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Revision as of 08:36, 11 April 2008
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Lee Hasdell (born December 13, 1966, in Northampton, England) is a British professional mixed martial artist. Hasdell is a RINGS veteran and the pioneer of British MMA, he switched from a promising Thai Boxing career to the world of Shootfighting and mixed martial arts in Japan. Hasdell promoted the first MMA events in the UK under a storm of controversy from the national media, he was even condemned on Trevor McDonald's tonight TV programme in the late 90s. Lee Hasdell is referred to as the Godfather of UK MMA, as he is the first and most experienced mixed martial artist in the country.
Lee Hasdell has fought in many different styles of matches and has fought some of the best fighters in world including Fedor Emelianenko, Volk Han, Renato Sobral, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović, Gilbert Yvel, Mario Sperry, and many more world class fighters.
Biography
Early career (1989-1995)
Lee Hasdell begun his career as a professional Thai Boxer, taught by one of Master Toddy's first generation instructors, Lee turned pro in 1989 at the age of 22. Hasdell first captured the the WKA British Super-Middleweight title in 1991, he was undefeated British champion for two years and also winning Kickboxing and Thai Boxing titles in the Light-Heavyweight Division. Hasdell's quest for the European title begun in 1993 when he fought Paval Rumas in Poland for the ISKA European Light-Heavyweight title. Although knocking the Champion down in the second round, Hasdell eventually lost by split decision. He then had a chance at the WKA European Thai Boxing title in January, 1994 against Bob Schrijber from Holland. The fight was held at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow in front of over 20,000 spectators. Hasdell gave Schrijber the fight of his life but was stopped in the last round due to low kicks. During this time Lee Hasdell promoted Kickboxing shows in Milton Keynes, England. Also a show which featured Lee Hasdell in the first ever Ultimate Shoot fight in Britain, in 1995.
K1 (1995/2000)
Hasdell's first K1 fight was in September, 1995 against Duane Van Der Merwe in Tokyo, Japan, where he suffered his only KO. He also fought Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović under these rules. While in RINGS, Hasdell wanted to prove he could succeed in K-1 as well to show he wasn't just an MMA fighter. He decided to fight in a K-1 Special match at the first K-1 event held in England on April 16, 2000. Hasdell won by a spectacular flying knee in round three against WKA World Kickboxing champion Simon Dore.
Oktagon Shootboxing Challenge (1996)
On April 20, 1996, Hasdell won the Prestigious Oktagon Challenge, an eight man Shoot Boxing tournament to find the best exponent of all martial arts in the world, the event was held in Milan, Italy in front of 14,000 fans. The tournament featured eight fighters representing eight different martial arts. Hasdell stormed through to the final with two impressive knockouts. In the first round it took just over a minute for Hasdell to finish off the American Scott Dobbs, in the Semi-final Hasdell beat Italian Judo champion Paulo Di Clemente with a second round KO. Then in the final he faced Andre Mannaart, Hasdell won by Decision to become the Oktagon Shoot Boxing world champion. That victory raised his profile and brought him to the attention of Akira Maeda the president of Fighting Network RINGS, a major Japanese promotions company.
Fighting Network RINGS (1996-2001)
On February 18, 1996 Lee Hasdell made his Professional MMA debut at RINGS Holland against Dutch star Andre Mannaart who was an undisputed world champion in Kickboxing and Thai Boxing. The fight ended in a draw but Akira Maeda was impressed with Hasdell's performance and also after winning the Oktagon Shoot boxing tournament, offered him a one year contract with RINGS. Hasdell was then invited to train at Akira Maeda’s private Dojo in Yokohama, Japan. Hasdell's first Mixed Martial Arts fight in Japan was at a RINGS: Battle Genesis event in April, 1997, in which he won within 4 minutes. He ended up staying with RINGS for six years, he was promoted to the Shooter category and was given the nickname ‘The Gatekeeper’, if a fighter from another organisation wanted to join RINGS they had to beat Hasdell first. In a memorable match in 1998, Hasdell lived up to his name when he knocked out UFC Japanese champion Kenichi Yamamoto.
