Yasuhiro Kido: From the K-1 Ring to the cinema.

Yasuhiro Kido is a renowned Japanese kickboxer competing in the under-70 kg weight class. Born on December 25, 1982, in Japan, he rose to fame through his performances in K-1, particularly in the middleweight division, where he combined technical skill, endurance, and his signature high kicks. His fighting style is a classic blend of Muay Thai with elements of karate, along with intelligent footwork and ring control.  Kido became widely recognized after winning the K-1 World MAX Japan Tournament 2008, showcasing excellent form and technique. He also competed in numerous international tournaments, facing top fighters such as:  Albert Kraus,  Artem Levin, Gago Drago, Murat Direkçi.

Kido is known for his unique pre-fight ritual and his trademark “samurai smile” with which he enters the ring.

Notably, he is still active in the sport. His most recent fight took place on May 11 of this year, where he won by unanimous decision. To date, he has fought 87 matches, with 58 wins, 26 losses, 2 draws, and 1 no contest.

Acting Career.
Outside the ring, Yasuhiro Kido has also made his mark on screen. In 2019, he appeared in the popular Japanese crime action franchise:

High & Low: The Worst (2019)
Role: One of the gang members/fighters

Notable for: Realistic fight scenes performed without stunt doubles

This project brought together many famous fighters, musicians, and actors, becoming a cultural phenomenon among Japanese youth. Kido’s participation was a natural extension of his career — a figure who bridges the worlds of sports, culture, and media.

Visit to Moldova — FEA Tournament 2013.
In September 2013, Yasuhiro Kido visited Moldova as a special guest of the FEA CHAMPIONSHIP (Fighting & Entertainment Association) held in Chișinău.

He was not only present in the arena but also served as a cornerman for his compatriot Yoshihiro Yamazaki (Yoshi Yamazaki), who competed in the lightweight Grand Prix tournament. His presence in the corner was a key morale boost and a unique opportunity for local fans to witness a K-1 legend live in action.

Kido’s time in Moldova included: Participation in the official FEA press conference. Conducting masterclasses for local fighters. Interaction with fans and athletes.

Fun Facts. Kido is known for his lightning-fast high kicks and unorthodox tactics — earning him the nickname “Mr. High Kick.”

His transition into film only further cemented his image as a charismatic and disciplined fighter.
Yasuhiro Kido is more than an athlete — he is a cultural ambassador for martial arts, a symbol of the “golden era” of K-1, and a respected actor and trainer.

His 2013 visit to Moldova as a guest and cornerman at the FEA tournament was a memorable moment in the event’s history and left a lasting impression on martial arts fans in the region.