Koubousen Companion: News and Notes From Japan
HERO’S Workouts
Jordan Breen Oct 7, 2006
Business as usual for "The Uno Showten"
The week of public workouts for HERO’S began on Tuesday with former Shooto world 154-pound champion, UFC veteran and fashionista Caol Uno (Pictures) working out at K-1's official gym, K-1 EX, in the Roppongi area of Tokyo. The HERO'S 154-pound tournament semifinalist, who defeated Kultar Gill (Pictures) in August, worked out with Wajyutsu Keisyukai compatriot and close friend Yasuhiro Urushitani (Pictures), and showcased primarily his ground game in two three-minute rounds.
Uno took Urushitani down, and controlled top position while
simulating ground-and-pound for the media. Uno also showed off a
variety of submissions, including a rear-naked choke, a spinning
choke, and a triangle choke from the bottom.
Uno told the media plainly that he planned on fighting his "usual fight," and that he didn't think he'd present anything new in terms of striking, or the ground game for his bout with Ivan Menjivar (Pictures). Uno said that he thought Menjivar was a great all-around fighter, and that he had a very strong upper body.
Smirnovas snatches spotlight with left hook, jacket talk
On Wednesday, only a day removed from being formally named the tournament replacement for Kazushi Sakuraba (Pictures), Lithuania's Kestutis Smirnovas (Pictures) held his public media workout today for his bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures).
Like Uno, Smirnovas also worked out at the K-1 EX gym in Roppongi. Smirnovas spent three minutes showcasing his striking for the media, followed by another three minutes of showing his ground technique. Smirnovas sparred only lightly on the mat, showcasing takedowns, and some armbar techniques, but perhaps was wary of revealing too much to the press.
Despite coming from a grappler's background, the focus was on Smirnovas' striking, as he hit the mitts hard for three minutes with his coach, making particular use of his unorthodox left hook, the punch which he put Sakuraba on the mat with.
Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures)'s striking trainer Takeshi Yamada of JB SPORTS GYM attended the open workout to scout the opposition of his fighter. Yamada remarked that it was clear that Akiyama had to pay particular attention to Smirnovas' left hand and watch out for his hook when he wanted to engage him standing.
Undoubtedly the most interesting part of the workout was Smirnovas' comments for the media. The Lithuanian commented that he's been doing judo for the past 15 years, and said that he is curious about testing Akiyama's judo ability in the ring. Smirnovas hinted at a possible jacket match of sorts, stating, "He wears the judo gi, and I may wear the gi to fight now, too."
Akiyama gets golden gloves, predicts judoka finale
Smirnovas was not Wednesday's only workout, as his opponent Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures) also broke a sweat for the media at Scramble Shibuya in the Shibuya section of Tokyo at noon.
Japanese television presenter Mino Monta, perhaps the Japanese equivalent of Regis Philbin, also greeted Akiyama. (Monta hosts the Japanese version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?) Monta was in attendance for the public workout, and presented Akiyama with a pair of gold boxing gloves, which Akiyama donned for the practice.
Akiyama took to the focus mitts and showed off a very powerful left hook which drew much attention from those in attendance as it thunderously cracked the mitts. Akiyama also showed off some ground work, primarily showing off strong ground-and-pound punches, while standing in the guard.
"In practice, I've put the emphasis on attacking," said Akiyama. "Although defense is required too, the best defense is offense. So I'll be attacking as much as possible."
The judoka also wished Kazushi Sakuraba (Pictures) well in his recovery from injury, and that he was very disappointed they couldn't fight, as Akiyama revered him as a competitor. Speaking about Smirnovas, Akiyama said that he had watched him fight, and had seen him as more of a striker, than a judoka, saying he'd only been able to see small pieces of his grappling.
One reporter in attendance mentioned that Smirnovas had told the media earlier in the day that he was considering wearing the judo gi, grabbing the attention of Akiyama. "Really? That's interesting," Akiyama replied. Akiyama continued, saying that he felt he could defeat Smirnovas both in a judo and MMA, so it wasn't particularly important if he chose to wear the gi or not.
Akiyama said that he used to compete in six, five-minute matches in a day for judo, and so competing twice in one day would not be hard for him, but that nonetheless he wanted to end his fights early, and in entertaining fashion.
Prompted for a finals prediction, Akiyama told the media that he thought if he advanced to the finals, he would meet fellow judoka Shungo Oyama (Pictures). "I know him from judo, and I think that if we both make it to the finals, it will send the message that judo is strong," Akiyama said.
