One of the most misinformed views in the MMA scene is that many people are under the impression that martial arts such as Traditional Karate-Do are not as effective as other martial arts in the ring. In fact many think that grappling and kickboxing skills are the standard to a consistent record of success.
Regardless of opinion or preference, it is safe to say that every method of fighting has its advantages and it is the person who can wheel his craft to his advantage vs. another fighter that makes the superior fighter.
Another uninformed opinion is that Traditional Karate-Do is simply a one dimensional art, when in fact it is one of the very first, if not THE "original" mixed martial art of modern times. Not only does Karate-do offer a variety of principles within its teachings, but it is very practical and approaches things from a no non-sense and strait forward mentality.
Karate teaches a variety of techniques ranging from striking and kicking, to leg sweeps, take downs and some basic grappling as it also incorporates joint locks and manipulations as well. All of these techniques were at one point adapted from other arts but are now considered Karate Techniques.
One person who has proven himself in the MMA world is a SHOTOKAN Karate Stylist
by the name of Lyoto Carvalho Machida.
Lyoto is a Brazilian professional mixed martial arts fighter and is the 3rd son of Japanese-Brazilian Shotokan Karate master Yoshizo Machida. Lyoto is considered by many to be a rising star in MMA, having secured victories over many UFC and PRIDE Champions from the likes of Tito Ortiz, Rich Franklin, B.J. Penn and Light Heavyweight runner-up of the UFC's The Ultimate Fighter 1, Stephan Bonner. Machida is still undefeated in MMA and the UFC with an impressive record of 16 - 0 and is now the current Light Heavy Weight Champion!
Lyoto is noted for his SHOTOKAN oriented style of evasive movement and quick counter striking. Many opponents find Lyoto's methods to be unorthodox and difficult to figure out.
In Addition, he currently trains with such fighters as UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva, former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort, and former PRIDE FC and current UFC Interim Heavyweight champion Antonio Rodriga Nogueira.
Machida's most recent fights were victories over Tito Ortiz, Tiago Silva (KO), Rashad Evans (KO) and Mauricio Shogun Rua (unanimous decision)
Lyoto began his SHOTOKAN training with his father master Yoshizo Machida at the tender age of four, earning his black-belt "SHODAN" at the age of 13. He began training in Sumo at 12 and Brazilian Ju-Jutsu at 15.
Lyoto has won a number of amateur karate tournaments, including the 2001 Pan American Karate Championships. He was also runner up in the 2000 Brazilian Sumo Championships in the 115-kg division. At 16 - 0, his MMA record speaks for itself.
Whenever he is asked about his fighting style, he is always thankful for his extensive Shotokan foundation.
While watching his fights, it is easy to recognize his Karate like methods of attack, elusive footwork "Tai Sabaki", leg sweeping "ashi barai" take downs and lightning speed punching.
Another great skill Lyoto possesses if his ability to avoid shooting attacks and takedowns from other grappling based fighters. These are all tactics he utilizes to systematically dismantle his opponents which has led him to an undefeated record.
