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Shōtōkan (松濤館流)
Date founded	1939
Country of origin	Japan
Founder	Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) Yoshitaka Funakoshi (1906–1945)
Arts taught	Karate
Ancestor arts	Okinawan Martial Arts, Jujutsu
Ancestor schools	Shuri-te, Takenouchi-ryū, Shindō Yōshin-ryū
Descendant schools	Wadō-ryū • Shōtōkai • Chitō-ryū • Shindō jinen-ryū • Yoseikan Karate • Kyokushin

Shotokan (松濤館流, Shōtōkan-ryū^?) is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi (1906–1945). Gichin was born in Okinawa ^[1] and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including those at Keio, Waseda, Hitotsubashi (Shodai), Takushoku, Chuo, Gakushuin, and Hosei.^[2]

Funakoshi had many students at the university clubs and outside dojos, who continued to teach karate after his death in 1957. However, internal disagreements (in particular the notion that competition is contrary to the essence of karate) led to the creation of different organizations—including an initial split between the Japan Karate Association (headed by Masatoshi Nakayama) and the Shotokai (headed by Motonobu Hironishi and Shigeru Egami), followed by many others—so that today there is no single "Shotokan school", although they all bear Funakoshi's influence. Being one of the first and biggest styles, Shotokan is considered a traditional and influential form of karate.

Etymology[link]

Shotokan was the name of the first official dojo built by Funakoshi, in 1939^[3] at Mejiro, and destroyed in 1945 as a result of an allied bombing.^[4] Shoto (松濤, Shōtō^?), meaning "pine-waves" (the movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them), was Funakoshi's pen-name,^[5] which he used in his poetic and philosophical writings and messages to his students. The Japanese kan (館, kan^?) means "house" or "hall". In honor of their sensei, Funakoshi's students created a sign reading shōtō-kan, which they placed above the entrance of the hall where Funakoshi taught.^[5] Gichin Funakoshi never gave his style a name, just calling it karate.

Characteristics[link]

Shotokan Tiger Rising Sun

Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is often regarded as a 'hard' and 'external' martial art because it is taught that way to beginners and coloured belts to develop strong basic techniques and stances. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style that incorporates grappling and some aikido-like techniques, which can be found in the black belt katas. Kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but are less structured, with a focus instead on speed and efficiency.

Philosophy[link]

Gichin Funakoshi laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate,^[6] (or Niju kun^[7]) which form the foundations of the art, before some of his students established the JKA. Within these twenty principles, based heavily on Bushido and Zen, lies the philosophy of Shotokan. The principles allude to notions of humility, respect, compassion, patience, and both an inward and outward calmness. It was Funakoshi's belief that through karate practice and observation of these 20 principles, the karateka would improve their person.^[5]

The Dojo kun lists five philosophical rules for training in the dojo; seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor to excel, respect others, refrain from violent behavior. The Dojo kun is usually posted on a wall in the dojo, and some shotokan clubs recite the Dojo kun at the beginning and/or end of each class to provide motivation and a context for further training.

Funakoshi also wrote: "The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of the participant."^[5]

Common terms[link]

Many terms used in karate stem from Japanese culture. While many are names (e.g. Heian, Gankaku), others are exclusive to martial arts (e.g. kata, kumite). Many terms are seldom used in daily life, such as zenkutsu dachi, while others appear routinely, such as rei. The Japanese form is often retained in schools outside of Japan to preserve the Okinawan culture and Funakoshi's philosophies.

However, many schools of JKA (Japan Karate Association) affiliated Shotokan Karate used the full terminology on a daily basis, providing translations also. For example the KUI (Karate Union of Ireland), utilises the full and proper Japanese name for each move and kata in training, grading and competition.

Ranks[link]

Rank is used in karate to indicate experience, expertise, and to a lesser degree, seniority. As with many martial arts, Shotokan uses a system of colored belts to indicate rank. Most Shotokan schools use the kyū / dan system but have added other belt colors. The order of colors varies widely from school to school, but kyu belts are denoted with colors that in some schools become darker as a student approaches shodan. Dan level belts are invariably black, with some schools using stripes to denote various ranks of black belt. Master Gichin Funakoshi himself never awarded a rank higher than Godan (5th degree black belt/5th Dan).

