KMA-So Po'ai, you just had a big win in Hero's. Was
this your biggest
win of your career?
Po'ai-Career wise definitely. This was nationally broadcast in two
countries and had a lot of publicity as well. In Japan K-1 heroes is
huge.
KMA-In your fight I was impressed with your
explosiveness in your
takedowns and how you controlled your opponent on the ground while
mixing up your attack with submission attempts and solid strikes. How
do you feel your stand up rates?
Po'ai-My stand up needs work and its getting it. I am getting better
everyday, and with the great sparring partners and trainers i have at
BJ's academy I have total confidence that I am progressing as fast or
faster than i should be. Although i wont entering the WBA or WBC
anytime soon... =P
KMA-I understand you were in the hunt for the
King of Pancrase title. I
haven't watched Pancrase since the Ken Shamrock days. What is
fighting in Pancrase like these days?
Po'ai-To be honest its a lot like many of our local events as far as
entertainment value. Sometimes you question why the two people even
got a chance to enter the ring. And sometimes you thank god that you
got to see such a phenomenal fight. Overall its a good event. A lot
of experienced fighters. Really organized, good presentation. Good
event
KMA-You are a local Hilo boy living in Japan, what
is it like? Do you
get homesick?
Po'ai-Actually i was training and living in Japan, I moved back about a year
ago. Basically cause I wanted to be able to train full time, and I
just missed home... being broke also helped the decision.
KMA-What did you do in Japan other than train?
Po'ai-I sang at weddings
KMA-You seem very proud of your Hawaiian heritage. Do
your goals in MMA and martial arts tie into your Hawaiian pride?
Po'ai-I am proud of my heritage. Some people listened to bed time stories
growing up... i did too but i heard Hawaiian legends instead. I also
heard war stories and ghost stories. So yes I am proud to be
Hawaiian, but I am also proud to be local.
KMA--I know very little of Lua, the Hawaiian martial
art. Have you ever
trained in Lua, even just for cultural reasons?
Po'ai-I know what Lua is and what it entails. The reason I never trained in
Lua is because if I did I would have to move to Oahu, because I don't
want to learn it from anyone other than my uncle La'akea Suganuma.
KMA-What is next for you? Do you have any big fights set up?
Po'ai-I am scheduled to fight Richard Desforge on Dec 15th on the Icon card.
Other than that I am just concentrating on sharpening all the skills I have
and need and seeing what happens next.
KMA-What is something about Po'ai that most
people don't know?
Po'ai-Probably the wedding singer thing.
KMA-Is there anything you would like to say to
your MMA fans in Hawaii?
Po'ai-To my fans, thanks for all the support knowing people believe in you
is sometimes all it takes for you to eek out that extra 1% that wins
you a fight
To all MMA fans thanks you guys the sport would be nothing without you.
I would also like to thank my sponsor savage. Whose stuff can be
found at savagefightgear.com and 808fightshop.com
