As we see a new wave of NCAA all american wrestlers and BJJ champions taking the MMA scene by storm, we observe stronger foundations and integration of a higher order of grappling, pounding, striking prowess by Team Quest - Mo Lowal(King Mo), Mark Layman BJJ - Jim Miller, Dan Miller, Extreme Couture - Jake Rosholt, anticpated debut of Robert Drysdale, UJJ - Xande Ribeiro, and former Penn State University No. 1 @ 197lbs - Phil Davis.
Across the pacific, a similar trend is ocuring as we see a new wave of amateurs making their pro come ups, as we take a closer look at a new life of artists from Japan. Seiya Kawahara, currently undefeated with a 6 fight winning streak since making his debut in GCM, now representing Pancrase out of P's Lab Yokohama, captures a 5/6 KO and TKO percentage streak, formidable upcomer.
Pancrase Shining 5 Pounding KO Off Of Open Guard Pass
In MMA bouts we have yet to see his BJJ aesthetics especially in the areas of submission finish capabilities, although we see some good ground defense with good base, keeping arms tight never allowing control of the shoulder via underhooks, pushing off of the opponents chest within the guard never allowing the hands to lay idle on the mat, positioning for pounding combos to TKO finishes. As we see in his bouts from January and June 2008, a natural rhythmic feel for the boxing and kickboxing game can be observed, his fluidity moving from partial under hooks clinches, simultaneously measuring distance during close and outside fire fights. With an ability to measure distance so effectively and generate the explosive speed and force on his pounding and initial inbound kicks, punches and footwork during stand up exchanges, the skill set of this upcomer is phenomenal. Kawahara's bouts against Pancrase journeymen Yuki Yamasawa and Masaki Yanagisawa starts to provide a new hope for the fledgling talent rich Japan MMA community. Only 20 years old, Kawahara hopes to secure his place in the Pancrase ranks and a possible title bout for the bantam weight King of Pancrase in 2009. If his win streaks continue in the manner which we have seen, we could see him stateside in the not too distant future adding greater depth to the WEC 135lbs. bantam weights with the likes of Brian Bowles, Will Ribeiro, Manny Tapia.
Pancrase Shining 1 Pro Debut, Right High Velocity Outspeeds Counter Right Hook
Keywords: Mixed Martial Arts
