TRAINING: From Monday thru Friday... Running, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, karate and MMA sparring

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started Karate when I was five years old because my father forced me to do it.

What ranks and titles have you held? Shooto 132-pound World Champion, 2010 Rookie of the Year, 2010 MVP, Karate black belt – 2^nd degree

Do you have any heroes? No question about it, my hero is Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto!

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s a great chance to establish my MMA career.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No, I did not. I joined the KRAZY BEE team right after I graduated high school because I wanted to become a professional MMA fighter under KID even though I had an offer from the college.

What was your job before you started fighting? High School student

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Regional Karate Champion in Japan

Favorite grappling technique: Rear naked choke

Favorite striking technique: Straight