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Shooto

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description Shooto Overview

Shooto is a Japanese mixed martial arts organization and combat sport created by professional wrestler Satoru Sayama in 1985. The fighting system integrates striking techniques with submission grappling and catch wrestling, allowing fighters to win by knockout, submission, or referee stoppage. It operates as both a competitive ruleset and a governing body for amateur and professional fighters, predating many modern MMA promotions.

help Shooto FAQ

Who created the Shooto fighting organization?

Shooto is a Japanese mixed martial arts organization and combat sport created by professional wrestler Satoru Sayama in 1985. Sayama, who is also famously known as the original Tiger Mask in Japanese wrestling, developed the system to create a realistic and complete combat sport.

What martial arts techniques are allowed in Shooto?

The fighting system integrates striking techniques with submission grappling and catch wrestling, making it one of the earliest true MMA organizations. Fighters are allowed to win by knockout, submission, or referee stoppage, utilizing a blend of stand-up and ground fighting.

How does Shooto classify its professional fighters?

Shooto utilizes a unique class system that separates amateur fighters from professionals, categorizing its pros into Class B and Class A. This structure ensures that fighters gain adequate experience in lower tiers before they can compete for the major championship titles.

What is the difference between Shooto and standard Japanese Professional Wrestling?

While created by a pro wrestler, Shooto is strictly a shoot fighting organization, meaning the matches are entirely unscripted and competitive. It heavily diverged from the theatrical, predetermined outcomes of Japanese pro wrestling by focusing on legitimate athletic combat.

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