Kickboxing star Masaaki Nogyu, who was “bullied,” reveals why he decided to pursue martial arts

Masaaki Nogi He has risen to become one of the top names in Japan's kickboxing scene, but there was a time when such words were hard to believe.

Nogi will make his ONE Championship debut against Thai veteran Sittichai Sitsongpeenong in ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga In a recent interview with the promotion at the event, which took place on Friday, June 7, inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, he talked about some of the struggles he experienced in his youth.

By chance, Masaaki Nogi becomes a fighter who stands up to bullies!

“I was bullied when I was little.” He said.

“When I was in second grade, I was the second shortest in my class. The shorter kids would scratch me.

“The kids even took me into the hallway of the school building and beat me. But I didn't do anything wrong.”

The Japanese star had to endure harsh treatment at the hands of his colleagues until one day a family friend intervened.

It was a catalytic moment for young Noiri, who decided to follow in his guardian's footsteps and take up martial arts.

“I started karate in December of my second year. When I was being bullied, my older brother's friend came to stop it. He did karate, so I started doing it too.” He said.

Originally, learning how to fight was a must for future batting stars, but it quickly became a daily routine.

And Noiri knew she had to keep going, even as the family she started the journey with drifted away.

“I started karate simply because I wanted to get stronger. I was so excited about my first class. My two brothers and my dad all started together. About three months later, I had my first competition. there was.” He said.

Mr. Nogi did not give up!

“After that, my father and my oldest brother quit soon after. Eventually, my middle brother quit as well. Everyone else quit, but I kept doing it because it was fun. But there was nothing else.”

The Tokyo native has since amassed a 49-11 professional record, winning notable tournaments and belts in K-1, Glory, and Krush.

Nogi will bring that talent to ONE Championship on June 7th, where he will undoubtedly join the promotion's illustrious list of world-class hitting talent.