Musashi (kickboxer)

Akio Mori (森 昭生, Mori Akio, born October 17, 1972), better known by the name Musashi (武蔵), is a Japanese former professional karateka and kickboxer. He is a four-time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two-time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist. Following a 14-year career, he announced his retirement at a press conference in Tokyo on August 26, 2009.[1]

Musashi
BornAkio Mori (森昭生)
(1972-10-17) October 17, 1972 (age 51)
Sakai, Osaka, Japan
Native name武蔵
NationalityJapan Japan
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight103 kg (227 lb)
StyleSeidokaikan karate
StanceSouthpaw
TrainerFrankie Liles
Years active1995–2009
Kickboxing record
Total85
Wins49
By knockout19
Losses30
By knockout10
Draws5
No contests1
Last updated on: September 26, 2009

He holds notable wins over Ray Sefo, Peter Aerts, Masaaki Satake and Rick Roufus.

Early life and career edit

Mori was born in Sakai, Osaka, Japan. After he started practicing Seidokaikan karate, he took his ring name from the famous samurai Musashi Miyamoto, as his kicking techniques were said to resemble the latter's sword-slashing moves. Musashi took part in international karate competition, and this eventually overlapped with his kickboxing career. In 1995, he earned 4th place at the Seidokaikan Karate World Cup.[2]

K-1 edit

Musashi made his entrance into kickboxing and K-1 debut with an impressive knockout victory over fellow karate competitor Patrick Smith in 1995. Despite this initial splash, his first three years with the organization were mostly marked by loss, and he emerged from 1998 with a K-1 record of 4-8-1 (1).[3] The following year saw a reversal in fortune, as Musashi secured his rival Kirkwood Walker’s WAKO Pro World Muay Thai Heavyweight title and won his first tournament – the K-1 Spirits '99 Japanese Grand Prix. The year ended with him earning entry to the K-1 Grand Prix '99 final round, but advancing no further than the quarter-finals.[4]

He spent much of the following three years achieving noteworthy but limited success. He won the K-1 Spirits 2000 and K-1 Andy Spirits Japan GP 2002 Final tournaments, but regularly lost to top stars like Ernesto Hoost and Jérôme Le Banner.[5] This changed with his entry to the K-1 World Grand Prix 2003. On December 6, 2003, Musashi defeated six-time world titlist Ray Sefo and three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion Peter Aerts en route to the finale against rising superstar Remy Bonjasky. Musashi lost the match by unanimous decision after Bonjasky repeatedly penetrated the weary fighter’s defenses.

Despite this loss, Musashi’s runner-up status in K-1’s most prestigious annual tournament elevated him to prominence. Upholding his new standard, he remained undefeated throughout most of the following year, achieving a four-match winning streak that brought him to the K-1 World Grand Prix 2004. He defeated returning opponent Ray Sefo and Thai sensation Kaoklai Kaennorsing before meeting Remy Bonjasky in the finals for the second time. The match was a furious contest, with Musashi bringing his opponent to one knee with low kicks and sending Bonjasky out of the ring by dodging a lunging kick. With the judges undecided after the initial three rounds, an additional round was ordered, and then another. Despite showcasing excellent agility throughout by evading Bonjasky’s kicks and knees, Musashi was visibly exhausted by the final round and endured several unanswered strikes that resulted in his defeat by unanimous decision.

The bout marked the last time Musashi reached the WGP finals, though he made it to the semifinals the following year. His regional tournament wins were behind him now, too: despite winning his semifinal match at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Hong Kong, a groin injury kept him from advancing. Over the next four years, Musashi accumulated wins and losses fairly evenly. He sought retirement as the end of the decade neared and announced his intentions on August 26, 2009, along with a request to enter the WGP one last time.[1] Despite not having fought that year or being among the previous year's top eight competitors, Musashi was inserted into the tournament's elimination rounds by popular vote and fought what was to be his final match on September 26, 2009 at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 in Seoul Final 16. He faced longtime K-1 veteran Jérôme Le Banner and put on a valiant performance, avoiding Le Banner’s heavy strikes while landing his own. Then, in the final 40 seconds of the third round, he was knocked down by a powerful combination. In the end, Le Banner won by unanimous decision.[6] Failing to qualify for the year’s WGP, Musashi – age 37 – announced that he would not enter the ring again.