Kata[link]

Gichin Funakoshi executing Kanku dai kata (観空)

Embusen of Heian Shodan [from Best Embusen: Shotokan]

Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organized into a pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes and blocks. Body movement in various kata includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping. In Shotokan, kata is not a performance or a demonstration, but is for individual karateka to practice full techniques—with every technique potentially a killing blow (ikken hisatsu)—while paying particular attention to form and timing (rhythm). As the karateka grows older, more emphasis is placed on the health benefits of practicing kata, promoting fitness while keeping the body soft, supple, and agile.

Several Shotokan groups have introduced kata from other styles into their training. The original Shotokan kata syllabus is introduced in Funakoshi's book Karate-do Kyohan, which is the Master Text of Shotokan karate. Dai Nihon Karate-do Shotokai is the official representative of Shotokan karate. Japan Shotokai's kata syllabus is the same as established in "Karate-do Kyohan" added Gigo Funakoshi's staff kata Matsukaze No Kon.^[8] When the JKA was formed, Nakayama laid down 27 kata as the kata syllabus for this organization. Even today, thousands of Shotokan dojo only practice 26 of these 27 kata. The standard JKA kata are: Taikyoku shodan (sometimes termed Kata Kihon or Kihon Kata, discontinued in most of today's Shotokan dojos) (太極初段), Heian shodan (平安初段), Heian nidan (平安二段), Heian sandan (平安三段), Heian yondan (平安四段), Heian godan (平安五段), Bassai dai (披塞大), Jion (慈恩), Empi (燕飛), Kanku dai (観空大), Hangetsu (半月), Jitte (十手), Gankaku (岩鶴), Tekki shodan (鉄騎初段), Tekki nidan (鉄騎二段), Tekki sandan (鉄騎三段), Nijūshiho (二十四步), Chinte (珍手), Sōchin (壯鎭), Meikyō (明鏡), Unsu (雲手), Bassai shō (披塞小), Kankū shō (観空小), Wankan (王冠), Gojūshiho shō (五十四歩小), Gojūshiho dai (五十四歩大), and Ji'in (慈陰).^[2][9][10]

Kumite[link]

Kumite, or sparring (lit. Meeting of hands), is the practical application of kata to real opponents. While the techniques used in sparring are only slightly different than kihon, the formalities of kumite in Shotokan karate were first instituted by Masatoshi Nakayama wherein basic, intermediate, and advanced sparring techniques and rules were formalized.^[11]

Shotokan practitioners first learn how to apply the techniques taught in kata to hypothetical opponents by way of kata bunkai. Kata bunkai then matures into controlled kumite.^[12]

Kumite is the third part of the Shotokan triumvirate of kihon, kata and kumite. Kumite is taught in ever increasing complexity from beginner through low grade blackbelt (1st - 2nd) to intermediate (3rd - 4th) and advanced (5th onwards) level practitioners.

Beginners first learn kumite through basic drills, of one, three or five attacks to the head (jodan) or body (chudan) with the defender stepping backwards whilst blocking and only countering on the last defence. These drills use basic (kihon) techniques and develop a sense of timing and distance in defence against a known attack.

At around purple belt level karateka learn one-step sparring (ippon kumite). Though there is only one step involved, rather than three or five, this exercise is more advanced because it involves a greater variety of attacks and blocks usually the defenders own choice.^[13] It also requires the defender to execute a counter-attack faster than in the earlier types of sparring. Counter-attacks may be almost anything, including strikes, grapples, and take-down manoeuvres.

Some schools prescribe the defences, most notably the Kase-ha Shotokan-ryū, which uses an eight step, three directional blocking and attacking pattern, which develops from yellow belt level through to advanced level.

The next level of kumite is freestyle one-step sparring (jiyu ippon kumite). This type of kumite, and its successor—free sparring, have been documented extensively by Nakayama^[11][14][15] and are expanded upon by the JKA instructor trainee program, for those clubs under the JKA. Freestyle one-step sparring is similar to one-step sparring but requires the karateka to be in motion. Practicing one-step sparring improves free sparring (jiyu kumite) skills, and also provides an opportunity for practicing major counter-attacks (as opposed to minor counter-attacks).^[12] Tsutomu Ohshima states that freestyle one-step sparring is the most realistic practice in Shotokan Karate, and that it is more realistic than free sparring.^[16]

Free sparring (or free style) (jiyu kumite) is the last element of sparring learned. In this exercise, two training partners are free to use any karate technique or combination of attacks, and the defender at any given moment is free to avoid, block, counter, or attack with any karate technique. Training partners are encouraged to make controlled and focused contact with their opponent, but to withdraw their attack as soon as surface contact has been made.^[14] This allows attacking a full range of target areas (including punches and kicks to the face, head, throat, and body) with no padding or protective gloves, but maintains a degree of safety for the participants. Throwing one's partner and performing takedowns are permitted in free sparring, but it is unusual for competition matches to involve extended grappling or ground-wrestling, as Shotokan karateka are encouraged to end an encounter with a single attack (ippon), avoiding extended periods of conflict, or unnecessary contact in situations where there may be more than one attacker.

