Improve Your MMA Training With Lyoto Machida's Shotokan Karate Techniques and Tactics (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our three-part analysis of Lyoto Machida fighting techniques, we look at his grappling, timing, striking and counterfighting. Learn how to incorporate his approach to fighting into your own training!
In Part 2 of our three-part analysis of Lyoto Machida's fighting techniques, we look at his grappling, timing, striking and counterfighting. (Be sure to read Part 1 of our analysis!) The shotokan karate stylist has made it work for him in the octagon. Read on to see how you can incorporate Lyoto Machida's tactics and shotokan techniques into your traditional or mixed-martial arts training. Lito Angeles, author of Fight Night! The Thinking Fan’s Guide to Mixed Martial Arts, serves as your guide.
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Lyoto Machida’s Grappling Skills
Observation: “Machida is a seasoned grappler. He received his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2007. However, he doesn’t choose to focus on ground skills in the octagon,” Lito Angeles says. Explanation: “He uses grappling as a support system,” he says. “Like other mixed martial artists, he trains in all the disciplines to empower his brand of fighting, which is stand-up.” Action for Your MMA Training: Be like Lyoto Machida and take up Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Don’t forget to work on your clinch-fighting skills. Then you’ll know that if you lock up with your opponent and go to the ground, you’ll be OK. “Even if you don’t like grappling, learn enough to thwart takedown attempts — which is what Machida does,” Lito Angeles says. “Also learn how to get back up quickly if you are taken down. And if you get stuck on the ground, be able to defend against the most common submissions until you can get up. You don’t have to focus on submissions — I don’t recall any fights in which Machida [used one to win] — but you need to be able to stop them.”Lyoto Machida’s Counterfighting Skills
Observation: Lyoto Machida is a consummate counterfighter. Explanation: “He obviously has the patience to wait for his opponent to make the first move,” Lito Angeles says. “That makes him very hard to beat unless his opponent has the patience to out-wait him. He makes you fight according to his rhythm, and once you do, he pulls you in.”Turn the tables on your opponent with this FREE download!
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