Akira Shoji

Report Last Updated - 3/02
Birthdate - 1/31/74
5'8" 194 lbs. - Tokyo, Japan
Team - ??? Style - Jiu-Jitsu

Career Highlights -
- Goes to a draw with Renzo Gracie at Pride 1
- Beats Wallid Ismail at Pride 4 with strikes
- Scores a big decision win over Guy Mezger at Pride 6
- Defeats Ebenezer Fontes Braga in the opening round of the of Grand Prix
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Striking - Akira Shoji is one of Pride's constant favorites as he is a tough and exciting fighter. He prefer to ground & pound, if he is going to strikes using knees, elbows, and punches. Shoji also is willing to chop away with rib punches on the ground and leg kicks while standing.

Wrestling - A tough little guy, Shoji has done some impressive things, including taking down the giant Semmy Schilt. He is a bundle of power, who can do takedowns and control well on the ground.

Hooking - A Jiu-Jitsu master, Shoji is always looking to submit opponents above all. Though he can choke like the Brazilians, the Japanese tradition of armbars is more his thing.

Strengthes - The embodiment of "Fighting Spirit." Shoji's popularity isn't without reason as this man of formidable skills and enormous heart has managed to go the distance with unarguably more prestigious fighters of all styles from Renzo Gracie to Guy Mezger. He has that Japanese toughness as well that often keeps him going when the chips are down.

Weaknesses - The "showman" as he is often called is just that and it may make him one of Pride's most popular, but not the most successful. Shoji's size has also hurt him as much bigger and stronger opponents like Mark Coleman, Igor Vovchanchyn and Semmy Schilt.

Outlook - With Shoji's popularity, he will continue to be in Pride as long as he can go and even then he may just remain protected like Takada. His heart is admirable and makes him beloved, in spite of his average skill and less than shining record. Shoji remains a benchmark of sorts and he will probably continue to butt heads with some of the best.