Kaishu ippon kumite is an additional sparring exercise that is usually introduced for higher grades. This starts in a similar manner to freestyle one-step sparring; the attacker names the attack he/she will execute, attacks with that technique, and the defender blocks and counters the attack. Unlike freestyle one-step sparring, however, the attacker may then be required to block the defender's counter-attack and strike back. This exercise is often considered more difficult than either freestyle one-step sparring or free sparring, as the defender typically cannot escape to a safe distance in time to avoid the counter to the counter-attack.^[12]

Kumite within the dojo often differs from competition kumite. In dojo kumite any and all techniques, within reason, are valid; punches, knife hand strikes, headbutt, locks, takedowns, kicks, etc. In competition certain regulations apply, certain techniques are valid, and certain target areas, such as the joints or throat, are forbidden. The purpose of competition is to score points through the application of kumite principles while creating an exciting and competitive atmosphere, whereas the purpose of training kumite in the dojo is to be prepared to kill or cripple an opponent in a realistic situation.^[17]

Kihon[link]

Kihon basics is the practice of basic techniques in Shotokan Karate. Kihon Kata, or Taikyoku Shodan, was developed by Yoshitaka Funakoshi, the son of Gichin Funakoshi, as a basic introduction to karate kata. (Yoshitaka also developed Taikyoku Nidan and Sandan) The kata consists of successive restatements of the theme of gedan barai - oi tsuki.

History[link]

Origins[link]

Shōtōkan-ryū founder Gichin Funakoshi

Gichin Funakoshi had trained in both of the popular styles of Okinawan karate of the time: Shōrei-ryū and Shōrin-ryū. After years of study in both styles, Funakoshi created a simpler style that combined the ideals of the two.^[5] He never named his style, however, always referring to it simply as "karate." Funakoshi's karate reflects the changes made in the art by Ankō Itosu, including the Heian/Pinan kata series. Funakoshi changed the names of some of the kata in an effort to make the Okinawan kata names easier to pronounce in the Japanese Honshū dialect.

In 1924, Funakoshi adopted the Kyū / Dan rank system and the uniform (keikogi) developed by Kano Jigoro, the founder of judo.^[18] This system uses colored belts (obi) to indicate rank. Originally, karate had only three belt colors: white, brown, and black (with ranks within each). The original belt system, still used by many Shotokan schools, is:

• 8th rising to 4th kyū: white
• 3rd rising to 1st kyū: brown
• 1st and higher dan: black

Funakoshi awarded the first 1st dan (初段; shodan) Shotokan karate ranks to Tokuda, Hironori Ōtsuka (Otsuka), Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Makoto Gima, and Shinyō Kasuya on 10 April 1924.

Major Shotokan organizations[link]

Famous practitioners[link]

Former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida holds a 3rd dan black belt in Shotokan karate, while his brother Shinzo holds a 4th dan and their father Yoshizo holds a 7th dan and was head of the Japan Karate Association's Brazilian branch.

Several other mixed martial artists also have a Shotokan background or utilize Shotokan (e.g., Vitor Belfort,Antonio Carvalho, Mark Holst, Assuerio Silva).

Action movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme holds a black belt in Shotokan and used the style when he competed in full contact karate competitions in the 1970s and 1980s. Wesley Snipes has a 5th dan black belt in Shotokan.^[19] Actor and action movie star Michael Jai White is also a practitioner of and black belt in Shotokan alongside seven other distinct martial arts.^[20]

See also[link]

• List of shotokan techniques
• U.S. intercollegiate shotokan karate champions

Footnotes[link]

Sources[link]

• Shojiro Sugiyama. (2005).11 Innovations in Karate. ISBN 978-0-9669048-3-3. Chicago, IL.

