Shootfighting/MMA in Japan

**jogabonito** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 4:18pm

Hey all. I'm training at an MMA gym in the states, learning Muay Thai, Boxing, Grappling, Judo, and putting it all together. I like it a lot, but in about 4 months I'm moving to Japan. Does anyone know if there are gyms that offer MMA or Shootfighting there? Here's the only catch, I'm still in high school. I'll be 17-18 while I'm over there. Will fighting gyms in Japan let teenagers train/compete? Thanks a lot.

**Kid Miracleman** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 4:30pm

Sorry dude, I think you're out of luck... Japan is notorious for having very little in the way of MMA or Shootfighting instruction. For whatever reason, there just aren't a lot of good fighters and trainers over there. I think you'll just have to make do with cardio and muscular conditioning at a run-of-the-mill fitness center.

Sorry!

**selfcritical** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 4:33pm

Where in Japan?

**jogabonito** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 4:36pm

I will be in Saitama prefecture, not exactly sure what city yet. I figure I could probably find a place to train in Judo, but I really don't want to lose all my striking skill before I come back to the states. I will be there for a year of high school as an exchange student, and when I come back, I want to train heavily again.

**Roidie McDouchebag** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 4:37pm

KMM, I had considered making the same post...but that's just mean.

Seeing as Japan is the birthplace of Shootfighting, yeah, there are Shooto schools there, lots of them.

**jogabonito** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 4:44pm

Haha that first post was a joke?
I thought that there were Shooto schools around Japan.... but my big question is do you think that they will let a teenager train there?
I have a feeling I'm in for some sarcastic replies....

**Roidie McDouchebag** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 4:49pm

Yes. Also, from what Hemant (who posts here sometimes, I'll try to get him to post in this thread) has told me, you can also go to the Japanese equivalent of a YMCA/Rec Center and find people to spar/train with.

If you're worried about the teenager thing...lie?

**jogabonito** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 4:57pm

Alright thanks a lot. Yea I guess I could lie but if I'm doing it around where I'm staying, people will probably figure out I'm young. Considering I'm white I'll probably stick out, and people might talk.

**Roidie McDouchebag** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 5:03pm

I don't think it'll be an issue, anyway.

**Deadmeat** · Posted On: 4/12/2008 6:45pm

Definitely not an issue dude. A kid at my old club used to go train at the Shooto club we were affiliated with twice a year - starting when he was sixteen.