UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre visits Honbu
- 2012-02-23
3rd Dan certificate and Black Belt is presented to GSP by Kancho Shokei Matsui
UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre (age 30/Canada) also known as "GSP" who's origin is Kyokushin Karate visited Kancho Shokei Matsui on February 22. GSP started Kyokushin Karate at the age of 7 in Canada and developed the basics as a fighter and made his MMA debut in 2002. He moved his battlefield to UFC from 2004, and after winning the welterweight title in 2008 has successfully defended it 6 times making him one of the best MMA fighters in the world. This meeting materialized when GSP himself visiting Japan for the first time contacted Honbu with his desire to meet the head of Kyokushin, Kancho Matsui the roots of his martial arts.
He quoted "I idolized Sosai Oyama and Kancho Matsui since I was a child. Unfortunately Sosai Oyama has passed away, but meeting Kancho Matsui has made my childhood dream come true" with a smile in his face. Kancho Matsui honored GSP's achievements by presenting the 3rd Dan Black Belt and ICHGEKI Dogi and gave his word of support to GSP who is recovering from an injury "Being patient is part of training, so for now please rest and concentrate on your recovery. I wish you all the best and look forward to your great success ahead".
Detailed report of GSP's visit to Honbu will be on the May issue of World Karate.
Kancho presenting GSP with the 3rd dan belt which brings a smile to his face
GSP compares his hand with Sosai Oyama's hand-print
Georges st. Pierre
Born on May 19, 1981 in Quebec, Canada
Starts Kyokushin Karate at the age of 7
Starts Jiu-jitsu and wrestling at the age of 18
Makes Debut for MMA in 2002
First fight for UFC in 2004
Wins the UFC Welterweight title in November 2006
Loses his title in April 2007 but becomes
the interim champion in December the same year.
Becomes the undisputed welterweight champion in April 2008
and has successfully defended the title 6 times ever since.
MMA record - 24 fights, 22 Wins 2 Losses
178cm 77kg, 3rd Dan Kyokushin Karate
Tristar Gym/Jackson's MMA