Tokoro surprises with striking strength, gives kudos to Kaneko
HERO'S "Cinderella Boy" Hideo Tokoro (Pictures) took to the ring at K-1 EX in Roppongi for his public workout on Thursday, for his bout with actor-turned-fighter Ken Kaneko (Pictures).
Tokoro showcased his stand-up skills for the cameras, with two three-minute rounds of striking. Tokoro polished his punching recently at a boxing camp in Okinawa, however it was his kicks that grabbed the attention of Scramble Shibuya trainer Yasuhiro Uchida, who held the pads for Tokoro.
"I took him lightly, and thought he'd be weak," Uchida said, "but when I got the first middle kick it hurt."
Tokoro told the media he was in good condition, and that he was training as seriously for Kaneko as any other fight. "I'm a professional, I'll fight whoever I'm in the ring with. I heard that Kaneko's been training hard," said Tokoro.
The fighter mentioned that he had learned Kaneko was a southpaw by watching one of his training sessions off television, and also commented on Tokoro's match from New Year's Eve with dubious PRIDE regular Charles Bennett (Pictures). "When I first saw 'Krazy Horse' I thought he was pretty scary. I think Kaneko was brave to have stepped up to that match," Tokoro said.
The media also asked Tokoro about the recent comments of HERO'S executive Akira Maeda (Pictures), who Tokoro looks up to as an MMA pioneer. Earlier this week Maeda disparaged Kaneko publicly, saying that his participation in HERO'S was absurd, that Kaneko should be building his fighting resume in smaller venues, and that if he wasn't retired, he would leave Kaneko "half-dead in the ring."
"Maeda-san is a scary guy. If I was Kaneko and I heard that, I would probably run away," Tokoro laughed. "If Kaneko wants to fight in smaller shows, I'll introduce him to some ZST events. But, I think Kaneko is determined and that will give him strength."
Kaneko Promises His Best Under Sakuraba's Schooling
Tokoro's opponent, Ken Kaneko (Pictures), took to the gym Thursday, working out in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo at the Silver Wolf gym, home of K-1 MAX star Masato, who is serving as Kaneko's striking trainer.
When the media arrived at the gym, Kaneko had already begun shadowboxing, as Masato instructed him from the side. Kaneko was reluctant to reveal too much of his striking game, saying that he respected Masato, and that he wasn't ready to reveal all Masato had taught him just yet.
Kaneko took to the ring for a three minute striking session, with New Japan Kickboxing Federation flyweight champion TOMONORI holding pads for him. While it was evident that Kaneko was still rough-around-the-edges in regard to his striking technique, his power drew considerable attention from those in attendance.
Kazushi Sakuraba (Pictures), who is serving as Kaneko's grappling trainer, was also in attendance. "I'll have pressure having Sakuraba in my corner, but I want to do well and show him what I've learned," said Kaneko.
Sakuraba spoke positively of Kaneko's training, telling the media, "He has trained very hard for this match. He's slowing gaining strength and technique. He has long reach and he's learned some techniques to put that to his advantage. If Kaneko was a 10 at New Year's Eve, he's 100 now."
The media also asked Kaneko about the comments made about him by Akira Maeda (Pictures). "I think what he said is very true. I've been hearing that since last year; it's something I have to accept," answered Kaneko. "Part of me does feel bad for the people who are working hard to be in HERO'S. All I can do is to try my best."
Manhoef throws verbal Jabs to media, saves the punches for his partner
Friday, HERO'S 187-pound tournament semifinalists Melvin Manhoef (Pictures) and Shungo Oyama (Pictures) had their media workouts at K-1 EX in Roppongi. The hard-hitting Dutchman, who arrived late to the gym for his workout, has actually spent the last week and a half in Japan, as he arrived on September 26 to accompany teammate Badr Hari to the K-1 World Grand Prix Eliminations.
Manhoef revealed that he was in great shape and didn't have to worry about jet lag, and felt ready to fight at that very moment. He was bold in his comments to the media, telling them that he is a warrior by nature, and has single-handedly won street fights against seven and eight people at once.
Discussing his bout with Oyama, Manhoef said, "I'll KO him for sure. Then Akiyama will be in the finals, I'll KO him too, and I'll take the belt."
Manhoef then took to the ring with three training partners to workout for the press. The Cage Rage 205-pound champion showed off exactly what has come to be expected from him, displaying fierce power and uncanny quickness, smashing the focus mitts with punch combinations. Manhoef also showed powerful middle kicks, and an array of flying knees that dazzled the media.
