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Takashi Nakakura - Up Close and Personal Interview
by Spike and Hody (Ironlife writer/Moderator + Pridecast staff)
Many MMA fans who follow Shooto already know Rumina Sato, Hayato "Mach" Sakurai, and Jutaro Nakao. This month, I'd like to introduce you to my good friend, teammate, and Pro Shooto fighter Takashi Nakakura. Keep an eye out for him; he's part of the next generation of future Shooto stars.
Spike and I had the pleasure of sitting down and interviewing Nakakura prior to his biggest and most important fight thus far, with Shogun Kawakatsu at SHOOTO GIG WEST Vol.4' - October 12th, 2003. In this article we have documented some aspects of his training as he prepares for his fight, pre-fight interview, highlight video from the fight, a four point lesson/demo., and a post-fight interview.
The article is rather long, but I hope you enjoy it. Hody
September 08, 2003 (pre-fight interview)
Ironlife: Please tell us about yourself, including your martial arts background.
Nakakura: I played rugby in junior high school, but when I entered high school I wanted to do some kind of martial arts. I had two choices, wrestling and judo and I chose judo and practiced it for 3 years in high school. My ranking is sho-dan (1ST degree black belt). I was fascinated with the idea of becoming strong, which is physically and mentally. I wanted to be a strong person and the concept of “strong” was kind of a mystery for me and wanted to find out what it meant to be “strong”.
Ironlife: Did you do any striking type of martial arts?
Nakakura: Yes, after I finished my high school judo team, I entered Seidokaikan to practice karate. Highest I got was 2nd place in a West Japan B-league competition. The fighter I lost to in the final was Tsuyoshi Nakasako of K-1.
Ironlife: So, you been an athlete all your life?
Nakakura: Yes, I would say so. But I wasn’t blessed with natural physical abilities. I was probably below average; I mean if I got in a street fight, I probably would have lost.
Ironlife: What brought you to Shooto?
Nakakura: When I was in Seidokaikan, I started to think about becoming a pro fighter. Seidokaikan or karate did not have professional fighting. Then I heard about Shooto and how they had lighter weight classes. I thought this would be great since I’m not physically big.
Ironlife: What brought you to STG Osaka? 
Nakakura: This was the first official gym in Osaka and I signed up as soon as I heard about it. I’m like the first group of fighters to join the gym.
Ironlife: So….it wasn’t because Nakao, Jutaro was here?
Nakakura: Oh, no. I didn’t even know of him when I first joined.
Ironlife: What were you doing when you joined the gym? Were you a University student or something?
Nakakura: No, when I finished high school I knew I wanted to do martial arts so I worked part-time and practiced karate. I’ve done all kinds of work; parking lot attendant, supermarket sales clerk, manual labor, and photo delivery. That’s what I do now, photo delivery.
Ironlife: So how much do you work and how much do you train? What’s the balance like?
Nakakura: I work about 6~7 hours a day and train about 4~5 hours.
Ironlife: Who is your martial arts role model?
Nakakura: Well, my ideal fighter, someone I like and think has a great game plan is Pat Miletich. He knows the formula for winning and has the ability to teach that. He’s a fighter and at the same time an excellent trainer. He cuts out the unnecessary stuff and just uses the bare minimum needed for winning and he can pass that on. Just look at his fighters; Jens Pulver, Matt Hughes, Robbie Lawler etc.
Ironlife: Pound for pound who do you think is the best fighter in Shooto?
Nakakura: Hody! (The following is Nakakura’s real answer) Well …let me see…Jutaro Nakao! (With a smile on his face)
Ironlife: Can you explain the process of you going from amateur to pro, including your record?
Nakakura: My amateur record was 2-0, both by submission. Then I came in 3rd in the West Japan Tournament, 3rd in the National Tournament, and the last tournament I entered in Nagoya I came in 2nd.
I never came in 1st place. (Laughing) After that I turned Pro (“B” Class) I’m 3-0 now. (Following the interview Nakakura is now 4-0 as a Pro and has moved up to Pro “A” Class.)
Ironlife: You were 3rd in the All Japan tournament, are the 1st and 2nd place fighters pro now?
