Andy Hug R.I.P.

07.09.1964 - 24.08.2000

The anniversary of his death.
The 10 year anniverary of his Championship.

Click here for an article I wrote for my site. It might give you insights into how good Andy was.

I'm going to Switzerland next week. It'll be nice to walk around Zurich and think about the legend. I won't even have to carry the map. That's my wife's job. :)

Hi Felix,

Have a nice trip to Zurich. And thanks for the great article about Andy!

Respect from Denmark,
Oliver.

Here is a link for two articles about Andy Hug that I have wrote:


http://www.musashi.nl/frame2.htm

I never knew him as a man only watched him as a fighter,i wish it was the other way around,the way he dealt with his illness near to the end with such honour and dignity puts me to shame.
Agreat loss to the sport and to his family i send good wishes.

Deepest respect to a great man of honour.

R.I.P.

Best wishes to his family and friends.

Osu.

Ilona and Seya Hug together with Shihan Kakuda at Andy’s grave in Japan.

Another year is gone !! Another without year without The samurai with blue eyes.
R.I.P Andy.

I have heard many criticisms about Andy Hug. Some individuals have simply brushed off Andy as a "spinning ax kick and nothing more". Others have said that he fought too many cans in his later years. A few have complained that because of Andy Hug's public appeal and early death; his legacy has been hyped-up and overrated due to the respect that his opponents have given him and his
I say this: These voices couldn't be more off-base and inaccurate.
Before the coming of Mark Hunt, Andy Hug was a small man in a world of giants. Here was a man that was 180 cm fighting against talented opponents who clearly had physical advantages over this ex-Kyokushin karateka. If there was anything that impressed me with Andy, it was his strong work ethic. Adjusting to the rigours of Kickboxing, Andy rigorously trained himself to become a formidable and respected K-1 fighter. Some people are born with natural gifts. Others are not content with the way things are and are determined to work for what they want to achieve. Andy's moniker, Tetsujin or Iron Man fits his character well. Andy can be compared to iron while someone that's born with natural talent and body can be likened to gold. While gold is appreciated more than iron for its glamour and worth, iron can become better than gold. Iron rusts and breaks down, but it also has the potential to become steel. This is what Andy's hard work shaped him into. All of his blood and sweat made him into the man we enjoyed watching.
Before Buakaw Pro Pramuk, Andy Hug was the only fighter to advance into the K-1 Grand Prix finals 3 times consecutively. An impressive feat in consideration to the sort of rivals that Andy faced.
It is also worth noting that the only K-1 Grand Prix that Andy was able to win is still a memorable one to K-1 fans to this day. Mike Bernardo upsetting Peter Aerts from his 3rd K-1 GP Championship, and Andy Hug's creative strategy over Bernardo were some of the best highlights of that night. My favorite K-1 GP to this day, and I don't think we're going to see another one like it for a while.
And even after 6 years since his unfortunate death, Japan still embraces and remembers its "Blue-Eyed Samurai". A couple months back, Nippon TV ran a program on Japan's top 100 historical figures. Andy was ranked #81, a testament to the legacy that Japanese fans have given to their sports heroes.
For me, Andy Hug was the first (and so far only) karateka (Kyokushin and later Seido Kaikan) to become a K-1 champion. In a time when Kyokushin karate has been derided by some critics as not being up to par from what it used to be, Andy's accomplishments serve as a standard that Kyokushin karateka can aspire to if we dedicates ourselves to work hard for it. No matter how many years pass, Andy Hug's memory will always live on. Along with Sosai, Peter Smit, William Oliver, and many other Kyokushin karateka that have passed away, we will never forget our brave predecessors that paved the way for future generations to continue. Rest in peace, Tetsujin. OSU!

OSU Benares!

I cant believe it has been so long, a true warrior I feel privilidged to have met.

OSU! Benares. Andy Hug was Mark Hunts hero we would always watch his fights and Mark looked up to him for his strength and techniques most of all his size.
What year did he win K1?
Hi Oliver & Felix it has been a long time talking to you guys, I have been studying and looking after my grandkids and helping Mark Hunt with his first show he is promoting in Nov 4th. Pride fights and Muay Thai I will post the poster up soon.
R.I.P. Andy we will never forget you.
Take care guys
All the best
Lucy Tui
OSU!

Hi Lucy,

Nice to hear from again. Yes it has been a long time since we have been talking. I hope that you are fine and healthy!

Andy Hug won the K-1 Grand Prix in 1996, and got 2nd in 1997 and 1998.

Stay in touch,
Oliver.