Machida Karate

Machida Karate is a form of Karate practised by the Japanese-Brazilian Machida family. It is derived from shotokan karate, a very traditional form of Karate and has existed for many generations in Japan but was made famous by the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Lyoto Machida. It was introduced to Brazil by Lyoto's father, Yoshizo, a master of shotokan karate from the Japan Karate Association. It has been discussed after the success of Lyoto in the mixed martial arts world, particularly in the UFC.
History
Yoshizo came to Brazil with the aim of spreading shotokan karate, the fighting art he loved. He was also practicing an art which was rooted in battle where weapons were prevalent and so had worked extensively on his footwork. Machida Karate is also one of the only Japanese martial arts that still teaches the principles of Bushido, Lyoto Machida stated that his father encourages him to be like a Samurai. "Each day I wake up and think, I have to be Samurai style," said Lyoto, "but it is very difficult, because you have to be honest and disciplined."
Difference from modern karate
The Machidas have repeatedly stated that the style they practice is very traditional and very different from the Modern Karate which is taught in most schools, while most forms of karate focus on striking, Machida Karate is a hybrid style, former UFC light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida has stated that Karate was originally a hybrid style like Russian Sambo and Korean Hapkido, but since Karate became a sport it was now about gaining points rather than beating an opponent so it lost many elements and became a striking style. Machida claims that Karate originally was like modern Mixed Martial Arts, having techniques such as the use of knees, elbows, takedowns and even some submissions, but those elements were lost to make it a safe sport.
Rise to prominence
On May 23, 2009, Yoshizo's third son, Lyoto Machida defeated Rashad Evans at UFC 98 by knockout in the second round to become the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. This was Evans' first defeat. After the fight, the victorious Machida announced, "Karate is back! Machida Karate!"

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