Nakakura: The first place fighter is Koutetsu Boku and he fights pro out of K’z Factory, Rumina Sato’s gym. I think he became Class “A” the other day. The 2nd place guy (Seiki Uchimura) turned pro but I don’t think he fights so much now. (At the time of this article, Seiki Uchimura’s record was listed as 0-0-2.)
Ironlife: So you might fight Koutetsu Boku in the future?
Nakakura: Yes, I’d definitely want to fight him again. But the guy that actually beat me was the 2nd place guy. Id love to get revenge on him! (In that fight, Uchimura was able to stall on the ground after scoring the takedown. In amateur Shooto, fighters are rarely called for inactivity on the ground.)
Ironlife: In your opinion, what does it take to become a pro?
Nakakura: It’s kind of technical, but pro and amateurs have different rules. Amateur Shooto emphasizes points, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. People who can win by points will of course do well at the amateur level, but those who can win by points but also submit or KO the other guy are going to make it. (As a pro) The whole object of fighting is to physically beat the other guy, not win by points. I think there are a lot people on the border-line of pro and amateur, and the people who have the skills I just mentioned will make it.
Ironlife: What advice can you give to people who want to become pro?
Nakakura: As I said, (you have to possess) the ability to KO or submit the other guy. It’s not a point game, and even if you lose matches by points, if you develop the skills to KO or win by submission, they (fans and promoters) will recognize you and rate you highly as a fighter. What I want the future fighters to understand is -- it’s not a point game, it’s a fight, either you go down or your opponent goes down.
Ironlife: When did you first feel that you could make it as a pro?
Nakakura: I never did till I actually became pro, and even then I didn’t really
feel like a pro till the match this June. Suddenly I felt like I’ve become a pro. Until then I felt like I was “Semi-pro”
Ironlife: You mean you never felt you could make it as a pro when you were an amateur? After seeing you practice with some big name Shooto fighters, I thought you could have turned pro then.
Nakakura: No, I never did. Practice and actual matches are a whole different story. I mean it’s not only your fighting ability. It’s not only what happens in the ring, but you must behave, act, and live like a pro. The whole thing, your attitude outside the gym is of course important, how you answer interviews, your diet, how to rest your body, what to do during off season, not to get into stupid fights, all these things.
Ironlife: Can you tell us about your typical diet? How many times do you eat a day?
Nakakura: 6 times including supplements. I try to avoid deep fried and stir fried stuff. I don’t even feel like eating them anymore. It’s just basic common sense diet. Something anybody would know.
Japanese people consume a lot of carbohydrate, but I try to eat little of that and increase my protein intake. I also try to eat lots if vegetables.
Ironlife: Give us the details of your biggest meal and smallest meal.
Nakakura: My biggest meal is in the morning, after I work out and rest a little. I have chicken, vegetables, Japanese style side dish and miso soup and Genmai (Brown rice). That would be the most common combination. (According to Nakaura brown rice is more nutritious than white rice, is chewier and makes you feel full, and has a chemical which helps blocks signals to the brain which makes you feel tired.)
Ironlife: And your smallest meal?
Nakakura: Well, I’m trying to cut weight preparing for my fight now. I would say before bed after training. I put milk on unpolished rice and simmer it like Oatmeal and I put an egg in that. I also have vegetable juice.
Ironlife: What is your cheat food? Something you shouldn’t eat but something you really want to eat right now?
Nakakura: Something I want? I’d love to have beer now! (I can personally vouch that Nakakura drinks like a fish!)
Ironlife: Well, how about food?
Nakakura: There are times when I suddenly get an urge for pizza, with a lot of Tabasco!
Ironlife: So, you’ve always liked pizza?
Nakakura: Yes, basically I love junk food. I always have. But when I eat junk food I could feel it’s bad for my body. You know the fat, salt and etc.
Ironlife: Please tell us about your typical day from the time you wake up till you go to bed.
Nakakura: I get up at 5:00 a.m. and do about an hour of road work, and then I take a shower and sleep again till 10:00 a.m. I work till 5:00 p.m. and come to the gym at 6:00 p.m. and train. I usually finish around 10:00 p.m., go home and try to go to bed before 1:00. a.m.
Ironlife: How much time do you spend on weight training per week and what is your weight training like?
