This is very long overdue as my decision to retire from fighting was made before my 7/9 loss to Ed Newalu. I will continue to help the fighters at gym and try to achieve my black belt in jiu-jitsu (someday far, far away) . For those of you who don't know me, I train at HMC academy in Hawaii under Haru Shimanishi and am a purple belt under Renato "Charuto" Verissimo, I have a overall record of 3-2-1 in mma competition. Just wanted to take the time to thank everyone who has helped me over in my fighting career over the years. First of all, to my parents and my wonderful girlfriend. also to, Renato Verissimo the best coach anyone can ever have, Haru Shimanishi, Seth McKinney, David Yeung, Betta Yeung, Neil Andres, Kevin Yoshida, Mike Tanaka, Chris West, DeShawn Johnson, Wayson Waniya, Vince "Cara de Panella", Leandro Nyza, Terrance Matsuno, Paul Ano, Dan Shioi, Bj Penn, Baret Yoshida, Scott Miyamoto, Jason Holstein, Ippei Onuma, Kinya Hashimoto, Ryota Matsune, Hiroshi Tsuruya, Akihiro Adachi, Takehiro of Isami, Akira Okabayashi, Takanori Koike, Chikara Miyake, Masanori Sugatani, Junji Ikoma, Yuki Satozaki, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Jun Kitagawa, Marc Laimon, Gerry Sampson, Mike Sampson, Stephen Palling, Ray Cooper, Yobi Song, John Lewis, Rich Santoro, Karl Gotch and all the guys I grew up with in Salt Lake/Moanalua. And to anyone and everyone that I have ever had tohe opportunity to train with, if I forgot your name, I apoligize. Thank you all. See you at training.
Kyle Takao