Shaolin Kempo Karate- The First Mixed Martial Art
More than five decades ago, Fred Villari taught that learning only one way of fighting made you extremely vulnerable in a real-life encounter. Villari taught the “Four Ways of Fighting”- Hitting, Kicking, Felling, and Grappling.
Many scoffed at his then-unorthodox theories. Today, everybody wants to be a mixed martial artist.
With nearly forty years in the martial arts myself, I can say with that what passes for mixed martial arts in many cases should really be called mixed-up martial arts!
A mish-mash of unrelated styles- boxing, karate, BJJ etc with no integration or cohesion. Any experienced martial artist can immediately discern that these “fighters” may be tough and able to take a beating- but they are “Jacks”- not “Masters”.
I have the utmost respect for true mixed martial artists- those who have diligently studied with able teachers and who have put in the blood, sweat and tears to earn the title of “Mixed Martial Artist”.
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