Toshio Fujiwara

Toshio Fujiwara
BornToshio Fujiwara
(1948-03-03) 3 March 1948
Miyako, Iwate, Japan
Native name藤原 敏男
Nationality Japanese
Height1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Weight61 kg (134 lb; 9.6 st)
DivisionLightweight
StyleKickboxing
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofMejiro, Toshima, Tokyo, Japan
TeamMejiro Gym
TrainerKenji Kurosaki
Years active1969–1983
Kickboxing record
Total141
Wins126
By knockout99
Losses13
By knockout6
Draws2
No contests0
Other information
OccupationPresident of Toshio Fujiwara Sports Gym
President of Japan Martial Arts Directors
WebsiteToshio Fujiwara Sports Gym (in Japanese)
Last updated on: March 21, 2010

Toshio Fujiwara (藤原 敏男 Fujiwara Toshio, born March 3, 1948) is a Japanese former kickboxer. Out of 141 professional fights before retiring at age 35, Fujiwara won 126, with a remarkable 99 by knockout; most notably, he was the first non-Thai to win a national Muay Thai title belt in Bangkok, a fact that many older Thais still remember and respect about him. Fujiwara became the second ever non-Thai stadium champion in 1978[1] when he won the lightweight title at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Biography and career

Prior to his kickboxing career, Toshio Fujiwara was mainly engaged in table tennis and maintained great physical fitness. He had no martial arts background before starting Taikiken, a Yiquan derative founded by Kenichi Sawai.[2][3]

A graduate from the Chuo University, he started training kickboxing at the Mejiro Gym in July 1969, learning under Kenji Kurosaki. He soon won the All Japan Kickboxing Federation championship, and did his first travels to Thailand in 1971.

In late April 1972, Fujiwara fought Rungnapa Sitsomsak. The even fight ended in a DQ win for Fujiwara, as Sitsomak's unsportsmanlike conduct got him disqualified on the third round.[4]

In 1975, he had surgery to his left shin which left him hospitalised for 6 weeks.[5] Three days after leaving hospital he ran at a long-distance event.[5]

On March 18, 1978, Fujiwara fought Monsawan Ruk Changmai for the vacant Rajadamnern Championship. The fight ended in controversial fashion, as Fujiwara accidentally headbutted Monsawan unconscious, when both tumbled when locked in a clinch. Regardless, this fight allowed Fujiwara to be the second non-Thai to secure a Rajadamnern championship title win.[6]

Fujiwara retired from fighting in 1983 with a impressive fight record.[7] Subsequently, he founded his own gym, Toshio Fujiwara Sports Gym, which he runs presently in Tokyo. His most famous student in recent years is Satoshi Kobayashi, but many other well-known kickboxers and martial artists have also trained with him, including Masahiro Yamamoto, Satoru Sayama, Sanshu Tsubakichi and Takaaki Nakamura.

In 2010, he was appointed Chairman of Japan Martial arts Directors (JMD), a commissioning group co-operating with the World Professional Muaythai Federation to oversee the development of the sport in Japan.[8]

