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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:
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?
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:
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?
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