Shootfighting 1611691 224528875 2008-07-09T07:26:04Z AggieMagna 7446633 /* External links */ [[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]] [[es:Shootfighting]] [[fr:Shootfighting]] [[it:Shootfighting]] [[sv:Shootfighting]]