While fighting in RINGS, Hasdell promoted the first Mixed Martial Arts events in the UK. Which were all held in Milton Keynes, England. The first event was in October, 1997, The show had Thai Boxing, Vale Tudo and RINGS Rule Shoot fighting matches. Hasdell then went on to promote another four shows in the late 90s in which Hasdell himself fought in, the shows were called Night of the Samurai 1-3 and Total Fight KRG 5. These were the original MMA shows in Britain, although they were criticised in the late 90s, MMA is now the fastest growing sport in Britain with promotions like Cage Rage.
In late 1998, Hasdell began a trilogy of fights with Japanese fighter Yasuhito Namekawa, their first confrontation ended in a draw, but on January 23, 1999 in their second fight, Hasdell was very unfortunate to receive a yellow card in the match under RINGS rules. This cost him the fight even though Lee dominated the stand up and was close to knocking Namakawa out in the dying seconds, leaving him with a bloody nose and although Namakawa was the winner he had to be helped out of the ring. Their third and final match was held in Milton Keynes, England at Night of the Samurai 3 on March 7, 1999. Hasdell was trailing by two points before knocking Namakawa out with a vicious knee.
In 1999 Hasdell was on a five match unbeaten streak before entering the RINGS: King of Kings tournament in October, Hasdell was placed in Block A, among RINGS best fighters. Winning his first match by knockout in the second round. In the next round Hasdell lost to Brazilian fighter Renato Sobral by decision, Sobral ended up becoming runner up of the tournament. After this loss Hasdell took a short break to heal his injured knee he received in the fight.
2000 was a very busy and unlucky year for Hasdell. On March 1, Hasdell traveled to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to compete in the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, which featured the best grapplers in the world. Then in April he fought in the Absolute Fighting Challenge, which was the worlds toughest no holds barred mixed martial arts event in the world. The fight was scheduled for one thirty minute round in an octagon cage. Hasdell losing to IAFC World champion Mikhail Avetisyan. Hasdell was also unfortunate when he fought Joop Kasteel at RINGS Holland in June, as he floored Kasteel twice in the first round only then for the fight to be stopped due to Hasdell receiving a Dislocated shoulder, in a very short but action packed match.
In January 2001, Hasdell won the Kamon European Brazilian Jujitsu tournament in London, then a week later, he fought Sander Thonhauser for a second time, Thonhauser kneed Hasdell clean in the face, while Hasdell was still on the floor, which is illegal. Hasdell was rocked and as the referee stepped in, Hasdell stormed Thonhauser’s corner and all hell broke loose, as both fighters had to be restrained by corner men and security — even the ringside bell ended up in the ring. When things settled down, Hasdell left the ring in disgust and the fight was declared a no contest. After this disappointing no contest, Hasdell took most of the year off. During this time Hasdell appeared in a music video for American singer Shea Seger. On October 20, 2001 Hasdell returned to winning ways when he knocked out 130kg Bulgarian Georgi Tonkov with a spectacular flying knee at RINGS: World Title Series 4. Hasdell's final fight for RINGS was against the No.1 Heavyweight in the world Fedor Emelianenko on December 21, 2001 at RINGS: World Title Series 5. The RINGS company collapsed the following year due to the success of Pride fc.
After RINGS (2002-2004)
Even though not in RINGS anymore, Hasdell returned to Japan to fight Cyrille Diabate in a Shoot Boxing match in February, 2002. After that match Hasdell decided to take a break from fighting and continued to teach at his club SSJ, also joining the TA and becoming a British Armed Forces, Physical Training Instructor. During this time Hasdell promoted more shows in Milton Keynes. First with UZI 1: Cage combat Evolution, held on November 30, 2002, then UZI 2: Combat Evolution on March 8, 2003. These events featured an Octagon Cage compared to a ring which was formerly used for Hasdell's earlier shows.