Further reading[link]

• Bruce Clayton. Shotokan's Secret: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate's Fighting Origins.
• Harry Cook. Shotokan Karate: A Precise History.
• Gichin Funakoshi. Karate-do Kyohan: The Master Text.
• Gichin Funakoshi. Karate-do Nyumon: The Master Introductory Text.
• John Sells. Unante: The Secrets of Karate (Panchita S. Hawley, 2nd ed. 2000) ISBN 0-910704-96-1 .
• Marius Podeanu. Best Embusen: Shotokan.
• Masatoshi Nakayama. Dynamic Karate.
• Randall G. Hassell. Shotokan Karate: Its History and Evolution (Damashi, 1984). ISBN 0-911921-05-2.
• Randall G. Hassell and Edmond Otis. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Karate". (Penguin Group (USA), 2000).
• Rob Redmond. Kata: The Folk Dances of Shotokan.
• Teruyuki Okazaki. Perfection of Character: Guiding Principles for the Martial arts & Everyday Life.
• http://www.martialedge.net/articles/techniques-and-tutorials/the-story-of-a-horse-stance/
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r75U-Eoq5Q
• http://www.shotokankarate.ca/katakiaipoints.htm
• http://www.break.com/usercontent/2008/9/Street-Fight-The-real-Karate-Kid-one-hit-knock-out-568920
• http://www.taikyokushodan.com/

External links[link]

• Shotokan at the Open Directory Project

v t e National members of the World Karate Federation Countries, teams, association and federation actively joining WKF World Championships. Europe (EKF) 53 Affiliated Countries Asian (AKF) South-East BRU CAM INA LAO MAS MYA PHI SIN THA TLS VIE West BRH IRI IRQ JOR KUW LIB OMA PLE QAT KSA SYR UAE YEM East CHN PRK KOR JPN TPE HKG MAC MGL Central KAZ KGZ TJK TKM UZB South AFG BAN BHU IND MDV NEP PAK SRI African (UFAK) 45 Affiliated Countries Pan America (PKF) 37 Affiliated Countries Oceania (OKF) AUS FIJ GUA NZL New Caledonia PNG Tahiti VAN SOL Ligue de Karate de Wallis et Futuna For a full list of articles see the World Karate Federation

Hirokazu Kanazawa (金澤 弘和, Kanazawa Hirokazu^?, born 3 May 1931) is a world-renowned Japanese master of Shotokan karate.^[1][2][3] He is the Chief instructor and President of the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation, an organisation he founded after he left the Japan Karate Association (JKA). Kanazawa is ranked 10th dan in karate.^[3]

Early life[link]

Kanazawa was born on 3 May 1931 in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.^[4][5][6] He trained in judo during his school years, and held the rank of 2nd dan in that martial art.^[3] He began training in karate whilst at Takushoku University under the then-head instructor of Shotokan karate, Masatoshi Nakayama.^[5] Kanazawa also learned from the founder of the Shotokan style, Gichin Funakoshi,^[7] and is one of the few living karateka (practitioners of karate) to have done so.

Kanazawa was promoted to the rank of 1st dan in Shotokan karate with less than two years of training in the art; promotion to 2nd dan came three years later.^[5] In 1956, he graduated from university and joined the JKA.^[8] That same year, he was promoted to 3rd dan.^[5] Kanazawa won the inaugural All Japan Karate Championship’s kumite (sparring) championship in 1957.^[9] He reportedly won the kumite competition with a broken hand.^[9] That same year, Kanazawa was among the first to graduate from the JKA's instructor training programme. In 1958, Kanazawa won the kata (patterns) title and shared the kumite title with Takayuki Mikami.^[9] Mikami and Kanazawa had been classmates and roommates for a long time and, because they knew each other well, they launched a minimal number of attacks, mainly just circling until the time was up; thus, they shared the kumite title.^[9]

Promoting Shotokan across the world[link]

In January 1961, the JKA sent Kanazawa to Hawaii to establish karate schools there.^[4] He was ranked 5th dan at the time.^[8] He established a dojo (training hall) and served as the inaugural President of the Hawaii Karate Congress.^[4] In May 1963, he left Hawaii to teach in Europe and Japan.^[4] In 1966, Kanazawa became Chief Instructor of the Karate Union of Great Britain, and the JKA promoted him to the rank of 6th dan that year.^[8] In 1973, the All Japan Karate Federation promoted him to 7th dan.^[8]

In 1977, Kanazawa left the JKA^[5] and founded the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF).^[6] Since then, he was taught and promoted karate through the SKIF, including the organisation of several karate world championship competitions.^[8] Despite leaving the JKA, he is reported to maintain some ties with former colleagues in that organisation.^[10] In 1990, Kanazawa demonstrated his art at the 10th Traditional Karate Tournament International, held in Las Vegas.^[11] In 1994 and 1995, he demonstrated his art at the 14th and 15th Traditional Karate Tournaments International.^[12][13]

