Andy Hug

Andy Hug's story is the one of a rise from a poor family to an idol and folk hero in Japan. Andy was born on the 7th Septemper 1964 in the small village of Wohlen in Switzerland. His father was foreign legionnaire and left the family very early. The upbringing was too much for his mother so that Andy and his brothers and sisters grew up by the grand mother.

As a child he fought a lot of but this changed when he began taking karate lessons. He was only 10 years old at that time. Andy was quickly so good that at age of 15 he already became a member of the Swiss national team. At the age of 17 he owned a karate school. Andy was only 19 years old when he fought in Japan for the first time. He was newcomer and a young talent. He immpressed the world with his fighting skills and technique.

Two years later he won the title of an European Champion for amateurs for the first time. When he became absolutely unexpectedly Vice-World champion at the age of 23, he was able to pay off his debts.

On 17th September 1988 a special Kyokushin karate event was held in Sursee in Switzerland. It was the 1st International Super-Cup which had been organized by the Swiss Karate Association. Andy won the tournament. After that he could make the decisive step to his career. At the age of 28 he took part at the karate World championship in Osaka and became at the first go the first non-Asian World champion. Because of his personality and kindness, he fit the Japanese character in an ideal way. It was in 1993 that Andy started his K-1 career. The fighting sport K-1 found an immense host of fans in no time, because he was so good. In Japan Andy received the title of "Samurai". He returned to Switzerland with his success and launched the K-1-night in Zürich. Andy was very popular in Switzerland too.

His death came absolutely unexpectedly. In Japan they diagnosed acute leukemia on the 17th August. And on 24th August at 18:17 the fight was lost. He died because of organ failure and the following breath stoppage. He left behind his wife Ilona and his little son Seya.

Andy had chosen Japan as his new home and to his wish he was cremated there. He wasn't able to realize his last project : to start an actor career. But his memory will live on forever in the hearts of his fans.

I selected Andy because on 24th August was the first anniversary of his death and for me was he the best K-1 kicker.

by Claudia Egli

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