[HellaCopter]

Originally Posted by Seano

Hey Krikit, You are a shooto fan. What do the different classes mean?

From Wiki:

Shooto classes

Shooto fighters are categorized into four Classes.

* Class-D: Amateur (2x2min, Headgear, Special point system)
* Class-C: Amateur (2x3min, Headgear, Special point system)
* Class-B: Pro (2x5min)
* Class-A: Pro (3x5min)

Fighters start out as Class-D or Class-C fighters and enter amateur competitions that Shooto hosts together with the help of local gyms all over Japan. Class-D Shooto does not allow knee strikes to the face or striking on the ground. Class-C Shooto does not allow striking on the ground, but knee strikes to the head are allowed. There are regional championship and once a year the All-Japan amateur championships. Then a fighter can get a Class-B pro license, these fights are 2x5 minute long and use the same rules as Class-A fights. For new pros Shooto each year hold a rookie tournament in each weightclass.

When a fighter has gathered enough wins and experience in Class-B he will get awarded with a Class-A license, as a sign that he's part of the elite professional fighters.