At the time of his retirement, Musashi was arguably the most successful active Japanese kickboxer of the heavyweight division. An ex-world champion and winner of four regional tournaments, he was also one of only nine fighters to reach the WGP finals more than once. During his 14-year career, he defeated at least eight current or former world champions and one WGP winner.

Post–K-1 edit

In August 2009, Musashi co-founded the martial arts promotional company Pound for Pound Co., Ltd. with his younger brother (and fellow K-1 alumnus) Tomo. He currently serves as the company’s senior managing director.

In 2010, the company produced the Musashi Rock Festival – a combination rock concert and fighting event. The show took place on October 23 in Tokyo and featured performances by Sex Machineguns, Maximum the Hormone, and Loudness. The main event was an exhibition kickboxing match between Musashi and his brother. After fighting his sibling to a two-round draw, Musashi joined Sex Machineguns onstage to perform the songs “Iron Fighter” and “Death Game.” Musashi has stated that he would like to hold the festival again in the future.[7]

Media edit

Beginning in the mid-2000s, Musashi engaged in an acting and television career. His first dramatic role was as a guest star in the mystery series Kyôto chiken no onna, and he was a frequent guest on Japanese talk shows and variety programs. His most famous role was playing Issei Kurosaki/Kamen Rider Caucasus in the 2006 tokusatsu superhero film Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love.

In conjunction with the film part, Musashi provided voice acting for the same character in the video game Kamen Rider: Battride War II.

Musashi also appeared in the music videos for “Bonds” by Galneryus and the Mihimaru GT/Soffett collaborations “Skinats” and “Crying Summer.”

Musashi's entrance theme - "Battleship Musashi" - was recorded by Japanese heavy metal band Loudness. Musashi took part in the band's 25th anniversary concert at the Tokyo International Forum, where he personally congratulated the performers.

Fighting style edit

Musashi's manner of fighting was fairly unique for a K-1 front runner in that he was a technical fighter who relied primarily on his fists for offense. A longtime student of former WBA Super Middleweight champion Frankie Liles, Musashi would continually employ the powerful kicks that inspired his stage name but focused on punching combinations to wear down his opponents. He was a conservative fighter whose technical approach resulted in relatively few knockout victories for a K-1 headliner, but he also boasted a steely defense that made KO losses a rarity as well.

K-1 producer Sadaharu Tanikawa[8] and fighter Peter Aerts have praised Musashi's strong defense, with Aerts also complimenting his kicking and clinch-fighting abilities.[9] Conversely, Aerts criticized his punching power[9] and Tanikawa his lack of aggressiveness.[8]