Kanazawa has written several books on karate, which include: Kankudai (1969),^[14] Moving Zen: One man's journey to the heart of Karate (2001, co-authored),^[15] Karate: My life (2003),^[16] Karate fighting techniques: The complete kumite (2004, co-authored),^[17] and Black Belt Karate (2006).^[18] He has featured in Paul Walker's book, Lessons with the Master: 279 Karate lessons with Master Hirokazu Kanazawa.^[19]

The International Martial Arts Federation promoted Kanazawa to 8th dan in 1978, 9th dan in 1988, and 10th dan in 2002.^[8] Within the SKIF, he holds the rank of 8th dan, attained in 1998.^[8]

See also[link]

• List of Shotokan organizations
• Malcolm Phipps

References[link]

External links[link]

• Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation

v t e Karateka Rafael Aghayev · Seishō Arakaki · Steve Arneil · Hideyuki Ashihara · Steven Bellamy · Billy Blanks · Jon Bluming · Tino Ceberano · Sonny Chiba · Chōshin Chibana · Howard Collins · Joe Corley · Keinosuke Enoeda · Shigeru Egami · Glaube Feitosa · Francisco Filho · Seiko Fujita · Michael G. Foster · Gichin Funakoshi · Gigō Funakoshi · Alexander Gerunov · Shinpan Gusukuma · Mitsusuke Harada · Yuchoku Higa · Kanryō Higaonna · Morio Higaonna · Shane Higashi · Loek Hollander · Andy Hug · Seikichi Iha · Motokatsu Inoue · Ankō Itosu · Manzo Iwata · John Jarvis · Nobuaki Kakuda · Hirokazu Kanazawa · Hajime Kazumi · Katsunori Kikuno · Chogi Kishaba · Chokei Kishaba · Chōtoku Kyan · Lechi Kurbanov · Kenwa Mabuni · Lyoto Machida · Akira Masuda · Shokei Matsui · Sōkon Matsumura · Miyuki Miura · Chōki Motobu · Chōyū Motobu · Chōjun Miyagi · Shōshin Nagamine · Andrews Nakahara · Seigi Nakamura · Tadashi Nakamura · Masatoshi Nakayama · Jōkō Ninomiya · Chuck Norris · Hironori Ōtsuka · Masutatsu Ōyama · Henry Plée · Katsuaki Satō · Semmy Schilt · Katsuhiko Shinzato · Yoshiji Soeno · Hohan Sōken · Georges St-Pierre · Taiji Kase · Ewerton Teixeira · Kenji Tokitsu · Robert Trias · Masami Tsuruoka · Sannosuke Ueshima · Luca Valdesi · Bill Wallace · Cheryl Wheeler-Dixon · Gōgen Yamaguchi · Terutomo Yamazaki

Lyoto Machida
Machida in 2008
Born	Lyoto Carvalho Machida (1978-05-30) May 30, 1978 (age 34) Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Other names	The Dragon
Residence	Belém, Brazil
Nationality	Brazilian
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight	204 lb (93 kg; 14 st 8 lb)
Division	Light Heavyweight Heavyweight
Reach	74 in (188 cm)
Stance	Southpaw
Team	Black House
Trainer	Yoshizo Machida
Rank	3rd dan black belt in Shotokan black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[1]
Years active	2003–present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total	20
Wins	17
By knockout	6
By submission	2
By decision	9
Losses	3
By knockout	1
By submission	1
By decision	1
Spouse	Fabyola
Children	2
Notable relatives	Chinzô Machida (brother), Yoshizo Machida (father)
Website	http://lyotomachida.net
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: September 16, 2011 (2011-09-16)

Lyoto Carvalho Machida (Portuguese pronunciation: [liˈotu maˈʃidɐ]; born May 30, 1978) is a Japanese-Brazilian mixed martial artist from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil who fights as a light heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and is currently ranked as the #6 light heavyweight fighter in the world by Sherdog,^[2] MMAWeekly^[3] and Yahoo! Sports.^[4]

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Machida was born in the city of Salvador as the third son of the highly ranked head of the Brazilian branch of the Japan Karate Association,^[5] Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida.^[6] Yoshizo moved to Brazil from Japan when he was 22 years old. There he met and married Lyoto's mother, Ana Claudia.^[7] Growing up in Belém, Lyoto began training in karate at the age of three and earned his black belt at the age of thirteen.^[8] He also began training in sumo at twelve and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at fifteen. He won a number of amateur karate tournaments, including the 2001 Pan American Karate tournament.^[9]