Nakakura: About three times a week. When I’m not preparing for fights I lift heavy and before fights lighter weight and more sets.
Ironlife: What are your thoughts before your fights? How do you feel?
Nakakura: As I said before, it completely changed after the June match. Before I was really nervous and tense, but now I’m completely relaxed and calm. I think its Mr. Nakao’s influence (LOL). Of course before entering the ring I get nervous but ….
Ironlife: How about the night before?
Nakakura: No problem, I sleep well.
Ironlife: Does it depend on the opponent?
Nakakura: Well, not really. I was the underdog in my previous match but I felt ok. I think I’ve realized that if you are not relaxed you really can’t do your best and fight to your full potential. It doesn’t matter who your opponent is. I think I now have a better understanding of the mental aspect involved in fighting.
Ironlife: What about the day of the match? Are you all hyped up like Vanderlei Silva?
Nakakura: Backstage, I feel like a beast, like a madman, obviously not a sportsman like feeling. I think of really pounding the opponent, because if I don’t pound on him he’ll kill me. You either get him or he will get you. I know it’s not a good thing, because it is a sport. But once the match starts, I’m really calm.
Ironlife: Do you have any personal hostility toward your opponent before the fight?
Nakakura: Nothing personal, but as I said before -- I get him or his going to get me. It’s not specifically toward a particular fighter.
Ironlife: Ok, Please tell me about your next fight.
Nakakura: Well, my next opponent is Shogun Kawakatsu from Purebred and he is tough. It’ll definitely be my biggest fight, so far. There was talk of him fighting Mr. Nakao before, so that speaks highly of his caliber. He’ll be dropping down to 70kg (Welterweight) from 76kg (Middleweight) and again, he’s unbelievably good. I will win this fight, not only win but have a very exciting match. So I would appreciate all your support.
Ironlife: Do you know why he’s dropping down?
Nakakura: He lost against Robbie Lawler (VIA TKO from punches in
Shogun 1. December 15, 2001) and I guess ever since then he’s been thinking about it. He probably feels better. But I heard from a friend of mine that even though he cuts weight, his body size is the same. Scary, huh?
Ironlife: So….what is your natural weight and body fat?
Nakakura: 77kg and I don’t know my body fat.
Ironlife: What weight do you expect to be on fight day?
Nakakura: 70kg.
Ironlife: Do you plan on coming in on fight day at exactly 70kg?
Nakakura: Well, this time I’ll be fighting in Osaka, so maybe I’ll be a little over the limit and cut it on that day. If it’s an away fight, I’ll try to be exact.
Ironlife: Can you tell us Shogun’s strong and weak points?
Nakakura: He’s not a flashy fighter, but he can control the match. He’ll take you down, get on top and pound you. He’ll do that every round and he’ll end up winning. But because he’s that kind of fighter, he’s not so good at finishing off his opponent by KO or submission. So I’m going for the KO or sub. People may not know this, but I’m actually good at striking. (I can personally vouch for that!) I would like to show my striking in the next match and I’m training - preparing for that.
Ironlife: How about your strong and weak points?
Nakakura: Strong points: Well, I’m really aggressive; I can keep on moving even on the ground, any position …. and very quickly. Yeah I think speed is one of my assets.
Weak points: Well, let me see… I’m not good with physically strong fighters, wait maybe not …… same type of fighters, people who have the same style as I do. I’m not really good with fighters with speed and technique. And I’m really not successful against grapplers.
Ironlife: Grapplers?
Nakakura: Yes, because I’m confident on the ground, I end up letting my opponent take me down rather easily. I should be more careful.
Ironlife: In your mind, how do you see yourself winning?
Nakakura: My flying knee in the first round. It’s a new move I’m practicing
Ironlife: Are you preparing for a high intensity, really fast fight?
Nakakura: Yes. Full on!
Ironlife: So what are you going to do if you can’t finish him off in the first round?
Nakakura: Well, I’ll have to think about that when it actually happens.
Ironlife: This fight will be under “A“ class rules?
Nakakura: No, since I’m in “B” class it’ll have to be a “B” fight. 2 rounds, 5 minutes each. (“A” class is 3 rounds, 5 minutes each)
Ironlife: When you win this fight, you‘ll be promoted to “A” class?