Titles edit

Kickboxing record edit

Kickboxing Record
49 Wins (19 (T)KO's, 30 Decisions), 30 Losses, 1 No Contest, 5 Draws
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTimeRecord
2009-09-26Loss Jérôme Le BannerK-1 World Grand Prix 2009 in Seoul Final 16Seoul, South KoreaDecision (unanimous)33:0049-30-1-5
Fails to qualify for K-1 World Grand Prix 2009.
2008-12-31Loss Gegard MousasiDynamite!! 2008Saitama, JapanTKO (referee stoppage)12:3249-29-1-5
2008-04-13Loss Ewerton TeixeiraK-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Seoul Final 16Seoul, South KoreaDecision (unanimous)33:0049-28-1-5
Fails to qualify for K-1 World Grand Prix 2008.
2008-06-29Loss KyotaroK-1 World GP 2008 in FukuokaFukuoka, JapanDecision (majority)33:0049-27-1-5
2008-04-13Win Junichi SawayashikiK-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in YokohamaYokohama, JapanKO (left straight punch)22:0049-26-1-5
2007-12-31Win Bernard AckahK-1 PREMIUM 2007 Dynamite!!Osaka, JapanKO (left hook)31:2648-26-1-5
2007-12-08Win David DancradeK-1 World Grand Prix 2007 Super FightYokohama, JapanKO (left mid kick)12:5947-26-1-5
2007-08-05Win Wang QiangK-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Hong Kong Semi-finalsHong KongDisqualification22:0046-26-1-5
Despite win was unable to continue in tournament due to groin injury.
2007-08-05Win Yong Soo ParkK-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Hong Kong Quarter-finalsHong KongKO (left hook)20:4845-26-1-5
2007-03-04Loss Yusuke FujimotoK-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in YokohamaYokohama, JapanExt.R KO (high kick)40:3344-26-1-5
Fight was a qualification bout for the newly created K-1 Heavyweight title.
2006-12-31Win Randy KimK-1 PREMIUM 2006 Dynamite!!Osaka, JapanKO (right punch)30:3344-25-1-5
2006-12-02Loss Peter AertsK-1 World Grand Prix 2006 Reserve FightTokyo, JapanKO (punches)12:5343-25-1-5
2006-09-30Loss Chalid ArrabK-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in Osaka opening roundOsaka, JapanDecision (split)33:0043-24-1-5
Fails to qualify for K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 although he will be invited as a Reservist.
2006-07-30Loss Glaube FeitosaK-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in SapporoSapporo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0043-23-1-5
2006-04-29Loss Semmy SchiltK-1 World Grand Prix 2005Las Vegas, Nevada, USADecision (unanimous)33:0043-22-1-5
2005-12-31Win Bob SappK-1 PREMIUM 2005 Dynamite!!Osaka, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0043-21-1-5
2005-11-19Loss Glaube FeitosaK-1 World Grand Prix 2005 Semi-finalsTokyo, JapanKO (Flying Knee)21:0542-21-1-5
2005-11-19Win Ruslan KaraevK-1 World Grand Prix 2005 Quarter-finalsTokyo, JapanExt.R decision (unanimous)43:0042-20-1-5
2005-09-23Win Francois BothaK-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Osaka – final eliminationOsaka, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0041-20-1-5
Qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2005.
2005-07-29Win Rickard NordstrandK-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in HawaiiHonolulu, Hawaii, USADecision (majority)33:0040-20-1-5
2005-04-30Win Rick RoufusK-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Las VegasLas Vegas, Nevada, USADecision (split)33:0039-20-1-5
2004-12-31Win Sean O'HaireK-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!!Osaka, JapanKO20:4438-20-1-5
2004-02-15Loss Remy BonjaskyK-1 World Grand Prix 2004 FinalTokyo, Japan2nd Ext.R decision (unanimous)53:0037-20-1-5
Fight was for K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 title.
2004-02-15Win Kaoklai KaennorsingK-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Semi-finalsTokyo, JapanExt.R decision (unanimous)43:0037-19-1-5
2004-02-15Win Ray SefoK-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Quarter-finalsTokyo, JapanExt.R decision (unanimous)43:0036-19-1-5
