Satoshi Ishii And The UFC: A MMA Soap Opera

By Ross Everett

It may be a bit of a stretch to call Satoshi Ishii the Michael Phelps of Japan, but not by much. His victory in the heavyweight judo competition at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was easily the defining moment of the games for his countrymen and was considered by most media outlets the #1 highlight of the year in all of sports. Though Japan does well at the Olympics for a country of its size and has won gold medals in a number of sports, its important to keep in mind that until the late 1970s judo was the countrys most popular sport. While its popularity in the intervening decades has been supplanted by imported team sports like soccer and baseball, judo still holds especially high prestige among the Japanese sports fans and general public.

Ishii himself is also a marketing dream. Hes especially big by Japanese standards with 240 pounds packed on his bulky 511 frame. Not surprisingly, hes tough as nails and a terror on the mat but away from the gym he comes off like an awkwardly cheerful overgrown boy. He definitely seems younger than his 22 years, but gives off the vibe of a nice neighbor boy who youd gladly pay to mow your lawn.

With the ability to offer him the most money and exposure, it seemed almost a fait accompli that Ishii would sign with DREAM and K-1 parent group FEG. Obviously its a good idea to keep your options open in negotiations, so he also reportedly talked to Sengoku parent World Victory Road and Antonio Inokis Inoki Genome Federation pro wrestling group. As expected, however, FEG reportedly presented Ishii with the most lucrative offer: 500 million yen (roughly $5.5 million US) to fight on DREAM and K-1 cards, with incentive bonuses based on his drawing power and performance. He would very likely become the highest paid mixed martial artist in the world before hed even stepped into the ring for the first time.

Ishii then shocked the Japanese fight sport world by categorically rejecting FEGs offer, saying that it was his lifelong dream to fight in the UFC. While this rationale might sound plausible to a US based fan, its akin to a top college baseball player from a SEC school turning down a big offer from the Atlanta Braves saying that its his lifelong dream to play for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan Central League. It frequently comes a shock to US MMA fans when immersed in Japans culture for the first time just how low the UFC ranks in the countrys fight sport pantheon. In MMA, their profile is lower than DREAM and Sengoku, but even smaller groups like Shooto and DEEP. Overall, the interest in and prestige of the UFC is well below not only boxing but even Japanese pro wrestling (puroresu). The UFC is making some progress, and big fights like GSP/Penn and Lesnar/Couture now get higher profile coverage (Lesnar/Couture owed most of its interest in the Japanese press to Brocks run as IWGP pro wrestling champ) but by no means is the #1 US MMA promotion considered on par with any of the major Japanese fighting groups.

Ishii then travelled to Las Vegas for UFC 92, with the Japanese media in tow covering his every move. Upon his return to Japan, he appeared at the Sengoku card in January addressing the audience from the ring and wearing his ubiquitous UFC shirt; his message was that he was going to fight in America for awhile but would eventually return to Japan.

At age 22, Ishii's got plenty of time to develop as a fighter. His biggest downside risk from signing with Zuffa is financial since hed be lucky to get a fraction of what FEG is willing to pay him. The competitive logic of learning his craft slowly notwithstanding, theres a huge risk in automatically assuming that he can fight for the UFC for a few years and then cash a big check when he returns to Japan as the potential of injury and changing market conditions could seriously impact his market value. On the other hand, it could be a risk hes willing to take given that hes got his celebrity both with the mainstream public and in the judo community to fall back on. Still, its a logical assumption that the goal of all professional fighters is to maximize their income while facing the best competition possible. For Ishii, a move to the UFC defies both components of that axiom.

Theres another very realistic scenario that it was all a negotiating ploy by Ishii. The UFC was likely willing to play along, figuring that their investment of a few plane tickets and hotel suites would be worth the resulting PR surge in Japan. Ishii and the UFC develop a cordial relationship which could be to the benefit of both parties down the road.

With the recent revelation that Ishii has broken off UFC negotiations to entertain offers from other parties thats starting to look like the plausible explanation for the once hot and heavy courtship between Ishii and Zuffa.

