Using Karate in Mixed Martial Arts

Submitted by staff on Thu, 08/13/2009 at 1:38pm.

Karate is a key component in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Karate is one of the most well-known martial arts in the world, and it can be provide particularly helpful training for those interested in MMA. Georges St-Pierre, the current Welterweight Ultimate Fighting Champion relies largely karate black belt to keep him on top of his game. St-Pierre trained in kyokushin karate starting when he was age seven and was being bullied at school. This early karate training set a foundation for him to later learn a wider variety of martial arts and earn the UFC title-- multiple times.

Kyokushin karate is possibly the best karate style for MMA. Kyokushin is the most physcially intense karate form and has a strong focus on realistic combat practice situations. Kyokushin allows kicks and knees to the heads, but does not allow hand strikes to the head. Kyokushin is also practiced without protection, padding, or gloves, so it requires a certain, ever-growing level of physical toughness and strength. Kyokushin will help a mixed martial artist develop strenght and power. Kyokushin karate is about pushing your physical limits and striking first-- something very essential in the MMA world.

Shotokan is another karate style that is practiced by some mixed martial artists. Current light heavyweight Ultimate Fighting Champion, Lyoto Machida, relies on Shotokan karate as his primary fighting style. Machida started training in karate at the age of three and earned his black belt by the time he was thirteen. Shotokan is a more precise form of karate than kyokushin karate. Shotokan focuses on speed, precision, footwork, and set forms and stances. Shotokan does help a mixed martial artist with exactness and precision.

These two forms of karate have proven to be very beneficial in the MMA world. Karate has a lot to offer in many different forms to enhance any mixed martial artist's game.

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