Shooto Vale Tudo
Shooto Vale Tudo is a Japanese combat system and competitive format that evolved from catch wrestling and shoot wrestling under the vision of Satoru Sayama. Originally conceived as “real fighting” (shoot) training, Shooto combined striking, clinch work, and submission grappling into one of the world’s earliest mixed martial arts systems. Unlike many vale tudo systems, Shooto emphasized structure, progression, and athletic refinement while still operating under minimal-rule, full-contact conditions. It played a pivotal role in shaping early Japanese MMA and remains a key developmental platform for elite-level fighters worldwide. Shooto Vale Tudo continues to represent a unique blend of realism, discipline, and technical depth.
Shooto Vale Tudo Essentials
About Shooto Vale Tudo
Discover Shooto Vale Tudo — a Japanese hybrid system combining striking, wrestling, and submissions under full-contact, real-fight rules.
Shooto Vale Tudo History
Explore Shooto’s roots in shoot wrestling and its transformation into a global MMA pioneer under the guidance of Satoru Sayama.
Philosophy & Approach
Learn how Shooto blends realism and structure, viewing combat as an evolving discipline requiring versatility, control, and adaptability.
Techniques & Style
Study Shooto’s dynamic blend of boxing, low kicks, clinch takedowns, and tight submission chains — all designed for fluid transition.
Traditions & Etiquette
Understand Shooto’s professional code: respect, athletic integrity, and the elevation of combat as both sport and self-discipline.
Uniform & Symbols
Explore the evolution from wrestling trunks to modern MMA gear, with Shooto insignias representing rank and fight-class certification.
Weapons
While unarmed in form, Shooto instills strong defensive reflexes and body control that support practical weapon disarm concepts.
Ranking System
Learn about Shooto’s belt and level system — one of the first in MMA — used to measure progress in both amateur and professional divisions.
Shooto Vale Tudo Glossary
Get familiar with terms like shoot, catch-as-catch-can, level B, and in-ring control, which define the Shooto competitive lexicon.
Notable Figures
Meet pioneers like Satoru Sayama, Rumina Sato, and Yuki Nakai — Shooto fighters who proved technique could beat size and chaos.
Branches & Organizations
Discover Shooto’s global reach through Japan, Europe, and South America — each preserving the technical and competitive legacy of the system.
Competitive Format
Dive into Shooto’s unique event structure — amateur leagues, graded classes, and pro circuits governed by unified MMA rule evolution.
