Toshio Fujiwara (藤原 敏男 Fujiwara Toshio, born March 3, 1948) is a Japanese former kickboxer. Out of 141 professional fights before retiring at age 35, Fujiwara won 126, with a remarkable 99 by knockout; most notably, he was the first non-Thai to win a national Muay Thai title belt in Bangkok, a fact that many older Thais still remember and respect about him. Fujiwara became the first ever non-Thai stadium champion in 1978[1] when he won the lightweight title at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Toshio Fujiwara
BornToshio Fujiwara
(1948-03-03) 3 March 1948 (age 76)
Miyako, Iwate, Japan
Native name藤原 敏男
NationalityJapan Japanese
Height1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Weight61 kg (134 lb; 9.6 st)
DivisionLightweight
StyleKickboxing
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofMejiro, Toshima, Tokyo, Japan
TeamMejiro Gym
TrainerKenji Kurosaki
Years active1969–1983
Kickboxing record
Total141
Wins126
By knockout99
Losses13
By knockout6
Draws2
No contests0
Other information
OccupationPresident of Toshio Fujiwara Sports Gym
President of Japan Martial Arts Directors
WebsiteToshio Fujiwara Sports Gym (in Japanese)
Last updated on: March 21, 2010

Biography and career

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Prior to his kickboxing career, Toshio Fujiwara was mainly engaged in table tennis and maintained great physical fitness. He had no martial arts background before starting Taikiken, a Yiquan derative founded by Kenichi Sawai.[2][3]

A graduate from the Chuo University, he started training kickboxing at the Mejiro Gym in July 1969, learning under Kenji Kurosaki. He soon won the All Japan Kickboxing Federation championship, and did his first travels to Thailand in 1971.

In late April of 1972, Fujiwara fought Rungnapa Sitsomsak. The even fight ended in a DQ win for Fujiwara, as Sitsomak's unsportsmanlike conduct got him disqualified on the third round.[4]

In 1975, he had surgery to his left shin which left him hospitalised for 6 weeks.[5] Three days after leaving hospital he ran at a long-distance event.[5]

On March 18, 1978, Fujiwara fought Monsawan Ruk Changmai for the vacant Rajadamnern Championship. The fight ended in controversial fashion, as Fujiwara accidentally headbutted Monsawan unconscious, when both tumbled when locked in a clinch. Regardless, this fight allowed Fujiwara to be the first non-Thai to secure a Rajadamnern championship title win.[6]

Fujiwara retired from fighting in 1983 with a impressive fight record.[7] Subsequently, he founded his own gym, Toshio Fujiwara Sports Gym, which he runs presently in Tokyo. His most famous student in recent years is Satoshi Kobayashi, but many other well-known kickboxers and martial artists have also trained with him, including Masahiro Yamamoto, Satoru Sayama, Sanshu Tsubakichi and Takaaki Nakamura.

In 2010, he was appointed Chairman of Japan Martial arts Directors (JMD), a commissioning group co-operating with the World Professional Muaythai Federation to oversee the development of the sport in Japan.[8]