Nakakura: Yes, “A” class and my next opponent (Shogun) is ranked in the top ten of the Pacific Rim Ranking, if I win I should be in the top 10.
Ironlife: Oh great, you’ll be a ranker. Changing the subject, what is the money like for pro fighters like your self?
Nakakura: Now, there is no way I can make a living just by fighting. I’d have to fight 3 times in 2 months to make a living just from this. (Shooto is one of the lowest paying organizations)
Ironlife: Of course, if you keep winning you’ll be able to support yourself?
Nakakura: Yeah, like Mr. Nakao. Of course in his case it includes running this gym. If you are talking about only from Shooto, you’d have to become a Champion.
Ironlife: So if the money is not good unless you become a champion, why do you fight?
Nakakura: Very simple, because I like this sport. I know that there are many people who say the pay is bad. But I think they look at the really good fighters, the top level fighters. If you love the sport, I think you can do it. If you want more money, just keep winning, you‘ll get it. Of course the money is important for me, but it’s not the most important thing for me.
Ironlife: Are there many female fans if you become a pro fighter?
Nakakura: Well, I don’t know if there are many fans, but they will admire you. If you tell them you’re a pro; you can tell they are really interested in you. The level of interest is totally different.
Ironlife: Do you have like a fan club or a group?
Nakakura: Not that I know of. (Nakakura smiles and looks a little embarrassed by this question)
Ironlife: Well, we know you have one fan in America. (Wyatt)
Nakakura: Yeah, I’ve heard, but it’s a funny feeling and it makes you wonder. Why does somebody know me in America?
Ironlife: Probably from tape trading or cable television.
Nakakura: I see.
Ironlife: Do you find fighting and working very difficult? Can you balance it?
Nakakura: That’s not a problem. You get used to it and it’s no problem.
Ironlife: Does your employer understand your situation as a fighter and give you special considerations?
Nakakura: Yes, and you need that. If I were a full time worker somewhere, I wouldn’t be able to do this. If you become a full timer somewhere, the fighting will become the side job. So, one problem with my situation is that I can’t get a full time job. But I do know some fighters who do this and also work full time, and I really respect those people.
Ironlife: Ok, I heard you have a personal trainer. Can you tell us about that?
Nakakura: Well initially I went in there to get some advice on mental training. But besides mental training they do, I think it’s called “Stabilization” and “Balance training”. It’s training of basic human movements, such as walking, jumping, running. Doing it in correct form. It’s hard to describe but I think they have this in America. So it’s just really basic stuff, but if you don’t do these movements properly, you can get hurt fighting. (I believe Frank Shamrock does this or something similar.)
Ironlife: You think this will help ordinary people, I mean like office workers?
Nakakura: Definitely. The first thing they teach you is posture. They say if your posture is bad, you‘ll be doing everything the wrong way and likely to get hurt. Mr. Nakao will also join me in this program, so he will also have a personal trainer.
Ironlife: Look into your future and make a prediction. Say in a few years.
Nakakura: I think I’ll be very close to a complete fighter. I have a good training environment and good fighter friends. If I can continue this, I’ll become really good.
Ironlife: How many years till you become champ?
Nakakura: I really can’t say, I would like to become champ as soon as possible. I don’t like to talk big so I can’t make that prediction. But when I feel I’m almost there, I’ll tell you guys.
Ironlife: You have 2-3 weeks before the fight. How is your condition now?
Nakakura: Now, I’m really training hard, and it’s tough but I think my condition is great -- just a little injury.
Ironlife: You think that injury can be a factor in the upcoming fight?
Nakakura: Well, it’s my ankle and I don’t think I’ll fully recover. It’s the ankle that kept me out a while before my fight in June. I don’t think it’ll be a factor. I’m not really worried.
Ironlife: Any plans fighting abroad?
Nakakura: No plans at all. But I would love to fight abroad.
Ironlife: Which events? UFC? King of the Cage?
Nakakura: UFC would be a dream come true.
Ironlife: Why do you think there aren’t many Shooto fighters in the UFC?
