Shooting - vintage footage from Japan

Shooting or Shooto was one of the earliest organized MMA-type sports, originating in Japan in 1985. It featured a blend of Muay Thai style stand-up fight combined with an aggressive ground game. The glove were much lighter than in boxing of the time and there was no other protection. In Japan it was marketed similarly to WWF in the US with much hype, odd characters, masks and outfits - however the fighting was fearsome and full contact. The Super Tiger gym was one of the best known in Japan - establishe The Super Tiger gym was one of the best known in Japan - established by Satoru Sayama who started the sport. It came to the USA in 1991 when Yorinaga Nakamura, one of Sayama’s top students began to teach it at the Inosanto Academy. Shoot fighter greats like Erik Paulson started with Nakamura.