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Ten-time Muay Thai world champion Nadaka Yoshinari of Japan wasn’t always the perfect athlete.The 24-year-old sensation admitted he was quite brazen and carefree in his youth, and didn’t take his training as seriously as he should have.Nadaka enrolled at Renaissance High School, where he was supposed to train twice a day on top of his studies.However, the Eiwa Sports Gym product had other priorities then, and slacked off most of the time. He told ONE Championship:"Originally, in junior high, I went to a regular school where I practiced at night. I had actually envisioned practicing both morning and night, but in the early days, I didn't really practice much in the morning."The Japanese striker added:“I had this lax attitude like, 'Well, I'll just practice at night, right?' So, I think it was precisely because I went through that period where things weren't going well that I started practicing diligently both morning and night. That was a big factor."Nadaka’s work ethic eventually improved, and he shaped up to become arguably the best non-Thai Muay Thai fighter in the world.The former Rajadamnern Stadium champion will seek his biggest prize yet at ONE 173 in Tokyo, where he’ll face Numsurin Chor Ketwina at Ariake Arena for the inaugural ONE atomweight Muay Thai world title. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostNadaka proud to showcase his skills on ONE Championship's global stageNadaka worked tirelessly to get to where he is today. The Japanese striking maestro had a lot of suitors, but admitted he's always had his heart set on joining the home of martial arts.Now one victory away from becoming the first-ever ONE atomweight Muay Thai world champion, Nadaka reflected on his journey.“It’s a top-tier organization where the best stand-up fighters and MMA fighters from around the world compete. I feel it’s the perfect stage for me to prove my skills I’ve cultivated so far,” he told ONE.Follow Sportskeeda and ONE Championship for the latest ONE 173 updates.