Nakakura: First, the Star Shooto fighters are in the lighter weight classes. My feeling is that they are not interested in the lighter classes. Yesterday’s UFC, Caol Uno was an undercard. I think they want at least welter class. That would only leave Mr. Nakao and Mach (Hayato Sakurai). Anyone heavier than that, Shooto doesn’t have the fighters. On top of that Shooto probably has a very minor image.
Ironlife: Besides strength and body size, what is the difference between Japanese and non- Japanese fighters?
Nakakura: Well, Americans think of things in a logical, practical way and it reflects in their training. They use data and stats to train. In Japan, they just teach things from experience and something they just think is effective with no evidence. I think the gyms in America will produce better fighters due to that. So it’s more of a system that is better in America, not the fighter’s physical ability or anything.
Ironlife: If a promoter or a sponsor wants to contact you, how do they go about doing that?
Nakakura: Well, I think you should contact Sustain, same as Mr. Nakao.
(Sustain: It’s a promoting company run by Mr. Sakamoto. You can find it in Japanese MMA magazines. Sustain’s phone number +81 (03) 5725-7338 )
Ironlife: I heard you are a fan of pro-wrestling.
Nakakura: Yes.
Ironlife: How did you get into it? Which fighter got you into it?
Nakakura: I started off by watching New Japan Pro -Wrestling. I think at that time … I liked Jyushin Thunder Liger. I liked junior heavy weights, but actually I liked doing it than watching it. When I was in the judo team, I used to do the moves on the other members, you know like “Power Bomb”. So I liked the moves. Oh yeah, I liked Keiji Muto, too, when he had the orange pants on.
Ironlife: I grew up watching Inoki, how about you?
Nakakura: He didn’t fight that much by the time I started watching pro- wrestling.
Ironlife: So, if New Japan asked you to join them, what would you do?
Nakakura: I’d be honored. I would wear a mask. It’s always been my dream to wear a mask! (Laughing) I also want people to understand that these are 2 totally different things. Pro-wrestling is entertainment, people in America recognize that. It’s like baseball and soccer
NAKAKURA’S TECHNIQUE POINTER
Every Monday and Thursday at STG Osaka, we have a special training session comprised of top amateurs and pros from our gym; occasionally we will also have pros from other gyms dropping in to cross train. Monday is a striking class led by Nakakura while Thursday is usually led by Amari or Fujioka (two pros from our gym) and occasionally by Nakakura as well.
The following couple of photos are from one of those training sessions on September 18th, about a month out from Nakakura’s big fight. Nakakura has really improved on his take downs and take down defenses. As I watched him practice, I could see how smooth his movements were and how focused he was, in preparation of his big fight. I had no questions in my mind, whether or not he was ready.
 
 
Fight Day
All the hard training is over and in a few more hours, we’ll see if it paid off. My friend Scott (Kumoito) and I arrive early to the venue and find our seats. Surprisingly the venue is really small and looks like it has a capacity of 200 people. Some of the fighters are warming up in the ring but Nakakura is no where in sight. In a few minutes Nakakura emerges and explains that he has already warmed up and is just going to relax backstage. We give him our best and he departs. I notice that he looks very relaxed but at the same time focused. I’ve seen that look in his eyes in the past, so I know that he’s ready to fight.
Nakakura’s fight is second to last in the line-up. Scott and I watch every fight and take turns with the video and digital camera. Two other fighters from STG Osaka are fighting on the card prior to Nakakura’s fight.
After watching some really good fights, Nakakura is now next. As Nakakura is called into the ring he and his corner men enter in the infamous “Gracie Train”. The crowd goes wild and lots of cheering ensues. I suspect he has a lot of friends and family in the crowd. A group on the other side of the ring, hold up a sign with his name on it, while many people in the audience throw streamers across the ring.
As Shogun and Nakakura meet in the center of the ring, I can hardly believe that they are in the same weight class. Shogun is just a rock! He has the kind of build that most fighters aspire to have. A casual MMA spectator might think that Nakakura is going to severely lose. But I’m confident that he will win.
