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Is it possible to use Judo and Karate in an MMA match?

Judo and Karate are martial arts forms that originated from Japan. They are distinct and unique on their own. But what if they are combined with other forms of fighting styles used in the field of mixed martial arts?

As some of us know very well by now, mixed martial arts is a modern combat sport that experienced a surge in popularity over the last few years. It is composed of various fighting styles that mostly deals with striking and grappling maneuvers.

It is in striking that Karate contributes well in MMA. Over the years since its development from the indigenous fighting methods in Japan, Karate have formed various hand chops and blows. Punches, kicks, knees, as well as elbow strikes are but some of the striking techniques that are used in MMA. Open handed techniques such as knife-hands and karate chops are also employed in mixed martial arts. Some kata formations also teach grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and other vital point strikes.

There are known mixed martial arts fighters who use Karate to strike against their opponents. Some of these notable fighters include Georges St. Pierre, Chuck liddel, and Lyoto Machida. Georges St Pierre knows Kyokushin, Chuck Liddel practices Kenpo and Koei-Kan, while Lyoto Machida has extensive background on Shotokan.

However, despite all of these, Karate is often overshadowed by other martial arts form such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Still, the contribution of Karate to MMA can never be discounted as seen in the performances of the fighters who use Karate in striking opponents.

Another martial arts form that came from Japan is Judo. Judo is characterized by various throwing techniques. As such, this style is often used in MMA’s grappling moves.

The most prominent technique that Judo is known after is how a fighter throws or takes down an opponent. The best Judo practitioners can immobilize an opponent just by giving a grappling maneuver. Judo also makes use of striking techniques with hands and feet though these are not major part of this martial arts style. The list of MMA fighters that use Judo as their main fighting style are Manny Gamburyan, Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Hidehiko Yoshida, and Karo Paryisan. The major reason why they use Judo is due to the style’s effectiveness when it comes to ground works and arm locks.

The inclusion of fighting stances and techniques from Judo and Karate is a sign that MMA is continuously evolving. Though these two are not out rightly used in mixed martial arts like some forms of jiu jutsu, they have generously contributed some of their best throws and strikes to the field of MMA.

As what its name suggests, a person needs to be well versed to a lot of martial arts style before making it to the top league of the MMA. Judo and Karate can be a stepping stone to win a mixed martial arts match. Nonetheless, constant training under other martial arts form is the only way of making it to the top.