Art of War Promotion: Promising or Doomed?

What does everyone think about this Art of War promotion coming out of China? Apparently they're picking up significant backing recently including the Crowned Prince of Abu Dhabi so they will likely have a lot of money to throw around in the future. Right now, their lineup isn't anywhere close to world class. However, they're backed by the Chinese government and on national tv in China so they have huge exposure there.

What I really like about it is that their rules are similar to Pride in that they allow knees to a downed opponent, soccer kicks, and stomps. The thing i'm not sure about is the rounds and scoring system which is non-existent. They have a 10 minute round, followed by a 2 minute break and then a final 5 minute round like Dream. But get this, if one of the fighters isn't stopped by the end of the 5 minute round, it is considered a draw and there are no judges. What are people's opinions on this?

I was in China for the olympics and saw posters promoting this event. I spoke to some chinese MMA fans and I belive this event will prosper. I think I remeber Ray Elbe talking about fighting on one of their events and said good things.

and I like the idea of no judges...

I think it will be good to mix things up again in the mma world! Should be very interesting!

Promising. The next card looks good and the one after that is "supposedly" going to have some big international names

 I think that this event will do great...I also agree that it will definitely mix things up in the mma realm which is definitely a good thing.  I also like the idea of no judges; I think that it encourages people to try & finish fights.  Some will argue that it could encourage people to just survive because if they go the distance then they will not have a loss on their records but I think a lot of people are like me, & yes I fight, that feel a draw would be the same as a loss & would push to finish...



Overall, I think that this is going to prosper & can't wait to watch it grow...

I like the rules and absence of judges a lot. I think it will make for the most exciting fights and will be the more representative of actual hand to hand combat than other organizations. No more grinding out decision victories.

Seems like they are flying in a lot of well known mma icons to get some buzz going.

"In attendance for Art of War 12 is a star-studded array of MMA talent and persuasion. Guests include the Gracie quartet of Rickson, Royce, Royler, and Renzo; Dream Lightweight Grand Prix champion Joachim Hansen; former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia; veteran Jeremy Horn; Brazilians Fabricio Werdum, Thales Leites, Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro, Demian Maia, and Fabio Leopoldo, among others; the legendary Bas Rutten; pioneering broadcaster Stephen Quadros; American Top Team's Ricardo Liborio; and many, many others." -mmaweekly

glassjawed - 

What I really like about it is that their rules are similar to Pride in that they allow knees to a downed opponent, soccer kicks, and stomps.


They also add elbows from what I understand, which actually makes it more similar to the old ICON Hawaii events, or old school vale tudo.

The no judges thing doesn't bother me right now. If guys start riding out the clock to avoid a loss I fully expect the fans and ultimately the promotors police that by putting FINISHERS on fight cards.

I am really happy to hear that Art of War is picking up momentum.

Sounds like there is a good chance we might get some real MMA! Will be a nice change from the watered down version we are currently getting in the US.

No doubt when Dana does talk about it he will swear a whole bunch and say everyone in it can't fight, no matter who makes the card.

 My only issues. I don't like draws, I like to know the winner. Plus,  with betting the house does not win nor does the player with a draw.....

i guess you can bet on win, lose, draw

 If they allow elbows too then I think that this event will be absloutely awesome...I love the old IVC (which was awesome with the absense of rules) & the ICON events....knees & kicks on the ground as well as elbows is how I feel mma should be...if the UFC could ever get knees & kicks on the ground sanctioned I think we would see a whole new set of "stars"; I know that sanctioning is a problem but I'm not sure on where the BLAF stands on the issue...

Think of the talent pool they can pull fighters from especially if the government gets involved. China also has a long history of folk-style wrestling so in time they should produce excellent fighters.

Also think how serious a China v. Japan v. South Korea rivalry would be.

bump of love

www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp



"Elbow strikes (including 12 to 6, point of elbow strikes), knees to the head of a grounded opponent, stomps and soccer kicks, are all allowed in Art of War."

 Promising. Are there DVDs of the events available by any chance?

Maybe off of http://www.artofwarfc.cn/

 Thanks glassjawed. Sadly no signs of DVDs.

Promising