Getting ready at Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium, Japan.
Hiroki started trainig Kyokushin Karate at the age of 8. It is the hardest style of Karate, it focuses on power and damage on the opponent.
With straight wins in kickboxing, the talented Akimoto is ready to take on the Japanese stage:
The legendary Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium - First ONE Tokyo event in Japan, 2019.
Days, weeks and years of preparations leading up to this day.
Support from every team-mate, every media crews, family and village - every expectation and eyes was on Hiroki Akimoto.
"I wouldn't tell him (you did well!! you tried your best!!)
like the others did. Because I know he can do better than this."
- Mana Akimoto, Hiroki's Sister.
Akimoto couldn't hold on to his child after his fight,
Yuzuha, she would cry. As if, she couldn't recognise her daddy.
The Village booked a bus to Tokyo for Hiroki's Match, We rode with the villagers to Toyota on the same night.
Arriving in Toyota, Hiroki's Hometown.
Hiroki's home in Toyota.
Provided for despite being away from his family for 6 months since. Now they are reunited in Singapore.
It was not easy for Youko, to manage things at home alone.
Tsuyoshi & Minako Akimoto - Hiroki's father and mother.
They believed, and gave continuous and unconditional support to Hiroki.
Allowing him to pursue his dreams of being a champion.
Mana Akimoto did Karate and competed too. But have chosen to pursue dance instead..
All of Hiroki's accolade in Muay Thai and Kickboxing competitions.
Minako preparing for Karate class.
In the evening, Hiroki's parents teach Karate at their Dojo (Karate school).
Go Narita, Hiroki's coach.
"I always seek to find another Hiroki in my students."
Having Yakiniku is one of Hiroki's favourite ways to celebrate life. Whether In the triumph or in the process of life.
Our past do not determine our future, it only fuels the restoration of it.
3 Years later, This champion belt means so much more than just wanting to win.
