MMA in Japan

MMA-in-Japan would like to introduce a lesser known but very interesting fighter, Ryoji Suzuki. I first met Ryoji in Tokyo in 2001 where he was, and continues to be, a personal strength and conditioning trainer. With a professional boxing licence and a keen interest in the grappling arts, I was reminded that speed and skill can often be a good match for size and strength.

Ryoji has since gone on to fight in Demolition, Deep, ZST, Tribelate, and K-1 World Max, and is now a part of Team Alliance, training under UFC veteran, Tsuyoshi Kosaka (TK), at Alliance Square in Tokyo.

MMA-in -Japan.com has an exclusive interview with Ryoji and two of his favourite techniques on video for you to check out.

When did you first become interested in the martial arts, and then MMA?

I began watching pro-wrestling when I was a child and ever since then was interested in martial arts. When I watched Yuki Nakai versus Rickson Gracie in Vale Tudo Japan in 1995 I decided to start training MMA.

What fighters do you respect?

I respect Yuki Nakai, Tsuyoshi Kosaka, and Georges St-Pierre.

Do you think MMA is different in Japan from other countries?

I think the main difference is history of martial arts. For example, MMA is seen mainly as a sport in America, whereas MMA is an extension of bujutsu in Japan which encompasses not just the physical martial skills but the martial way; the science or craft including how a fighter behaves and carries himself.

Why do you think Japan has a longer history of MMA than many other countries?

From a long time ago, budo has existed in Japan and Japanese have a strong respect for the martial arts as a way of life, for example from the times of the samurai. I think this is the biggest reason.

Please describe your typical week of MMA training and conditioning.

Most of my training consists of conditioning. I spar two or three times a week. I run or sprint three times a week and do weight training three times a week. And I do core training almost every day.

Thank you very much Ryoji!

Ryoji Suzuki - MMA fighter and personal trainer

Please check out a couple of techniques Ryoji shared with MMA-in-Japan. He has used these techniques successfully against some of the top fighters in Japan.