Yoshihiro Akiyama

, also known as and by his nickname Sexyama, is a Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka of Korean descent who won the gold medal at the 2001 Asian Championships for South Korea and for Japan at the 2002 Asian Games. A fourth-generation Japanese of Korean descent, he acquired Japanese nationality in 2001. He is the former K-1 HERO's Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion. Judo career Before his professional mixed martial arts career, Akiyama was a decorated Judoka. He began training in Judo at the age of three. He has also trained Karate, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling and also Submission Wrestling with Greg Jackson. 2001 Asian championships Representing South Korea, Choo won the gold medal at the 2001 Asian Judo Championships. 2002 Asian Games Representing Japan, Akiyama won the gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games defeating Ahn Dong-Jin of South Korea in the finals.