Manhoef's power also gave one training partner more than he bargained for, as Manhoef showed off his ground-and-pound for the media, and actually knocked his training partner out. Manhoef's partner rolled over and was incoherent, as the rest of his team tried to communicate with him, and even poured water on him in an attempt to revive him. Finally, Manhoef's teammate-turned-victim rose to his feet, and Manhoef continued sparring as though nothing had happened.
Manhoef was informed not long after that his workout time was over, as his opponent Shungo Oyama (Pictures) was scheduled to work out. "I am practicing now!" Manhoef yelled. "Make him wait outside in Roppongi Hills!"
"Defeat isn't in my dictionary," declared Manhoef. "I'm going to win this tournament, and take the belt, then I'm going to fight like crazy. I'm going to beat the K-1 heavyweights, and take the Grand Prix belt."
Oyama visualizes victory, hopes for Akiyama encounter
When Shungo Oyama (Pictures) made it into K-1 EX for his workout he was very relaxed and calm, in contrast to the boisterous Manhoef, as he prepared to rematch the Dutch powerhouse, who had pounded him into a first round cut stoppage in March.
"My condition is great this time," Oyama said.
Oyama also indicated that he was training mentally and focusing on relaxing, and did so throughout his two, three-minute rounds of sparring.
Oyama wore open-finger gloves, and in round one, showed off his striking. Like Tokoro, Oyama spent a week in Okinawa sharpening his boxing, and showed crisp punch combinations. Oyama then followed up by showing off a spinning back kick, and a spinning back fist. In his second round of sparring, Oyama showed off his grappling. Oyama demonstrated an array of judo throws, including a one-arm back throw and a sweeping loin throw. On the mat, Oyama executed an armbar and a heelhook.
About Manhoef, Oyama told the media, "He's stronger than you can imagine." However, Oyama said that he has employed visualization techniques with his mental training, and wanted to finish Manhoef with an armbar on the ground, though he's prepared to fight in a variety of ways.
Oyama told the media that in August, at the quarterfinals of the 187-pound tournament, he and Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures) shook hands in the waiting room back stage, and encouraged one another to do their best.
"It will be the best if I can fight Akiyama in the final," Oyama ended.
The week of public workouts for HERO’S began on Tuesday with former Shooto world 154-pound champion, UFC veteran and fashionista Caol Uno (Pictures) working out at K-1's official gym, K-1 EX, in the Roppongi area of Tokyo. The HERO'S 154-pound tournament semifinalist, who defeated Kultar Gill (Pictures) in August, worked out with Wajyutsu Keisyukai compatriot and close friend Yasuhiro Urushitani (Pictures), and showcased primarily his ground game in two three-minute rounds.
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Uno told the media plainly that he planned on fighting his "usual fight," and that he didn't think he'd present anything new in terms of striking, or the ground game for his bout with Ivan Menjivar (Pictures). Uno said that he thought Menjivar was a great all-around fighter, and that he had a very strong upper body.
Mentioning that Menjivar has a penchant for pro-wrestling maneuvers
such as power bombs, and especially German suplexes, Uno commented,
"I've done pro wrestling too, so we'll see what happens. You never
know what will happen in MMA."
Smirnovas snatches spotlight with left hook, jacket talk
On Wednesday, only a day removed from being formally named the tournament replacement for Kazushi Sakuraba (Pictures), Lithuania's Kestutis Smirnovas (Pictures) held his public media workout today for his bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures).
Like Uno, Smirnovas also worked out at the K-1 EX gym in Roppongi. Smirnovas spent three minutes showcasing his striking for the media, followed by another three minutes of showing his ground technique. Smirnovas sparred only lightly on the mat, showcasing takedowns, and some armbar techniques, but perhaps was wary of revealing too much to the press.
Despite coming from a grappler's background, the focus was on Smirnovas' striking, as he hit the mitts hard for three minutes with his coach, making particular use of his unorthodox left hook, the punch which he put Sakuraba on the mat with.
Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures)'s striking trainer Takeshi Yamada of JB SPORTS GYM attended the open workout to scout the opposition of his fighter. Yamada remarked that it was clear that Akiyama had to pay particular attention to Smirnovas' left hand and watch out for his hook when he wanted to engage him standing.
