Issue 041

September 2008

A master of the sport at only 25 years of age, Shinya Aoki is one of the most talented grapplers in MMA. A black belt in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Aoki is a massive fan favourite in his home country of Japan and commands legions of fans around the world, thanks to his unorthodox yet effective submission grappling skills and love of colourful tights.

THE STATS

‘Tobikan Judan ’

W-L-D 17-3-0

Located in Tokyo, Japan

Height 5’ 11”

Age 25

Category Lightweight

Inspired by Yuki Nakai

In MMA since 2003

Known in Japan as Tobikan Judan (meaning ‘Master of Flying Submissions’) Aoki is a phenomenally talented submission artist with two gogoplata victories on his resume. A former police officer, Aoki learned his submission skills from the legendary Yuki Nakai, the plucky Shooto-style fighter remembered best from the Rickson Gracie documentary, ‘Choke’.  

Arms

Though somewhat spindly up top, Aoki has good clinching skills thanks to his lengthy background in judo. His punches lack concussive power, but he is not known for his striking and prefers to use strikes to enter into the clinch where he will attempt a takedown or jump to guard.  

Hips

Ridiculously flexible, Aoki is probably the most well-known proponent of the ‘rubber guard’ in MMA, a type of attacking style as developed by jiu-jitsu player Eddie Bravo. Aoki is able to contort himself into positions most people would baulk at. He uses this flexibility to attack for submissions, and has twice delivered the rarely-seen gogoplata.  

Tights

Aoki’s favoured attire, the brightly coloured tights don’t just serve the purpose of nearly blinding his opponents with their garish colours. The added friction of having his entire leg covered in fabric means it is easier for Aoki to attack with submission techniques. They are also a nod to his mentor Yuki Nakai, who famously wore them in his ultimately unsuccessful bid to win the 1995 Vale Tudo Japan tournament.  

Snapshot of Career

2003

Makes his MMA debut at only 20 years of age. Wins his first two fights by armbar in a combined four minutes and five seconds.

2004

Suffers his first loss, a KO defeat at the hands of veteran Jutaro Nakao. He has not been stopped since.    

2005

Breaks Keith Wisniewski’s arm with a horrendous and unorthodox standing armlock. Also loses a decision to Japanese MMA star Hayato Sakurai.  

2006

Wins a straight six fights (and the Shooto title). The year ends with his submission of Joachim Hansen on 31 December (his first gogoplata).  

2007

Defends his Shooto title against the tough Akira Kikuchi, who he originally snatched it from.  

2008

Three more wins, and advances through the DREAM Grand Prix but loses out to Hansen in the finals.