In the heart of Yonago City, where mountains cradle tranquil lakes and the Sea of Japan whispers tales of resilience, Takeru Segawa shaped dreams of kickboxing glory.
The Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Sunday will witness a clash of titans, as Segawa challenges Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the ONE 165 main event. The stakes are elevated, the crowd fervid, yet Takeru’s quest for One Championship glory is shaped by more than hometown support; it is fueled by a skill set that has left a trail of fallen opponents in his wake. Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, here are five things you might not know about the Japanese martial arts icon:
1. A devotion to karate powered his success.
Segawa’s fascination with kickboxing began in the formative years of his childhood. Enthralled by the exhibitions of elite kickboxers in Japan’s K-1 promotion during the 1990s and early 2000s, he was particularly captivated by the prowess of karate stylists. This admiration, fueled by the impactful performance of legendary kickboxer Andy Hug, kindled a fervent dream—to ascend the ranks of kickboxing and make a mark on the grand stage of K-1.
2. High school forced him to take a detour.
Despite an intrinsic desire to pursue a career in martial arts, Segawa took an unexpected detour during high school. Driven by the understanding that making a livelihood solely through fighting seemed implausible, he opted for a different academic path. However, a series of unfortunate choices and associations led to his expulsion merely three months into high school. Faced with a narrowed path, Segawa recognized kickboxing as the sole avenue he wished to tread.
3. He was recalibrated by a pilgrimage.
Expulsion from high school marked a turning point in Segawa’s life. Without academic pursuits, “The Natural Born Crusher” discovered solace and purpose in kickboxing. The gym became his sanctuary, transforming the aimless period into dedicated sessions. This redemption within the discipline laid the groundwork for his unwavering commitment to martial arts. In pursuit of elevating his kickboxing prowess, Segawa embarked on a transformative pilgrimage to Thailand. Working arduously at multiple part-time jobs, he scraped together the funds needed for his goal. Thailand, a haven for kickboxers, exposed Segawa to a culture where combat was not merely about personal glory but a means to support families. This immersive experience reshaped his mindset.
4. His accomplishments are unmatched.
Segawa’s relentless pursuit of greatness manifested in his triumphant rise within K-1. Transitioning from a successful amateur career, he entered the professional ranks with unparalleled determination. Over an unbeaten seven-year tenure, the Yonago native dominated opponents to claim K-1 titles in three weight classes: super bantamweight, featherweight and super featherweight. His indomitable spirit etched him into the annals of history as the only three-weight champion in K-1, solidifying his status as a kickboxing luminary.
5. He ventures outside of martial arts.
An appearance on the popular Japanese singing reality show “The Masked Singer Japan” added a unique chapter to Segawa’s career. The show, which exclusively aired on Amazon Prime Video Japan, featured celebrities, including Segawa, singing popular tunes while concealed behind elaborate costumes and masks. The guessing game was elevated by the panelists, which included the likes of Perfume, Miyavi, Kiko Mizuhara and Bakarhythm. The charismatic Yo Oizumi hosted. In Season 1, Takeru adopted the guise of the enigmatic “Okami” (wolf), brought his distinctive flair to the stage and claimed victory in the second episode. He bid farewell in the sixth episode.