Currently living in a $300 a month apartment in Tokyo, Seika Izawa is chasing her dream of being the best fighter in the world. In addition to training, she is also has a part-time job and is a graduate student. On March 7th, Seika will have an opportunity to get one step closer to her goal, as she will be facing Miki Motono in a 52kg title match at the famed Kourakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. This upcoming fight is a rematch from December of last year, where Seika defeated Miki in only her 2nd pro fight.
We had the opportunity to interview Seika and ask her about her extensive grappling background, how she got into fighting, her upcoming fight and what she does when she isn’t training. Please take a look at it below:
SK: You have a background in both Judo and wrestling. Is it normal for kids to do both? Can you talk about your time in those sports?
Seika: I started Judo when I was 4 years old. My mom wanted to stop my three brothers from fighting amongst themselves so she took us to a nearby Judo dojo. Thanks to my days practicing under my strict mom, I was able to take part in many national competitions and was able to finish 3rd in the inter-high school tournament.
When I was in 4th grade, my father took me to wrestling practice because someone told him that it would be good for strengthening my ground skills. When I went to try it out, it was fun so I started doing it and ended up winning the national tournament when I was a third year in junior high school.
SK: Which do you think you were better at?
Seika: I think I was better at wrestling because I was able to show my opponent my power face to face.
SK: You were involved in Judo and wrestling until 2019. Why did you transition to MMA? Do you remember when/why you decided to turn professional?
Seika: There were no Judo tournaments because of COVID-19. When I started thinking about whether I want to be a player or a coach, I realized that I still have a strong desire to make those around me happy by watching me work hard towards my goal, so I decided to become a mixed martial artist so I can continue to grow and build off of my experiences so far. That was in June of 2019.
SK: You also did some Sumo. Can you talk about that? Was it fun?
Seika: I did Sumo when I was a senior in college. Judo was over so I decided to try Sumo. I practiced hard and as a result, I was able to get 2nd place in the national women’s tournament. I really enjoyed it a lot.
SK: How did it feel facing a champion in only your second fight and your first fight in the division?
Seika: I’ve decided to become the Deep Jewels 52kg champion, so I was happy that I could fight the champion so quickly.
SK: Can you talk about the match against Motono? Did it surprise you that you were able to take her down? Can you talk about her strengths and weaknesses, if she had any?
Seika: I practiced flowing from the tackle to the takedown before the match, so I was very happy that I was able to do what I practiced. She has a lot of power and fights with a lot of forward pressure. I didn’t really see many weaknesses…
SK: How do you think the rematch will play out? Do you think it will be similar to the last fight?
Seika: I think she will be more aggressive than last time. I’m also good at being aggressive and attacking so I think it will be an explosive fight, I’m looking forward to it.
SK: Has COVID-19 affected your training?
Seika: I started my training after the COVID-19 pandemic had already started so not a lot has changed, but I have noticed an increase in those who train while wearing masks. I feel like its made me better at breathing through my nose.
SK: I read that when you were younger you wanted to compete in the Olympics. Can you talk about that? Do you have any goals in MMA?
Seika: I think that the Olympics are the top stage for Judo and wrestling. However, I also had a strong desire to become a teacher so I wasn’t able to focus exclusively on them. Now as a MMA fighter I want to become the Deep Jewels champion. By becoming the best in the world, I will make Deep Jewels the best promotion in the world too.
SK: You are a graduate student at a respected university. What are you studying? What is your lifestyle like as a student and a pro-fighter?
Seika: My area of study is education. Research plays a main part in what I do, so in my free time I read books or essays. Classes are in the evening so I work part-time before and go to practice afterwards.
SK: How long have you been at Takamoto Dojo? I also read that your brother is your physical trainer, so can you talk about that?
Seika: When I was a Sophmore in college I did some Jiu-Jitsu at Takamoto Dojo. After that, I started teaching wrestling there. My brother is a physical trainer, so I am very grateful that he trains me very well and helps with my diet. But I love sweets so it makes me sad when I’m scolded by him every time I eat them.
SK: For some non-fight related questions, can you talk about any hobbies you might have or what you like to do in your time off? Any manga, music, or foods that you like?
Seika: My hobby is eating sweets. Recently, I’ve had a lot of time to chat with my brothers so I’ve been enjoying that as well. My favorite manga is Haikyu, my favorite music is The Blue Hearts, and my favorite foods are tapioca, ice cream, and fruit.
SK: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Is there anything you would like to say?
Seika: I’m Seika Izawa, and I will be the best fighter in the world. I will become the Deep Jewels champion and will get even stronger in the future, so please look forward to my success!
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