with all this Math? I didn't even finish High School."

Imagine the look on that Councilor's face. You are sitting in his office asking to be put on stage with the paragon of humanity and not only have you done NONE of the work... You don't even plan to! In fact, you inform the Councilor that if he DOESN'T get you into space... you will find another University that WILL!

Sound ridiculous? Of course it does... Yet, that is happening every day in MMA gyms across the world.

No longer are we considered "Schools", 

We have reduced ourselves to "Providing a Service."

The Experience of Cage Fighting.

We could blame the popularity of MMA, the culture of todays student or anything else... but what it really comes down to... Is us.

In the above analog to my point, Universities place such a high value on the knowledge they are imparting that the Space head Wannabe doesn't have any options... If he wants to go to space... He is going to have to do work. We as Gym owners need to operate the same way. 

MMA Cage fighting should be an honor that can only be claimed through hard work and discipline to the art... Not just something anyone with a free Saturday night and a signature can walk into because they thought it'd be cool. As Martial Artists its our Job to stand up... and hold our sport to a higher standard.

Because often times all the venues care about is whose gonna sell tickets.

In our defense though, It's scary! Its rough out there with how saturated the market is. When someone walks in only wanting 3 months of training so they can fight... it's hard to turn that money away knowing that your competition is just going to snatch them up. In ANY industry, there are bottom feeders... and lets not worry about them. The true, loyal and long term students know intuitively that by telling them they can't fight... that you are looking to keep them safe. And making them wait a year, or two or three will only make them more excited... and the experience of achieving it will make it much more special to them.

Because then its no longer about proving something... it will be about GAINING something. And win or lose, that is an experience they can take with them forever.

So in conclusion... STOP rushing people into the cage! You'll be better for it... They'll be better for it... And so will the sport of MMA.

Mike O'Laskey is a Welterweight Champion MMA fighter and Owner of O'Laskey Martial Arts in Burbank, CA.

www.olaskeyma.com

1312 W. Magnolia Blvd 
Burbank Ca
91506

818-480-7810
olaskeyma@gmail.com

OPINION: An Open Letter to The Armed Forces

Dear Armed Forces,

It's time to stop asking Celebrities out on dates Via Social Media.

Before I get into "why", I just want it to be known that I know your job is hard. With all the pressure you have in fighting for the freedom of this great country you deserve things like Military Balls and other extra curricular events for you to blow off steam. In all the heroism that you endure on a day to day basis its a must , not only for deprograming, but for creating a safe place to do so with your brothers and sisters in arms.

However, Using the connectivity of social media to start a viral campaign (intentional or not) to ask a woman out whom you do not know personally is degrading of her character.

Now I'm not saying Ronda Rousey isn't into the idea... We know she's already accepted... and that is her choice as a woman. But think of the position you've put her in. Calling her out on the worlds stage pandering for a date with all of the internet "rooting for you" leaves a woman with 2 options.

1. Reject a hero in front of the world and be the "Bad Guy."

or

2. Agree to a date with a man she has never met except for over the internet.

Let's take a good hard look at that second option... If Ronda was ANYTHING but a celebrity... would we be comfortable with this concept? If she was just our Daughter or our little Sister, would we be clambering for her to fly across country to attend a dance with a Marine Recruit she's never met before and knows nothing of the character of?

It's certainly not something I would recommend to any of the young female students in my martial arts programs.

Additionally, What does this Marine KNOW about Ronda? Outside of the fact that she is a UFC champion and what she portrays to the media. Do their personalities mesh? Are they interested in the same topics of discussion? The fact is, this Marine doesn't know these things... He can't know these things. So in asking Ronda to a ball, He's basically asking her there to show her off.

Think about that for a moment... Ronda Rousey, 6X UFC champion, Olympic Medalist,  Anti- Do Nothing Bitch and current inspiration to females everywhere... Reduced to the equivalent of arm candy for a night.

Lastly, its unoriginal... This isn't a new trend, Last year a plea for Jennifer Lawrence to attend a military Dine-out went viral as well. In the video below, Sgt. Scott Moore was successful in his plea for Mila Kunis to attend the Marine Core Ball back in 2011, gaining nearly 5 million views!

I'm not suggesting a law should be made prohibiting these actions, Nor am I trying to insinuate that you're intentionally being underhanded. I'm just bidding our heroes to give consideration to the position they are putting these woman in. Pressuring women, even celebrities, through public relations into doing anything is dubious and manipulative. And though seemingly innocent and at times charming... I feel its an unfair use of your Valor and position of authority.

