5 Things To Know About Kosuke Takagi Ahead Of ONE SAMURAI 2
Kosuke “Unstoppable Phoenix” Takagi has spent years establishing himself as one of Japan’s leading domestic kickboxers. Now, the 27-year-old striker is preparing to test himself against the world’s elite.
On Saturday, August 8, Takagi will make his promotional debut at ONE SAMURAI 2 when he faces Chinese standout Luo Chao in the quarterfinals of the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament at EBARA WAVE Arena Ota in Tokyo.
The eight-man tournament features some of the world’s most accomplished strikers, and its eventual winner will receive a guaranteed shot at reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
Takagi enters the high-stakes bracket with an 18-3 professional record and championship success across karate, kickboxing, and Shoot Boxing. Before he begins his pursuit of global glory, here are five things to know about the Japanese newcomer.
#1 He Overcame A Rare Disease In His Teenage Years
Takagi’s martial arts future appeared to be slipping away before his professional career had even begun.
During his third year of junior high school, the Gunma native began experiencing severe pain in both wrists. Initial treatment brought no improvement, and the condition gradually became so painful that he could no longer train properly.
He was eventually diagnosed with Kienböck disease, a rare condition that disrupts the blood supply to one of the small bones in the wrist and can cause the bone to deteriorate.
Takagi was told to wear braces on both wrists, avoid putting pressure on his hands, and stop activities that required significant hand use. For a teenager hoping to become a national karate champion, the diagnosis was devastating.
His parents searched throughout Japan for possible treatment before finding a Chinese acupuncture clinic in Tokyo that offered him hope. After attending treatment twice a week for three months, Takagi said the condition was cured.
He returned to karate during his first year of high school and began rebuilding the strength and conditioning he had lost. The following summer, despite not yet feeling completely restored, he achieved his dream of becoming a national champion.
Fittingly enough, the man who rebuilt himself after seeing his ambitions threatened now competes under the nickname “Unstoppable Phoenix,” much like the mythical bird that rises again from its own ashes.
#2 He Built His Foundation In Karate And Judo
Takagi entered a dojo at just 5 years old and began practicing Shinkyokushin karate.
He enjoyed early success in Gunma Prefecture, but victories at the national level initially proved difficult to find. After repeated first- and second-round exits, the young martial artist began taking personal training sessions with his karate instructor during his final year of elementary school.
His commitment intensified in junior high school, when he joined the judo club while continuing his karate development.
Takagi woke at 6 a.m. for judo practice, attended school, trained with the club until the evening, then practiced karate in the evening. He frequently studied until midnight and averaged around five hours of sleep.
That demanding routine eventually produced results. Takagi placed third at a national Shinkyokushin karate tournament during his second year of junior high school and later reached the prefectural level in judo.
Years of balancing both disciplines helped shape the physical style he would eventually carry into professional kickboxing.
#3 He Has Earned Multiple Championships In Japan
Takagi arrives in ONE as far more than an untested prospect. After moving from karate into kickboxing, he steadily built an impressive domestic resume and established himself as one of Japan’s leading fighters in his weight class.
He captured the inaugural KROSS×OVER KICK -67.5kg Championship in December 2021, adding his first major professional belt after years of martial arts competition.
Takagi later reached another level in Shoot Boxing, a Japanese combat sport that combines punches and kicks with standing throws and submission techniques.
In February 2025, he became the a Shoot Boxing Japan Super Welterweight Champion, confirming his status among the country’s leading strikers.
He now brings an 18-3 record into the biggest opportunity of his career. After proving himself on Japan’s domestic circuit, Takagi has his sights set on earning a ONE World Title opportunity.
#4 He Is A Serious Yakiniku Lover
Takagi’s intensity inside the ring is balanced by a much simpler passion outside it: Japanese barbecue.
His official profile lists dining out as one of his hobbies and identifies yakiniku, Japan’s popular style of grilled meat, as a particular favorite.
The interest is prominent enough to appear in his personal X handle, @t_kosuke_niku, with niku meaning “meat” in Japanese.
Takagi also regularly shares meals and food-related posts on social media, offering followers a look at the relaxed personality behind the powerful professional fighter.
Whether he is visiting another yakiniku restaurant or sharing a memorable meal online, his enthusiasm for grilled meat has become one of the most recognizable parts of his life away from training.
#5 He Has A Soft Spot For His Cat
Takagi may trade heavy strikes for a living, but he shows a much gentler side around his beloved Scottish Fold, Miru.
In an Instagram post published in April 2025, he celebrated “Princess Miru’s” eighth birthday with a special cake and an affectionate message about her kitten-like face and increasingly demanding personality.
He also joked that despite all their years together, Miru still had not fully warmed to him.
The heartfelt birthday post revealed a softer side to the hard-hitting striker who will soon step into the ring at ONE SAMURAI 2.
Takagi may enter ONE as an accomplished karateka, proven Japanese Champion, and dangerous knockout artist, but away from the ring, he is equally content enjoying grilled meat and trying to win the affection of a stubborn family cat.
