Issue 208

August 2024

Hideo Tokoro is one of the most prolific fighters in the world, and Fighters Only’s Jacek Okniński takes a closer look at how this Japanese warrior’s path led him to become the people’s champion.

Hideo Tokoro’s 71-fight career is a staggering example of longevity in MMA. The Japanese fighter made his pro debut in 2000 and never looked back as his skills were tested through his country’s baseball stadiums, small arenas, and nightclubs. Most recently, at Super RIZIN 3 on 28 July 2024, ‘Little Volk’ put his career on the line against much younger Hiroya Kondo. At 47, Tokoro said he’d retire if he lost, but he TKO’d his opponent after just three minutes. This victory is a testament to Hideo Tokoro’s grappling prowess, which put him on top of the ground game for years, being one of the first to use novel concepts such as leglocks and rubber guard. He exemplifies how you can succeed on the ground without a Judo or BJJ background, which is one of the reasons why he’s become such a fan favorite.

WORKING CLASS HERO

The ‘Little Volk’ nickname refers to a Russian Sambo practitioner, Volk Han, who was Tokoro’s favorite in high school. Like many fighters, Tokoro has always juggled his training with work, earning a living as a janitor, and he even cleaned the venue where the first Japanese UFC event was held in 1997. During the early stages of his career, he fought in various Japanese promotions and won the Rings Amateur Tournament 1st KOK Limited. He’s gone on to fight in multiple promotions, such as HEROS, DREAM, and RIZIN.

Following his promotional debut in DREAM 4, which saw him defeat Darren Uyenoyama, he showed the down-to-earth nature that fans have come to adore. He wanted to use the prize money to buy either a computer, a washing machine, or a vacuum cleaner as a reward to himself. However, due to winning via a decision, he decided to buy only one item and save the rest of the money. This exemplifies his strong sense of discipline, with Tokoro restricting the spoils of victory based on his performance. It’s a character trait that’s endeared him to fans everywhere and created business opportunities. 

FIGHTING FOR HIS FAMILY

In 2011, he married his wife, Nana, and opened his Tokoro Plus gym. His fight package videos paint Nana as a central point of his life, as she supports him and runs his gym. As a 47-year-old with over sixty MMA fights, he splits his time between running a gym, training, fighting, and being a husband and father. Nana was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2024, and Tokoro learned about her condition during his training camp in Thailand. She recalled that he was left speechless, and it took him a few minutes to say anything. He and their son, Kanata, have since shaved their heads bald to support her. Her last chemo was scheduled just before Tokoro’s fight with Hiroya Kondo, and he admitted not being able to see himself living without her. While he said that if he lost to the 26-year-old Kondo, he’d retire, Nana noted that Tokoro’s love for martial arts is unquestionable, and she worries that he will become nothing without it. Luckily for Tokoro, he stopped the younger opponent and approached the ring surrounded by his gym mates, with the broadcast announcer quoting him. 

“As I worked hard, in the world of martial arts, someone was always there to guide me,” said Tokoro. “Whether I won or lost, someone was always there for me. When I kept doing it for a long time, I have a reason to keep trying, and it becomes hard for me to quit. So, I win. With my family, I win.”

During the post-fight interview, Tokoro comforted Nana and said she would recover, and they would visit as many places as she wanted to with their son. 

YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE

Hideo Tokoro’s fighting career is a story of martial arts being more than a profession. It helped him to find his way through life and gave him purpose. What started with a shoot-wrestling inspiration led Tokoro to improve his life and find those closest to him. Tokoro stated that his love for combat sports dictated his life, “Every happy and sad thing that has happened to me has involved martial arts,” he said. 

Now, sporting a 36 - 33 - 2 record, he’s finally ready to start thinking about making a final statement in his storied career. Hideo Tokoro exemplifies grappling evolution not only in Japanese but also worldwide MMA. During his lengthy career as an MMA fighter and submission grappler, he was willing to incorporate any new idea to upgrade his fighting game. Tokoro remains one of the key figures in his home country's MMA scene, and he has contributed to updating the grappling aspect of fighting and taking it out of the traditional judo-and-jiu jitsu box. What’s more, his loyalty to his regional fight scene and the people who supported his career is unique in today's MMA, where fighters often change gyms. It sparks hope that the martial arts world can be a place that cherishes such things as friendship, loyalty, and selfishness. Is this the last we’ll see of Tokoro? Unlikely, he’ll continue to show that MMA can be for life.