Or perhaps I am just jealous that No Marine Corps Women have asked me out yet... There's always that.

Sincerely,

Mike O'Laskey

Mike O'Laskey is a Welterweight Champion MMA fighter and Owner of O'Laskey Martial Arts in Burbank, CA.

www.olaskeyma.com

1312 W. Magnolia Blvd 
Burbank Ca
91506

818-480-7810
olaskeyma@gmail.com

Wing Chun Doesn't Suck, YOU Suck. 5 ways you're ALREADY using Chi Sao in the Cage.

The above photo is of myself performing Defensive Motion #11 in the Ung Moon Series amidst an MMA cage fight. Go Lon Sao Da (Commonly referred to as a High Block in most styles) has proved itself for me in the cage, yet even with evidence such as this, people constantly poo poo the practical applications of Wing Chun. I submit that just because something doesn't work for YOU... Doesn't mean it doesn't work in General. As my Mentor Ron Balicki has been known to say:

"Don't judge the Art

Based on your Lame Ass."

Furthermore, I suggest that not only is Wing Chun effective... You're already doing it Every day in training. The following are 5 of my favorite examples.

1. Ground And Pound.

Taking mount is only half the game in MMA... You still need to do something with it. Punching someone in the face from mount when they don't want to be punched means there is a lot of hands in your way. This is where 1st and 2nd stage trapping in Chi Sao comes in Super Handy (Pun totally intended). If you look close at the below pic... You can see me using Pac Sao to clear the hand of my opponent. I'm looking to "Break that Dam" and let the "Water" that is my raised right hand deliver a blow.

2. Wrestling for Hand postion.

Commonly referred to as Hand Fighting in Wrestling, It's basically an aggressive form of Chi Sao (Which in my opinion everyone should be building towards.) In the video below, Watch Virginia State, All-American and National Wrestling Champion Jon Siroedas teach you basically how to use a Wing Chun "Toi Sao" to clear a thumb block.

I can already hear the haters screaming "But Mike, He 'Clearing' the hand!" to which I reply, Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet? The names of things don't effect what they really are. I use the Toi Sao move to "clear" hands all the time. I say, "Toi Sao" is what I call the move... "Clearing" is the effect of said move.

3. Entering Techniques.

Otherwise referred to as "Bridging the Gap" or "Closing the Distance", These concepts are a staple in Wing Chun. And a good thing too, because most of the Art involves fighting in close proximity. Practitioners had to become masters of getting into the range in the the first place safely, and with out taking damage. The photo progression below shows myself using the Biu Gee/O'o Tek combo in an attempt to do just that.

4. Grabbing the Russian Tie.

In the Video below watch how JKD master and Retired Pro MMA Fighter Ron Balicki uses the Lop Sao to sneak in an upper cut, then pulls on the bicep to unbalance his opponent. Now watch him morph this concept to a standard wrestling "Two on One"... Chi Sao employs nearly every entrance you learned in wrestling. The Art just prefers to stop there an punch instead. Why? Because Yiu Kai, professed creator of Wing Chun, was a woman... And I would guess not fond of the idea of going to the ground with her (probably) male assailants.

5. Cage Work.

I mentioned proximity in #3 and it rears its head again in the last installment. You know all that "Dirty Boxing" that we never saw in the mainstream until the UFC? Well think of Wing Chun as the Dirty Boxing hipsters, because they were doing it BEFORE it was cool. Wing Chun expertly understood how to generate power when in close. The Legendary Bruce Lee used these concepts and became famous for the power he was able to pull out of his "One Inch Punch."

 

In Conclusion,

I used a vast array of styles in MMA fights... And Wing Chun is one of them. The POINT of Mixing Martial Arts is to explore and take pieces of what works and apply them to your game. Saying "Wing Chun isn't practical" is like saying the Karate Front Kick isn't practical... And you all know how THAT debate ended.

Mike O'Laskey is a Welterweight Champion MMA fighter and Owner of O'Laskey Martial Arts in Burbank, CA.

www.olaskeyma.com

1312 W. Magnolia Blvd 
Burbank Ca
91506

818-480-7810
olaskeyma@gmail.com

Utah MMA Champ Starts Anti-Bullying Program in Burbank CA

"Big Bang" Mike O'Laskey is SteelFist MMA's Welterweight Champion and he is starting a Program in his hometown of Burbank California that aims to use the sport as a tool to end intolerance and bullying in the San Fernando Valley.

