Karate in MMA

This is a fascinating video on the usage of karate techniques in MMA.
Slowed down, it really shows how Lyoto Machida uses his karate origins to great effect.

Note how he draws back to the hip when he strikes. But note also the hands move around a lot (sort of windmill) when he and the others kick. Something my instructor always warned me against (that being said, it's being done with such speed that it might be hard to take advantage of such an opening).

These are very simple techniques that are quite effective as attacks that you can draw upon when attacking an opponent. In high-stress real-life combat situations, you need extremely simple manoeuvres that require little thought and as little movement or as simple movement as possible. Complex moves simply get lost in the rush.

It's also interesting that a lot of the strikes seem over extended and wild from a martial artist's point of view - and yet they're undeniably quick and very effective.