In the heartland of Japan, where the echoes of ancient warriors resonate through the corridors of time, there is a saying that transcends generations: “Let the soul of the hidden warrior in your heart shine eternally.” Within the discipline-centric world of martial arts, where respect is something that must be earned, a fighter’s career can be compared to a canvas painted with fortitude and determination. Shinya Aoki epitomizes this notion.
As we delve into the chapters of his career, it becomes evident that Aoki’s life is more than a sequence of fights. Ahead of his ONE Championship showdown with Sage Northcutt at ONE 165 this Sunday in Tokyo, let us examine five of his most defining moments:
1. He unleashed unorthodox attacks from the start.
Aoki’s professional MMA journey commenced in November 2003, when he stepped into the Deep organization. With an immediate impact, Aoki showcased unparalleled grappling skills, marked by his rapid armbar submissions. Notably, he gained attention for breaking Keith Wisniewski’s arm with a standing waki-gatame, a scarcely witnessed technique in traditional MMA. This early phase established Aoki’s reputation as a submission maestro.
2. Bright lights did not consume him.
A pivotal chapter in Aoki’s career unfolded with his entry into Pride Fighting Championships. Making his promotional debut at Pride Bushido 12 in August 2006, Aoki swiftly submitted Jason Black with a triangle choke. Notable victories followed, including a groundbreaking gogoplata finish against Joachim Hansen. Aoki’s tenure in Pride underscored his status as a grappling virtuoso with a penchant for inventive submissions.
3. He bested contemporaries.
Aoki’s journey continued after Pride’s demise, as he found a home in Dream. The 2008 Dream lightweight grand prix unfolded as a testament to Aoki’s resilience and ability to endure injuries for victory. A pivotal moment in this odyssey was his triumph over Eddie Alvarez for the inaugural World Association of Mixed Martial Arts lightweight championship at K-1 Dynamite on New Year’s Eve in 2008. While the power in Alvarez’s fists was evident from the start of the match, Aoki showcased his true prowess when the fight descended to the canvas. Once the bout hit the ground, Aoki skillfully initiated a relentless attack on Alvarez’s leg, securing a tight grip and efficiently executing the heel hook submission in the first frame.
4. He reached the top of the mountain in ONE.
A transition to ONE Championship marked a dominant phase in Aoki’s illustrious career. From capturing the ONE lightweight championship to successful title defenses, Aoki’s brilliance and grappling mastery were consistently on display. His first-round submission of Eduard Folayang at ONE “A New Era” epitomized Aoki’s enduring spirit. With a seamless blend of experience, skill and sound tactics, Aoki’s reign in ONE Championship showcased his ability to adapt and excel in diverse scenarios.
5. His skills and personality allowed him to shine in other arenas.
Beyond MMA, Aoki ventured into professional wrestling, adding a unique layer to his multifaceted career. Competing in Inoki Genome Federation and later DDT Pro Wrestling, Aoki seamlessly translated his grappling skills to the squared circle. This dual mastery reflected a dynamic persona, embodying the essence of “Tobikan Judan”—the Grand Master of Flying Submissions. Aoki’s foray into professional wrestling showcased his versatility as a combat sports athlete and his ability to captivate audiences with an eclectic skill set, cementing his status as a true pioneer in the world of prizefighting.