Kenji Midori, nicknamed the “Little Giant”, was born April 18, 1962, on the island of Amami Oshima, to the family of a prominent businessman. Having a finished secondary school in 1976, Midori moved to Tokyo in order to prepare for the University. In that same year, Midori started training Kyokushin Karate under the guidance of the famous Kyokushin Karate-ka and teacher, Tsuyoshi Hiroshige.

Midori began competing in 1980 and for the next 10 years placed in the All Japan tournaments. At the beginning of 1991, Midori’s father wanted to transfer the management of the family business, a large building company, to his son.

Kenji returned home and took over the leadership of the company. On the threshold of the 5^th Kyokushin Karate World Championship the founder of Kyokushin Karate, Masutatsu Oyama, went to Amami Oshima to persuade Midori’s father to give his son the chance to become the world champion. He told him: “Your son has the abilities to become a world champion. How do you feel about your son being fully focused on karate before the world championship? I really ask you to agree.” The father could not say no to the special guest. On November 4th, 1991 Kenji Midori became the winner at the 5th Kyokushin Karate World Championship.

Strengths:

As the lightest winner ever of the World Championship, Midori was known for amazing flexibility, speed, and power of his kicks, with the ability to overwhelm much larger opponents.

Achievements:

• 1991: 5th Kyokushin Karate World Tournament – 1^st place
• 1990: 22nd All Japan Tournament – 2^nd place
• 1990: 7th All Japan Weight Tournament – 1^st place
• 1988: Sursee Cup – 2^nd place (Lost to Andy Hug)
• 1987: 4th Kyokushin Karate World Tournament – Last 16 (Lost to Michael Thompson)
• 1987: 4th All Japan Weight Tournament – 1^st place
• 1985: 17th All Japan Tournament – 5^th place
• 1985: 2nd All Japan Weight Tournament – 1^st place

Formation of the World Karate Organization:

After the death of Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate, the International Karate Organization initially broke into several groups, one of which is known as World Karate Organization Shinkyokushinkai. Kenji Midori took over the organization and under his leadership, the organization formally changed its name to WKO Shinkyokushinkai in 2003. Today, Midori holds the position of Kancho (President) of the WKO Shinkyokushinkai.