After two years away Hasdell returned to MMA at a new weight of 92 kg compared to his former weight of 102 kg in RINGS. Hasdell fought Japanese opponent Hiroyuki Ito at Pain and Glory 2004 in April, Hasdell was very impressive, winning by KO within 32 seconds of round 1. After this match Hasdell decided to concentrate on teaching at his club SSJ.
Cage Rage (2007-present)
2007 saw the return of the UK MMA Legend, as Hasdell was contracted to fight for Europe's biggist MMA promotion, Cage Rage. On July 14, Hasdell made his Cage Rage debut against Brazilian Legend Mario Sperry in the Light-Heavyweight (93 kg) division, it was Hasdell's first fight in three years. As the fight started, Sperry bullrushed in and managed to get the takedown. Sperry showed his superior jiu-jitsu and moved from half guard to side control and Hasdell gave up his back. Sperry patiently worked for the rear naked choke, sinking it in at his second attempt.
Lee Hasdell's last fight was against Italian no.1 Ivan Serati on December 1, 2007 at Cage Rage 24: Feel the Pain. Ivan Serati had a point deducted before the match and looked determined to end the fight quickly with several takedowns, Hasdell had a great ground defense while trying to prevent serati from ground and pound. An armbar at the end of round one injured Hasdell's arm, but he showed he was a warrior for not tapping out and by continuing the fight. Unable to throw any strikes in the second round due to his injury, Serati saw an opportunity and took Hasdell down to eventually win by rear naked choke.
Lee Hasdell is scheduled to have his last fight for Cage Rage at Middleweight (84kg) sometime in 2008.
SSJ Studio
Lee Hasdell runs SSJ studio in Milton Keynes which teaches MMA, Kickboxing and self defence. It is a 1 to 1 and small group training studio with MMA Matted Area. The term SSJ is taken from the full name of Shin-Sen-Jutsu, which is a Japanese term for a Samurai with a new martial art (Budo/Bujutsu). Lee used this name to denote that the martial arts never remains set in its ways, but they are alive and always evolving and developing.
Lee Hasdell's Qualifications: YMCA/REPS Fitness Instructor, Supple Strength Teacher, British Armed Forces Physical Training Instructor, PPCT Defensive Tactics Intructor USA, Smith & Wesson Defensive Tactics Instructor USA, Olympic Wrestling Coach, Reiki & Acupressure Practitioner, and SIA Close Protection Officer.
Cage Rage fighter Roman Webber is also a member of SSJ Studios.
Kudo (UK)
Kudo/Daido Juku is a mixed martial art from Japan, founded by Master Azuma who was one of Sempai Mas Oyama’s Kyokushin students. Master Azuma saw the vision for a well-rounded martial arts system that included safety, reality and popularity. In Kudo you will learn strong, solid and basic skills that can work in real self defence situations. Not only will you learn how to punch, kick and grapple, you will also be taught the reality of head-butts, elbow, groin strikes and other reality techniques often left out of many martial art systems. By learning Kudo you will develop a strong mind and body, and it places a strong emphasis on the development of a deep ethical value system for all of its students.
In February, 2008, Sensei Lee Hasdell became the first Kudo black belt in the UK under Master Azuma, and will also begin teaching Kudo at his club SSJ Studio.
Accomplishments
- Three times British Thai Boxing and Kickboxing champion
- World Oktagon Shootboxing Champion 1996
- UTF RINGS Rules Superfight Champion 1997
- UTF Vale Tudo Champion 1998
- Kamon European Brazilian Ju Jitsu open winner 2001
- 6th Dan Shin Senjutsu/Combudo Blackbelt
- AMA Karate Blackbelt
- AMA (Thai) Kickboxing Blackbelt
- Daidojuku Kudo Blackbelt
- WCJJO Jujutsu Blackbelt
Mixed Martial Arts record
- Lee Hasdell has fought in hundreds of different matches in his total career and losing to some of the best fighters in the world, Hasdell has shown that he doesn't back down from any challenge and will always fight.
