Name Akio Mori Native name 武蔵 Years active 14 (1995–2009) Weight 103 kg Nationality Japan Total 85 | Role Kickboxer Draws 5 Height 1.85 m | |
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Movies Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love, The God Tongue Movie: Kiss gaman senshuken Similar People | ||
Akio Mori (森 昭生, Mori Akio, born October 17, 1972), better known by the name Musashi (武蔵), is a Japanese former professional karateka and kickboxer. He is a four-time K-1 Japan tournament champion, a former WAKO Heavyweight Muay Thai champion and two-time K-1 World Grand Prix finalist. He announced his retirement and decided to end his 14-year professional career at a press conference in Tokyo on August 26, 2009.
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He holds notable wins over Ray Sefo, Peter Aerts, Sam Greco and Bob Sapp.
Biography and career
Mori was born in Sakai, Osaka, Japan. After he started practicing Seido-kaikan (正道会館) karate he took his ring name from the famous samurai of the same name Musashi Miyamoto, since his kicking techniques is said to resemble the latter's sword-slashing moves. Musashi was trained by former WBA Super Middleweight Boxing Champion (1994-1999) Frankie Liles. His elder brother Tomo fought in the K-1 Middleweight division.
Throughout his long K-1 career Musashi made it to the K-1 World Grand Prix seven times. He made it to the finals twice; both times he lost to Remy Bonjasky, via decision.
Musashi's entrance theme was made by Japanese heavy metal band Loudness. The song is called "Battleship Musashi." Musashi took part in a Loudness 25th anniversary concert at Tokyo International forum where he congratulated the band. Musashi also plays Issei Kurosaki/Kamen Rider Caucasus in Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love and the video game Kamen Rider: Battride War series.
Musashi fought his last K-1 fight against longtime veteran and rival Jerome Lebanner at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final 16. Musashi put on a valiant performance in the fight by avoiding Jerome's heavy punches and landing his own punches, until the final 40 seconds where Musashi was knocked down by a powerful combo. In the end, it was a unanimous decision loss for Musashi. Although fans saw him in very good shape and he put up a very strong fight, Musashi announced that he would retire after the fight and would not enter the ring again.