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Andy Hug – role model and inspiration for two generations (video)

Andreas Hug is one of the greatest martial artists. Kyokushin karateka and K-1 champion – “The blue-eyed Samurai”, had it all.

Fast and precise high kicks, which he mastered to perfection.


Andy Hug is an example of a great fighter; he had the soul of a warrior.

He was a role model and inspirational figure for two generations. Hug won the 1996 K-1 Grand Prix, defeating one of the most vicious kickboxing competitors – Bart Vale, Duane Van Der Merwe, Ernesto Hoost, and Mike Bernardo.

The great Swiss was usually smaller than his opponents, standing at 1.80 m and being barely a heavyweight. In his prime, he made up for his lack of size with his tremendous athleticism and speed. A southpaw, his trademark kicks included the ax kick and the “Hug Tornado”, a low spinning heel kick targeting his opponents’ thighs.

He was diagnosed with acute leukemia on August 17, 2000. On August 23, he fell into a coma, and his illness was made public. Twenty-two hours later, Hug died following breathing difficulties due to multiple organ failure. He was thirty-five years old.

Huge loss for the martial arts… rest in peace, legend!

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