Martial arts combat is the hybrid off-spring of all the traditional Martial Arts (Fighting Arts).It is the latest Sport Combat which requires the maximum in skill, stamina, toughness and courage. What the “Indianapolis Race Car” is compared to the ordinary “Ford” on the street might be a sort of an analogy.

The difference between Professional Full-Body Combat Karate and Martial Arts Combat is primarily in the fact that usually Karate trained people are not always versed in Judo or grappling arts. Generally, in Professional Full-Contact Karate matches, emphasis is placed on Hand and Foot Techniques in mostly stand-up fighting, with take downs limited to sweeps. But in Martial Arts Combat, one can use take downs, pins, chokes, arm-lock, submissions, and leg-locks, with the joint, not against it. This is an addition to all standard karate punching, striking, and elbow and knee-locks. 

The Martial Arts is a physical discipline which leads to mental and spiritual discipline. The objective of training is in the perfecting of character. To become a professional Full-Contact Karate man or woman, or Martial Arts Combatant would be suitable or appealing only to a small percentage of martial Arts devotees. But there is a place for the Professional Sport Combatant, as that can be the example of a superbly conditional Professional. There is a place for that Professional in the ideals which can be positive instead of negative for the elevation of the arts. If one becomes dirty or blood thirsty and disregards the levels of human welfare just to gain fame and money, then it would certainly be negative. If one competes with sportsmanship and honor, with the Martial-human-welfare and benefits his or her heart, then it can be indeed a positive endeavor. 

There is no make-believe or fooling oneself in Full-Contact Martial Arts Combat. They must dedicate themselves to train and compete. The tempering of the steel is in the forging. A person who competes, win or lose, most assuredly will grow to be a tougher metal.

                                                                                                                                 -Professor Tarow Ty Hayashi on Free-Form Combat