Fight record

Kickboxing record
126 wins (99 KO's), 13 Losses, 2 Draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
1983-02-05 Win Hideo Adachi Tokyo, Japan KO (Punches) 3
1983-01-07 Win Dan Masabatsu Tokyo, Japan KO 4
1982-11-20 Win Tsubasa Goro Tokyo, Japan KO 3
1982-07-25 Win Younger Funaki Tokyo, Japan KO 5
1982-01-07 Win Manny Johnston Tokyo, Japan TKO (Towel thrown) 4 1:52
Defends Shin-Kakutojutsu World Lightweight championship title.
1981-12- Win Keiichi Sei Tokyo, Japan KO 3
1981-06- Win Kou Saotome Tokyo, Japan KO 1
1981-05- Loss Keiji Saito Tokyo, Japan TKO 2
1980-09-29 Win Kripet Pratep Decision 5 3:00
1980-08-28 Win Sinsak Sosripan KO 2
1980-02-27 Win Chan Chiarun Decision 5 3:00
1980-01-28 Loss Santi Rekchai Decision 5 3:00
1980-01-03 Win Kunimasa Nagae KO 2
1979-12- Win Saksaron Saknarong Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1979-08- Loss Weerachat Sordaeng Tokyo, Japan TKO 2
1979-06- Win Santi Rekchai Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1979-04-03 Win Khunponnoi Haphalang Tokyo, Japan TKO (Punches) 5
1979-02-12 Loss Narongnoi Kiatbandit Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
For a 2 million baht side-bet.
1979-02-06 Win Prayuth Sittiboonlert Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1978-12-23 Win Sinsak Sosripan Decision 5 3:00
1978-11-25 Win Pirapon Chosaman KO 3
1978-10-30 Win Siprae Kiatsompop Tokyo, Japan KO (Right Hook) 7
Winning Shin-Kakutojutsu World Lightweight championship title.
1978-10-10 Win Pirapon Chosaman KO 2
1978-09-15 Win Pudpadnoi Worawut Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1978-08-26 Win Pirapon Chosaman Tokyo, Japan KO 4
1978-08-02 Win Refugio Flores Tokyo, Japan KO 5
1978-06-07 Loss Siprae Kiatsompop Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
Lost Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight title.
1978-05-27 Win Wongchai Chorsawan KO 1
1978-03-18 Win Mongsawan Lukchangmai Tokyo, Japan KO 4
Wins the Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.
Fujiwara became the first non-Thai to be a major Stadium champion.
1977-11-14 Win Wannarong Piramit AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
1977-09-17 Win Sorpongsak Sohoyo AJKA Tokyo, Japan KO (Uppercut) 2 1:08
1977-07-24 Win Chawarin Kiatchangklrai KO 2
1977-04-07 Win Chalermpon Sor Tha-It Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Wins Thailand Boxing Council World Lightweight title. Becomes the first foreigner to win a Muay Thai World title in Thailand.
1977-03-05 Win Katsuyuki Suzuki AJKA Tokyo, Japan KO 5 0:44
Retains AJKA title.(6) After this bout, Fujiwara returned his title.
1976-12-4 Win Tsuchai Iserapap KO 3
1976-10-30 Win Rawee Wiwerchai Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 1
1976-09- Win Tsuchai Iserapap KO 1
1976-08-21 Loss Rawee Wiwerchai AJKA Tokyo, Japan TKO (Middle kicks) 1 0:55
1976-07- Win Gamonfa Sitesai KO 2
1976-07-09 Win Ryo Tsuchiya AJKA Tokyo, Japan KO (Uppercut) 5 0:44
Retains AJKA title.(5)
1976-06- Win Chobu Rai KO 2
1976-05- Win Rung Sinyasonpon KO 3
1976-05- Win Gamonfa Sitesai KO 1
1976-04- Win Rantae Weerapon AJKA Tokyo, Japan TKO 2
1976-03-08 Loss Sirimongkol Luksiripat Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1976-01-27 Win Bakrynu Maropitak KO 4
1976-01-1 Win Rung Sinyasonpon Decision 5 3:00
1975-12- Win Ri Sapoton KO 3
1975-11- Win Chachain Lukbangko KO 2
1975-10- Win Pesito Simoosan KO 3
1975-05-31 Win Masanobu Sato AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Retains AJKA title.(4)
1975-05- Win Chamoon Pontawee KO 3
1975-04- Win Banchin Sibaton KO 3
1975-03-8 Win Chamoon Pontawee Bangkok, Thailand KO 4
1974-11-26 Loss Jaidee Pisanurachan Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
for the BBTV Lightweight title.
1974-10-29 Win Jaidee Pisanurachan Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1974-09- Win Asawin Charonchai Decision 5 3:00
1974-09- Win Fason Sosampakon KO 3
1974-08- Win Taksin Chanarit KO 2
1974-07-26 Win Shozo Nakamura AJKA Tokyo, Japan KO (Uppercut) 5 1:24
1974-06-12 Draw Muangchon Jeeraphan Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1974-05- Win Saenchin Petchatanun Tokyo, Japan KO 3
1974-04- Win Radjo Isarapap KO 2
1974-03- Win Bangyai Isarapap Decision 5 3:00
1974-01- Win Kyoshi Masuzawa KO 1
1974-01- Win Potoron Soponwat Decision 5 3:00
1973-12- Win Goro Arashi AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Retains AJKA title.(3)
1973-11- Win Sakuda Iserapa KO 4
1973-11- Win Asawin Sidowata Decision 5 3:00
1973-10- Loss Ronchai Wancharasak TKO (referee stoppage) 2
1973-07- Win Komchak Sida Decision 5 3:00
1973-06-30 Win Richidet Sangmorakot All Japan Kickboxing Tokyo, Japan KO 2
1973-06-06 Win Masanori Sawano AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Retains AJKA title.(2)
1973-04- Win Meksuran Iserapa KO 4
1973-04- Win Samsei Iserapa KO 1
1973-03-29 Win Shozo Saijo All Japan Kickboxing Tokyo, Japan TKO (corner stoppage) 3 3:00
1973-03-01 Win Monkran Srisothorn Decision 5 3:00
1973-02- Win Shinji Tomaru KO 2
1973-01-22 Win Pripechee Rukprajanban KO 3
1973-01-15 Win Tarnin Saksery KO 4
1973-01- Win Senpet Tunaronglit KO 1
1972-11-30 Draw Minoru Shanzyo Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1972-11-22 Win Samande Itechai Bangkok, Thailand KO 3
1972-10- Win Bindio Apansak KO
1972-10- Win Atisak Uik KO
1972-08-12 Loss Saenchai Srisompop Kittikachorn Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO (Doctor stoppage/cut) 4
1972-07- Win Srasak Wapuyak KO
1972-07- Win Werasak Sodek Decision 5 3:00
1972-06-21 Win Yoshimitsu Tamashiro AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Retains AJKA title(1).
1972-05-21 Win Tanwa Novinyam KO
1972-04-30 Win Rungnapa Sitsomsak Bangkok, Thailand DQ 4
1972-03- Win Tosak Timrand KO 3
1972-02- Win Sitchai Amonrad KO 1
1972-01- Win Honton Swwonmisbwon KO 2
1972-01- Win Itenushi Marako KO 1
1971-11- Win Saksui Suihara KO 3
1971-11-05 Win Yoshimitsu Tamashiro AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Win the tournament for the inaugural All Japan Kickboxing Association Lightweight title.
1971-10- Win Potep Repara KO 1
1971-09- Win Krasuk Rukhayer KO 3
1971-08- Win Isorayuk Chaimrand KO 4
1971-08- Win Yorkursuk Sakchari KO 3
1971-07- Win Shina Takashi KO 1
1971-06- Win Buton Sikmu KO 2
1971-05- Win Fadem Rukbamkra KO 4
1971-05- Win Buton Sikmu KO 5
1971-04- Loss Srasak Wayupak TKO (referee stoppage) 2
1971-04- Win Viradarek Rukranton KO 3
1971-03- Win Pichron Rudson KO 2
1971-03- Win Sirisak Rukgansiri KO 4
1971-02- Win Pripan Beosryan KO 2
1971-02- Win Pirapon Lumeini KO 1
1971-01- Win Viradack Lukrontan KO 2
1970-12-25 Win Sonkran Lukpanchaman Decision 5 3:00
1970-11-28 Win Pichan Sicharo KO 1
1970-11-11 Win Kwanjaluk Satahip KO 2
1970-10-31 Win Kazuo Nimoto KO 3
1970-10-17 Win Tchaomang Sopiboon KO 1
1970-09-26 Win Goming Sicharo KO 2
1970-09-05 Win Tachasing Sicharo KO 4
1970-08-17 Win Mitsuo Nakano KO 3
1970-08-07 Win Tyali Saktyali KO 2
1970-07-27 Win Yasesak Srimon Decision 5 3:00
1970-07-10 Win Sorasak Jeuaron KO 1
1970-06-22 Win Krachai Honsurai KO 2
1970-05-30 Win Muanyak Kachapichit KO 2
1970-05-09 Win Bandal Ruskrepat KO 2
1970-04-13 Win Tcharomchai Kartesuk KO 1
1970-04-04 Win Chainor Jadoparson KO 2
1970-03-20 Win Mitsuo Nakano Japan Decision 5 3:00
1970-02-27 Win Surin Udomsak KO 4
1970-02-07 Win Honkaew Suranmisakawan Decision 5 3:00
1970-01-21 Win Chainor Jadoparson Japan KO 4
1970-01-06 Win Phoenix Yamaguchi Japan Decision 5 3:00
1969-12-19 Win Eiji Sakamoto Japan Decision 5 3:00
1969-11- Loss Sakuchai Rakanton Decision 5 3:00
1969-10- Loss Nampon Kartesuk Decision 5 3:00
1969-10-01 Win Takao Sakai Japan KO 2
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

References

  1. ^ "Look Japan: The newspaper of industry". Look Japan. 42 (481–492): 40. ISSN 0456-5339.
  2. ^ Serge Trefeu (Thanks to Andre Zeitoun) (2017). "THE LEGEND TOSHIO FUJIWARA, THE MAN IN 99 KO!". Siam Fight Magazine. Retrieved March 6, 2023. [Fujiwara] was already a sportsman but not really in the world of the combat sports. He had practised "Taikiken (Japanese Martial Art inspired by Chinese Yi Quan)". But he was especially, during several years, a champion of table tennis and classified among the best university players of ping-pong of the country...
  3. ^ Bryan, Andrew (January 9, 2022). "Toshio Fujiwara & The Invention of Kickboxing". Black Belt Magazine. Retrieved March 6, 2023. Fujiwara wasn't a stranger to sports prior to training with Kurosaki, but his background was very different from kickboxing. Playing tennis, Fujiwara was certainly fit, but his martial arts experience had come from practicing Taikiken, a Japanese style influenced heavily by Yiquan, Fujiawara had amusingly stumbled across a martial art that Mas Oyama himself and practised. The world of kickboxing though, would prove to be very different.
  4. ^ Stockmann, Hardy (September 1972). "Thai, Japanese Stage Kick-boxing Showdown". Black Belt Magazine. ...unrated but popular lightweight Rungnapa Sitsomsak fought an even battle with Japan's Toshio Fujiwara until the third round, when the Thai started clowning in the Ring. [...] [Sitsomsak's] behavior became so ridicilous that referee Prasit Kawbboon stopped the fight and disqualified the Thai.
  5. ^ a b Kurosaki, Kenji (1981). Desperate Power, Desperate Mind. Sports Life Company. p. 76.
  6. ^ Bryan, Andrew (January 9, 2022). "Toshio Fujiwara & The Invention of Kickboxing". Black Belt Magazine. Retrieved March 6, 2023. Fujiwara's claim to fame was when he faced Monsawan Ruk Changmai, on March 18th 1978 in Tokyo for the vacant Rajadamnern Championship. [...]As the fight progressed, eventually the two entered into a wilder exchange. Toshio tied up in the clinch before barrelling Monsawan over, Monsawan landed on his head, Toshio flipped over his head and Monsawan was out cold. It was a strange win. Perhaps the fight would have been rules[sic] a no contest in Thailand, after all it certainly looked like the win had come via an accidental diving headbutt. This fight was contested in Japan, however. Toshio Fujiawara had become the first ever non-Thai to win the Rajadamnern title.
  7. ^ David Asa Schwartz (2021). Modern Sports around the World: History, Geography, and Sociology. ABC-CLIO. p. 199. ISBN 9781440868801. 1983 - Toshio Fujiwara retires as one of the most successful professional kickboxers of all time, winning 126 of 141 matches, including 99 by knockout.
  8. ^ "ムエタイ&RISEをより競技化するためJMD発足、理事長は藤原敏男氏 (JMD launched to make Muay Thai & RISE more competitive)". gbring.com. 2010-01-25. Retrieved 2018-01-24.