As a postscript to the Ishiis relationship with the UFC, it apparently opened the doors for his move to the US where hell be training with the Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. That alone is a positive for his future development as a fighter, as hell be training with a whos who of professional fighting including the gym's namesake, Randy Couture. Training at a high level facility like Xtreme Couture among such an abundance of talent is a career move thats difficult to second guess. - 30215

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The Legacy Of Japanese MMA Great Kazushi Sakuraba

By Ross Everett

The toughest decision a boxer of MMA fighter will face in his career is deciding to hang up the gloves. Boxing history is rife with top notch fighters that hung around too long, and in a sure sign that its matured as a sport MMA is now experiencing the same phenomenon. After his punishing knockout loss to Melvin Manhoef at DREAM 4 it has become apparent that the time has come for Japanese fighting legend Kazushi Sakuraba to retire.

Despite the recent explosion in the sports popularity, the United States MMA scene doesnt really have anyone of comparable status to Sakuraba in Japan. Hes credited for helping the nascent sport of mixed martial arts emerge from Japanese professional wrestling as well as for making MMA a major league sport in Japan. Sakuraba is also considered by many to be pound for pound the greatest Japanese MMA fighter ever, with some suggesting that he transcends the national qualifier and should be regarded as the pound for pound best fighter in the brief history of the sport. A legendary series of matches against various members of the Gracie family further elevated the status of MMA in Japan and in the process made Sakuraba a superstar. In particular the 90 minute long battle against Royce Gracie at PRIDEs 2000 Grand Prix tournament is frequently cited as the greatest match in MMA history. Hes also considered the best box office draw in Japanese fight sports of the past decade, which is part of the reason that hes been persuaded to stick around longer than he should have. Hes not only Japans greatest MMA fighter, but one that still sells tickets.

Sakuraba's record definitely justifies the high regard in which he's held, but the reality is that he's done nothing to build on his legacy for a number of years. His last really impressive win was over former UFC light heavyweight champ Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, but he hasn't even defeated a credible opponent of any sort since his 2003 win over Kevin Randleman.

Boxing experts often evaluate fighters as being young or old for their age. A fighter whose career has been mostly comprised of knockouts or other easy victories against uninspiring opposition would be described as young for his age. Conversely, a competitor that has been through many grueling fights and wars against top notch rivals is often judged to be old for his age. Perhaps the best recent example of a boxer that was old for his age is Erik El Terrible Morales who retired late last year at the age of 30, having fought a series of epic battles with fellow Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera that left him physically and emotionally drained. As a result, boxing commentators often suggest that Morales was an old 30. Evaluated by a similar rubric, theres no doubt that Sakuraba is an old 38. The 90 minute confrontation with Royce Gracie alone likely took a significant physical and emotional toll, and after that Sakuraba continued to fight the best level of opposition in the world.

Furthermore hed frequently find himself across the ring from much larger superstars, his popularity and fearlessness producing matchups that could never get sanctioned in the US but are commonplace in the wild wild west environment of Japanese fighting. The quality of opposition he faced is staggering"Royce Gracie and several other members of the legendary family, Wanderlei Silva, Mirko Cro Cop, Vitor Belfort, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira stand out as the most impressive names on his record. Unfortunately and not surprisingly, he had difficulty when stepping up in class against heavier fighters and most of these matchups resulted in losses by brutal knockout or other type of stoppage.

Despite his recent setbacks, Sakuraba has made no indication that hell be retiring anytime soon. Hopefully, this decision doesnt put his long-term health and future well being at risk. - 30215

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Satoshi Ishii And The UFC: A MMA Soap Opera

By Ross Everett

It may be a bit of a stretch to call Satoshi Ishii the Michael Phelps of Japan, but not by much. His victory in the heavyweight judo competition at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was easily the defining moment of the games for his countrymen and was considered by most media outlets the #1 highlight of the year in all of sports.

Ishii himself is also a marketing dream. Hes especially big by Japanese standards with 240 pounds packed on his bulky 511 frame. Not surprisingly, hes tough as nails and a terror on the mat but away from the gym he comes off like an awkwardly cheerful overgrown boy. He definitely seems younger than his 22 years, but gives off the vibe of a nice neighbor boy who youd gladly pay to mow your lawn. Unlike his telegenic American gold medalist counterpart Phelps, who acts as if he spent as much time working on media relations as his backstroke heading up to the Olympic games, Ishiis demeanor is of an athlete who literally spent the bulk of his life in a gym only to emerge and find himself a national hero.

