Genki Sudo

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Genki Sudo

Statistics
Nickname	Neo-Samurai
Height	5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight	154 lb (70 kg)
Born	March 8, 1978
Town of birth	Tokyo, Japan
Fighting style	Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, Greco Roman Wrestling, and various others
Mixed martial arts record
Wins	15
By knockout	1
By submission	11
Losses	4
Draws	1

Genki Sudo (Japanese: 須藤元気 Sudo Genki, born March 8, 1978 in Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who up until Decmber 31st 2006 competed in the Japanese based fight organization K-1 HERO'S and before that UFC and Pancrase. He is notable for his elaborate ring entrances and unorthodox fighting style. His philosophy is 'We are all one.' Signature moves include the flying triangle and spinning backfist.

[edit] Biography

Although he is seen as a fighter with good striking ability and has won fights by knockout in both mixed martial arts and kickboxing, Genki Sudo's skill set seems primarily focused on grappling and submission wrestling techniques. Among the rather unorthodox techniques that he favors and can use effectively are the spinning backfist, a flying leg-triangle choke and flying armbar, as well as dancing and turning his back to opponents in order to taunt or distract in mixed martial arts.

Prior to his retirement on new year's eve Sudo fought for K-1 HERO's, the mixed martial arts branch of the most popular Japanese combat sports circuit. Sudo is well known for his particularly flashy choreographed ring entrances that often include costumed dancers. One entrance featured Sudo doing the robot and operating levers that released a column of smoke from the top of his head while wearing a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket as a hat and a white plastic mask, in an homage to the musician, Buckethead.

On a side note, Genki Sudo is a practicing Buddhist and although many think his antics in the ring are disrespectful and arrogant, he explains that it is simply his way of relaxing and having fun with what he is doing. After the fight is over he always kindly smiles and bows to his opponent, makes sure they are not injured, and holds up a sign with every nation's flag on it with the words "We are all one".

Genki Sudo recently was defeated by K-1 HERO's lightweight champion Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto. The fight was won by a controversial referee stoppage after Sudo was knocked down by a right hand which was followed by some punches, most of which Sudo avoided. There is still some disagreement among fans on whether or not the match was ended prematurely and unfairly by the referee involved, and it has been said that this same referee has a history of making controversial calls.

At K-1 Dynamite! on December 31, 2006 he defeated Damacio Page by submission[1]. After his win, and to the shock of the crowd, Sudo announced his retirement. He cites recurring injuries as one of the main causes of his decision but credits a sign in front of a urinal saying "one step forward" as giving him the inspiration.[2]

Genki didn't make it clear exctly what he plans to do. "He mentioned something about traveling overseas to see how human beings solve their problems and live happily together. But nobody is sure what he’s going to do.