Issue 084
January 2012
You don’t earn a nickname like ‘Sexyama’ without kicking ass and looking good doing it. Master some of Akiyama’s smooth moves with FO. Sexiness not included
JUDO THROWS
A black belt in the gentle way and multi-time medalist in various judo competitions, including winning gold at the Asian games, Akiyama uses his base martial art to take the fight to the floor and handle himself against the cage during the upper-body tie-ups.
IN THE GYM UCHI-KOMI
Choose a throw you like, the one-arm shoulder throw (ippon seionage) for example, and repeat the footwork patterns for the entry with your partner. Step in once, twice, three times, then execute the throw. Each time try to increase the accuracy of the footwork and the velocity of the throw.
In Action
At UFC 116 in 2010, Akiyama took down Chris Leben with some excellent judo throws: a mule kick (uchi mata) a hip toss from a headlock (o goshi) and an outside leg reap on the ankle (tai otoshi).
STRAIGHT ARMBAR
Although judokas typically have a ground game far less developed than their jiu-jitsu cousins, Akiyama still has a set of dangerous submissions – his favorite being the straight armbar.
IN THE GYM
If you don't have a partner to drill with, tie a judo or jiu-jitsu belt around the ground bag, and practice spinning for the armlock. Make your hips light by posting on both hands and spin fast for the judo-style armbar.
In Action
Five of Akiyama's 13 wins to date have come thanks to the armbar. Akiyama concluded his fast-paced and brutal fight with Dutch knockout specialist Melvin Manhoef by pulling an armbar out of the bag at K-1 Hero's 7.
SPINNING TECHNIQUES
Akiyama likes to entertain, and often attempts spinning back-fists and back-kicks to varying levels of success. Although his big right hand is his go-to fight finisher he has ended bouts with his more spectacular move set on occasion.
IN THE GYM
Work with your pad man, starting with conventional shots, then turn your lead leg in just slightly to aid the turn, then whip your head around to reacquire the target so you are looking at where you are hitting before the shot lands. You can use the same protocol to train the footwork for the back-kick as the back-step, marking out the foot positions on the mat with angled tape.
In Action
Akiyama threw the back-fist and back-kick on Chris Leben at UFC 116 and Alan Belcher in his promotional debut at UFC 100. At K-1 Hero's 5 he knocked out Katsuhiko Nagata with the spinning back-kick.
