Shooto
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Contents |
Overview
Shooto is a combat sport that is governed by the Shooto Association and International Shooto Commission.
Although it is defined as a seperate sport, its almost identical nature at its top level to mixed martial arts has it widely regared as just another faction of MMA.
Shooto features champions in six weight classes with the champions being determined in the Japan based Shooto events.
History
Shooto began as an organization in 1985 when it was founded by Japanese professional wrestler, Satoru Sayama. Sayama aimed to create a realistic fighting system that differed from other professional wrestling organizations in that it would not have pre-determined results.
In 1996, World Shooto, the Shooto Association and the International Shooto Commission were formed, thus moving Shooto from being a single organization into a combat sport with governing bodies in place.
The lines between Shooto as a sport that is different to mixed martial arts have blurred since that date with many fans considering Shooto as simply another MMA organization for fighters. Due to the almost identical rules and regulations, MMA fighters and Shooters can transition from one another without effort.
Rules and Judging
Shooto rules bare a distinct resemblance to the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. Shooto rules allow grappling (joint locks and chokes), kicks, knees, punches, takedowns and throws. They disallow biting, elbow strikes, eye-gouging, forearm strikes, hair pulling, headbutting, kicking or kneeing to a downed opponent, small joint manipulation and strikes to the groin or throat.
Top class Shooters fight 3, 5 minute rounds with the result being determined by three judges at the end of the fight.
Weight Classes
Shooto features six weight classes ranging from bantamweight to light heavyweight:
- Bantamweight - 56 kg. (123 lbs.)
- Featherweight - 60 kg. (132 lbs.)
- Lightweight - 65 kg. (143 lbs.)
- Welterweight - 70 kg. (154 lbs.)
- Middleweight - 76 kg. (168 lbs.)
- Light Heavyweight - 83 kg. (183 lbs.)
Current Champions
Divisional Champions
For the full history of Shooto divisional champions see List of Shooto Champions.
| Weight Division | Champion | Since | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bantamweight (123 lbs.) | Shinichi Kojima | October 14, 2006 | 3 |
| Featherweight (132 lbs.) | Masakatsu Ueda | March 28, 2008 | 2 |
| Lightweight (143 lbs.) | Takeshi Inoue | November 29, 2008 | 0 |
| Welterweight (154 lbs.) | Takashi Nakakura | May 3, 2008 | 0 |
| Middleweight (168 lbs.) | Shinya Aoki | February 17, 2006 | 1 |
| Light Heavyweight (183 lbs.) | Siyar Bahadurzada | July 15, 2007 | 0 |
External Links
- Shooto Australia
- Shooto Bulgaria
- Shooto Finland
- Shooto France
- Shooto Holland
- Shooto Italy
- Shooto Japan
- Shooto Sweden
- Shooto Switzerland
- Unofficial Worldwide Shooto Results- & Fighterindex Website
- Ironheart Crown, American Shooto event
--Sam Cupitt 04:11, 24 April 2009 (UTC)