Fight record

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Kickboxing record
126 wins (99 KO's), 13 Losses, 2 Draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
1983-02-05 Win   Hideo Adachi Tokyo, Japan KO (Punches) 3
1983-01-07 Win   Dan Masabatsu Tokyo, Japan KO 4
1982-11-20 Win   Tsubasa Goro Tokyo, Japan KO 3
1982-07-25 Win   Younger Funaki Tokyo, Japan KO 5
1982-01-07 Win   Manny Johnston Tokyo, Japan TKO (Towel thrown) 4 1:52
Defends Shin-Kakutojutsu World Lightweight championship title.
1981-12- Win   Keiichi Sei Tokyo, Japan KO 3
1981-06- Win   Kou Saotome Tokyo, Japan KO 1
1981-05- Loss   Keiji Saito Tokyo, Japan TKO 2
1980-09-29 Win   Kripet Pratep Decision 5 3:00
1980-08-28 Win   Sinsak Sosripan KO 2
1980-02-27 Win   Chan Chiarun Decision 5 3:00
1980-01-28 Loss   Santi Rekchai Decision 5 3:00
1980-01-03 Win   Kunimasa Nagae KO 2
1979-12- Win   Saksaron Saknarong Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1979-08- Loss   Weerachat Sordaeng Tokyo, Japan TKO 2
1979-06- Win   Santi Rekchai Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1979-04-03 Win   Khunponnoi Haphalang Tokyo, Japan TKO (Punches) 5
1979-02-12 Loss   Narongnoi Kiatbandit Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
For a 2 million baht side-bet.
1979-02-06 Win   Prayuth Sittiboonlert Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1978-12-23 Win   Sinsak Sosripan Decision 5 3:00
1978-11-25 Win   Pirapon Chosaman KO 3
1978-10-30 Win   Siprae Kiatsompop Tokyo, Japan KO (Right Hook) 7
Winning Shin-Kakutojutsu World Lightweight championship title.
1978-10-10 Win   Pirapon Chosaman KO 2
1978-09-15 Win   Pudpadnoi Worawut Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1978-08-26 Win   Pirapon Chosaman Tokyo, Japan KO 4
1978-08-02 Win   Refugio Flores Tokyo, Japan KO 5
1978-06-07 Loss   Siprae Kiatsompop Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
Lost Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight title.
1978-05-27 Win   Wongchai Chorsawan KO 1
1978-03-18 Win   Mongsawan Lukchangmai Tokyo, Japan KO 4
Wins the Rajadamnern Stadium Lightweight (135 lbs) title.
Fujiwara became the second non-Thai to be a major Stadium champion.
1977-11-14 Win   Wannarong Piramit AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
1977-09-17 Win   Sorpongsak Sohoyo AJKA Tokyo, Japan KO (Uppercut) 2 1:08
1977-07-24 Win   Chawarin Kiatchangklrai KO 2
1977-04-07 Win   Chalermpon Sor Tha-It Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
Wins Thailand Boxing Council World Lightweight title. Becomes the first foreigner to win a Muay Thai World title in Thailand.
1977-03-05 Win   Katsuyuki Suzuki AJKA Tokyo, Japan KO 5 0:44
Retains AJKA title.(6) After this bout, Fujiwara returned his title.
1976-12-4 Win   Tsuchai Iserapap KO 3
1976-10-30 Win   Rawee Wiwerchai Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand KO 1
1976-09- Win   Tsuchai Iserapap KO 1
1976-08-21 Loss   Rawee Wiwerchai AJKA Tokyo, Japan TKO (Middle kicks) 1 0:55
1976-07- Win   Gamonfa Sitesai KO 2
1976-07-09 Win   Ryo Tsuchiya AJKA Tokyo, Japan KO (Uppercut) 5 0:44
Retains AJKA title.(5)
1976-06- Win   Chobu Rai KO 2
1976-05- Win   Rung Sinyasonpon KO 3
1976-05- Win   Gamonfa Sitesai KO 1
1976-04- Win   Rantae Weerapon AJKA Tokyo, Japan TKO 2
1976-03-08 Loss   Sirimongkol Luksiripat Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1976-01-27 Win   Bakrynu Maropitak KO 4
1976-01-1 Win   Rung Sinyasonpon Decision 5 3:00
1975-12- Win   Ri Sapoton KO 3
1975-11- Win   Chachain Lukbangko KO 2
1975-10- Win   Pesito Simoosan KO 3
1975-05-31 Win   Masanobu Sato AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Retains AJKA title.(4)