2004-09-25Win Cyril AbidiK-1 World Grand Prix 2004 final eliminationTokyo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0035-19-1-5
Qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2004.
2004-06-06Win Ray MercerK-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in NagoyaNagoya, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0034-19-1-5
2004-03-27Win AkebonoK-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in SaitamaSaitama, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0033-19-1-5
2004-02-15Win Stefan GamlinK-1 Burning 2004Okinawa, JapanKO20:5332-19-1-5
2003-12-06Loss Remy BonjaskyK-1 World Grand Prix 2003 FinalTokyo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0031-19-1-5
Fight was for K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 title.
2003-12-06Win Peter AertsK-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Semi-finalsTokyo, JapanDecision (majority)33:0031-18-1-5
2003-12-06Win Ray SefoK-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Quarter-finalsTokyo, JapanDecision (majority)33:0030-18-1-5
2003-09-21Win Yusuke FujimotoK-1 Survival 2003 Japan Grand Prix FinalYokohama, JapanExt.R decision (majority)33:0029-18-1-5
Wins K-1 Survival 2003 Japan Grand Prix title and qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2003.
2003-09-21Win Hiraku HoriK-1 Survival 2003 Japan Grand Prix Semi-finalsYokohama, JapanKO (left low kick)23:0028-18-1-5
2003-09-21Win Montanha SilvaK-1 Survival 2003 Japan Grand Prix Quarter-finalsYokohama, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0027-18-1-5
2003-07-27Draw Chris ChrisopoulidesK-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in MelbourneMelbourne, AustraliaDecision draw33:0026-18-1-5
2003-06-29Win Montanha SilvaK-1 Beast II 2003Saitama, JapanDQ (punch to a downed opponent)21:5026-18-1-4
2003-05-02Win Nobuaki KakudaK-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Las VegasLas Vegas, Nevada, USADecision (unanimous)33:0025-18-1-4
2003-04-06Draw Gary GoodridgeK-1 Beast 2003Yamagata, JapanDecision draw53:0024-18-1-4
2002-12-07Loss Jérôme Le BannerK-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Quarter-finalsTokyo, JapanTKO (corner stoppage)20:5124-18-1-3
2002-09-22Win Tsuyoshi NakasakoK-1 Andy Spirits Japan GP 2002 FinalOsaka, Japan2nd Ext.R decision (unanimous)53:0024-17-1-3
Wins K-1 Andy Spirits 2002 Japan Grand Prix title and qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2002.
2002-09-22Win Tatsufumi TomihiraK-1 Andy Spirits Japan GP 2002 Semi-finalsOsaka, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0023-17-1-3
2002-09-22Win Hiromi AmadaK-1 Andy Spirits Japan GP 2002 Quarter-finalsOsaka, JapanExt.R decision (majority)43:0022-17-1-3
2002-07-14Win Josh DempseyK-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in FukuokaFukuoka, JapanDecision (unanimous)53:0021-17-1-3
2002-04-21Loss Semmy SchiltK-1 Burning 2002Hiroshima, JapanDecision (split)53:0020-17-1-3
2002-03-03Draw Glaube FeitosaK-1 World Grand Prix 2002 in NagoyaNagoya, JapanDecision draw53:0020-16-1-3
2002-01-11Win Ryuta NojiIchigekiTokyo, JapanDecision (majority)53:0020-16-1-2
2001-08-19Loss Nicholas PettasK-1 Andy Memorial 2001 Japan GP FinalSaitama, JapanExt.R decision (unanimous)43:0019-16-1-2
Fight was for K-1 Andy Memorial 2001 Japan Grand Prix title. With this defeat Musashi also fails to qualify for the K-1 World Grand Prix 2001.
2001-08-19Win Tsuyoshi NakasakoK-1 Andy Memorial 2001 Japan GP Semi-finalsSaitama, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0019-15-1-2
2001-08-19Win Toru OishiK-1 Andy Memorial 2001 Japan GP Quarter-finalsSaitama, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0018-15-1-2
2001-06-24Draw Ebenezer BragaK-1 Survival 2001Sendai, JapanDecision draw53:0017-15-1-2
2001-04-15Loss Ernesto HoostK-1 Burning 2001Kumamoto, JapanDecision (majority)53:0017-15-1-1
2000-12-10Loss Ray SefoK-1 World Grand Prix 2000 Quarter-finalsTokyo, JapanTKO11:3817-14-1-1
