Satoru Sayama (Tiger Mask)

Master / Founder of Shooto

Legendary Japanese wrestler (Tiger Mask) and visionary founder of the world's first professional MMA sport Shooto (1985).

Quick Facts

Date of Birth11/27/1957

Era20th–21st century

Country of OriginJapan

Rank / TitleFounder of Shooto & Seikendo (MMA Pioneer)

Active Years1977–present

Biography

Satoru Sayama, famous as the original Tiger Mask, studied Catch Wrestling under Karl Gotch. In 1985 he created Shooto, establishing the world's first structured professional MMA rulebook.

Associated Martial Arts

ShootoFounder→

The Japanese forerunner of modern MMA, founded in 1985 by Satoru Sayama. It was assembled from wrestling, sambo, Thai boxing and submissions, with a professional league.