If you are ever wondering who is behind a certain decision at RIZIN, there's a good chance the answer is Shingo Kashiwagi. Kashiwagi wears many hats in the top JMMA promotion and is constantly making big decisions for them. He's their matchmaker, talent scout, and English translator, just to name a few of his titles. … Continue reading JMMA Monday: A Conversation With RIZIN’s Shingo Kashiwagi
Category: Opinion
JMMA Monday: Ougikubo’s One Big Goal
There are few people in the world who can say they have beaten Hiromasa Ougikubo. The pro has fought more than 30 times since debuting in 2006. Along the way, just five of those fights have seen him suffer a loss. But of those losses, few have not since been avenged. The year is 2009 … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Ougikubo’s One Big Goal
JMMA Monday: The September Reflection
Welcome to the latest "JMMA Monday" column. This week, we'll be introducing a new monthly edition to the series: the reflection. This article gives us a chance to unpack JMMA topics from the past month in a quick-hitting format. Each reflection will include three parts: looking back (a thought on something that just happened), looking … Continue reading JMMA Monday: The September Reflection
JMMA Monday: The Changing of Mikuru Asakura’s Image
The identity of Japanese MMA's top promotion has always been unique in the combat sports world. For decades, most MMA promotions have marketed the idea of witnessing some of the best athletes compete in a cage. But that hasn't always been the situation in JMMA. In many cases, and right now with RIZIN, a different … Continue reading JMMA Monday: The Changing of Mikuru Asakura’s Image
ONE Championship Faces Balancing Act Head-On
ONE Championship has faced one problem since their inception more than a decade ago: how do you build a promotion that caters to the U.S. and Asia markets at the same time? This question hasn't been an easy one for them to crack. Each area cares about different talents. They consume the product through different … Continue reading ONE Championship Faces Balancing Act Head-On
JMMA Monday: Can We See New Year’s Eve In September?
What is and isn't worth your time? You might not notice it, but this is a question that you confront yourself with on numerous instances every day. It dictates whether you take that trip to the movie theatre versus staying at home or watching a two-and-a-half-hour movie instead of a TV show. And if you … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Can We See New Year’s Eve In September?
JMMA Monday: Grading International Accessibility
Accessing Japanese MMA has never been easy for international viewers. At any point in time, at least one promotion would have some issue that holds back international viewers from watching or even getting information about them. Accessibility will always be a relevant issue. Two years ago, we spoke to viewers around the globe to understand … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Grading International Accessibility
JMMA Monday Audio 8/8/22: Final RIZIN 37 Thoughts, Kickboxing Check-Up, Exhibition Matches, And More
In this week's "JMMA Monday Audio," we were joined by Babalu Jack of the "High Kicks & Armbars" podcast. We had a lengthy discussion about a variety of topics surrounding the Japanese combat sports scene. This podcast includes some final thoughts on RIZIN 37, a preview of this month's top Japanese kickboxing events, and much … Continue reading JMMA Monday Audio 8/8/22: Final RIZIN 37 Thoughts, Kickboxing Check-Up, Exhibition Matches, And More
JMMA Monday: Top Takeaways From RIZIN 37
RIZIN made their return to the Saitama Super Arena this weekend with RIZIN 37. The card featured many interesting matchups and the beginning of their second Super Atomweight Grand Prix. There's a lot to unpack about the show, including some stuff we won't get to this week. But just a few hours removed from the … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Top Takeaways From RIZIN 37
JMMA Monday Audio 8/1/22: RIZIN 37 Quick Reactions!
JMMA Monday Audio is back with quick reactions following RIZIN 37. Riding solo this week, we're talking about the fallout from the RIZIN Super Atomweight Grand Prix Quarter-Finals, plus other big headlines coming out of the promotion's recent return to the Saitama Super Arena. Here's how you can listen to the episode: Youtube Spotify Anchor … Continue reading JMMA Monday Audio 8/1/22: RIZIN 37 Quick Reactions!
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