Fight Back with Jake Shields Karate Legend Lyoto Machida at His Florida Home - Fight Back Ep. 81
Jun 24, 2025
Lyoto Machida, a two-time UFC champion and karate legend, discusses the evolution of karate in MMA while reflecting on his Japanese-Brazilian upbringing. He shares insights on mastering distance control, the importance of mental resilience, and the power of kicking techniques. Machida also opens up about his experiences as a father and coach, navigating the challenges of training the next generation. He emphasizes the role of discipline and cultural identity in martial arts, highlighting personal growth through sport.
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Dad's Powerful Front Kick Lesson
- Lyoto Machida shared how his dad taught him the powerful front kick called maigiri, emphasizing technique details for power and speed.
- Derek learned this kick from Lyoto, impressing Jake Shields with its effectiveness in sparring and fights.
Karate's Resurgence Through Distance
- Lyoto Machida revived respect for karate by demonstrating its effectiveness in UFC against skeptics.
- His control of distance in fighting proved karate's vital role in MMA effectiveness.
Do Sparring and Use Foot Sweeps
- Lyoto Machida advises karate practitioners to do sparring regularly to improve, noting many avoid it causing skill loss.
- He highlights foot sweeps as a critical yet underused tool to disrupt opponents' balance in fights.