{
  "id": 13627735,
  "title": "5 Things To Know About Japanese Kickboxing Star Shintaro Matsukura",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/5-things-to-know-about-japanese-kickboxing-star-shintaro-matsukura",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T03:11:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/5-things-know-japanese-kickboxing-031156579.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japanese kickboxer Shintaro Matsukura, set to make his ONE Championship debut, boasts a rich background that spans both Japan and the United States. Born in Miami to an American father, Matsukura grew up in Japan after his parents returned to the country during his early years. His upbringing in Kanagawa Prefecture exposed him to the rich martial arts culture of Japan, which would later become the cornerstone of his career. Matsukura trained under Team Vasileus, one of Japan's premier gyms, alongside fellow fighters Masaaki Noiri, Toki Tamaru, and Yuki Yoza. The gym's legendary coach, Takeru \"Natural Born Krusher\" Segawa, further elevated Matsukura's skills. Matsukura's dedication extended beyond Team Vasileus, as he also trained with elite fighters from Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand. This cross-training prepared him for his upcoming bout against former ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Sinsamut Klinmee at ONE SAMURAI 4, scheduled for October 17 at Tokyo's Ariake Arena. With a storied career already marked by multiple titles, Matsukura's move to ONE Championship marks a new chapter in his legendary journey.",
  "summary": "Find out more about one of Japan's most elite strikers before his promotional debut at ONE SAMURAI 4.",
  "key_points": [
    "Shintaro Matsukura, Japanese kickboxer, debuting at ONE Championship.",
    "Born in Miami, raised in Japan, trained at Team Vasileus.",
    "Cross-trained with Tiger Muay Thai fighters in Phuket, Thailand."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Shintaro Matsukura's ONE Championship debut signals a new phase in his career, fueled by his extensive martial arts training in Japan and experience fighting alongside and against top-level opponents.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}