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Post by Glutton4Punishment on Jul 21, 2013 1:35:44 GMT -5
Proponents of Karate's effectiveness have pointed at great Karate fighters in the past to validate their style's worth whether it be out on the streets or in the ring/cage. Bas Rutten, Lyoto Machida, Andy Hug, and GSP are very common names tossed out there - But you're likely to often hear that "GSP isn't a good striker, what made GSP great is wrestling!" Well, the man himself actually credits his wrestling ability to Karate in this interesting (yet short) article: www.bjpenn.com/gsp-credits-karate-not-wrestling-for-his-takedown-ability/So what do you all think? Should what GSP has to say about his own wrestling ability be taken as truth or is he giving credit where it isn't due? Personally, I'm inclined to believe him. And as to his striking "not being that great", it's always good to point out that GSP didn't start his pro career as a great wrestler. He developed his wrestling midway through his career and has out-struck every "better striker" that he's faced in the UFC (Koschek, Alves, etc...) Personally, I think this Karateka's skills are highly underrated. Do I like his stalling methods? Not at all. But the guy can strike with the best of them, and his claim to fame isn't just his wrestling. Anybody disagree?
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KyKarateka
Global Moderator
Kyokushin & Judo
Posts: 233
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Post by KyKarateka on Jul 22, 2013 20:39:29 GMT -5
GSP is more of a conservative fighter and always has even before he developed his wrestling skill. Though he said himself that even though he doesn't train in Karate currently you can still see it in his strikes. At one of his more recent fights, I think he mentioned something about body shots not hurting as bad because of Karate training.
I think GSP is a great striker but he can really dominate his opponents using wrestling skills which makes him an adaptable fighter. To be a successful fighter you have to be well rounded and adaptable, if we wasn't then he wouldn't be on top right now.
On a side note, I'd love to see Georges in a Kyokushin match.
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odee
Global Moderator
Kyokushin 10 years - Brazilian Jujitsu 3 years - Muay Thai 2 years.
Posts: 1,286
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Post by odee on Jul 23, 2013 5:07:44 GMT -5
Funny thing is Bas Rutten has made the same claim about his striking game, the body blows and leg bashings he used to put opponents down or soften them before taking the fight to the ground he claims come from Kyokushin and if you watch a Kyokushin knockdown match you'll see a lot of justification in that claim, thing is though Muay Thai in a clinch looks very similar to a Kyokushin knockdown match and it would be logical to claim that this is due to Kyokushin's favouring of the Muay Thai thigh kick. Fun fact though, Bas' Kyokushin teacher and Muay Thai teacher are the same guy - feel free to make anything you want out of that.
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KyKarateka
Global Moderator
Kyokushin & Judo
Posts: 233
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Post by KyKarateka on Jul 23, 2013 14:58:08 GMT -5
Does Bas Rutten's fighting style appear more Kyokushin or Muay Thai though? In a sense, Kyokushin and Muay Thay share a lot of similarities but there are noticeable differences, the roundhouse kick for example.
Many Kyokushin tournaments are without face shots and bare knuckle so it would be logical that Kyokushin MMA figters like to bash the body and legs.
If I'm correct, GSP trains in Muay Thai and Boxing as well but I can still see the Karate background when he fights.
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odee
Global Moderator
Kyokushin 10 years - Brazilian Jujitsu 3 years - Muay Thai 2 years.
Posts: 1,286
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Post by odee on Jul 23, 2013 17:41:06 GMT -5
I suppose that's a matter of how you want to look at it. Bas responded really well to any rule set he was dropped into, he was a kickboxer when he competed there, he became a wrestler within four months of joining Pancration, he became known again for his knockout power when he went to the UFC. Bas highlights www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7TVPm_2UB0The difficult thing about claiming someone as a Kyokushin fighter is the sheer diversity that comes out of Kyokushin schools. Each of these guys can brawl like a champ, but each also has something unusual that gives them a massive advantage towards fighting in general. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Khtx5elzH4owww.youtube.com/watch?v=a9XzrOe_WkY
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