Miami-Based Fighter to Compete in Nationally Televised Tournament on ESPN Deportes

Bellator Fighting Championships, a first-of-its-kind Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion, officially announced today the exclusive signing of former Cuban Olympian Hector “Shango” Lombard. Lombard will compete in the Middleweight (185 lb.) division of Bellator’s tournament style events, which premiere on ESPN Deportes April 4, 2009 and run for 12 weeks every Saturday night.

Multiple-time Cuban National Judo Champion and standout member of the 2000 Cuban Olympic Judo team, Lombard has amassed an outstanding 17 - 2 record since transitioning to MMA. Currently residing in Miami, Florida and training with the world-renowned American Top Team and managed by Miami’s First Round Management, Lombard’s signing with Bellator marks American fans’ first opportunity to see this 185 lb. phenomenon fight on U.S. soil on national television.

“Lombard is a world-class Judo player who loves to fight and brings an electrifying intensity to every fight,” says Bjorn Rebney, CEO of Bellator. “We’re very pleased to announce that he will be fighting for us and competing in our Middleweight tournament.”

Until now, Lombard has displayed his talents in Japan and Australia, where fans have had the opportunity to watch as he’s refined and polished his overall MMA skills. As one of the top fighters in Bellator’s 185 lb. division, now U.S. MMA fans will have the opportunity to watch Lombard fight and track his progress in Bellator’s Tournament.

The Bellator Fighting Championships’ premiere season consists of 12 two-hour events to be broadcast weekly during primetime on Saturday nights. The nationally televised events will feature a combination of tournament and non-tournament special feature bouts. There will be four simultaneous tournaments taking place in season #1 over a three month period: one in each of the Featherweight (145 lb.), Lightweight (155 lb.), Welterweight (170 lb.) and Middleweight (185 lb.) divisions.

Bellator’s interactive Web site, http://www.bellator.com/, featuring event and fighter information, behind the scenes video footage, fight clips and live interaction with Bellator fighters will go live in January 2009.

Source: Bellator Fighting Championships

Scott Maasen, considered one of the country’s leading criminal defense attorneys specializing in DUI cases, and whose firm, the Maasen Law Firm, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is representing basketball legend Charles Barkley, issued a statement today with regard to Barkley’s arrest early Wednesday, December 31, 2008, on drunk driving charges.

“Mr. Barkley, who has no prior DUI convictions, believes wholeheartedly in the court system and is cooperating fully with the court’s process,” says Scott Maasen. “Mr. Barkley wishes to thank family, friends and his ardent fans for their tremendous outpouring of support during this difficult time.” Maasen went on to add, “Our firm has begun an independent investigation into the facts of the case and charges against Mr. Barkley.”

Barkley, who was pulled over by Gilbert police at 75th Street and 6th Avenue, in Scottsdale, while driving 10 miles per hour at approximately 1:30 a.m. shortly after leaving the Dirty Pretty Rock Bar in a black Infiniti SUV the morning of December 31, refused the optional portable breathalyzer test but provided a blood sample. “Those test results are pending,” Maasen says. Barkley was cited and released on suspicion of two counts of misdemeanor DUI.

According to Gilbert Police Lt. Eric Shuhandler, Barkley “was respectful and cooperative,” during the routine stop and arrest.

Barkley, who left the command post in a cab to return to his hotel, will appear before Scottsdale Municipal Court on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

“We believe Charles Barkley will be treated fairly,” Maasen says. “He has no prior DUI convictions and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Scott Maasen is available for further comment on Mr. Barkley’s behalf in studio, by phone or via email. Please direct all queries to Ms. Kerr.

Source: Maasen Law Firm

Today’s fast-paced, demanding culture often makes it challenging to find ways to establish and maintain good physical and mental health. Karate, which is most commonly recognized as a means of self-defense, can also serve as a surprisingly effective vehicle to help anyone achieve a fit body; relieve stress; build character, confidence and self-esteem; learn self-discipline; and improve his or her leadership skills.

Karate For Your Body — a progressive training facility in Manhattan Beach, Calif. run by Grandmaster Clarence “Daddy-O” Smith, an 8th Degree Black Belt — is currently developing a series of DVDs that allow individuals to realize the benefits of karate in their daily lives on their own schedule. Volume one in the series, “Focusing On Fundamentals,” will be available in February 2009.

“Focusing On Fundamentals” provides a comprehensive introduction to martial arts, but it functions equally well as a refresher course or simply a useful training aid. The DVD moves from stretching through punches, kicks, stances and blocks, culminating in an overview of how to apply these techniques. According to Grandmaster Smith, “‘Focusing On Fundamentals’ is an invaluable tool for all ages, shapes, sizes and ability levels. Its six separate segments allow students to work at their own pace and repeat individual skills as necessary to achieve maximum results.”

“Focusing On Fundamentals” will retail for $39.99 after its release on Feb. 1, 2009, but individuals can preorder their copy on or before Jan. 31 for just $29.99. More information is available on the Karate For Your Body Web site at http://www.karate4yourbody.com/.

Grandmaster Clarence “Daddy-O” Smith and Karate For Your Body

Grandmaster Clarence “Daddy-O” Smith — the driving force behind Karate For Your Body and its philosophy of karate as the new way to health, balance, awareness and self-defense — has practiced Tang Soo Do for over 35 years, competing successfully at the state, national and international level. He has received numerous accolades, was inducted into the National Hall of Fame in 2007 as Most Distinguished Grandmaster, and was recently named to the Directorship of Southern California. For more information, visit http://www.karate4yourbody.com/.