Hosharafu is a Mixed Martial Art Style founded by Grand Master Shaker Saberi in 1995. It was created specifically for reality-based self-defense and street fighting, combining techniques from various martial arts disciplines into a cohesive system. Unlike many traditional martial arts, which can focus on sport or ceremonial aspects, Hosharafu is rooted in the practical, real-world application of martial skills for self-protection and survival in unpredictable situations.
Origins and Philosophy:
Grand Master Shaker Saberi, a seasoned martial artist with extensive experience in multiple fighting systems, envisioned Hosharafu as a modern, adaptable style that could bridge the gap between traditional martial arts and contemporary self-defense needs. He sought to create a system that was simple, direct, and effective in real-life confrontations, such as those that might occur in a street fight or during an attack.
Hosharafu’s philosophy revolves around the idea that self-defense should be efficient and realistic, requiring techniques that can be applied quickly and decisively without unnecessary complexity. The art is designed to prepare practitioners for high-pressure, chaotic situations where there are no rules or boundaries, and where survival is the primary goal.
Mixed Martial Art System:
As a Mixed Martial Art Style, Hosharafu integrates techniques from a variety of martial arts traditions, focusing on the most effective aspects of each discipline for combat and self-defense. The combination of these elements makes Hosharafu a versatile and comprehensive system.
- Striking Techniques:
- Drawing from Free Style Striking, Hosharafu includes a range of powerful strikes, such as punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. Practitioners are taught to target an attacker’s vulnerable areas, such as the eyes, throat, groin, and joints, to incapacitate opponents swiftly and efficiently.
- The striking techniques are designed to be direct and to cause maximum impact with minimal effort, ensuring that even smaller or physically weaker practitioners can defend themselves effectively.
- Grappling and Submissions:
- Inspired by Free Style Grappling, the system incorporates throws, joint locks, and submission techniques to control, immobilize, or neutralize an opponent. These techniques are particularly useful in close-quarters situations where striking may be difficult or when the goal is to subdue an attacker without causing permanent harm.
- The grappling techniques are tailored for real-life encounters, focusing on quick execution and adaptation to the unpredictable nature of street fighting.
- Fluid Movements:
- Influenced by the principles of Yoga, Hosharafu promotes fluidity and flexibility in movement, allowing practitioners to remain agile and responsive to changing situations. This element of the style encourages adaptability, helping practitioners to smoothly transition between striking, grappling, and defensive maneuvers.
- Defense Against Weapons:
- A critical aspect of Hosharafu is its emphasis on defending against armed attackers, including those wielding knives, sticks, or other weapons. Practitioners learn disarming techniques and strategies for avoiding injury while neutralizing the threat as quickly as possible.
- Weapon defense is simplified to ensure that it can be applied under the stress of real-world encounters, with a focus on controlling the weapon and rendering the attacker harmless.
- Multiple Attackers:
- Recognizing that street confrontations may involve more than one assailant, Hosharafu includes strategies for dealing with multiple attackers. Practitioners are taught to prioritize threats, maintain mobility, and use their environment to their advantage in such situations.
Training Structure:
Hosharafu training focuses on practical application and adaptability. It is designed to prepare individuals for real-life threats, offering a well-rounded approach to both physical and mental conditioning. Key elements of the training include:
- Forms (Kata): Practitioners train in specific forms that simulate real combat scenarios. These katas are not just for demonstration but serve as a method of ingraining effective movement patterns and reflexes.
- Sparring and Drills: Controlled sparring sessions provide an opportunity to practice techniques in real-time, improving reaction speed, timing, and strategic thinking. Drills focus on key scenarios such as defending against ambushes, weapon attacks, and multiple opponents.
- Physical Conditioning: Strength, endurance, and agility are emphasized in training to ensure that practitioners have the fitness necessary to execute techniques with power and precision.
- Mental Conditioning: Equally important is the development of mental toughness, situational awareness, and calmness under pressure. Practitioners are trained to remain focused, adaptable, and decisive during high-stress situations, which are crucial for effective self-defense.
Core Philosophy:
At its heart, Hosharafu teaches that martial arts are not just about physical techniques, but also about mindset and awareness. Practitioners are encouraged to adopt a mindset of self-reliance and preparedness, understanding that self-defense situations can arise without warning and often require quick, instinctive responses. The training instills confidence and composure, enabling practitioners to act swiftly and effectively when confronted with danger.
Real-World Self-Defense:
Hosharafu’s reality-based self-defense approach means that the techniques are stripped of unnecessary complexity, focusing instead on what works in real-life altercations. The martial art is ideal for those looking to learn how to protect themselves in unpredictable and dangerous environments, such as on the street, at home, or in public settings. It prepares individuals to deal with a wide range of threats, from unarmed assailants to armed attackers, and teaches them how to defend themselves using minimal but effective force.
Conclusion:
Hosharafu is a Mixed Martial Art Style created by Grand Master Shaker Saberi to provide a practical, adaptable, and efficient system for self-defense and street fighting. It combines the most effective techniques from various martial arts into a versatile system that prepares practitioners for real-world situations. With its focus on reality-based defense, physical and mental conditioning, and adaptability, Hosharafu is a powerful martial art for those seeking to protect themselves and improve their overall combat skills.
