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SHOOTO
SHOOTO" is derived from the Japanese characters, Shu and To, the rough translation is "acquire" and " fight" ,fight
means not only a physical confrontation, but also a struggle to overcome and/or to persevere through life.



              Shooto Europe has it's own competition...                                    ...sanctioned by Shooto Japan.


SHOOTO is a contemporary martial art developed by Master Satoru Sayama in Japan during the early 1980's. Sensai Sayama is a life long practitioner of the arts and has trained in Judo, Karate, Sambo, Muay Thai and Catch-as-catch-can (more commonly known as Catch-Wrestling).

He developed a philosophy in which SHOOTO would be a complete system consisting of the most effective and applicable
techniques that he has learned from his years of martial arts training.

SHOOTO consists of two or three 5-minute rounds, which only provides a short amount of time for each bout. This promotes fast-paced action and clean execution of techniques. The number of rounds depends upon the skill level of the SHOOTers involved. Expert SHOOTers are categorized as Class-A (3 rounds) while less skilled competitors are Class-B
(2 rounds).



                     A-class Shooto fight                    In C-class fighters are also equipped with head- and shinguards


Amateur events still go on today and they are regarded as Class-C. There are 10 weight classes ranging from “114 lbs
and under” to “242 lbs and over.” SHOOTers may punch, kick, use knee strikes, perform throws, sweeps, takedowns, grappling, joint locks and choke holds.

Some bouts are fast and furious, lasting just moments – ending with a flurry of strikes or with a slick submission hold – while other bouts may be more strategic and methodical ending when a competitor out maneuvers his opponent.
                                                                                                                                                                     
There can be a KO as in boxing (where a 10-count is applied), or a choke-hold/joint-lock that forces a competitor to “TAP-OUT” (literally tapping his hand on the mat several times - the equivalent of saying “uncle”).

Of course, there are a number of prohibited techniques, which serves to reduce the potential for serious injury, as well as,
to promote professionalism and sportsmanship.
Illegal maneuvers include strikes to the groin, strikes to the throat or spine, head butting, elbow and forearm strikes, eye
gouges, hair-pulling, pressure point attacks, twisting the fingers or toes, biting, and kicking or kneeing the head of an
opponent who is in a downed position.



               
         
          Nathan Schouteren (ranked #4 in Shooto-Europe)and Iwan de Groot (chairman Shooto-Commission Europe)