2000-07-07Win Hiromi AmadaK-1 Spirits 2000 FinalSendai, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0017-13-1-1
Wins K-1 Spirits 2000 Japan Grand Prix title and qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2000.
2000-07-07Win An HuK-1 Spirits 2000 Semi-finalsSendai, JapanTKO (Low Kicks)11:2516-13-1-1
2000-07-07Win Ryūshi YanagisawaK-1 Spirits 2000 Quarter-finalsSendai, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0015-13-1-1
2000-05-28Win Tatsufumi TomihiraK-1 Burning 2000Sapporo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0014-13-1-1
Qualifies for K-1 Spirits 2000 Japan Grand Prix.
2000-03-19Loss Andy HugK-1 Burning 2000Yokohama, JapanDecision (majority)53:0013-13-1-1
2000-01-25Loss Peter AertsK-1 Rising 2000Nagasaki, JapanExt.R TKO (corner stoppage)41:2513-12-1-1
1999-12-05Loss Mirko Cro CopK-1 Grand Prix '99 final round Quarter-finalsTokyo, JapanTKO (2 Knockdowns)21:1313-11-1-1
1999-10-05Win Masaaki SatakeK-1 World Grand Prix '99 opening roundOsaka, JapanDecision (unanimous)53:0013-10-1-1
Qualifies for K-1 Grand Prix '99 final round.
1999-08-22Win Nobu HayashiK-1 Spirits '99 FinalTokyo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0012-10-1-1
Wins K-1 Spirits Japanese Grand Prix '99 title.
1999-08-22Win Hiromi AmadaK-1 Spirits '99 Semi-finalsTokyo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:0011-10-1-1
1999-08-22Win Mitsuya NagaiK-1 Spirits '99 Quarter-finalsTokyo, JapanKO (left mid kick)13:0010-10-1-1
1999-08-22Win Motoharu YoshiokaK-1 Spirits '99 1st roundTokyo, JapanTKO (referee stoppage)22:139-10-1-1
1999-06-20Win Kirkwood WalkerK-1 Braves '99Fukuoka, JapanKO (left mid kick)51:508-10-1-1
Wins Walker's W.A.K.O. Pro World Muay Thai Heavyweight title.
1999-04-25Win Gary GoodridgeK-1 Revenge '99Yokohama, JapanDisqualification12:157-10-1-1
1999-03-22Win Greg VojtieckK-1 The Challenge '99Tokyo, JapanTKO (3 knockdowns)22:036-10-1-1
1998-10-28Loss Kirkwood WalkerLords of the Ring IIIEngland, UKDecision53:005-10-1-1
Fight was for Walker's W.A.K.O. Pro World Muay Thai Heavyweight title.
1999-02-03Win Duncan Airlie JamesK-1 Rising Sun '99Tokyo, JapanTKO (3 knockdowns)22:525-9-1-1
1998-10-28Loss Michael ThompsonK-1 Japan '98 KamikazeTokyo, JapanDecision (majority)53:004-9-1-1
1998-07-18Loss Ernesto HoostK-1 Dream '98Nagoya, JapanTKO (referee stoppage)32:524-8-1-1
1998-05-24Draw Masaaki SatakeK-1 Braves '98Fukuoka, JapanDecision draw53:004-7-1-1
1997-07-07Loss Michael ThompsonK-1 Fight Night '97Zurich, SwitzerlandDecision (unanimous)53:004-7-1
1997-04-29Loss Kirkwood WalkerK-1 Braves '97Fukuoka, JapanKO (Straight Right)51:124-6-1
Fight was for Walker's W.A.K.O. Pro World Muay Thai Heavyweight title.
1997-03-16Loss Branko CikatićK-1 Kings '97Yokohama, JapanKO (right hook)41:384-5-1
1996-12-08Loss Andy HugK-1 Hercules '96Nagoya, JapanDecision (unanimous)53:004-4-1
1996-10-18Win Jean RiviereK-1 Star Wars '96Yokohama, JapanDecision (unanimous)53:004-3-1
1996-09-01No Contest Sam GrecoK-1 Revenge '96Osaka, JapanNo Contest30:223-3-1
Fight was declared no contest after Musashi fell out of the ring.
1996-07-20Loss Sadau KiatsongritW.M.T.C. Cruiserweight World Title FightBuriram, ThailandDecision (unanimous)53:003-3
Fight was for Kiatsongrit's W.M.T.C. Cruiserweight World title.
1996-05-06Loss Mike BernardoK-1 Grand Prix '96 Semi-finalsYokohama, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:003-2
1996-05-06Win Sam GrecoK-1 Grand Prix '96 Quarter-finalsYokohama, JapanTKO (doctor Stoppage/Dislocation of right foot toe)13:003-1
1996-03-10Win Kit LykinsK-1 Grand Prix '96 Opening BattleYokohama, JapanKO (Low kick)10:372-1
Qualifies for K-1 Grand Prix '96.
1995-12-09Loss Stan LonginidisK-1 HerculesNagoya, JapanDecision (unanimous)53:001-1
1995-09-03Win Patrick SmithK-1 Revenge IIYokohama, JapanKO (high kick)20:341-0
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Karate record (incomplete) edit

