This fall I may begin training in shotokan at the college I'm hopefully transferring to. Does anyone have any tips on what things I need to adjust in it to make it more applicable to MMA? Anyone know how Machida does it...?

AndrewOwenWaldo wrote:
This fall I may begin training in shotokan at the college I'm hopefully transferring to. Does anyone have any tips on what things I need to adjust in it to make it more applicable to MMA? Anyone know how Machida does it...?
Unfortunately, I have to say that I really don't believe that Shotokan is a great transition into MMA. Machida is the VERY rare exception, and he actually trains in a lot of Muay Thai as well (with Anderson Silva, of all people).

To be completely honest- I think that the best striking transition into MMA is obviously Muay Thai- and American Boxing is also a large asset.

I certainly don't ever want to discourage anyone from training in any martial art. If it's something that you're passionate about, then I wish you the best of luck-- truly. However, if someone is serious about learning a striking art that will be transitioned into MMA with success, then I have to suggest staying away from some of the more traditional striking arts.

Just my $.02, but I'm certainly open to seeing others thoughts.

What style would you suggest if my main goal is to use strikes to set up takedowns and/or close distance to a clinch for a Greco-Roman or Judo throw?

Personally, I'm a fan of Muay Thai that is modified slightly to fit for MMA.

AndrewOwenWaldo wrote:
What style would you suggest if my main goal is to use strikes to set up takedowns and/or close distance to a clinch for a Greco-Roman or Judo throw?

MAUY THAI, MUAY THAI & MUAY THAI!!!!!!

This is strictly my opinion based on personal experience. Karate, Kung Fu and the likes are practically worthless when applied to MMA. Yes they may instill some discipline and dedication. But past that they are pretty much a waist of time. The last three "whatever karate" black belts I fought in MMA all got kicked in the face. And the best part was they set themselves up for it.

Lyoto uses exceptionally little karate in his MMA style. And what of it he does use isn't damging. Most of what "karate" I do see him use is mostly used for distraction and to fluster his opponent. If you consider his evasiveness karate then yes, the guy is a karate masta in the UFC.

Tabwyo wrote:
If you consider his evasiveness karate then yes, the guy is a karate masta in the UFC.

I suppose I had assumed that his evasiveness had originated in karate, though now that I think about it every other Shotokan guy I've seen pretty much just charged into someone's hand/shin, so in re-evaluation I suppose it is probably more just his style... Would a Muay Thai gym teach me how to maintain an evasive style like that? I have usually seen Muay Thai guys use a much more aggressive style.

Edit: BTW thank you for your response. I found it very helpful.