Many people over time have commented to me about who would win or lose in battle between different styles of Martial Arts.  This is a conversation that makes me cringe because Karate is not about that, it is so much more. I spoke to a person recently who trains in Mixed Martial Arts, (his is a blend between Brazilian Jujitsu, Boxing and Muay Thai) he was pointing out how strong his MMA was and subtly pointing out the weakness of karate.

He asked and questioned me as to my opinion about who would win out of a MMA fighter and karate practitioner?  After some thought, I went on to inform him that the two are very different, particularly in the philosophy of how they are used.

I took a moment before I answered this and said Karate. My friend threw his hands in the air in disbelief. I said that a Karateka would win simply by walking away and avoiding the conflict only using their skill to defend and preserve life.  The one who truly loses is the aggressor.  Needless to say the conversation progressed into who was bigger and the physical aspects of the students.

For all those who really want to know who would win in a head to head fight, then watch this following video and make your own conclusion. I have been following and watching Lyoto Machida's career in the UFC MMA with great interest, because his entire striking game is based on Shotokan Karate.

Of course this alone is not enough in the UFC, so he also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jujitsu and studies many of the martial arts.

Over time I hope to post more information and Video footage about Lyoto Machida and others like him.

Posted by Mark Bates