The fight is under Shooto Pro “B” rules which are 2 rounds at 5 minutes each. I give Round 1 to Nakakura as he dominated the striking aspect while both fighters seemed evenly matched on the ground, exchanging positions often. During the 1 minute break between rounds, I notice that Nakakura looks fresh while Shogun despite his impressive physique is a bit winded. Round 2 Nakakura continues to press the action. He attempts a front guillotine choke, which he demonstrated earlier in this article. He looks like he was going to get it but wasn’t able to. To Shogun’s credit, he was very calm and relaxed. Nakakura eventually releases the hold and they continue to fight on the ground, exchanging punches and positions. In the last 30 seconds or so, Shogun gets Nakakura in a ½ crucifix from the guard position. I’m able to clearly see Nakakura’s face and notice that he’s very relaxed and knows that the round will end soon.
All the hard training has come to an end and Nakakura wins by judge’s unanimous decision. The look on Shogun’s face tells it all. There’s no doubt in either fighters mind as to who was the better man this day. Nakakura is overwhelmed and shocked. Tears of happiness rain down his face while ring side photographers quickly take his picture.
STG Osaka does pretty good today. Aikihisa tied, Sugiera lost a hard fight by decision, and Nakakura won against “A” class ranker Shogun.
Post fight interview 10/19
IRONLIFE: You had a large group of people cheering for you at the fight. Who was all there?
NAKAKURA: People from my job and some people from restaurants and bars that I often go to. They also came to a previous match in Kansai. They all support me as a fighter. In total, there were about 50 people there supporting me.
IRONLIFE: Did you feel any added pressure to win since you had so many people come to support you, in addition to this being against an “A class” opponent?
NAKAKURA: My supporters gave me a lot of motivation to win. By the way, my parent’s didn’t come. They watch my tapes after the fight but they don’t like to watch my live matches. Even though Shooto is a sport, it’s still a violent sport in nature. So my parent’s probably don’t want to see me hit people, much less watch me get hit. Like I said, they watch my tapes because they know that I am safe and have won all my pro fights so far.
IRONLIFE: In the pre-fight interview we did, you said you were planning on KO’ing Shogun with a flying knee in the first round. Did this throw off your game plan when you were not able to do this?
NAKAKURA: Yes, I wanted to score the KO with the flying knee and I was serious about that. However, I think that if the match would have gone 3 rounds (it was scheduled for only 2 rounds) I would have got it. Even though I didn’t get the KO, I felt that my knees were still hurting him, so my game plan was still intact.
IRONLIFE: Was there any point during the fight that you felt you were going to win or lose?
NAKAKURA: After the 1st round, I felt confident that I could KO Shogun. I had a really strong image of Shogun prior to our fight, perhaps too strong of an image. After the 1st round though, I didn’t think he was good as my image prior to the fight. I was expecting him to be really physically strong like Nakao, but he wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, Shogun is strong but not as strong as Nakao. I was able to redirect his power and use my strategy well.
IRONLIFE: Do you consider Shogun a technical or power fighter?
NAKAKURA: If I had to choose between the two, I would say he’s a power fighter. But as a “Class A” fighter, his technique is above average.
IRONLIFE: You attempted to submit Shogun with the same choke you demonstrated for us. Was this planned?
NAKAKURA: Yes, since I demonstrated that technique for you guys, I kind of felt obligated to go for it but I wasn’t able to finish him with it.
IRONLIFE: Towards the end of the fight, Shogun caught you in a ½ a crucifix in the last part of the final round. You looked very comfortable and relaxed, but how did you feel?
NAKAKURA: He had a good hold but I wasn’t worried that it would end the match. I didn’t feel the need to tap and I was not worried about being choked out. The round was coming to an end, so I knew I was pretty safe.
IRONLIFE: Looking back on your preparation for this fight, would you make any changes?
NAKAKURA: In terms of training - No, I was 120%. I probably could have done more weight training though. I always make notes after my fights and look at my good and bad points and try to work on minimizing my bad points.
IRONLIFE: Looking back on the fight, what did you feel you did well and also some things you need to improve on?
NAKAKURA: Need to work on: 1. Wrestling and grappling. 2. Accurately hitting my opponents face. 3. The flow of 3 skills; striking, takedown, and submission.
Good: In the second round Shogun was in my guard and he picked me up and slammed me down a few times, like Rampage does in Pride, we call that Leap Frog in Japan. When he tried it again I was able to somehow sweep him and reverse the position. I doubt I would be able to do that again, it just came naturally during the match.