1975-05- Win   Chamoon Pontawee KO 3
1975-04- Win   Banchin Sibaton KO 3
1975-03-8 Win   Chamoon Pontawee Bangkok, Thailand KO 4
1974-11-26 Loss   Jaidee Pisanurachan Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
for the BBTV Lightweight title.
1974-10-29 Win   Jaidee Pisanurachan Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1974-09- Win   Asawin Charonchai Decision 5 3:00
1974-09- Win   Fason Sosampakon KO 3
1974-08- Win   Taksin Chanarit KO 2
1974-07-26 Win   Shozo Nakamura AJKA Tokyo, Japan KO (Uppercut) 5 1:24
1974-06-12 Draw   Muangchon Jeeraphan Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision 5 3:00
1974-05- Win   Saenchin Petchatanun Tokyo, Japan KO 3
1974-04- Win   Radjo Isarapap KO 2
1974-03- Win   Bangyai Isarapap Decision 5 3:00
1974-01- Win   Kyoshi Masuzawa KO 1
1974-01- Win   Potoron Soponwat Decision 5 3:00
1973-12- Win   Goro Arashi AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Retains AJKA title.(3)
1973-11- Win   Sakuda Iserapa KO 4
1973-11- Win   Asawin Sidowata Decision 5 3:00
1973-10- Loss   Ronchai Wancharasak TKO (referee stoppage) 2
1973-07- Win   Komchak Sida Decision 5 3:00
1973-06-30 Win   Richidet Sangmorakot All Japan Kickboxing Tokyo, Japan KO 2
1973-06-06 Win   Masanori Sawano AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Retains AJKA title.(2)
1973-04- Win   Meksuran Iserapa KO 4
1973-04- Win   Samsei Iserapa KO 1
1973-03-29 Win   Shozo Saijo All Japan Kickboxing Tokyo, Japan TKO (corner stoppage) 3 3:00
1973-03-01 Win   Monkran Srisothorn Decision 5 3:00
1973-02- Win   Shinji Tomaru KO 2
1973-01-22 Win   Pripechee Rukprajanban KO 3
1973-01-15 Win   Tarnin Saksery KO 4
1973-01- Win   Senpet Tunaronglit KO 1
1972-11-30 Draw   Minoru Shanzyo Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
1972-11-22 Win   Samande Itechai Bangkok, Thailand KO 3
1972-10- Win   Bindio Apansak KO
1972-10- Win   Atisak Uik KO
1972-08-12 Loss   Saenchai Srisompop Kittikachorn Stadium Bangkok, Thailand TKO (Doctor stoppage/cut) 4
1972-07- Win   Srasak Wapuyak KO
1972-07- Win   Werasak Sodek Decision 5 3:00
1972-06-21 Win   Yoshimitsu Tamashiro AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Retains AJKA title(1).
1972-05-21 Win   Tanwa Novinyam KO
1972-04-30 Win   Rungnapa Sitsomsak Bangkok, Thailand DQ 4
1972-03- Win   Tosak Timrand KO 3
1972-02- Win   Sitchai Amonrad KO 1
1972-01- Win   Honton Swwonmisbwon KO 2
1972-01- Win   Itenushi Marako KO 1
1971-11- Win   Saksui Suihara KO 3
1971-11-05 Win   Yoshimitsu Tamashiro AJKA Tokyo, Japan Decision 5 3:00
Win the tournament for the inaugural All Japan Kickboxing Association Lightweight title.
1971-10- Win   Potep Repara KO 1
1971-09- Win   Krasuk Rukhayer KO 3
1971-08- Win   Isorayuk Chaimrand KO 4
1971-08- Win   Yorkursuk Sakchari KO 3
1971-07- Win   Shina Takashi KO 1
1971-06- Win   Buton Sikmu KO 2
1971-05- Win   Fadem Rukbamkra KO 4
1971-05- Win   Buton Sikmu KO 5
1971-04- Loss   Srasak Wayupak TKO (referee stoppage) 2
1971-04- Win   Viradarek Rukranton KO 3
1971-03- Win   Pichron Rudson KO 2
1971-03- Win   Sirisak Rukgansiri KO 4
1971-02- Win   Pripan Beosryan KO 2
1971-02- Win   Pirapon Lumeini KO 1
1971-01- Win   Viradack Lukrontan KO 2
1970-12-25 Win   Sonkran Lukpanchaman Decision 5 3:00
1970-11-28 Win   Pichan Sicharo KO 1
1970-11-11 Win   Kwanjaluk Satahip KO 2
1970-10-31 Win   Kazuo Nimoto KO 3
1970-10-17 Win   Tchaomang Sopiboon KO 1
1970-09-26 Win   Goming Sicharo KO 2
1970-09-05 Win   Tachasing Sicharo KO 4
1970-08-17 Win   Mitsuo Nakano KO 3
1970-08-07 Win   Tyali Saktyali KO 2
1970-07-27 Win   Yasesak Srimon Decision 5 3:00