"The Sport of MMA was one of the best things to happen to the Martial Arts..." The Champion Explains "... It ended the Palor tricks and gimmicks that a lot of people fell into. The problem I think is now we've over corrected, and forgotten the 'art' side of Mixed Martial Arts. I'm not concerned with creating fighters as much as I am concerned with reintroducing people to how the Martial Arts can change their lives for the better. For me? That led to cage fighting, for most others, that's not the case."

Mike recounts a time where pupils were not only trained in combat, but were given the tools in controling that power. "The Samurai for instance were not only trained in war time sword play... But were expected to live by a certain rule set known as the 'Bushido Code'. This code was effective in reigning in the power of the samurai warrior, Making sure that he was only using his might for right."

Okay, But how does teaching teenagers how to fight aid in ending bullying? The Champ Explains "The act of bullying is not likely one that can be 'ended' in the way most people want it to. Bullying is unforunatly a social construct that we evolved in order to keep people in line. We see the the behavior in all animals that live in groups. But like with most of the unsavory aspects of our subconcious the aim is to redirect the behavior into a positive outlet."

O'Laskey explains that this outlet can be anything social from Bowling Leagues to Book Clubs. The main theme seems to be finding the right outlet and the right mentor. "When kids feel included and accepted in a group dynamic, they are going to be less worried about what is happening in school... Whether they're inclined to be the bully or the bullied. This is where I think Martial Arts schools are the best equiped to deal with the matter. The gym provides a refuge of like minded people who are interested in the same thing your child is... while at the same time providing a physical outlet for frusterations gathered from elsewhere."

...Bullying is at its most harmful when a child feels like there is no escape, The goal of my MMA program is to provide them with a place where they can train and feel accepted while learning how to set reasonable goals and achieve them in a healthy, repectful way."

The current culture of Martial Arts seems to be one of an "In your Face" attitude. Perhaps Mike O'Laskey is part of a dying breed of old school Martial Artists, We certainly hope not.

Mike O'Laskey's Gym is Located at 1312 W. Magnolia Blvd in Burbank. If you'd like to get more info, his website is www.olaskeyma.com

5 Reasons A Walking Stick is Self Defense KING!

Its 11:15pm in the heart of Los Angeles. My 13 year old Blue Heeler "Ender" gives me a sharp bark, His way of indicating that its time for a bathroom walk. Being as old as he is... I can't leave anything to chance lest I'm on carpet clean up duty in the morning. I put on my shoes and choose a weapon... As a 30 year practitioner of the Martial Arts and the son of a Green Beret, my weapon of choice?

Walking Stick.

Now before you get all Troll Face hear me out. I own a slew of knives and other weapons... Often I carry knives as side arms... but my go to more times than not? Is a walking stick... And here is why.

1. They're Non Threatening.

You ever get the evil eye for carrying your weapon? Most times people like us will welcome the awkward gaze of our sheathed fixed blade, or the subtle but noticeable shift in body language that comes with the recognition of a concealed carry. But we also know that sometimes... That's just a hassle. Nobody blinks twice at a walking stick... No debates over "Do you REALLY need that" or "What are you so 'afraid' of?" to have to deal with. They're great when you know you're going to be hanging out with the type of crowd that for some reason equates a person with a healthy respect for the individual responsibility to protect themselves with the size of their manhood.

You know the type... They're usually Fashionistas wearing Skinny Jeans and are Growing a mustache ironically... Which leads me to my next point....

2. They're Fashionable.

I have a walking stick for every occasion... from Wool sweater and Scally hat (Irish Blackthorn) to White Linen Suit and Tie (Aluminum Headed City Stick). And you know what? I look damn sexy. I was at the Capital Theater in SLC Utah for the showing of "Wicked" with a STUNNING girl on my arm... But my trusty cane was center stage. Never have I gotten more compliments on something that can be so violent. But maybe... that's its allure.


3. You can take them literally ANYWHERE.

Good luck taking your concealed carry to pick up your passport at the Federal Building. Ever forget your Folder in a pocket of your carry on at the Airport? How'd that go? My Dragon Headed Walking Stick however seems a fine accompaniment to my carry on luggage, Check out the video below and tell me how this guy isn't a Good friend in a Bad Situation... You can go ahead a Hashtag the word "Jealous" in the comments below.