He was the runner-up in the 2000 Brazilian Sumo Championships in the 115 kg division. As an adult, he became Brazilian Champion twice under Taylor Swanson, and placed second in the South American Championship. He defeated American black belt Jiu-Jitsu fighter Rafael Lovato Jr. at L.A. Sub X. In addition to his sumo and karate achievements, he has a college degree in Physical Education. Lyoto's brother, Chinzô, is a Shotokan vice-champion (Australia 2006), losing only to number-one ranked Shotokan master Koji Ogata. Lyoto and Chinzô fought in a Karate Final 10 years ago in which Lyoto gave Chinzô a cheek scar that still exists today.^[10] His other brothers include Kenzo Machida, a TV journalist for one of Brazil's biggest TV stations, Take Machida and adopted brother Francisco Machida.^[11]

Mixed martial arts career[link]

Machida began his career in mixed martial arts under the management of legendary pro wrestler and MMA pioneer Antonio Inoki in Japan. On May 2, 2003, he defeated Kengo Watanabe by decision in his professional debut on a card promoted by New Japan Pro Wrestling in Tokyo. In his second fight, he defeated Stephan Bonnar by technical knockout due to a cut in the inauagral event promoted by Jungle Fight in Manaus, Brazil.

On December 31, 2003, he took part in Inoki's annual event Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003, where he met Rich Franklin in an openweight bout in which both men weighed at 214 lbs. In front of over 40,000 fans at Kobe Wing Stadium in Kobe, Machida defeated Franklin via TKO in the second round. He rocked Franklin with a front kick to the face before following up with punches which forced the referee to stop the fight at 1:03 into the round.

Following this, Machida went on to compete for the K-1 promotion. At the K-1 Beast 2004 in Niigata event on March 14, 2004, he defeated Michael McDonald, a Canadian kickboxer making his MMA debut, with a forearm choke in the first round. On May 22, 2004 at K-1 MMA ROMANEX at the Saitama Super Arena, he beat fellow karateka Sam Greco by unanimous decision. Despite both fighters' striking backgrounds, the match was mostly fought on the mat with Machida controlling the grapplng. When K-1 began promoting Hero's, a series of fight cards featuring only MMA bouts rather than cards mixed with kickboxing matches, Machida was transferred there. He took on former UFC Welterweight Champion B.J. Penn on March 26, 2005 in Saitama at Hero's 1 in an openweght fight. Machida weighed in at 102.0 kg (225 lb) while Penn weighed in at 86.5 kg (191 lb).^[12] Machida won by unanimous decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship[link]

Machida made his UFC debut on the preliminary card of UFC 67 against Sam Hoger and won by unanimous decision. He followed up with a main-card debut at UFC 70 and won a unanimous decision against David Heath. He next faced judo practitioner and Pride Fighting Championship veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura at UFC 76. Machida won by unanimous decision and Nakamura would later test positive for marijuana.^[13]

At UFC 79, Machida faced the highly touted Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, a judo practitioner who had earned his UFC debut after two quick upset victories over Pride veterans Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ricardo Arona. Machida scored the first stoppage of his UFC career by submitting Sokoudjou with an arm triangle choke in the second round.

Machida's next fight was at UFC 84, facing former UFC light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz in what would be Ortiz's final UFC appearance before a long-standing dispute with Dana White led to Ortiz being out of a UFC contract for over a year. Machida frustrated Ortiz with lateral movement and counterstriking while successfully defending against the former champion's takedowns. In the closing minute of the third round Machida knocked Ortiz down with a knee to the body. As Machida moved in to finish the fight, Ortiz almost locked in a triangle choke before transitioning to an armbar attempt.^[14] Machida managed to escape and win a unanimous decision, and all judges scored the fight 30–27 in his favor.^[15]

Light Heavyweight Champion[link]

Machida met then light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans in another clash of undefeated fighters at UFC 98. Machida scored an early knockdown in the first-round, while Evans struggled to make any progress. In the second-round, Evans experienced a flurry of accurate punches by Machida rendering him unconscious before hitting the canvas. Machida was subsequently crowned the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion; his performance earning him Knockout of the Night Honors with a $60,000 bonus for the second time in as many fights.^[16] This victory continued his undefeated streak in his MMA career and was also Evans' first career loss.

