Friday, January 02, 2009

Ken Hahn and the Making of Mir

A fascinating, candid interview with Frank Mir's striking coach, Ken Hahn.

"Remaking Frank Mir: How Ken Hahn gave a BJJ black belt a striking game"

The interview covers much more than just strategy and tactics. It sounds as if Hahn played a sizable role in helping bring Mir not only back from his post-Pe de Pano lows but also to beyond his best levels as a rising UFC heavyweight contender pre-motorcycle accident.

Hahn has a lot of things to say about training that are well worth remembering, how to build confidence and develop technique, and his difference between a fighter and a martial artist (hint, he favors the latter).

The interview mentions Hahn's TUF era blog (Hahn was one of Mir's coaches during the most recent TUF). I should look those up and see what sort of insights Hahn was seeing in the various fighters months ago.