With the ability to offer him the most money and exposure, it seemed almost a fait accompli that Ishii would sign with DREAM and K-1 parent group FEG. Obviously its a good idea to keep your options open in negotiations, so he also reportedly talked to Sengoku parent World Victory Road and Antonio Inoki's Inoki Genome Federation pro wrestling group. As expected, however, FEG reportedly presented Ishii with the most lucrative offer: 500 million yen (roughly $5.5 million US) to fight on DREAM and K-1 cards, with incentive bonuses based on his drawing power and performance. He would very likely become the highest paid mixed martial artist in the world before hed even stepped into the ring for the first time. The tentative plan was for Ishii to appear on the year end K-1/DREAM Fields Dynamite! joint show, if not fighting at least in a heavily hyped opportunity for FEG to unveil their investment.

Ishii then shocked the Japanese fight sport world by categorically rejecting FEGs offer, saying that it was his lifelong dream to fight in the UFC. While this rationale might sound plausible to a US based fan, its akin to a top college baseball player from a SEC school turning down a big offer from the Atlanta Braves saying that its his lifelong dream to play for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan Central League. It frequently comes a shock to US MMA fans when immersed in Japans culture for the first time just how low the UFC ranks in the countrys fight sport pantheon. In MMA, their profile is lower than DREAM and Sengoku, but even smaller groups like Shooto and DEEP. Overall, the interest in and prestige of the UFC is well below not only boxing but even Japanese pro wrestling (puroresu).

Ishii then travelled to Las Vegas for UFC 92, with the Japanese media in tow covering his every move. There were countless photo opportunities with Dana White, who spoke of Ishii in glowing terms, along with top UFC stars. Upon his return to Japan, he was repeatedly photographed wearing UFC t-shirts while speaking enthusiastically about Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and everyone else involved with the promotion.

At age 22, Ishii's got plenty of time to develop as a fighter. His biggest downside risk from signing with Zuffa is financial since hed be lucky to get a fraction of what FEG is willing to pay him. The competitive logic of learning his craft slowly notwithstanding, theres a huge risk in automatically assuming that he can fight for the UFC for a few years and then cash a big check when he returns to Japan as the potential of injury and changing market conditions could seriously impact his market value. On the other hand, it could be a risk hes willing to take given that hes got his celebrity both with the mainstream public and in the judo community to fall back on. Still, its a logical assumption that the goal of all professional fighters is to maximize their income while facing the best competition possible. For Ishii, a move to the UFC defies both components of that axiom.

Theres another very realistic scenario that it was all a negotiating ploy by Ishii. The UFC was likely willing to play along, figuring that their investment of a few plane tickets and hotel suites would be worth the resulting PR surge in Japan.

With the recent revelation that Ishii has broken off UFC negotiations to entertain offers from other parties thats starting to look like the plausible explanation for the once hot and heavy courtship between Ishii and Zuffa.

As a postscript to the Ishiis relationship with the UFC, it apparently opened the doors for his move to the US for training. That alone is a positive for his future development as a fighter, as hell be training with a whos who of professional fighting. That alone is a career move thats difficult to second guess. - 30215

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The JET Programme is Your Ticket to Japan

By Bill Williams

Have you thought about staying in Japan for an extended period of time? Many people share this dream because they wish to understand the culture and rich history of the Land of the Rising Sun.

However Japan is a pricey place to live, and this is a problem that seems to derail the plans of many hopeful people. If a year in Japan or a Japan job assignment is really a dream of yours then you need to things about applying for the JET Programme. You might just be on your way to realizing your dream in a very short period of time.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme was created to increase international exchange between Japan and participants from other countries. The program was seen as a way to promote cooperation and friendship between multiple countries. From its founding in 1987, the JET Programme has grown quickly. It began with only 848 participants from 4 countries, but this year JET Programme participants included nearly 5,000 young people from 38 counties. Participants can arrange to live in Japan for one year, but can now opt to stay in the country for up to five years.