1970-07-10 Win   Sorasak Jeuaron KO 1
1970-06-22 Win   Krachai Honsurai KO 2
1970-05-30 Win   Muanyak Kachapichit KO 2
1970-05-09 Win   Bandal Ruskrepat KO 2
1970-04-13 Win   Tcharomchai Kartesuk KO 1
1970-04-04 Win   Chainor Jadoparson KO 2
1970-03-20 Win   Mitsuo Nakano Japan Decision 5 3:00
1970-02-27 Win   Surin Udomsak KO 4
1970-02-07 Win   Honkaew Suranmisakawan Decision 5 3:00
1970-01-21 Win   Chainor Jadoparson Japan KO 4
1970-01-06 Win   Phoenix Yamaguchi Japan Decision 5 3:00
1969-12-19 Win   Eiji Sakamoto Japan Decision 5 3:00
1969-11- Loss   Sakuchai Rakanton Decision 5 3:00
1969-10- Loss   Nampon Kartesuk Decision 5 3:00
1969-10-01 Win   Takao Sakai Japan KO 2
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Look Japan: The newspaper of industry". Look Japan. 42 (481–492): 40. ISSN 0456-5339.
  2. ^ Serge Trefeu (Thanks to Andre Zeitoun) (2017). "THE LEGEND TOSHIO FUJIWARA, THE MAN IN 99 KO!". Siam Fight Magazine. Retrieved March 6, 2023. [Fujiwara] was already a sportsman but not really in the world of the combat sports. He had practised "Taikiken (Japanese Martial Art inspired by Chinese Yi Quan)". But he was especially, during several years, a champion of table tennis and classified among the best university players of ping-pong of the country...
  3. ^ Bryan, Andrew (January 9, 2022). "Toshio Fujiwara & The Invention of Kickboxing". Black Belt Magazine. Retrieved March 6, 2023. Fujiwara wasn't a stranger to sports prior to training with Kurosaki, but his background was very different from kickboxing. Playing tennis, Fujiwara was certainly fit, but his martial arts experience had come from practicing Taikiken, a Japanese style influenced heavily by Yiquan, Fujiawara had amusingly stumbled across a martial art that Mas Oyama himself and practised. The world of kickboxing though, would prove to be very different.
  4. ^ Stockmann, Hardy (September 1972). "Thai, Japanese Stage Kick-boxing Showdown". Black Belt Magazine. ...unrated but popular lightweight Rungnapa Sitsomsak fought an even battle with Japan's Toshio Fujiwara until the third round, when the Thai started clowning in the Ring. [...] [Sitsomsak's] behavior became so ridicilous that referee Prasit Kawbboon stopped the fight and disqualified the Thai.
  5. ^ a b Kurosaki, Kenji (1981). Desperate Power, Desperate Mind. Sports Life Company. p. 76.
  6. ^ Bryan, Andrew (January 9, 2022). "Toshio Fujiwara & The Invention of Kickboxing". Black Belt Magazine. Retrieved March 6, 2023. Fujiwara's claim to fame was when he faced Monsawan Ruk Changmai, on March 18th 1978 in Tokyo for the vacant Rajadamnern Championship. [...]As the fight progressed, eventually the two entered into a wilder exchange. Toshio tied up in the clinch before barrelling Monsawan over, Monsawan landed on his head, Toshio flipped over his head and Monsawan was out cold. It was a strange win. Perhaps the fight would have been rules[sic] a no contest in Thailand, after all it certainly looked like the win had come via an accidental diving headbutt. This fight was contested in Japan, however. Toshio Fujiawara had become the first ever non-Thai to win the Rajadamnern title.
  7. ^ David Asa Schwartz (2021). Modern Sports around the World: History, Geography, and Sociology. ABC-CLIO. p. 199. ISBN 9781440868801. 1983 - Toshio Fujiwara retires as one of the most successful professional kickboxers of all time, winning 126 of 141 matches, including 99 by knockout.
  8. ^ "ムエタイ&RISEをより競技化するためJMD発足、理事長は藤原敏男氏 (JMD launched to make Muay Thai & RISE more competitive)". gbring.com. 2010-01-25. Retrieved 2018-01-24.
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