4. You want fast deployment? I got the Doc Holiday of Self Defense tools.

Nothing beats a weapon already in your hand. Knife Manufacturers spend years designing Folding Blades that are fast to open from the pocket. And Quick Drawing a holstered weapon is an art form in and of itself worth studying... But the time it takes for you to pullout your weapon is likely the same time mine has already sprung into action.

You know what makes a weapon hard to use? A Shillelagh to the face.

5. They're Unassuming.

Usually, someone walking with the assistance of a cane indicates some kind of injury or disability. I like to think that would be muggers avoid targets of this nature... And if thats the case? Problem solved without a conflict. If that's NOT the case... well then you're damn sure they ain't expecting much of a fight. A good cup check with the Ten Shin Walking Stick serves them right.

I wonder how "Gimme your Wallet." sounds in falsetto.

In Conclusion...

Its worthy to note I'm not saying a walking stick is the End All, Be All weapon. Nor am I trying to make a case that a Cane can beat a Gun or Knife or any other weapon in combat. Regardless I'm sure the comments section will be riddled with "I'd Just Shoot em" Trolls and that's fine. All I'm saying is that when you factor in Convenience, Accessibility, Legality, Practicality, Price and everything else... You gotta show some walking stick love.

And before you flame me... Remember... I'm the Steelfist Ammy Welter Weight Champion whose every day carry is a 7.5 inch San Mai Magnum Tanto. We're on the same side here!

You can Follow me on Instagram >>HERE<< and Facebook >>HERE<< for more Fun!

Mike O'Laskey is a Welterweight Champion MMA fighter and Owner of O'Laskey Martial Arts in Burbank, CA.

www.olaskeyma.com
1312 W. Magnolia Blvd 
Burbank Ca
91506

818-480-7810
olaskeyma@gmail.com

Data Shows How Your Juice Cleanse is Killing You.

As a Fighter We need to have complete control over our weight. We learn lots tricks of the trade from lots of different people. Beyond just losing it, we need to make sure we are healthy and energized for training while we do. This is why our weight loss comes in stages. What I call "The Long Cut" that involves dialing in our nutrition, "The Short Cut" that regulates our carb and sugar intake and a "Hard Cut" which involves water.... just... lots to do with water.

One debunked fighter trick that has some how made it popular in to the world of the "Average Joe's" is Juice Cleanses or, Just the prevailing notion that Juice is somehow good for weight loss. Now I'm going to say this once... and put it in nice bold lettering so you retain it.

Juice is NO better for you

Than Soda is!

I Know, Tough to believe right? But in an article published in Nutrition Journal found here you can read about the sugar levels contained in popular juices... compared to soda. This is important... for as Nutrition Columnist for DMS Clay McKnight writes:

"Sugar that is not used quickly as

Energy is Stored as Fat

Through a Process called

Lipogenesis"

Check out this Graph showing how Cranberry Juice has a Higher Sugar content that Kool-aid and 7-up!

Or this one Showing Apple Juice Topping the Charts Beating BOTH Coke and Pepsi:

Imagine giving your Kids Dr. Pepper with their Toast in the Morning? Mmmmm 23 flavors of Childhood Obesity.

Now you maybe saying to your screen right now "But Mike... Juice has vitamins and stuff". To which I reply... "So what?" If your goals are vitamin intake, Maybe juice is a better choice over sodas... But even still, the Science on that suggests that their are more vitamins in consuming whole veggies than in drinking juice anyway.

Don't assume Weight Loss

and Eating "All Natural"

Are The Same Thing 

Sugar is All Natural... So is Arsenic... Both won't help you to your Ideal Body Weight. Stop trying to Hack your body... Why drink pounds and pounds worth of fruit in juice form? We all know intuitively that this is not how bodies are supposed to work! Doing so hits your liver with more sugar than it can process and can lead to Obesity, High Cholesterol, Diabetes and in some cases... Liver Damage.

In conclusion. Stop with the Juice Cleanses... In fact, stop with the juices in general. You're losing all the fiber in your fruit through the process anyway which is why you're feeling so dang hungry all the time. The money you spend on the Jamba Junk or the Home Juicer you sprung for could be better served in a membership to www.BuiltMag.com... Where subscription comes as Low as $1.99.

Mike O'Laskey is a Welterweight Champion MMA fighter and Owner of Olaskey Martial Arts in Burbank.


www.olaskeyma.com
1312 W. Magnolia Blvd 
Burbank Ca
91506

818-480-7810
olaskeyma@gmail.com