Shooto, the oldest MMA association in the world, has joined GAMMA.

Shooto was originally founded in 1985 as an organization and fighting system derived from shoot wrestling. Practitioners are referred to as shooters, similar to practitioners of shoot wrestling. Shooto rules have evolved such that their events are now true mixed martial arts competitions. 

Shooto was established as a “new martial art” in 1985 by Satoru Sayama (the original Tiger Mask), a Japanese professional wrestler trained in shoot wrestling, who wished to create a sport that revolved around a realistic and effective fighting system.

Shooto’s first amateur event was held in 1986, and the first professional event took place in 1989. The Shooto organization went on to host the Vale Tudo Japan tournament in the summer of 1994.

About GAMMA

As the global governing body for amateur MMA, GAMMA works daily to improve the stewardship of the sport while developing it in a healthy, safe, and inclusive manner.

This gives all amateur mixed martial athletes the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and compete on the grandest sporting stage.

A five-year strategy has been launched through to 2024.

During this time, GAMMA will lead the drive towards a more competitive, entertaining, and meaningful MMA for athletes and fans.

GAMMA will create more opportunities for people and nations to enjoy MMA while increasing competitiveness at all levels.

This will include the development of exciting and engaging global events, working to attract new and diverse fans, and building long-term commercial and non-commercial partnerships.

GAMMA will continue to make considerable efforts to protect the integrity of the sport and develop initiatives that promote fair play, inclusion, gender equality and more.