The Top 10 Traditional Karate Stylists in MMA

November 27, 2023 Mark Warner Commentary 0

MMA is obviously here to stay. This sport gives all martial arts the opportunity to showcase what they do best.

Introduction

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a dynamic and evolving combat sport that draws fighters from various martial arts backgrounds. While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling have traditionally dominated the MMA scene, traditional martial arts like Karate have also made a significant impact. Over the years, several talented Karate practitioners have transitioned into MMA and showcased their striking prowess and martial arts skills in the octagon. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 traditional Karate stylists who have left their mark in the world of MMA.

Lyoto Machida

Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida is arguably one of the most famous Karate practitioners in MMA history. He holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate and has a unique and elusive fighting style characterized by his “Machida Karate.” Machida’s ability to mix traditional Karate techniques with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu made him a formidable force in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. He became the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion in 2009 and remains an icon of Karate in MMA.

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is another prominent figure in the world of Karate and MMA. A black belt in American Kickboxing and Karate, Thompson has a dynamic and flashy striking style. His spinning kicks and precision striking have made him a fan favorite in the UFC’s welterweight division. Thompson’s adaptability and ability to use Karate in MMA have helped him secure victories over top-tier opponents.

Georges St-Pierre

Georges St-Pierre, often referred to as GSP, is a Canadian MMA legend who holds a black belt in Kyokushin Karate. While GSP is primarily known for his wrestling and grappling skills, his Karate background played a significant role in his success. He used his striking to set up takedowns and control opponents on the ground. GSP was a two-division UFC champion and one of the sport’s most well-rounded fighters.

Bas Rutten

Bas Rutten, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, is a Dutch martial artist with a background in Kyokushin Karate and kickboxing. Rutten’s Karate skills were evident in his striking game, known for its precision and power. He was a pioneer in MMA and showcased his Karate-inspired techniques throughout his career, earning a spot as one of the sport’s legends.

Michelle Waterson

Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson is a talented female fighter who holds a black belt in American Freestyle Karate. Waterson has made waves in the UFC’s strawweight division with her striking abilities and technical prowess. Her nickname, “The Karate Hottie,” is a testament to her Karate background, which she seamlessly integrates into her MMA game.

Sage Northcutt

Sage Northcutt gained fame as a young prospect with a background in Taekwondo and Karate. He showcased his striking skills in the UFC’s lightweight division, earning him the nickname “Super Sage.” While he has faced some challenges in his MMA career, Northcutt’s Karate background remains a defining aspect of his fighting style.

Raymond “The Real Deal” Daniels

Raymond Daniels is a unique entry on this list as he primarily competes in kickboxing and traditional martial arts competitions, such as Karate and Taekwondo. However, his striking skills and flashy techniques have garnered attention in the MMA world. Daniels’ use of traditional Karate kicks and spinning attacks make him a captivating fighter to watch whenever he steps into the cage.

Yair Rodriguez

Yair Rodriguez, a Mexican fighter, is known for his dynamic striking abilities, which include techniques from Taekwondo and Karate. His highlight-reel knockouts and unorthodox striking style have earned him recognition in the UFC’s featherweight division. Rodriguez’s ability to incorporate traditional Karate techniques into MMA has led to exciting and unpredictable fights.

Kyoji Horiguchi

Kyoji Horiguchi, a Japanese fighter, has a background in Kyokushin Karate and has made a name for himself in the world of MMA. He has competed in various promotions, including the UFC and RIZIN, showcasing his striking skills and adaptability. Horiguchi’s Karate base has helped him secure victories and rise through the ranks in the bantamweight division.

Raymond Almazan

Raymond Almazan is a rising star in the MMA world, hailing from the Philippines. With a background in Karate, he has demonstrated his striking abilities in regional promotions and is considered one of the most promising prospects in the sport. Almazan’s journey reflects the continued influence of traditional Karate in MMA.

Conclusion

Traditional Karate has found a place in the diverse landscape of MMA, with practitioners from various backgrounds showcasing their striking skills and martial arts prowess. These top 10 traditional Karate stylists have not only made their mark in the octagon but have also contributed to the sport’s evolution. Their ability to blend the precision and discipline of Karate with the demands of MMA has solidified their status as some of the most respected fighters in the world of mixed martial arts.

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Tashi Mark Warner has trained in the martial arts for almost 50 years. In the early 70s, inspired by the likes of Bruce Lee, Tashi Mark started in Kenpo Karate under Richard Ladow. After serving in the US Army, traveling twice to Korea and once to Germany, Tashi Mark found inspiration in the JCVD movie Bloodsport and decided to one day open his own school. On April 8th 1998, his passion project was finally achieved and the doors finally opened. As Tashi Mark likes to say, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." Also in 1998, Tashi Mark started training Northern Mantis Kung Fu and Shaolin Kung Fu with Sifu Scott Jeffery. In 1999 Tashi Deborah Mahoney, training with Tashi Mark, became the Black Belt Hall of Fame recipient for the KRANE rating to include all of New England. Since 2007, Tashi Mark has furthered his training, adding Dekiti Tirsia Siradas Kali with Grandmaster Jerson "Nene" Tortal, as well as Baringin Sakti Silat with Grandmaster Edward Lebe. Tashi Mark is a full-time martial artist. "One of the greatest things in the martial arts is the transmission of knowledge to the next generation." - Tashi Mark Warner

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