Richard Trammell

Shidokan = Martial Arts Triathlon

Triathlon is known to consist of 3 disciplines such as swimming, cycling and running.

Now let’s translate that into martial arts.

This kind of triathlon is known as Shidokan.

Shidokan consists of Karate (combination of Goju-Ryu, Shotokan, Kyokushinkai), Kick-Boxing and Grappling.

Talking about being a versatile fighter.

Championship matches go 3 x 2 min. rounds Karate, 3 x 2 min. rounds Kick-Boxing with 10 oz. gloves (no elbows), and finally 3 x 2 min. rounds Grappling with 5 oz. gloves.

A fighter can win in one of the following ways:

1. TKO – Three knockdown rule, referee calls the fight or the corner throws in the towel.
2. KO – Any legal technique that ko’s an opponent for a 10 sec. count results in an automatic win.
3. Submission – During rounds with grappling, a fighter may win by executing a technique that causes his opponent to “verbally submit or tap out”
4. Decision – When the match goes the distance, the fighter with the most points wins. In case of a draw during the quarter or semifinals, there will be an extension allowed. During the championship match only, if the 4 judges score a draw, the draw will stand as the final decision and fighters will split the prize money.
All judge and referee decisions are final.

I had the great opportunity to train under one of Shidokan’s true champions several years ago.

Even though it was only for a short time it left a lasting impression on me.

I am referring to no other than World Martial Arts Champion Richard Trammell and one of the finest teachers I ever had the chance to learn from first-hand (and foot):