Kenji Midori
Kenji Midori (緑 健児 Midori Kenji, born April 18, 1962) is a Japanese Shinkyokushin and Kyokushin fighter. Midori was a student of Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. Midori eventually assumed leadership of the WKO Shinkyokushinkai to focus on improving knockdown Karate (Fighting Karate).[1]
He lost in the 4th World Tournament to British Michael Thompson. After the 4th World Tournament, Midori went on to claim his third All Japan Weight title and reached the final of the All Japan Tournament.
Four years later, Midori entered the 5th World Tournament, where he defeated the reigning All Japan Champion Masuda to become the 5th Kyokushin Karate World Champion.
After the death of Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate, the International Karate Organization initially broke into three groups, one of which is known as World Karate Organization Shinkyokushinkai, initially led by Yukio Nishida. After Nishida resigned, he was succeeded by Keiji Sanpei, who was in turn succeeded by Yasuhiro Shichinoh and then eventually Kenji Midori. Under Midoris leadership the organization formally changed its name to WKO Shinkyokushinkai in 2003. Today, Midori holds the position of Kancho (President) of the WKO Shinkyokushinkai.
Record
- 5th Kyokushin Karate World Tournament 1991 – Champion
- 4th Kyokushin Karate World Tournament 1987 – Last 16 (Lost to Michael Thompson)
- 22nd All Japan Tournament 1990 – 2nd place
- 17th All Japan Tournament 1985 – 5th place
- 7th All Japan Weight Tournament 1990 – Champion
- 4th All Japan Weight Tournament 1987 – Champion
- 2nd All Japan Weight Tournament 1985 – Champion
- Sursee Cup 1988 – 2nd place (Lost to Andy Hug)