Shootfighting
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224528875
2008-07-09T07:26:04Z
AggieMagna
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[[Image:Logo isfa.gif|thumb|150px|ISFA logo]]
'''Shootfighting''' is a [[combat sport]] and [[martial art]], with competitions governed by the ''International Shootfighting Association'' (ISFA). Shootfighting incorporates techniques from a multitude of traditional martial arts, the most principle of these being [[Muay Thai]] and [[Catch Wrestling]].
Shootfighting was previously used synonymously with [[mixed martial art]]s competitions in [[Japan]], as opposed to [[shoot wrestling#Shoot-style|shoot-style]] [[professional wrestling]] competitions. This usage of the term is retired from common usage because it became a registered trademark of Bart Vale, who uses it to describe his [[hybrid fighting system]] derived from [[shoot wrestling]]. However, it is still sometimes used colloquially.
Examples which were once considered shootfighting styles, tournaments or organizations are [[Pancrase]], [[Shoot boxing]] and [[Shooto]], where many fighters still considered themselves to be ''shootfighters''.
[[Ken Shamrock]] is possibly the most recognisable shoot fighter, as this was the discipline he was credited as using in the early days of the [[UFC]].
==History of shootfighting==
Shootfighting's use as a synonym for [[mixed martial arts]] had its genesis in the 1970s, when [[Karl Gotch]] taught a group of [[Japan]]ese professional wrestlers [[catch wrestling]] techniques, called "''hooking''" or "''[[shoot (professional wrestling)|shooting]]''". In 1976, one of these pro-wrestlers, [[Antonio Inoki]], hosted a series of mixed martial arts matches. This led to an increased interest in real and effective technique, and eventually led to the creation of [[shoot wrestling]], with some [[shoot wrestling#Shoot-style|shoot-style]] [[professional wrestling]] organizations hosting legitimate mixed martial arts bouts, called "''shoots''". In the 1990s the interest grew, and certain shoot-style organizations like [[Pancrase]] evolved into pure "shoot" organizations. The term "shootfighting" was frequently used to describe these events and styles.
The word "shootfighting" was however coined by [[Bart Vale]], an [[United States|American]] with a [[background]] in [[wrestling]]. He was the [[Japanese people|Japanese]] ''Professional Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi'' (PWFG, a Japanese [[shoot wrestling#Shoot-style|shoot-style]] [[professional wrestling]] organization) champion for close to [[three]] years. Upon moving back to America, [[Bart]] Vale used the term "shootfighting" to describe his own [[hybrid fighting system]], which was a combination of the [[shoot wrestling]] techniques he had learned in Japan, and his experience in [[karate|American karate]] and [[kickboxing]]. He also founded the ''International Shootfighting Association'' to promote shootfighting as a [[combat sport]].
==Rules==
:(''Extract from the ISFA homepages''')
Currently professional shootfighting matches consists only of a heavyweight (200 lb or more) division. But there are lighter divisions for amateur competitors. Pro matches run 30 minutes non-stop, amateurs 10 minutes. Held inside a standard [[wrestling]] ring, competitors are allowed to [[kick]], [[knee (strike)|knee]] or [[elbow (strike)|elbow]] any part of the body except the [[groin]], as well as [[headbutt]]. [[punch (strike)|Punches]] are allowed to the body. Since no gloves are worn to facilitate wrestling, punches aren't allowed to the head, although open hand palms and slaps are allowed. Any type of [[throw (grappling)|throw]] or [[takedown (grappling)|takedown]] is legal and competitors are allowed to hit a [[downed opponent]]. Additionally, any type of [[joint lock]] is legal as are [[chokehold|chokes]] against the side of the neck. The only foul consists of punches to the face, [[eye-gouges]], techniques against the [[windpipe]] and [[groin attack|groin strikes]].
Fights are won when a competitor is [[knocked down]] for a 10 count, knocked down 5 times or forced to [[submission (combat sport term)|submit]]. A fighter caught in a submission hold may grab the ropes to break the hold, but this counts as a 1/3 of a knock down. Grabbing the ropes 15 times equals a loss. Bouts that go to the full time limit are declared a draw.
==See also==
* [[Pancrase]]
* [[Pride Fighting Championships]]
* [[Fighting Network RINGS]]
* [[Professional wrestling in Japan|Puroresu]]
* [[Shooto]]
* [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]
* [[Vale tudo]]
==References==
<div class="references-small">
* Chan, Sam. [http://bjj.org/editorials/19980215-prowrest/ The Japanese Pro-Wrestling: Reality Based Martial Art Connection]. ''bjj.org''. URL last accessed [[January 7]] [[2006]].
* Herzog, Paul. [http://www.mindspring.com/~gus_p/gus2.html History of Shootfighting]. ''www.mindspring.com''. URL last accessed [[January 7]] [[2006]].
* International Shootfighting Association. [http://www.shootfighting.com/history_isfa.html History of the ISFA]. ''www.shootfighting.com''. URL last accessed [[January 7]] [[2006]].
</div>
==Gyms and Clubs==
* [http://www.londonshootfighters.com London Shootfighters] London Shootfighters, The UK's premier MMA gym.
==External links==
* [http://www.shootfighting.com International Shootfighting Association] The homepage of the International Shootfighting Association.
* [http://www.shootfighting.org Official Shootfighting information & training in Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville & Davis, CA]
* [http://www.shootersmma.com The Shooters MMA Association] The homepage of the European Shootfighting Association.
*[http://www.riverhorse.tv/CATCH/ Website of the film 'Catch - the hold not taken', a documentary on Shoot Wrestling and its impact on MMA]
[[Category:Combat sports]]
[[Category:Hybrid martial arts]]
[[Category:Martial arts terms]]
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