Shootfighting

Art

シュートファイティング

Overview

Japanese hybrid martial art combining professional wrestling catch techniques with martial arts striking. Influenced the development of MMA. Shooto (the sport version) holds regular professional competitions.

Country of Origin

Japan

Founded

1985

Also known as

Shoot fightingShoot WrestlingShooto

Combat Effectiveness

Overall Combat Rating

8/10

History & Origin

Founder

Satoru Sayama (Shooto) / Bart Vale (Shootfighting)

Lineage & Key Figures

Lineage

Structure & Training

Signature Techniques

Shoot (Legitimate Takedown) — the term comes from pro wrestling; a real takedown attempt vs. a 'worked' oneCatch-Wrestling Submissions — neck cranks, leg locks, and torque-based submissions inherited from catch-as-catch-canPalm Strikes (Open Hand) — many Shootfighting rulesets required open-palm strikes to the face instead of closed fistsStanding Submission Attempts — aggressive standing guillotines and headlock takedowns; bridging wrestling and strikingHybrid Guard Passing — early systematic approach to passing guard combining wrestling pressure with submission awareness

Core Technique Classes

SubmissionsStrikingTakedownsGround fightingCatch wrestling holds

Sub-Types

hybridjapanese martial art

Competition

Medical & Safety

Danger Rating

high/10

Sources & References

[1] Sayama, Satoru. Shooto: The Real Fight. 1985. — link

[2] Green, Thomas A. Martial Arts of the World. ABC-CLIO, 2001.

[3] Bart Vale. Shootfighting: The Complete Manual. (1999)

Primary Source

Sayama Satoru (Tiger Mask / Super Tiger). Shooto: The Real Mixed Martial Art. (1985).

Geography & Status

Status

Competitive SportActive

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