ISKA Hall of Fame Welcomes Japanese Superstar Takeru Segawa
Former K-1 Champion and Global Kickboxing Icon to Join ISKA’s Inaugural “Legendary Champions” Class
ISKA has officially announced that Japanese kickboxing superstar Takeru Segawa will be inducted into the ISKA Modern Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class of “Legendary Champions.” The ceremony will take place on May 28th, 2026 during GOAT Kickboxing Festival 2 at the legendary Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Known worldwide simply as “Takeru,” Segawa is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of the modern era. Throughout his remarkable 17-year professional career, he built a legacy defined by explosive performances, elite skill, and unmatched fan popularity.
Takeru’s accomplishments include becoming an ISKA World Lightweight Champion, ONE Interim Flyweight World Champion, and the only three-division world champion in K-1 history. His aggressive high-volume fighting style, combined with his charisma and relentless pace inside the ring, helped turn him into one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports globally.
Inspired as a child by both professional wrestling and kickboxing, Takeru began training karate in elementary school after watching legendary fighter Andy Hug win the 1996 K-1 Grand Prix. At just 17 years old, he traveled alone to Thailand using money saved from part-time jobs to pursue full-time striking training and compete in amateur tournaments.
Following a successful amateur career, Takeru earned his first professional victory in 2009 and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the sport’s most electrifying stars. His resume includes multiple K-1 Fight of the Year awards, K-1 Fighter of the Year honors, Knockout of the Year recognition, and the 2024 ONE Championship Fight of the Year.
One of the defining moments of his legendary career came in April 2026 when he defeated Rodtang in a highly anticipated rematch, scoring four knockdowns before earning a TKO victory. The stoppage marked the first knockout loss for Rodtang in 13 years and became one of the most talked-about performances in recent kickboxing history.
Only weeks later, on May 1st, 2026, Takeru officially announced his retirement from professional competition during a press conference in Tokyo, closing the chapter on one of the most celebrated careers in modern striking sports.
With his induction into the ISKA Modern Hall of Fame, Takeru Segawa’s legacy as one of kickboxing’s true all-time greats is now permanently cemented in combat sports history.