Undoubtedly the most interesting part of the workout was Smirnovas' comments for the media. The Lithuanian commented that he's been doing judo for the past 15 years, and said that he is curious about testing Akiyama's judo ability in the ring. Smirnovas hinted at a possible jacket match of sorts, stating, "He wears the judo gi, and I may wear the gi to fight now, too."
Akiyama gets golden gloves, predicts judoka finale
Smirnovas was not Wednesday's only workout, as his opponent Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures) also broke a sweat for the media at Scramble Shibuya in the Shibuya section of Tokyo at noon.
Japanese television presenter Mino Monta, perhaps the Japanese equivalent of Regis Philbin, also greeted Akiyama. (Monta hosts the Japanese version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?) Monta was in attendance for the public workout, and presented Akiyama with a pair of gold boxing gloves, which Akiyama donned for the practice.
Akiyama took to the focus mitts and showed off a very powerful left hook which drew much attention from those in attendance as it thunderously cracked the mitts. Akiyama also showed off some ground work, primarily showing off strong ground-and-pound punches, while standing in the guard.
"In practice, I've put the emphasis on attacking," said Akiyama. "Although defense is required too, the best defense is offense. So I'll be attacking as much as possible."
The judoka also wished Kazushi Sakuraba (Pictures) well in his recovery from injury, and that he was very disappointed they couldn't fight, as Akiyama revered him as a competitor. Speaking about Smirnovas, Akiyama said that he had watched him fight, and had seen him as more of a striker, than a judoka, saying he'd only been able to see small pieces of his grappling.
One reporter in attendance mentioned that Smirnovas had told the media earlier in the day that he was considering wearing the judo gi, grabbing the attention of Akiyama. "Really? That's interesting," Akiyama replied. Akiyama continued, saying that he felt he could defeat Smirnovas both in a judo and MMA, so it wasn't particularly important if he chose to wear the gi or not.
Akiyama said that he used to compete in six, five-minute matches in a day for judo, and so competing twice in one day would not be hard for him, but that nonetheless he wanted to end his fights early, and in entertaining fashion.
Prompted for a finals prediction, Akiyama told the media that he thought if he advanced to the finals, he would meet fellow judoka Shungo Oyama (Pictures). "I know him from judo, and I think that if we both make it to the finals, it will send the message that judo is strong," Akiyama said.
Tokoro surprises with striking strength, gives kudos to Kaneko
HERO'S "Cinderella Boy" Hideo Tokoro (Pictures) took to the ring at K-1 EX in Roppongi for his public workout on Thursday, for his bout with actor-turned-fighter Ken Kaneko (Pictures).
Tokoro showcased his stand-up skills for the cameras, with two three-minute rounds of striking. Tokoro polished his punching recently at a boxing camp in Okinawa, however it was his kicks that grabbed the attention of Scramble Shibuya trainer Yasuhiro Uchida, who held the pads for Tokoro.
"I took him lightly, and thought he'd be weak," Uchida said, "but when I got the first middle kick it hurt."
Tokoro told the media he was in good condition, and that he was training as seriously for Kaneko as any other fight. "I'm a professional, I'll fight whoever I'm in the ring with. I heard that Kaneko's been training hard," said Tokoro.
The fighter mentioned that he had learned Kaneko was a southpaw by watching one of his training sessions off television, and also commented on Tokoro's match from New Year's Eve with dubious PRIDE regular Charles Bennett (Pictures). "When I first saw 'Krazy Horse' I thought he was pretty scary. I think Kaneko was brave to have stepped up to that match," Tokoro said.
The media also asked Tokoro about the recent comments of HERO'S executive Akira Maeda (Pictures), who Tokoro looks up to as an MMA pioneer. Earlier this week Maeda disparaged Kaneko publicly, saying that his participation in HERO'S was absurd, that Kaneko should be building his fighting resume in smaller venues, and that if he wasn't retired, he would leave Kaneko "half-dead in the ring."
"Maeda-san is a scary guy. If I was Kaneko and I heard that, I would probably run away," Tokoro laughed. "If Kaneko wants to fight in smaller shows, I'll introduce him to some ZST events. But, I think Kaneko is determined and that will give him strength."
Kaneko Promises His Best Under Sakuraba's Schooling
Tokoro's opponent, Ken Kaneko (Pictures), took to the gym Thursday, working out in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo at the Silver Wolf gym, home of K-1 MAX star Masato, who is serving as Kaneko's striking trainer.
