Subject: TK,KOK,RINGS
From: Gryphon
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 02:39 PM
In Feb,24th(Japan) We have "RINGS King Of Kings final".
In this event first. UFC champ"Naural"Randy's opponent is ........"TK",Tuyoshi Kosaka!!
So ,let me introduce his monolog style interview. (from 2000,9/19 weekly Prowrestling) Although date was old,This report is getting to the point. Because, TK is known as the most clear and intelligent fighter. So,this monolog is not only remark but also deep cross-cultural psychiatry between Japan and USA.
TK is called "Body is s gradiator, Brain is a professor, Face is a missing link! " hahaha
Indeed, let it get on!
{Smith and Seatles}
1996,January,I fighted Mo Smith and tap him out by heel hold.After it,Mo come to my dressingroom. "Teach me your submission.I want to do and win in MMA rule"
It was a real surprise.He was the King of Kick. Although I know him little, I went to his gym to training in this Feb. it is just fit to me.I wanted kick,Mo needed submission.We could teach it mutually.
And ,USA's atmosphere was so good!There is no strick rank relationship like Japan,Strongmen and developing men can talk and teach equally. It moved me. Two weeks are too short.I had ever been to seatles for 4 times before I live there.Because,I wanted to learn not only Mo and American's technic but also their attitude.
Before it,I did not has a chance communicate American. So I thought that USA fighter depends only sterength.he has nothing to do wjth hypersophisticated technic and endurance. But It was far from fact.All American is so eager to learn.and they make how to win ,together.
I decided to live in USA,"Probably, I was left by progress if I was not here. "do you know? Speed of evolution is defferent. Fear or worry was nothing about living in Seatles hope was so much more than it!.
Mo changed my destiny. To say the truth,When Mo contract RINGS,CEO Maeda said."Is there a man who hope to fight Smith?" Only I lifted my hand.I felt something at that time. Always, I was keeping in mind so that positively. So I could fighted Mo Smith.
{Why I started MMA}
I did JUDO in highscool and University.But my Judo level can not gives me daily bread.But,I think,My Judo's technic be applied to in MMA. So I remmember UWF prowestling's star Maeda. There was also PANCRASE and UWF inter,but RINGS has least Japanese fighter.So I thought it was best. In RINGS,I was very happy!! Because I had been devoted to practice all day long.And I can step up if I became strong.It was simple and pure.
.....And,I could be rested on Sunday!I could not believe it.
No kidding,I could not take a rest in Sunday at highschool and University.
(To be continue....)
Subject: RE: INFO
From: hubris
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 02:49 PM
wow good stuff
Subject: RE: INFO
From: J-Wolf
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 02:51 PM
I'm pissed that TK and Couture meet in the first round already, it would make a great final.
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Paul G
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 02:51 PM
Very Cool, Thanks Gryphon!
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Steve Loftin
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 02:52 PM
Good article..NO NO NO GREAT article!! More please....
Steve
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Sothy
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 02:53 PM
cool
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Sothy
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 02:54 PM
I'm cheering for TK BIG TIME against Randy (and I like Couture to boot).
Subject: RE: INFO
From: KENWINGJITSU
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 03:41 PM
And ...all your base are belong to us.
Subject: RE: INFO
From: 000
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 03:52 PM
translation?
Subject: RE: INFO
From: sham
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 03:57 PM
Thanks Gryphon.
Where can i get TK's shirt????
Thanks
Subject: RE: INFO
From: standup
Date: 20-Feb-01 | 04:13 PM
TK is the man!! Thanks Gryphon!!
Subject: PART 2
From: Gryphon
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 01:37 PM
part2.
"defference between JPN and US"
I think,US MMA learning system is better than Japan. For example,I began Judo In junior highscool.But I learnd only bump at first.and I repeated only it for $months!! If I am a teacher, make bigginer sparring as long as they can keep safety.In Japanese style, teenager will be tired of training easily. When We force Students to do boring basic,they can not keep motivation.accordingly,They can not be strong.
How to teach technic in Mo gym? I was interested in it. And I notice,Mo show students "answer" at first.and description after it. It is direct antithesis of Japanese style.
Abroad experience make shape of our nation clear. So I thought of Japan's weakpoint.Although Japan is systematic and saved many rules,we tend to be spoiled. And ,I often hesitate to advise our senior.But,we should do it.I know it in US.
"TK scissors"
I am heavyweight fighter in Japan.But I am never as bis as US guys. So I can not beat them with only power.I notice it. So I was looking for not standard styke but raid techinic. To be frank with you,I prefer Underposition to topposition.it is true.
I fighted in Octagon many times,and Fans accepted me. I felt it in VS Tim fight...He is california guy ,wrestler,Boxing champ....Ordinary,all american might support him.But I enter Octagopn,I got not booing but"TK"call,It was my pleasure.
"My dream"
After I came to USA,I has never discoverd something. It is simple,"How to beat real strong toughguy".It is my theme, and in Japan,a Fan choices his favorite promotion.RINGS,PANCRASE,PRIDE,...etc.
but I want to be fighter who can be a maineventer in every promotions. Fans already regard me so? No,No,I never estimate myself so.
About Rickson? Even if I appeal about VS Rickson,It is useless. If I was Rickson, I would never fighted TK,hahaha...It is no merit. If I hope fight,I should become the man who has merit. Result,I have to actual performance and credential in USA. And ,Not only strong but also more Plus X.I think so.
Subject: RE: INFO
From: beau
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 01:46 PM
thanks!!!
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Sothy
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 01:53 PM
thanks again!
Subject: RE: INFO
From: socal
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 01:56 PM
thx Gryphon.
Some guys win the hearts of the fans no matter where they are from.
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Valliant13
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 02:05 PM
Wow he seems like a very down to earth, earnest guy. Thanks for putting that up Gryphon.
Subject: RE: INFO
From: stuvelo
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 02:50 PM
TK is the man.....i really don't know who to root for him or coutre....i like them both.
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Sothy
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 04:28 PM
TK=underdog, thus I'm rooting for him
Subject: RE: INFO
From: pantherfist
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 04:38 PM
TK with a shish kabob and a Ghost Rider shirt on....classic pic man, and thanks for the translation again, Gryphon-sama....
PF
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Muaythaidaddy
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 05:08 PM
TK's the man.
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Ghidorah
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 05:36 PM
Fabulous post....
Subject: RE: INFO
From: Ryan G
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 06:22 PM
"I fighted in Octagon many times,and Fans accepted me. I felt it in VS Tim fight...He is california guy ,wrestler,Boxing champ....Ordinary,all american might support him.But I enter Octagopn,I got not booing but"TK"call,It was my pleasure."
That's hella cool!
Thanks, Gryphon.
Subject: RE: INFO
From: pulsar
Date: 21-Feb-01 | 06:30 PM
That is really great from TK. Hopefully overseas fighters will get even more of that as the fans become more educated.
I hope Elvis gets a big cheer!