“I watched countless fights” - Nadaka Yoshinari says his study of combat sports led him to Muay Thai excellence in Japan

Japanese Muay Thai superstar Nadaka Yoshinari is one of the most accomplished non-Thai practitioners of ‘the art of eight limbs’ in history. And it was because of his due diligence in study, and encouragement from the Japanese government, that he is where he is today.

Speaking in a recent interview with ONE Championship, the 24-year-old firecracker recounted the early days of his career training in karate, and the moment he started to learn Muay Thai.

He told the world’s largest martial arts organization:

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“Some of those karate movements and kicking techniques are still with me. Movements that you practice when you’re young tend to become ingrained in your muscle memory. Even as an adult, you are able to replicate them as if they were second nature to you.”

Nadaka added:

“The gym where I primarily trained had many Thai trainers. So I learned a lot of Muay Thai techniques. That’s one reason I started using techniques a bit different from typical Japanese fighters. Another factor is that President Nakagawa told me from a young age to watch lots of fight footage. I watched countless fights by fighters I admired and tried to mimic them from a very young age. I really feel that approach has made me who I am today.”

Fans won’t have to wait long to see Nadaka Yoshinari back in action.

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Nadaka Yoshinari battles Numsurin Chor Ketwina for ONE Championship gold at ONE 173

Nadaka Yoshinari is set to face Thailand’s Numsurin Chor Ketwina for the inaugural ONE atomweight Muay Thai world title.

The two lock horns at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which will go down live on Sunday, November 16, from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri are available here. Fans in the United States and Canada can visit ONE Championship’s official website for more information on how to watch from their location.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Nadaka Yoshinari’s next fight.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim