Cultural Heritage in Combat: Embracing My Japanese Roots through MMA

T is typing…
3 min readJun 18, 2023

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As I delved deeper into the world of MMA, I quickly realized there was more to it than physical exertion. It became my outlet to relieve stress, find balance and develop a sense of inner peace.

The physical demands of exercising not only challenged my body, but also gave me catharsis from the stress of everyday life.

Through countless hours of wrestling, boxing, and training, I found solace and a new sense of energy that had a profound effect on my overall health.

Additionally, MMA has allowed me to develop resilience and mental strength in the face of adversity. It showed me the importance of setting goals, working towards them and overcoming obstacles.

I’ve learned to embrace the process instead of just focusing on the end result, and to see every step of the journey as an opportunity to grow. These valuable lessons have not only shaped the way I approach MMA, but have positively impacted the way I think about other aspects of my life.

Unfortunately, my MMA career took an unexpected turn when I was 18 years old when I was seriously injured.

This is a heartbreaking moment as I am forced to step back from a sport that has become such an integral part of my identity.

Even though my active involvement in MMA is over, its impact on me is immeasurable. The discipline, determination and resilience instilled in me through sport continue to shape my character and guide me in every area of ​​my life.

When I look back on my journey, I am so grateful for the positive impact MMA has had on me. Not only has it strengthened the bond between me and my dad, it has taught me valuable life lessons, provided me with opportunities to reduce stress, and contributed to my overall well-being and well-being.

Even though I no longer compete in a cage, the spirit of MMA will always live in my heart, reminding me of the strength I possess and the obstacles I overcome.

MMA has been a transformative force in my life, merging my Japanese heritage with the physical and mental aspects of the sport.

It has made me a stronger, more resilient individual, and I carry the lessons learned from my time in MMA with me every day.

I am eternally grateful for the impact it has had on my life and will always cherish the memories and experiences it has gifted me.

In conclusion, the journey through MMA has been a life-changing experience for me, blending my cultural heritage, fostering a closer bond with my father, and providing me with invaluable life lessons.

It served as more than just a physical outlet, as it became a sanctuary for reducing stress and finding happiness. Starting as a 7-year-old, I grew both physically and mentally through the sport, only to face the heartbreaking reality of an injury that halted my active participation at 18.

Yet, despite this setback, the positive impact of MMA continues to resonate within me, shaping my character, resilience, and determination. MMA has not only changed my life; it has become an integral part of who I am, reminding me of the strength I possess and the obstacles I have overcome.

I use my own words when writing my stories, however, a fraction of this text was written with the help of Chatgpt, and Grammarly. This is to provide the best quality of text for my readers. Thanks!

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