Unified Martial Art Academy - Official website

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Shooto is a modern mixed martial arts organization in Japan especially known for its fighters at or under 155 pounds, and a style practiced by those who compete in the organization. The name is an English transliteration of the Japanese words Shu To which loosely translated means 'Learn Combat'.

It combines elements of boxing (with a special type of mini-gloves, barely covering the palm of the hand) and free-style wrestling. The Japanese consider it 'near-naked' because fighters don't wear a short kimono (as in traditional martial arts) but only shorts (like boxers)

Shooto fighters are categorized into three Classes.

Class-C: Amateur (2x3min, Headgears, Special point system)

Class-B: Pro (2x5min)

Class-A: Pro (3x5min)

Fighters starts out as Class-C fighters and enter amateur competitions that Shooto hosts together with the help of local gyms all over Japan. There are regional championship and once a year the All-Japan amateur championships. Then a fighter can get a Class-B pro license, these fights are 2x5 minute long and use the same rules as Class-A fights. For new Pros Shooto each year hold a Rookie tournament in each weight class.

When a fighter has gathered enough wins and experience in Class-B he will get awarded with a Class-A license, as a sign that he's part of the elite pros.

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History

It was established in 1986 by Satoru Sayama, a former pro-wrestler and martial artist who wished to create a sport that revolved around a realistic and effective fighting system. It has spread rapidly over several continents, notably Europe and the Americas (especially Brazil)

Old champions of note are: Yuki Nakai, Noboru Asahi, Kazuhiro Sakamoto, Naoki Sakurada, Enson Inoue, Hayato Sakurai, Anderson Silva, Takanori Gomi , Caol Uno, Joachim Hansen & Vitor Riberio.

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Current Champions

Bantamweight: Mamoru (Japan/STG Yokohama)

Featherweight: Ryota Matsune (Japan/Paraestra Matsudo)

Lightweight: Alexandre Franca Nogueira (Brazil/World Fight Center)

Welterweight: Tatsuya Kawajiri (Japan/TOPS)

Middleweight: Akira Kikuchi (Japan/Purebred Tokyo)

Light heavyweight: Masanori Suda (Japan/Club J)

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External links

Gyms