Andreas Hug is one of the greatest martial artists. Kyokushin karateka and K-1 champion – “The blue-eyed Samurai”, had it all.
Fast and precious high kicks, which he mastered to perfection.
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 lost for the martial arts… rest in peace, legend!