IRONLIFE: Cardio wise, you looked like you were in great condition for this fight. If there was a 3rd round, could you have continued?
NAKAKURA: I felt that I was in great condition and could have gone on forever that day. I trained hard and it paid off. If it would have gone into the 3rd round, I think I would have KO’ed Shogun, he was pretty tired but I was still fresh.
IRONLIFE: How’s your condition now, following the fight?
NAKAKURA: My body is sore, but that is natural following a fight. I have no serious injuries. I could probably fight again today.
IRONLIFE: What’s next for you? When will you fight again?
NAKAKURA: Sustain told me I might fight again sometime next spring.
IRONLIFE: What does it mean now that you are “A Class”?
NAKAKURA: There’s a pride and kind of accomplishment of becoming “A Class.” The money is not much better, but like I said before, that’s not the most important thing for me. There’s a lot of responsibility with becoming a top level champion and there’s a lot that is expected that goes along with this. (This last part is a reference to a quote from RINGS Akira Maeda that Nakakura recites.)
IRONLIFE: If it were up to you, who would you fight next?
NAKAKURA: Yves Edwards cause I want to fight a foreigner. I think I’m closest to him in ability. (I believe Nakakura means that their styles might be similar and that he believes it would be a good fight.)
IRONLIFE: Why do so many fighters diet down from their natural weight to a lower weight class? For example, you’re a natural Middle weight but diet down to Welter.
NAKAKURA: I have extra weight naturally when I am not fighting that I don’t need when I do fight. When I lose that extra weight I am faster and this helps and it doesn’t affect my stamina, actually it helps.
IRONLIFE: As you know, Shooto has official weigh-ins the day before the fight, so some fighters who are good at cutting weight can regain most of that weight before they fight. For example, if you look at Tito Ortiz he often looks like he out weighs his opponents. Do you feel this is fair?
NAKAKURA: It’s fair because both fighters have to do it. It’s like saying, if a boxer has better punches, is that fair?
IRONLIFE: I know you were training hard for your fight. How many days did you take off before your fight and why?
NAKAKURA: I took a week off, but I continued to train lightly to maintain my timing and feel. All the hard training was over and now it’s time for the body to get a little rest.
IRONLIFE: How long did you take off after you won and what did you do during that time?
NAKAKURA: I pretty much drank for a full week and had fun. I’m not in the best condition now. (Nakakura was drinking until 6 am the day of the interview.) Also I immediately ate some food that I really wanted - hamburger, white rice, ice cream, and etc.
IRONLIFE: Did sparring with Nakao all the time give you confidence in your fight with Shogun?
NAKAKURA: Yeah, especially for this match due to Shogun’s power. If I hadn’t sparred with Mr. Nakao I might have been surprised. Shogun is strong but Mr. Nakao is much stronger! Shogun has maybe 50% of Mr. Nakao’s power. They were scheduled to fight before and if they would have, Mr. Nakao would have killed him.
IRONLIFE: Have you ever seen Nakao over powered in training or in a fight? I can only think of Sean Sherk in the UFC.
NAKAKURA: No. In the case of Sean Sherk, Mr. Nakao wasn’t over-powered. His style is not to defend the takedown and but rather to try and work the bottom position. I think that was a big factor in him losing that match.
IRONLIFE: Besides yourself, who do you think is the next up and coming fighter in STG Osaka?
NAKAKURA: Hody! Seiji Fujioka, light weight. As an amateur and pro he hasn’t lost. (Shortly after this interview Fujioka suffered his first lose by unanimous decision to Hiroyuki Takaya on November 3, 2003.) He has a lot of heart and is able to train hard in practice and uses that in his matches. He also has a very good wrestling background and great takedowns that enable him to maintain the top position.
Spike and I would like to thanks Nakakura for letting us conduct this interview while he was preparing for his fight. We would like to also thank all of you for taking the time to read this rather long article. The following is a link to my friend Scott’s site where he has a page on Nakakura and also a HL video of his fight.
http://www.bushinjuku.com/arts/bushinarts/shooto/nakakura.htm
Hody
* Article by by Spike and Hody (Ironlife writer/Moderator + Pridecast staff).
* Back to Issue #5 Frontpage
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