When the media arrived at the gym, Kaneko had already begun shadowboxing, as Masato instructed him from the side. Kaneko was reluctant to reveal too much of his striking game, saying that he respected Masato, and that he wasn't ready to reveal all Masato had taught him just yet.
Kaneko took to the ring for a three minute striking session, with New Japan Kickboxing Federation flyweight champion TOMONORI holding pads for him. While it was evident that Kaneko was still rough-around-the-edges in regard to his striking technique, his power drew considerable attention from those in attendance.
Kazushi Sakuraba (Pictures), who is serving as Kaneko's grappling trainer, was also in attendance. "I'll have pressure having Sakuraba in my corner, but I want to do well and show him what I've learned," said Kaneko.
Sakuraba spoke positively of Kaneko's training, telling the media, "He has trained very hard for this match. He's slowing gaining strength and technique. He has long reach and he's learned some techniques to put that to his advantage. If Kaneko was a 10 at New Year's Eve, he's 100 now."
The media also asked Kaneko about the comments made about him by Akira Maeda (Pictures). "I think what he said is very true. I've been hearing that since last year; it's something I have to accept," answered Kaneko. "Part of me does feel bad for the people who are working hard to be in HERO'S. All I can do is to try my best."
Manhoef throws verbal Jabs to media, saves the punches for his partner
Friday, HERO'S 187-pound tournament semifinalists Melvin Manhoef (Pictures) and Shungo Oyama (Pictures) had their media workouts at K-1 EX in Roppongi. The hard-hitting Dutchman, who arrived late to the gym for his workout, has actually spent the last week and a half in Japan, as he arrived on September 26 to accompany teammate Badr Hari to the K-1 World Grand Prix Eliminations.
Manhoef revealed that he was in great shape and didn't have to worry about jet lag, and felt ready to fight at that very moment. He was bold in his comments to the media, telling them that he is a warrior by nature, and has single-handedly won street fights against seven and eight people at once.
Discussing his bout with Oyama, Manhoef said, "I'll KO him for sure. Then Akiyama will be in the finals, I'll KO him too, and I'll take the belt."
Manhoef then took to the ring with three training partners to workout for the press. The Cage Rage 205-pound champion showed off exactly what has come to be expected from him, displaying fierce power and uncanny quickness, smashing the focus mitts with punch combinations. Manhoef also showed powerful middle kicks, and an array of flying knees that dazzled the media.
Manhoef's power also gave one training partner more than he bargained for, as Manhoef showed off his ground-and-pound for the media, and actually knocked his training partner out. Manhoef's partner rolled over and was incoherent, as the rest of his team tried to communicate with him, and even poured water on him in an attempt to revive him. Finally, Manhoef's teammate-turned-victim rose to his feet, and Manhoef continued sparring as though nothing had happened.
Manhoef was informed not long after that his workout time was over, as his opponent Shungo Oyama (Pictures) was scheduled to work out. "I am practicing now!" Manhoef yelled. "Make him wait outside in Roppongi Hills!"
"Defeat isn't in my dictionary," declared Manhoef. "I'm going to win this tournament, and take the belt, then I'm going to fight like crazy. I'm going to beat the K-1 heavyweights, and take the Grand Prix belt."
Oyama visualizes victory, hopes for Akiyama encounter
When Shungo Oyama (Pictures) made it into K-1 EX for his workout he was very relaxed and calm, in contrast to the boisterous Manhoef, as he prepared to rematch the Dutch powerhouse, who had pounded him into a first round cut stoppage in March.
"My condition is great this time," Oyama said.
Oyama also indicated that he was training mentally and focusing on relaxing, and did so throughout his two, three-minute rounds of sparring.
Oyama wore open-finger gloves, and in round one, showed off his striking. Like Tokoro, Oyama spent a week in Okinawa sharpening his boxing, and showed crisp punch combinations. Oyama then followed up by showing off a spinning back kick, and a spinning back fist. In his second round of sparring, Oyama showed off his grappling. Oyama demonstrated an array of judo throws, including a one-arm back throw and a sweeping loin throw. On the mat, Oyama executed an armbar and a heelhook.
About Manhoef, Oyama told the media, "He's stronger than you can imagine." However, Oyama said that he has employed visualization techniques with his mental training, and wanted to finish Manhoef with an armbar on the ground, though he's prepared to fight in a variety of ways.
Oyama told the media that in August, at the quarterfinals of the 187-pound tournament, he and Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures) shook hands in the waiting room back stage, and encouraged one another to do their best.
"It will be the best if I can fight Akiyama in the final," Oyama ended.