| Total | Wins | Losses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 matches | (T)Knockout | 8 | 5 |
| Submission | 5 | 7 | |
| Decision | 1 | 5 | |
| DQ | 1 | 0 | |
| Draw | 3 | ||
| No Contest | 1 | ||
| Result | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss |  Ivan Serati
|
Submission (Rear Naked Choke) | Cage Rage 24: Feel the Pain | 01-12-2007 | 2 | 01:34 |  London, England
|
| Loss |  Mario Sperry
|
Submission (Rear Naked Choke) | Cage Rage 22: Hard as Hell | 14-07-2007 | 1 | 01:39 | London, England
|
| Win |  Hiroyuki Ito
|
KO (Strikes) | Pain and Glory 2004 | 24-04-2004 | 1 | 00:32 | Birmingham, England
|
| Loss |  Cyrille Diabate
|
TKO | Shoot Boxing: S Volume 1 | 01-02-2002 | 4 | 02:18 | Tokyo, Japan
|
| Loss |  Fedor Emelianenko
|
Submission (Guillotine Choke) | RINGS: World Title Series 5 | 21-12-2001 | 1 | 04:10 | Kanagawa, Japan
|
| Win |  Georgi Tonkov
|
KO (Flying Knee) | RINGS: World Title Series 4 | 20-10-2001 | 1 | 04:22 | Tokyo, Japan
|
| NC |  Sander Thonhauser
|
No contest | RINGS Holland - Heroes Live Forever | 28-01-2001 | 1 | N/A | Utrecht, Holland
|
| Loss | Volk Han
|
TKO (Punches) | RINGS: King of Kings 2000 Block B | 22-12-2000 | 2 | 00:08 | Osaka, Japan
|
| Loss | Joop Kasteel
|
TKO (Shoulder Injury) | RINGS Holland - King of Kings Holland | 04-06-2000 | 1 | 01:18 | Utrecht, Holland
|
| Loss | Mikhail Illoukhine
|
Decision | RINGS Russia - Rings Russia | 20-05-2000 | 3 | 05:00 | Ekaterinburg, Russia
|
| Loss | Mikhail Avetisyan
|
Submission (Strikes) | IAFC - Pankration World Championship 2000 (Day 2) | 29-04-2000 | 1 | N/A | Moscow, Russia
|
| Loss | Renato Sobral
|
Decision (Unanimous) | RINGS: King of Kings 1999 Block A | 28-10-1999 | 2 | 05:00 | Tokyo, Japan
|
| Win | Achmed Labasanov
|
TKO (Kick) | RINGS: King of Kings 1999 Block A | 28-10-1999 | 2 | 03:33 | Tokyo, Japan
|
| Win | Dave van der Veen
|
Submission (Armbar) | Totalfight Forum: Total Fight KRG 5 | 03-10-1999 | 1 | 01:47 | Milton Keynes, England
|
| Draw | Satoshi Honma
|
Draw | RINGS: Battle Genesis Vol. 5 | 15-09-1999 | 1 | 20:00 | Tokyo, Japan
|
| Win | Ricardo Fyeet
|
Submission (Toe Hold) | RINGS: Rise 5th | 19-08-1999 | 2 | 05:01 | Yokohama, Japan
|
| Win | Ryuki Ueyama
|
Disqualification (Eye-gouging) | RINGS: Rise 2nd | 23-04-1999 | 1 | 04:18 | Osaka, Japan
|
| Win | Yasuhito Namekawa
|
KO (Knee) | Totalfight Forum: Night of the Samurai 3 | 07-03-1999 | 1 | 05:55 | Milton Keynes, England
|
| Loss | Yasuhito Namekawa
|
Decision | RINGS: Mega battle Tournament 1998 (Grand Final) | 23-01-1999 | 1 | 20:00 | Tokyo, Japan
|
| Draw | Yasuhito Namekawa
|
Draw | RINGS: Mega battle Tournament 1998 (Quarter finals) | 20-11-1998 | 1 | 20:00 | Osaka, Japan
|
| Loss | Gilbert Yvel
|
