Traditional Martial Arts in MMA

[SPX]

What do you guys think about the role of TMAs in MMA?

I know that Kyokushin Karate and Judo have always gotten respect, but by and large people act as if the TMAs are relics of a bygone past that have been proven ineffective. Shotokan Karate, long disparaged, got a jolt of popularity and respect when Machida showed that, yes, if properly trained and, perhaps, with a few modifications, it can be used in practical situations.

Taekwondo was the style that I first trained in when I was a kid. I do believe that McDojos are rampant in terms of TKD, but like Shotokan, if properly trained, I think it can be very effective and I know that a number of serious TKD guys have gone on to do well in kickboxing.

Here's a vid of an ITF TKD guy who has a decent MMA record of 14-9:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8048hXhXKs4

ITF TKD is noticeably different from WTF, or Olympic-style TKD, in that hand techniques are emphasized and both punches and kicks are allowed to the head. There's actually an org referred to as "Pro-Taekwondo" that holds competitions that are basically kickboxing with some stupid rules about the use of hands like only straight punches being allowed.

Beyond TKD and Karate, how about traditional kung fu? Could someone master the techniques of northern shaolin to the point of being able to use it effectively in a real fight?

[Mr. IWS]

I think any striking martial art can be effective in MMA. But these guys need to have at least some wrestling, because 9 times out of 10, every fight hits the ground at least once. Im not saying they have to have some JJ, but I think in todays game, you can only go so far with Karate, TKD, etc.

Just my 2 cents.

[SPX]

I think any striking martial art can be effective in MMA. But these guys need to have at least some wrestling, because 9 times out of 10, every fight hits the ground at least once. Im not saying they have to have some JJ, but I think in todays game, you can only go so far with Karate, TKD, etc.

Just my 2 cents.

I agree with you. Maybe I should clarify and say that I mean TMAs in regard to the striking portion of the game. The grappling aspect is something else completely.

Though some TMAs, like Hapkido, combine elements of both.

[Luke]

I think you can still be a great MMA fighter even a champion with TMA. I dont even think you need a ground game .What you need is a good take down defense so you dont end up on the ground .Some say thats not going to happen but I point out thats what Liddell did when he was champ. It was almost impossible to take him down and then he let his Kemp Karate do the rest. Its something I still think it possible.Everyone now is just heading the wreslting direction at the moment.

[SPX]

I think that obviously if you can have such good TD defense that the fight simply never makes it to the ground, and combine that with excellent striking, then you can go very far, perhaps all the way to the belt. I think Chuck never did lose that. He seems to have just gotten passed by in the striking area and has experienced a loss in his ability to take punches as well.

[SPX]

This is the shit that I really want to see successfully used in the Octagon:

[Luke]

This is the shit that I really want to see successfully used in the Octagon:

you want to see a druken monkey used in the cage?

[Mr. IWS]

Drunkin Monkey is underated. I think it would work.

[SPX]

If only a true master would emerge.

We need the Machida of Drunken Monkey.

[zY|]

Slow week, huh?

[Mr. IWS]

Slow week, huh?

haha

[SPX]

Slow week, huh?

I literally laughed out loud at this shit.

Anyway, no, I have always been a TMA sympathizer and I'm going to be starting a Taekwondo class for credit at my college this coming semester, so my mind's on the subject. Thought I would raise some discussion about it.

[Mr. IWS]

I remember Tank Abbot fucked up John Matua, Matua was doing that Druckin Monkey shit.

[Luke]

Slow week, huh?

Wait till football and basketball is over and the only thing that is on is baseball .I'll be posting every dumb thing under the sun

[SPX]

I remember Tank Abbot fucked up John Matua, Matua was doing that Druckin Monkey shit.

I must go look this fight up now. . .

[zY|]

What all 18 seconds of it? LOL

[SPX]

What all 18 seconds of it? LOL

Ha ha, okay, just saw it. He knocked that motherfucker clean out. Dude just laid there with his arms all up in a weird position and everything.