Tenshin Nasukawa

Tenshin Nasukawa, born on August 18, 1998, in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, is a professional boxer and former kickboxer and mixed martial artist. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches, he competes in the bantamweight division. Nasukawa gained prominence in the kickboxing world, earning recognition as one of the sport’s top talents.

Introduced to karate at age five by his father, Hiroyuki, Nasukawa developed discipline and skill early on, winning national-level competitions by sixth grade. Transitioning to kickboxing in his youth, he amassed over 100 amateur fights, showcasing his dedication and prowess.

Nasukawa’s professional kickboxing career includes notable victories over champions like Amnat Ruenroeng and Wanchalong, solidifying his status in Japan’s combat sports scene. In 2022, he transitioned to professional boxing, seeking new challenges and aiming to replicate his kickboxing success. On February 24, 2025, Nasukawa defeated Australia’s Jason Moloney in a bantamweight bout at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

Outside the ring, Nasukawa maintains a private life, focusing on his training and personal development. His journey from a karate prodigy in Chiba Prefecture to an accomplished kickboxer and emerging boxing talent exemplifies dedication and the rich martial arts tradition of Japan.

Beyond his athletic pursuits, Nasukawa has a keen interest in fashion, often seen in avant-garde designs that reflect his unique personal style. His elaborate ring entrances and attire have become a signature aspect of his persona, blending traditional Japanese elements with contemporary flair. Nasukawa’s affinity for anime is evident, with his gym featuring a life-size statue of Kenshiro from “Fist of the North Star,” symbolizing his connection to Japanese pop culture.

Tenshin Nasukawa, a former kickboxing champion, possesses a style that has the potential to revolutionize boxing. His approach is formless, adaptable, and fluid—like water. His uppercuts and hooks mirror the precision of kicks, showcasing a hybrid skill set that bridges kickboxing and boxing fundamentals.

Tenshin is a master of fundamentals, trained to perfection. Yet, he also embodies the ability to break traditional rules with purpose and precision. While critics may doubt fighters transitioning without extensive championship or competitive boxing experience, Tenshin proves them wrong with his refined skill and mental toughness.

He has an uncanny ability to control the center of the ring, reminiscent of a samurai holding a fortress. His understanding of “distance management 101” is unparalleled, and he excels at landing the first strike. He’s unafraid to dive into deep waters, showing immense heart and a love for the fight. Anxiety in such moments doesn’t hinder him; rather, it reveals his courage and mental fortitude. He thrives under pressure and can swim with the sharks.

Physically, Tenshin is an imposing presence. His footwork is unpredictable and intimidating—opponents can never anticipate where his next strike will come from. Much like a kick in kickboxing, his punches are explosive and dynamic. He can leap into shots or deliver them with minimal telegraphing, forcing his opponents to reconsider their strategies and adapt mid-fight.

Tenshin’s level changes are a critical aspect of his arsenal. He doesn’t limit himself to the centerline; instead, he attacks at varying levels—head and body—from multiple angles. His ability to combine all six punches in boxing with such precision and creativity. He is already a Japanese flag fighter in the world of boxing