What is shootfighting?

Shotfighting is a full-contact combat sport that combines elements of striking and grappling techniques. It originated in Japan in the early 1980s and has since gained popularity around the world.

In shootfighting, competitors are allowed to use a variety of techniques including punches, kicks, knees, and elbows for striking, as well as clinching, takedowns, and submissions for grappling. Matches take place in a ring or cage, and can be won by knockouts, submissions, or judges' decision.

Shootfighting is known for its emphasis on realism and practicality, with fighters training in a variety of martial arts disciplines such as boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The sport is often used to test the effectiveness of different fighting styles and techniques in a competitive setting.

Some well-known shootfighting organizations include Pancrase in Japan and Shooto in both Japan and the United States. The sport has also influenced the development of mixed martial arts (MMA) and served as a precursor to modern-day MMA events.