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Shootfighting

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description Shootfighting Overview

Shootfighting is a hybrid combat sport and martial arts system developed and trademarked by American martial artist Bart Vale in the 1990s. The term was used to describe a style that combines elements of professional wrestling submission holds with striking techniques drawn from Muay Thai and other stand-up disciplines. The Shootfighting organization was associated with training schools and events primarily in the United States and Japan. The sport is related to the broader shoot wrestling movement that emerged from Japanese professional wrestling.

help Shootfighting FAQ

Who developed and trademarked Shootfighting?

American martial artist Bart Vale developed and trademarked the term Shootfighting in the 1990s. The system combines submission wrestling ideas with striking techniques.

What techniques does Shootfighting combine?

Shootfighting blends professional-wrestling-style submission holds with striking methods associated with boxing, kickboxing, and other martial arts. Training commonly includes takedowns, control positions, joint locks, and punches or kicks.

Is Shootfighting the same as mixed martial arts?

They overlap because both use striking and grappling, but Shootfighting is a named system associated with Bart Vale. Mixed martial arts is a broader competitive format that includes organizations and rules such as UFC regulations.

Does Shootfighting use real submissions or scripted wrestling?

Its training method uses real grappling and submission mechanics rather than only scripted performance. The professional-wrestling influence refers mainly to the hold vocabulary and catch-wrestling tradition, not to predetermined match outcomes.

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