Karate Record
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethod
1995-10-08Loss Shingo KoyasuKarate World Cup '95 3rd place Qualifying MatchJapanDecision (unanimous)
1995-10-08Loss Kim Tae WonKarate World Cup '95 SemifinalsJapanDecision (unanimous)
1995-10-08Win Shuichi NishidaKarate World Cup '95 QuarterfinalsJapan
1995-10-08Win Shin KishigawaKarate World Cup '95JapanDecision (unanimous)
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Filmography edit

Film edit

YearTitleRoleNotes
2013Moon DreamPolice Officer TeruBiographical film of Bobby Ologun
2013Goddotan Kiss Patience Championship - The MovieCaptain GryphonFeature film adaptation of Goddotan
200920th Century Boys 3: RedemptionNorimono Ogaki
2006Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed LoveIssei Kurosaki / Kamen Rider Caucasus

TV edit

YearTitleRoleNotes
2015One WayDota9-episode drama based on the novel by Jirō Asada
2015Ichirō9-episode miniseries
2011Sazae-san 3AnagoLive-action adaptation of Sazae-san
2006El poporatchi go!!Shop owner of ramen stall 634Guest appearance
2005Furuhata NinzaburōGuest appearance
2004The Woman Prosecutor of KyôtoGuest appearance

External links edit

Profile at K-1

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Musashi retiring!". www.k-1.co.jp/en. Archived from the original on 2009-08-29. Retrieved 2009-08-26.
  2. ^ "Karate (in German)". André Mewis. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  3. ^ "Musashi". K-1. Archived from the original on January 28, 2011. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  4. ^ "Musashi vs. Mirko CroCop - K-1 GP '99 FINAL". 15 February 2010. Archived from the original on 2021-12-13. Retrieved 28 October 2018 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "Jérôme Le Banner vs Musashi - 07/12/2002 (Full Fight)". 6 August 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2018 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ "Jérôme Le Banner vs Musashi - 26/09/2009 (Full Fight)". 7 August 2012. Retrieved 4 December 2018 – via YouTube.[dead link]
  7. ^ "Musashi Rock Festival (Japanese)". GBR. (Match Results). October 23, 2010. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  8. ^ a b "Tanigawa Producer summarizes the tournament "Schilt is the best champion in history of K-1" (Japanese)". Sportsnavi. (Kakutogi). November 20, 2005. Archived from the original on November 25, 2005. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  9. ^ a b "K-1 WORLD GP 2003 Final (Japanese)". Sportsnavi. (Kakutogi). 2003. Archived from the original on 2003-12-07. Retrieved October 25, 2018.