Machida was set to face Quinton Jackson in his first title defense, but Jackson opted to coach the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter instead and then face fellow coach Rashad Evans. Pride Fighting Championship's 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix winner Mauricio "Shogun" Rua was then selected as Machida's first title defense^[17] which took place on October 24, 2009, at UFC 104, with Machida winning a unanimous decision victory, 48–47 from all three judges, with one stating that Machida "landed the more damaging strikes throughout the fight" and was the more "effective aggressor".^[18]

Machida vs Rua controversy and rematch[link]

Out of the three judges, Hamilton gave Machida Rounds 2, 3 and 4. Peoples and Rosales each gave Machida the first three rounds. One of the judges (Nelson Hamilton) later commented in a post-fight interview that his line of sight was obstructed for much of the action in Round 4, and that after reviewing footage of the round, he likely would have scored the round to Rua. However, since the verdict was unanimous, retroactively changing the score for this judge would still have resulted in a 2–1 split decision in favor of Machida. Hamilton also commented that he felt the commentary had led many fans to believe Shogun had won the fight decisively, when it was a very close, technical and difficult fight to score for all three judges. In spite of this, a significant amount of the audience, who had not heard the commentary, booed the decision after it was delivered, voicing their support for Rua. Writers for a number of sports websites and magazines also claimed they felt Rua had won.^[19][20]

There were also MMA fighters in attendance who, after the bout, voiced support for the decision. Among them were several of Machida's training partners, including Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Anderson Silva,^[21] Junior dos Santos, Jose Aldo and Rafael Cavalcante.

A Fightmetric analysis of the fight suggested that Rua had been more aggressive and had landed more blows to the head and legs than Machida,^[22] while CompuStrike reported that Rua landed almost twice as many strikes as Machida did. Both Fightmetric and CompuStrike explicitly state on their websites that they are not intended to be used to judge MMA events, and are merely a way to track a fighter's activity.^[23]

Because of the controversy surrounding the close decision, on May 8, 2010, at UFC 113 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Machida and Mauricio Rua faced each other again, seven months after their original fight. It was a very much anticipated rematch. Both fighters started aggressively and scored significant points in striking exchanges, with Machida scoring two takedowns during the round. Rua showed strong defense on the ground, spinning to attempt a knee bar before both fighters returned to their feet. At 3:30 of round 1, Rua swayed to avoid a hook left and landed a powerful counter overhand right to the temple, which knocked Machida down. Rua then took the full mount and proceeded to finish with ground-and-pound knocking Machida out, making him the new Light Heavyweight Champion at 3:35 in round 1,^[24] with Machida suffering his first career MMA loss.

Back to contention and title shot[link]

Machida then faced Quinton Jackson at UFC 123. The decision in this fight ultimately came down to the scoring of the first round, as there is near-unanimous agreement that Rampage narrowly won the second round while Machida decisively won the third, and most dominant round of the fight.

During the first round Machida landed several leg kicks and some counter punches while Rampage predominantly landed from the clinch, utilizing stomps and punches to Machida's side. Both Compustrike^[25] and Fightmetric^[26] records show that Rampage out-struck Machida when counting small blows such as stomps and elbows to the thigh in the clinch, while Machida landing more significant strikes during the standup exchanges. Because of Rampage out-striking Machida with small attacks, while Machida landed a lot more significant strikes, there is another near-unanimous agreement that the first round was a draw. In the second round, Compustrike and Fightmetric records again show Rampage as the busier overall fighter, and Rampage also scored a takedown. The cleanest and most significant blow of the second round was also an uppercut landed by Rampage.

In the third round, Machida landed a counter left that stunned Rampage and followed it with a flurry of punches, kicks and knees that backed Jackson into the cage. When Rampage tried to retaliate, Machida scored a takedown, eventually gaining full mount and attempting several submissions.

At the end of the final round, Rampage was declared the winner via split decision (29–28, 29–28, 28–29) in what was considered by many as a controversial decision. Fighters such as Anderson Silva, Randy Couture and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in a post-fight interview days later, all thought that Machida won the fight. In an interview after the fight, Rampage expressed to Joe Rogan that the fairest thing would be to offer Machida an immediate rematch as he felt he had lost the fight. However, since UFC President Dana White personally felt that Rampage won the fight, he denied the possibility of an immediate rematch. This has generated some controversy, as UFC President White previously awarded an immediate rematch to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in spite of a unanimous judgment decision awarded to Machida in that fight, as well as the fact that no matter what, the crowd boos a controversial decision, but instead cheered for Rampage Jackson due to his popularity as a fighter.^[27]

UFC President Dana White had indicated in January 2011 that Machida was under pressure to perform in his upcoming bout against UFC Hall-of-Famer Randy Couture, saying, "this is a must-win for him.".^[28] Machida defeated Randy Couture at UFC 129 in Toronto via KO with a jumping front kick that earned Knockout of the Night honors.