TKO (Cut) | RINGS Holland - The Thialf Explosion | 24-10-1998 | 1 | N/A | Heerenveen, Holland
|
| Loss | Hiromitsu Kanehara
|
Decision | Totalfight Forum: Night of the Samurai 2 | 11-10-1998 | 1 | 15:00 | Milton Keynes, England
|
| Win | Kenichi Yamamoto
|
KO (Strikes) | RINGS: Fighting Integration 6th | 21-09-1998 | 1 | 10:56 | Yokohama, Japan
|
| Win | Dave van der Veen
|
KO (Strikes) | RINGS Holland - Who's The Boss | 07-06-1998 | 2 | 04:50 | Utrecht, Holland
|
| Lose | Hiromitsu Kanehara
|
Decision | RINGS: Fighting Integration 3rd | 29-05-1998 | 1 | 30:00 | Sapporo, Japan
|
| Win | Sander Thonhauser
|
Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) | Totalfight Forum: Night of the Samurai 1 | 07-03-1998 | 1 | 00:55 | Milton Keynes, England
|
| Lose | Joop Kasteel
|
Submission (Headlock) | RINGS: Mega Battle Tournament 1997 (1st Round) | 25-10-1997 | 1 | 08:55 | Tokyo, Japan
|
| Win | Peter Dijkman
|
Submission (Rear Naked Choke) | Totalfight Forum: Totalfight Night | 05-10-1997 | 1 | 04:46 | Milton Keynes, England
|
| Loss | Masayuki Naruse
|
Submission (Shoulder Necklock) | RINGS: Fighting Extension Vol. 4 | 21-06-1997 | 1 | 12:58 | Tokyo, Japan
|
| Win |  Sean McCulley
|
Submission (Guillotine Choke) | RINGS: Battle Genesis Vol. 1 | 04-04-1997 | 1 | 03:59 | Tokyo, Japan
|
| Loss | Hans Nijman
|
Submission (Guillotine Choke) | RINGS Holland - The Final Challenge | 02-02-1997 | 1 | 05:35 | Amsterdam, Holland
|
| Loss | Cees Bezems
|
TKO | IMA - Battle of Styles | 26-10-1996 | 1 | N/A | Amsterdam, Holland
|
| Win | Andre Mannaart
|
Decision | Shoot Boxing: Oktagon Challenge | 20-04-1996 | 5 | 03:00 | Milan, Italy
|
| Win | Paulo Di Clemente
|
KO (Knee) | Shoot Boxing: Oktagon Challenge | 20-04-1996 | 2 | 01:05 | Milan, Italy
|
| Win | Scott Dobbs
|
TKO (Strikes) | Shoot Boxing: Oktagon Challenge | 20-04-1996 | 1 | 01:08 | Milan, Italy
|
| Draw | Andre Mannaart
|
Draw | RINGS Holland - Kings of Martial Arts | 18-02-1996 | 2 | 05:00 | Amsterdam, Holland
|
K1 record
| Total | Wins | Losses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 matches | (T)Knockout | 1 | 1 |
| Decision | 0 | 0 | |
| DQ | 0 | 0 | |
| Draw | 0 | ||
| No Contest | 0 | ||
| Result | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | Simon Dore
|
KO (Flying Knee) | K-1: World GP 2000 Preliminary UK | 16-04-2000 | 3 | 02:40 | Birmingham, England
|
| Loss |  Duane Van Der Merwe
|
KO (Kick) | K-1: Revenge 2 | 03-09-1995 | 1 | 00:30 | Tokyo, Japan
|
References
- Retrieved April 4, 2008
- Retrieved April 4, 2008
- Retrieved October 22, 2007
- Retrieved October 22, 2007
- Retrieved March 2, 2008
External links
- Official website ssj studio
- Kudo (UK) Website
- Lee Hasdell Sherdog
- Lee Hasdell MMA Universe
- FIGHTING NETWORK RINGS
- Eurosport inteview