Participants are contracted to teaching, translating or advisory jobs and are treated much the same as other workers who are on staff. The Japan jobs that are awarded to these individuals are in many different areas and locations. They may work with the local governments or they may be stationed to work with public schools and in other educational settings that are found throughout Japan.

The objective is clear: to create ties between the JET participants and the local Japanese citizens, especially young people. This interaction between differing cultures occurs on a one-to-one basis. It is hoped that by working and living together individuals will develop new understanding and interest in people from other societies. Participants who are given a Japan job may be placed in big cities, medium-sized cities, and tiny mountain villages.

Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) tend to work at prefectural government offices and are responsible for international education capacities. Their standard duties include interpreting for government officers, advising and executing international exchanges, instructing foreign languages, and editing and producing brochures in English or Japanese. About 5% of the participants work in the CIR positions.

Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) who are sent to public schools or city boards of education. Assisting to create teaching materials, helping with language activities with the students and helping with classes lead by Japanese Teachers of English. Well over 90% of JET Programme members become Assistant Language Teachers.

Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs) work in local governments whose duties include teaching and exchanging ideas through sports. The function of the Sports Exchange Advisors is to help with training sports players and executing sports projects.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in addition to each participating country's Japanese Embassy, executes the interviewing and hiring process for selecting the participants. The process for Sports Exchange Advisors is set up slightly differently. These applicants have to be recommended by their country's National Olympic Committee or by a different national sports organization. The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) manages the JET Programme and organizes several local government organizations. These organizations may include the MFA; Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; and MEXT.

JETs interact with citizens from more than 1,100 local communities that are spread around the entire country. The locations can vary from a modern metropolitan city to isolated farming and mountain villages. JET Programme participants introduce their own ideas and experiences to the locals and also they learn a great deal about the society and character of the Japanese people. The diverse backgrounds of each JET Programme participant make it likely that their personal experiences in Japan are interesting and rewarding.

An extensive assistance network is in place to help the JETs with difficulties they may have. This may include such problems as introducing these individuals English-speaking doctors or letting an advisor assist them in clearing up any unintentional misunderstandings. There are also counselors available to help participants cope with the culture shock that they are likely to feel.

Since it's beginning the JET Programme has hosted over 50,000 participants. The JET Alumni Association (JETAA), an independent organization, also boasts more than 20,000 members living in 16 countries, and includes more than 50 chapters. - 30215

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History Of Anime

By Wayne Torres

Anime is a popular cartoon animation from Japan. Since 1980s, they have boomed the global market and been enjoyed by many people of different ages and country bases. Anime has a real big market since then. Once known as Japanimation, the history of anime can be traced back from the early of 20th century when Japanese started to learn techniques of anime drawing just like the western people did. Now we can find animes almost anywhere throughout the world, in bookstores, book clubs, and Internet sites. There are some facts that contribute to the popularity of animes.

Anime comes in many categories and genres. The fact that anime is universal makes it possible for everyone to love. Creativity pays for their popularity. Reading anime is perhaps not much different from watching movies for those who are addicted. Go to the market and you will see drama, horror, action, thriller, and sensual animes easily, to mention a few.

And since it is animation, anime creators are free to express whatever they have in mind. Unlike in real-life movies, they just need creativity and talent to pass their ideas into drawings. They do not need background setting, stunt player, and make-up artist, for example, to create an anime that will draw viewers' attention.

There is no doubt that the anime creation work is also supported by technology development. The transformation from raw idea to screen and quality graphics has been easier with the advanced features in CGI animators.

Unlike the usual cartoon, anime has something more to say. There are comprehensive storylines as well as good character development so that viewers do not just see piece per piece of the character's life. The feature of character-based flashback can play back a character's past stories to represent their current personality or act.

Juvenile humor may be thrown in sporadically in drama-based animes, but do not be surprised if you see poignant and profound character development in humor-based animes as well.

Needless to say, not all animes are just cartoons for kids. In fact, the majority of animes feature violence, sexual innuendos, and language that may not be suitable for children. This is likely a major reason why anime's popularity has exploded across the world.

Overall, animes are enjoyable by all groups of age. Adults can get what they want, and so do children and teenagers because there are many genres and combination of them.

Find out what genres you enjoy, then read the reviews or summaries to have further look. They are worth-trying! - 30215

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