Dana White has commented that Machida's performance versus Randy Couture put him back into the mix at the top of the division, but stated that he is not yet the next in line for a title shot.^[29] Machida was briefly linked to a rematch with Rashad Evans at UFC 133, replacing an injured Phil Davis.^[30][31] However, Dana White claimed that Lyoto Machida wanted "Anderson Silva money" and the UFC scheduled Tito Ortiz for the fight with Evans.^[32][33]

Machida was in talks to face Phil Davis at UFC 140 but the fight is no longer happening due to Davis needing more time to recover from knee surgery.^[34] Machida faced Jon Jones on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140 for the UFC light heavyweight title despite losing two of his last three. After a first round that saw Machida rock Jones, Machida was taken down and badly cut by an elbow. In the second round, Machida was knocked down with a straight left and then caught in a standing guillotine and choked unconscious.

Machida is set to take on Ryan Bader at UFC on Fox 4 in Los Angeles, California.

Fighting style[link]

Machida uses a unique,^[35] unorthodox style in MMA that combines elements from his diverse training background. Machida has received both praise and criticism for backpedaling in his fights while winning on points. It is based mainly on Shotokan karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but also integrates techniques from wrestling and Sumo,^[36] which Machida says makes him "fully prepared for any situation" in the Octagon. Often described as "elusive", Machida relies on cautious and precise counter-striking that frustrates his opponents into making mistakes.^[37][38][39] Machida has earned considerable respect from MMA fans, fighters, and commentators for his effectiveness and winning ways.^[40][41][42] At the same time, his cerebral and conservative style is sometimes deemed boring and unsatisfying to watch.^{[38][40][43][44]} Machida has drawn fire from fans,^[45][46] and criticism from MMA commentators^[47][48] for his limited aggression and many decision victories. In response to these criticisms, Machida said, "If you don't like it, sorry. I always try to win."^[49] He also stated that he believes fans are coming to appreciate the efficiency of his style just like they came to appreciate Royce Gracie's jiu-jitsu.^[44]

Machida defied expectations at UFC 94,^[46][50] where he earned a "Knockout of the Night" honor for his first-round stoppage of then undefeated Thiago Silva. Machida noted that he started to include weight training in his preparation for the bout. Commentators hailed the knockout as a step in the right direction toward building interest in him as a potential champion. In addition, Machida showcased his improved English skills during interviews for the event, which gave him the ability to connect with fans more easily.^[51] Machida's limited English was previously seen as a marketing liability.^[52][53][54] After knocking out Rashad Evans at UFC 98, in the post fight in-ring interview with Joe Rogan, Machida announced to his fans, "Karate is back! Machida Karate!" Many fans have referred to his style as "Machida Karate" since then.

In the November issue of the MMA Unltd magazine, Machida once again mentioned the phrase "Machida Karate", claiming that it was based on a very traditional form which is very different from modern sports karate. He also said that the Karate we see nowadays has lost many techniques over the years in which it was practiced, and that his style was one of the very few that still kept those techniques. "My style is Machida Karate and it is a very traditional form", he said, "It differs from sports karate which we usually see in Karate schools and competitions as it has many elements which were lost in the style including the use of knees, elbows, takedowns and even some submissions". Lyoto is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Walter Broca.^[55]

Personal life[link]

Machida's wife is named Fabyola.^[56] The couple have a son named Taiyo who was born in September 2008.^[57] In an interview, Lyoto discussed his practice of urine therapy, which he learned from his father.^[58]

Championships and achievements[link]

[edit] Mixed martial arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • UFC Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)
  • One successful title defense
  • Knockout of the Night (Three times)
  • Fight of the Night (One time)
• Sherdog
  • Knockout of the Year (2011) vs. Randy Couture on April 30
• Black Belt Magazine
  • 2009 MMA Fighter of the Year^[59]
• ESPY Award
  • Best Fighter ESPY Award - Nomination (2009)^[60]

[edit] Martial arts

• Shotokan
  • 3rd-dan black belt in Shotokan
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Mixed martial arts record[link]

References[link]