Many enthusiastic audience members, a big screen and great quality fight videos.
I was so attracted to MMA when I was junior high student. All men want to be the strongest guy in the world and I was strongly hoped to be one as well.
It was very natural for me to start Karate and I noticed that there is the only way up in MMA。
Around this time K-1 had started broadcasting on TV.
Everyone was really into K-1 and everybody knew who Andy Hug was.
One of the reasons why people liked this entertainment was simply because they were sick and tired of watching Pro-wrestling fixed matches. What they want to know is who the strongest guy in the world is.
Bright stage, big and tough fighters showing fighting in the ring at the risk of one's life.
This is a new form of entertainment in Japan that people seem to accept.
However, one of my friends, who is a champion in the Japanese mma organization told me how difficult it is for them to make a living with mma in Japan.
First of all, not like UFC, we don't have a one-year contract for fighters.
UFC always signs fighters annually and pays them whether the fighters win or lose.
Secondly Japan still has a lower reputation in MMA. Many older people feel a resistance toward mma fights.
Fighters can’t get sponsors because of the lack of support.
Lastly, MMA is totally tainted by Yakuza's business. Violent, dangerous and stupid images are always associated with MMA in Japan.
My friend only earns $1000 for championship fights. If MMA had more financial support, fighters could make MMA their full time career, instead of having to work part time jobs while they train.
As a big fan of MMA, I hope that the image and situation for fighters will be improved.