Takeru says training in America opened him up to other cultures: “The best thing that happened to me”

Former K-1 world champion Takeru Segawa of Japan revealed that his trip to America was the best thing he did for his mental health.

‘The Natural Born Krusher’ discovered that a change in environment paid dividends, which he shared in a heartfelt interview with ONE Championship:

"The best thing that happened to me was that I started training overseas. Going to America and being exposed to very different values and mindsets from those back home in Japan really helped."

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Apart from honing his lethal striking skills on American soil, the biggest thing Takeru got out of that trip was to embrace his struggles inside and outside the ring.

The Team Vasileus leader continued:

“I encountered different characters seemingly steeped in open-mindedness. Everyone would openly share what they were thinking. Being exposed to that attitude really changed my way of thinking. That's how I gradually got better."

Takeru has been competing at the highest levels for years and has dealt with the immense pressure of that responsibility.

With a renewed spirit, Takeru will seek to return to his winning ways at ONE 173 on November 16, where he’ll face Denis Puric in a flyweight kickboxing bout at Ariake Arena.

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Takeru hopes to earn a rematch with rival Rodtang

Adding to Takeru's mental health woes was his crushing first-round knockout defeat at the hands of Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 172.

Losing in front of his hometown fans once more was a painful blow for the Japanese superstar. While he accepts defeat, Takeru is hoping he can redeem himself down the line.

'The Natural Born Krusher' told ONE in the same interview:

"My biggest motivation is to get revenge on Rodtang. Signing with ONE was to fight Rodtang. I want to face him again in the best condition possible."

Follow Sportskeeda and ONE Championship for more updates on the blockbuster ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim